Woodlands Warden Alex took these comparison photos which show the amazing transformation of the coppice coupe from winter to summer at Bradfield Woods. 

At Reydon Wood we also use coppicing to encourage ground flora and invertebrates, with fantastic results. Some of the harvested wood was delivered to Carlton Marshes this week where it will be turned into minibeast exploring stations. 

Entomologist and Lackford Lakes Visitor Officer Hawk caught this fascinating footage of a red legged spider wasp (Episyron rufipes) preparing her burrow for a paralysed spider which she had stored nearby. 

Warden Joe and his team of brilliant volunteers have been busy clearing areas of reed and grassland at Levington Lagoon, to create a mosaic of structure and habitats. They focused on ranker areas of grassland when cutting where older nettle was visible or the thatch layer was thick. Areas with wildflowers such as fleabane, hemp agrimony and sea aster were left so that they will spread seeds into the cut areas around them. These uncut areas will provide refuge for invertebrates and many other animals in the winter. Cutting and removing vegetation prevents drying out of the reedbed as it eventually folds over if unmanaged and builds up a layer of thatch. Levington is an important site for birds and when the tide is high in winter these cut areas will provide an open muddy habitat for birds to feed, where they also have visibility of predators. Some of the cuttings were left in habitat piles to provide habitat for mammals and grass snakes as it rots down.  

Drop-in dyke dipping is available at Carlton Marshes every Sunday and Monday during the summer holidays. This week this amazing water stick insect was discovered! 

This week at Carlton Marshes the surfaced track on Share Marsh is being extended so it will reach the river wall rather than stop at the Octagon viewing area. Warden Lewis and his team plan to resurface the track to the 24hr moorings on Oulton dyke too, this excellent work will increase accessibility to a large chunk of Carlton Marshes. 

These beautiful moths were recorded at Lackford Lakes this week. Visitor Officer Mike will be moth trapping this coming Saturday and Sunday so visitors can have a closer look and learn about moths and their fascinating names. 

Several trees at Carlton and Oulton have been splitting and falling recently, we suspect this is due to the hot, dry weather. This means lots of additional work for warden Gavin and his team, checking and clearing paths to maintain safe public access to the reserve. 

Despite the hot and dry weather, Redgrave & Lopham Fen still has some luscious green areas. Assistant Warden Debs snapped this lovely display of hemp agrimony, purple loosestrife and the frothy flower head of meadowsweet.