Warnham LNR - Tern Raft

After several attempts at trying to locate the Tern Rafts after the flooding this winter we finally bit the bullet and accepted that one of the rafts had be washed downstream. After looking on the internet and getting a few quotes from potential contractors we decided to get Peter at BEL Signs to try and build a custom model. Soon enough the raft had arrived and it looked amazing! It had drainage, multiple anchor points, mink-proof sides and a huge slab of high-density foam.

The next step was to get the raft down to the water so it could be loaded with pea-shingle which forms the nesting substrate for the Common Terns. This proved to be quite a challenge as it was incredibly heavy which then rang alarm bells for me that it might not float!

Back's straight! - N. Henry

Getting ready for the launch - N. Henry

After plenty of To me, To you jokes we arrived at the waters edge and it was make or break time for the raft...would it float?!

Phew...!

Luckily for all involved it was lowered down into the water and gracefully rose out of the water demonstration that floating was not a problem! The next job was left to Sarah, Chris and Ryan which was loading the shingle onto the base. This was a bit of a challenge too as the edge of the reedbed was very silty and quickly sucked any slow feet!

Chris & Ryan Loading Shingle - N. Henry

Gradually the raft began to find its level as the shingle was loaded carefully to avoid damaging the clear perspex sides. After a bit of a tea break a plan was hatched to get the raft out into the lake. We decided on a pulley system which worked brilliantly. The only problem was the now stiffening breeze which caused a few issues with boat direction!

Attaching the anchors - N. Henry

Finally the anchors were dropped and the high-water line attached and we were ready to reTERN to dry land. Pardon the pun...I couldn't resist getting one in somewhere. Many thanks to Chris, Lyn, Neil, Ryan and the Wardens for all their help and to Peter and his team at BEL Signs who made the whole project a success. All we need now is the Common Terns to make it back safely from Africa and find our little raft to their liking.

Mission Accomplished - N. Henry