Removing invasive rhododendron from the woodland around the reservoirs is always a satisfying task as it is of such huge benefit to the surrounding trees and wildlife. It brings in more light and allows other trees and plants to flourish in its absence. This in turn draws in more wildlife because food sources become more abundant. It also keeps you really fit with all that sawing!
Our day started off with the resident swans gliding by, barely breaking the calm surface of the reservoir and so photogenic! After setting up camp we methodically sawed through a huge rhododendron bush and stoked the campfire for bread-making. The final part of the bake is helped by piling hot embers on top the lid. The loaf came out quite airy and we were just missing butter to melt onto hunks of it.
Back at the van we paused for several minutes to watch a kestrel hovering over the grassland with its eyes homed in on a vole or mouse. We all benefit from these moments of calm, watching amazing phenomenon of the natural world happening around us.