Friends of the Wye Conservation Volunteers were back at Desborough Park undertaking a very difficult but successful work party.

There were four of our experienced volunteers wearing chest waders and carefully working in silt up to a depth of two feet. Four others on the bank were in support, handing tools and removing wet vegetation, and branches, by wheelbarrow a very long way to a pile which will be removed by the Council.

After the debris was removed, the ‘strictly team’ choreographed a kicking disturbance of the silt to try and get it moving.

Friends of the Wye volunteers took their displays to the last Pann Mill Open Day of the year, and were pleased to greet visitors and let them know more about our ecologically important chalk stream and its Mills’ heritage. Our displays included samples of wildlife from the river and a map showing the locations of the rivers’ Mills, now gone but for some of the associated infrastructure.

Friends of the Wye Conservation Volunteers were in action, making a big difference to the river where the water can now be seen by people entering the park by the Millbrook School footpath.

Many of the overhanging branches and some nettles were removed improving views of the river letting the light in. The cut material was piled up ready for removal by Buckinghamshire Council’s contractors.

Unhappily our volunteers came across, and had to remove, more than 20 bags of dog poo. We’ve referred the lack of appropriate bins to the local authority, which, if provided would hopefully end this problem.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who turned out to help on the day. Your efforts are much appreciated.