Bit of a chilly start to the day but soon the sun came out to warm our toiling backs. We decided it was high time to help out St. Benedict’s church as without their support the Hidden Lock project could not have happened. Most of the vols started in the lawned area clearing huge piles of brash. After a bit of fettling by Bob, the chipper was in action dealing with much of the material. We were so pleased to welcome back Pete, returning to duties after far too long an absence. The combined efforts of the vols over several hour’s hard labour had the area looking much clearer.

Martin, Gordon, Moira and Gill worked hard on the beds surrounding the car park.

Elsewhere, at the downstream end of the Buried Lock site, John and Sharon planted numerous saplings that will soon grow to create a protective hedge. Sharon seemed worryingly thrilled to find an earthworm! After tea, Moira joined in and Aled brought chippings that Andy used as a mulch. A good watering gave the plants as good a start as possible in rather poor soil.

Tea was taken in the warmth of the spring sunshine. Christine was the baker-du-jour: the cakes were as delicious as ever.

After tea, all the above work continued and the final task was to attach a further barrier to the fence, in the form of stainless steel mesh. We should be able to remove the mesh once the hedge is established.

And finally, Paul took these photos of the lock and its gates. We are so, so nearly there – one final push and what we once thought was unachievable will be there for all to see.