Butterfly Conservation NI and Magilligan tree nursery are teaming up to assist in scrub clearance at the Umbra Nature Reserve as part of the ongoing site management. This work-party will involve dune slack maintenance including rush and scrub cutting, raking and transporting the cuttings away from the dunes. Umbra is accessible by permission only, so this will be a good opportunity to see the site and assist the conservation staff with invasive species control. We will be taking away any usable willow to make willow pegs in the tree nursery to grow on for conservation planting, in particular for sites in and around riverbanks.

What to bring: Please be prepared for November weather with waterproof trousers and coat, plenty of warm layers, hat and gloves. Please bring your own gardening gloves, or warm winter gloves if required. Loppers and secatuers will be provided, but if you have your own favourite pair, do feel free to bring them. Tea, coffee and some sweet treats will be provided, but please do bring your own lunch and extra hot drinks and water as required. Boots or wellies are suitable for the site, but always throw a spare pair of socks in the car just in case!

Meeting point: We will meet at 11.00am sharp at the gates for the Umbra Nature Reserve on the Seacoast road. Parking is in the layby just after the railway tracks, so please be careful when getting out of your car as this road can be quite busy.