The long, hot summer sun has been replaced by the golden rays of autumnal sunshine. The leaves are turning: warm shades of red, yellow and brown adorn Finemere Wood. 

And yet the summer work is not yet complete. With tractor operators out of action, the woodland workers have had to cut many of the grassy rides manually. 

Luck would have it, that amongst us is David Richardson. A master of the scythe, David has, this year, taught many Finemere volunteers how to scythe safely and competently. He is clear in his instruction, patient with his learners, and always on hand for those needing a refresher.

This October he received a Volunteer Award for his outstanding contribution to BBOWT, and to Finemere Wood in particular. A committed and invaluable member since 2016, he has barely missed a gathering, come rain or shine. This award is well deserved.

David is a skilled woodturner, wood carver, and all-round talented craftsman. Keen to make use of the trees that are cut down, he creates beautiful things from Finemere oak, such as bowls and chopping boards. Donations are made by members of the team, in return for possession of one of these greatly desirable works of art. The money raised is used to buy more scythes.

More scythes and more scythers mean that the cutting of grassy habitats, essential in enabling wild flowers and invertebrates to flourish, can be done quickly, efficiently, and in a sustainable manner. This new skill is empowering for the Finemere Wood volunteers, giving greater independence and flexibility to nurture this haven for wildlife.

I left the army of scythers to their work for a wander around the wood and inadvertently disturbed a tawny owl from its roosting site. It perched on a branch just metres away before flying off.

The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is a finely tuned woodland hunter. With its highly sensitive sight and hearing, and its short wings, it can weave in and out of the trees soundlessly, catching its prey unaware. Mating for life, tawny owls will defend their territory throughout the year. Eggs are often laid in the cavities of old trees.

Since the 1970s, the population of these beautiful creatures has declined by a third. The loss of broadleaved woodland is likely to be a contributing factor. Having heard the owls calling in the wood, to see one was a real gift. Finemere Wood is an absolute gem, and it must be preserved for the survival of all creatures great and small.

More than 1,700 volunteers help us towards our vision of more nature everywhere, on our nature reserves, at our visitor and education centres, in our offices and more.

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