A muddy day in the life of a volunteer!
Volunteer Gwendy wrote about her first experience of digging drainage ditches at Steart. We thank our dedicated team of practical volunteers who help the wardens with this work - the nature of the job means it is often in cold, wet, muddy conditions.
I completed my third day volunteering at WWT Steart Marshes on Tuesday. As usual all the volunteers gathered in the office for the morning briefing and to hear about the jobs for the day. There was a deathly silence when volunteers for ditching were requested but I decided to have a go.
Alice, the assistant warden, was in charge and explained where the trench needed to be dug to lay the pipe. I was very glad Alice had said to put on waterproof trousers and wellies were a must. It was clay soil, very waterlogged, so turned in to a very soggy muddy job.
However, the other four volunteers were great company and there was lots of chat whilst we sloshed about. 11 o'clock is always a very popular as its time to down tools and have a cup of tea and a biscuit. Its also time to admire work so far completed and to check what needs to be done before lunch.
After our well earned break, work continued and it was gratifying to see the puddles on the path reduced as the trench lengthened.
Unfortunately, I had to leave a bit early this week so didn't see the completed task but hopefully our efforts will make sure the path doesn't get eroded by any more rain water or snow and visitors can safely access the hides on the marshes.
