A day at Chorlton Water Park on Sunday 13th December marked the end of SACV’s activities for 2015. We worked on maintaining the willow groynes at the edge of the lake, which provide an important habitat for birdlife and spawning fish; using the cut willow, we then created a willow arch which will provide a living entrance to the new wildlife garden being created in conjunction with the RSPB. Then, to finish the day, we had our annual Christmas get-together with plenty of mulled wine and seasonal delights – all of that, plus a 40th birthday to celebrate!
Working on the willow groynes
The willow groynes
Working on the willow groynes
Starting the base of the willow arch
Canine volunteer
Working on the willow groynes
Starting the willow arch
Working on the willow arch
Working on the willow arch
Working on the willow arch
Cut willow
The base of the willow arch
Working on the willow arch
Working on the willow arch
Working on the willow arch
The completed willow arch
Mince pies
Brandy snaps
Birthday candles
SMCV 
[…] was good to see the willow arch (which we constructed in December) looking healthy and sprouting well, fulfilling its function as the entrance to this developing […]
[…] We also cut encroaching saplings from among the reed beds and used some cut willow to strengthen and maintain the arch by the wildflower area. […]