Colwick Park Tern Raft Project - Images

Pictures - Howard Broughton
Words - Kevin Hutchby

Clicking on the images will bring up a larger version in a new browser window.

Notts Birdwatchers members gather to unload the raw materials that were soon(ish) to become a new tern raft for Colwick Country Park. Click for a larger version in a new window

Notts Birdwatchers members gather to unload the raw materials that were soon(ish) to become a new tern raft for Colwick Country Park.

The basic wooden framework is built upside down to allow the buoyancy aids to be appended. Click for a larger version in a new window

The basic wooden framework is built upside down to allow the buoyancy aids to be appended.

The first of the buoyancy aids are positioned on the underside of the raft. Click for a larger version in a new window

The first of the buoyancy aids are positioned on the underside of the raft.

Plastic mesh is utilised to keep the central buoyancy aids in place. Click for a larger version in a new window

Plastic mesh is utilised to keep the central buoyancy aids in place.

Another row of floatation devices are fitted along one side. Click for a larger version in a new window

Another row of floatation devices are fitted along one side.

The raft undergoes an early inspection. Click for a larger version in a new window

The raft undergoes an early inspection.

The combination of sealed, empty containers and lifebuoys will help to keep the main decking above water. Click for a larger version in a new window

The combination of sealed, empty containers and lifebuoys will help to keep the main decking above water.

The raft is flipped over in order for the main decking to be nailed into place. Click for a larger version in a new window

The raft is flipped over in order for the main decking to be nailed into place.

Work on the decking progresses at speed. Click for a larger version in a new window

Work on the decking progresses at speed.

With the decking complete, the retaining side panels are fitted. Click for a larger version in a new window

With the decking complete, the retaining side panels are fitted.

Mesh is wrapped and pinned around the entire circumference. Click for a larger version in a new window

Mesh is wrapped and pinned around the entire circumference.

The grafters demonstrate the strength and stability of their new creation, albeit on land. Click for a larger version in a new window

The grafters demonstrate the strength and stability of their new creation, albeit on land.

Ready to sail. Click for a larger version in a new window

Ready to sail.

The chaps in the water were unlucky to draw the short straws. No-one bothered to tell them about the leaky waders until they were in the drink. Click for a larger version in a new window

The chaps in the water were unlucky to draw the short straws. No-one bothered to tell them about the leaky waders until they were in the drink.

Leaky waders confirmed - but it was a lovely day for a dip. Click for a larger version in a new window

Leaky waders confirmed - but it was a lovely day for a dip.

And away... The raft is towed across the lake to be temporarily moored for a couple of days. Click for a larger version in a new window

And away... The raft is towed across the lake to be temporarily moored for a couple of days.

<strong>Monday 5th:</strong> Quick-drying cement finally dries, after two days, and the anchors are now ready to be attached. Click for a larger version in a new window

Monday 5th: Quick-drying cement finally dries, after two days, and the anchors are now ready to be attached.

The raft is reattached to the boat ready for its final positioning. Click for a larger version in a new window

The raft is reattached to the boat ready for its final positioning.

Towing gets underway. Click for a larger version in a new window

Towing gets underway.

Howard takes time out to practice his water skiing. Click for a larger version in a new window

Howard takes time out to practice his water skiing.

The project completed, the raft is ready to be populated by Terns... Click for a larger version in a new window

The project completed, the raft is ready to be populated by Terns...