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On Tuesday 25th June, the morning was spent being shown around the works farm yard by Reserve Ranger, Ian. Discussion was had about the different types of tools and equipment used for reserve management and conservation, and Ian told everyone about the cattle herd and sheep flock at Idle Valley and how they are used for conservation grazing.

In the afternoon, the group joined Reserve Ranger, Charleen for a walk round Belmoor lake, to carry out a sample Wetland Bird Survey (WEBS) count. Unfortunately, it was a very wet day, and not great conditions for bird watching, but we did see Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Coots, Moorhen, Tufted ducks, Black headed gulls, Mallards and Teal to name but a few! As we walked round, everyone discussed different ways the site is managed for conservation and the importance of species monitoring and linking this in with reserve management. Everyone was also shown the eel pass, which connects Belmoor lake to the river Idle, helping eels and fish to move between the two.

On Thursday 27th June, everyone joined the Thursday Idle Valley volunteer session and helped to carry out fence repairs around Area 9.5 of the reserve. Everyone donned the appropriate health and safety PPE and there was a site briefing. It was explained to the trainees that fencing is checked every year, as the fencing denotes areas to be grazed by our sheep and cattle. The group used a range of tools, from fencing pliers to hammering staples to secure stock netting and barbed wire to the post. They also had the chance, after instruction, to use our new petrol-powered impact post knocker, making a hard job a bit easier!

On the last day of our discovery award (Friday 28th June), everyone joined the Friday Idle Valley volunteer session to finish off fence repairs and begin some more further across the site.

Some amazing wildlife was spotted throughout the day, including an Eyed Hawkmoth, a Blue-tailed Damselfly, a newt, a baby frog and lots of fungi!

The group got together at the end of the day to share their experiences of the four days. Everyone commented on how beautiful Idle Valley is, and Rob, Hannah, Tristan and Josh want to do more volunteering at the site because they enjoyed it so much - even despite the rain. Now that's a love of nature!