Well, I have chased YDMT for a decision on our grant application and now await a response.  Having downloaded the application form for "BreathingSpace" the Lottery fund for habitat improvement I am struck by the sheer bureaucracy of the application process.  The scheme seems geared more towards creating an illusion of equality and political correctness than doing anything worthwhile to protect and enhance habitat or promote species diversification. Still if we can tick the right boxes it's probably worth a shot for tree planting schemes but the sites will need to be very carefully selected, adjacent to existing public access and have the wholehearted backing of the landowner.  There are one or two spots along the lower river that might fit the criteria.

It's a really strange start to the morning.  There was a very strong southerly wind in the night which is now abating a little, but it's very warm, humid and overcast with some pretty threatening cloud down in the valley.  The forecast is for rain later with dryer conditions tomorrow.  So water levels should rise a bit later.

Friday's Hot Pot supper should be well attended.  I had two further phone calls last night from farmers who intend to come so there should be about 40 of us packed into the dining room of the Crown.

I intend to scale down these postings from Saturday and post up a weekly diary on Sunday's from 15 October.  The plan is to return to a daily update after the MAA AGM in March in time for the new season (the MAA's 129th).

Ian