My last days at Aylesbeare

So, it’s time to say goodbye to RSPB Aylesbeare.  It’s been 5 months of proper physical work, some lengthy debate and a little self questioning.  I’m now confident in the use of a chainsaw, and have used tractors with trailers, winches, mowers, front loaders, blah blah blah.  The truth is that I’ve really enjoyed using all this machinery.  I set out thinking it would be good to have the experience, and that it was a little bit boys toys, but maybe I’m just a boy at heart (ha, I already knew this).

I’ve also learnt a lot from the guys I’ve been working with, who have a fantastic grasp of the environment they’re working in.  They work hard, eat cake, and share biscuits and knowledge.  On Friday we all went in to Exeter for a few drinks and I was presented with a copy of “East Devon pebblebed heaths, 240 years in the making” by Andrew Cooper, signed by my colleagues from the reserve.  I realised (again) that I’m pretty lucky to be doing what I’m doing.  I hope to stay in touch with both the reserve and the people.

Other highlights in my last week were…   Finding an “eyed” ladybird, anatis ocellata (see photos).  This wee fella is apparently only found in pine wood habitats, and was indeed found amongst some Scots Pine we were thinning out.  And driving the Ford 4000 around.  Although this tractor seemed pretty heavy going when I first started driving it, as soon as I got used to its little idiosyncrasies (like third being opposite first, then fourth bring at the other end of the box), it turned out to be my favourite.  The one at the reserve is k registration, which, it turns out, makes it a couple of years older than me.  My parents also enthuse about their experiences in Ford 4000s.  Ok, that’s enough, before I start sounding like a tractor geek.