Thursday 17 May 2012

Forest operations 2012

We have now finished any large scale forest ops on Croydon Hill, and have now moved on to Hopcott, to the south of Minehead. As with our other harvesting, we are undertaking a mix of clearfells and thinning. Please observe any on site notices and directions given and keep dogs under control in these areas.

Tuesday 15 May 2012

walk on the wild side


Today has been a day for spotting wildlife on the Dunster estate. We were out with our volunteer bird ringer, Denise, this morning checking on our owl boxes, and despite a disappointing show from the owls, we did get to ring three Jackdaw chicks. As you can see, not exactly going to win a beautiful baby competition, but great to see none-the-less. Then, I spotted what appeared to be a large cat paw print up in Dunster forest.. Could it be the beast?!?!...... Probably just a large dog, but you never know!...

Friday 11 May 2012

Office move update

As the build phase is nearing an end we have been getting all geared up for our move.... until, that is, we found out that we can't get our phones and networks installed until the middle of June! So close but yet so far! The building has really come on, with much of the essentials now installed- even got a log burner in there. We will start migrating across once the contractors have finished the basics, with a final move in date of the weekend of the 15th June. We'll get there in the end!
Andy Player

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Where's spring gone?

As we are told here in the south west that we are in drought, the Dunster estate, and surrounding area has been subject to some of the highest rainfalls on record. As a result we have had flooding, trees down and ditches and streams that have been dry for many years, are now flowing rivers. As you can see, Nutcombe Bottom Car Park and play area are lucky to still be in place!
The brief lull in the weather has helped levels to drop again slightly, but with more rain to come we are not letting our guard down too much.
Regardless of this, when the sun has shone, it has been positively spring-like, with the wildflowers starting to put in an appearance- despite probably not knowing what season it actually is, and many of our walks are bordered with bluebells, violets, and primroses.