Another fine day for our work party. The main task for the 11 volunteers was checking on whips planted around the boundary over the last couple of winters. One team, led by Mike, started at the north-eastern corner and worked southwards, whereas the other team, led by John, started at the northern entrance and worked southwards on the western boundary. Both teams encountered a lot of vegetation growing around the whips, and whilst we didn’t want to remove too much, we did thin down encroaching cleaver, nettle, bramble, hogweed and grass in a number of places. Inevitably a few whips had failed, so we removed guards and canes, and restored a few missing guards. The two teams covered about a third of their respective boundaries, so there is more to be done. In addition, Mike’s team cleared combustible material from a bonfire site, and the teams also checked out the 4 trial planting areas of canopy trees (Oak and Small-leaved Lime) planted during the last 4 winters. A small amount of litter was collected. We had an extended drinks break (in lieu of last year’s Christmas social), which gave the two teams chance to come together and talk about Sharphill-related matters.
Thanks to all.
John
