Dodging raindrops

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!”