What a great work party! The main focus today was removing some invasive species (young Sycamore and Norway Maple) and using the arisings to construct a dead hedge to fill a gap in vegetation just inside the western boundary, roughly 150m south of the northern entrance. First we took down some young trees near the central path, about half way along, together with some further north. By thinning these species, other species will get more opportunity to grow. The arisings were carried to the western boundary, where we managed to produce some posts and drive them into the ground to support a dead hedge. The remaining arisings, along with some saved from the October work party, were then used to construct the hedge. The dead hedge extends across about 2/3 of the gap, and we have almost enough material to complete the job next time. Meanwhile Rod and Bill planted 5 oak whips, grown from acorns from the wood and nurtured in Rod’s garden. They also filled some gaps further south on the western boundary with brash. David distributed some stones to muddier sections of the central path. Thanks to all 11 volunteers, including newcomer Ben.
