And so it was, despite the Olympic Games going on, our ever-more-determined S.W.A.M.P. volunteer community group took to the village pond once more on a gorgeous north Norfolk Sunday evening.
The Crassula evicted from our previous excursions had dried thoroughly and was therefore able to be bagged easily, ready for transportation to the 'pit' at a later date. Relieved of the dried plant, our up-turned baker's crates were ready for the day's fresh crop!
The small tender proved to be the most efficient (quantity-wise) at removing a good deal of the invasive species. We also used floating buckets and latterly, a kind donation of up-turned, halved barrels which also proved a useful vessel for transit to the pond's edge.
Nets were used to capture as much floating debris which has a tendency to lurk on the surface once the main buch of Crassula has been grabbed by the roots in large bunches. This is an essential part of the process, as we hope to prevent the Crassula drifting and taking root again.
We also deployed our 'flame-thrower' once again - our thought process being that we need to keep the Crassula at bay at the drier edges of the pond. We will continue to monitor how this particular method of containment succeeds.
We think the pond is certainly benefitting from our efforts. It may be a long-term project but our determination is not wavering and we hope all that see our pond will appreciate the improved environment. We know, for one, the newts are happy!!*
*Obviously, we can't speak for the newts personally - we just hope they're content!!
Comments