By David Nesham

Since celebrating the 25th anniversary in June volunteers at Rodley Nature Reserve have been particularly active and completed two major refurbishment projects.

The original thatched gazebo was completed back in 2013 and provides a covered activity area for children as well as a welcome shelter for visitors. 

The original thatch, made from the Reserves cut reed, has long needed attention and has now been replaced by more permanent and resilient cedarwood shingles.

Volunteer Allan Brook said “Our main concern initially was how to actually proceed with the work and to access up the roof to fit the shingles and at the same time being aware of health and safety issues.”

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And volunteer Stephen Fairclough added: “We researched the internet and found step by step instructions on how to go about it but we had to make modifications. The lattes of the old roof structure had to be supplemented to be able to fit the shingles.”

The new roof is now finished thanks to the work of volunteers Stephen Fairclough, Michael Bean, Allan Brook, and John Haley and should last at least until the 50th anniversary.

In addition the Reserve now has new signage at the main entrance. The old sign had been in place since the Reserve opened in 2000 and as well as showing obvious signs of wear was also out of date.

The Trust was tasked with submitting design ideas and after much research on potential images, fonts and colours a final design was agreed.

The Duck Marsh at Rodley Nature Reserve. Photo: Barbara Murphy

Trustee Rachel Gander, who produced the final design, said: “It’s been a tremendous team effort and we felt it was important for the sign to be as clear and concise as possible but also to make sure it provided new visitors with all the information they needed by way of symbols and icons rather than words. 

“We wanted it to be eye catching and inviting and the dragonfly references the Reserve being recognised as a dragonfly hotspot by the British Dragonfly Society. The QR code brings the Reserve up to date with modern technology and means that people have a direct link to our website.”

Initial feedback has been positive and it is hoped that it will entice even more new visitors from the local community to come and have a look at the wonderful wildlife the Reserve has to offer.

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