When clearing watercress channels, the only
wet should be: the stream in which volunteers are wading; the moisture content
of the vegetation being removed; and the sweat patches on our T-shirts (waterlogged
plant-life ain’t ’alf ’eavy).
The weather could have been more unmannerly. At dawn, the situation could most politely be
described as “steady downpour” with a 90% chance of “heavy rain” mid-morning. Precipitation,
however, put itself on hold for session-start and end, and managed
to keep itself tolerably in check in between.
(Was that the odd rumble of thunder we heard in the distance?) And ducks are famously fond of the rain anyway:
The camera was not so enamoured of the atmospheric
conditions when the moisture level rose:
Once more, the tasks for the humans on site –
besides taking photographs – were to keep the water-channels open. By cutting or pulling out excess plant
growth. Again. Piling risings on to bank or bund, for water
to drain off and invertebrates to make their getaway. Again.
Wheelbarrowing cuttings to compost heap.
Again. [I repeat
myself when under stress. I repeat
myself when under stress. I repeat
myself when under stress. I repeat myself when under stress. I repeat –
Ed.]
The taskforce split into two, to work respectively
up- and downstream from the road bridge.
Upstream, an enthusiastic group of volunteers from another organization had
already shifted piles of cress on to all along the bank. Welcome to our newest volunteer! who was
getting stuck in straight away under the eye of one of the old and bold.
Downstream, Green-Gymmers were more spread
out, and a tad more demonstrative about taking pride in their work. One paused for a photo-call:
 |
| “I did!” |
Upstream, cress was piled straight onto the
bank. Downstream, a team effort was required
to barrow it across the beds, and transfer it to our waiting expat …
who in due course carted it away to the
compost heap:
Further downstream yet, another volunteer was
able to use the muck rack to drag floating cutting on to the bank – an admirable
demonstration of technique and ingenuity:
The exertion plus humid weather worked up quite
a thirst and appetite for cake – and conversation:
 |
| “I like it!” |
