This report will cover the next two months. Following the success of the Glow-worm search last month, our thoughts returned to the Conservation and Wildlife area, and the need to mow the meadow and other smaller areas. With the favourable weather conditions on Saturday 10th August, four people each carrying a scythe (Martin, Adrian, Caroline and John) aided by Helen with a pitchfork set about mowing the meadow and clearing the arisings. With the Hogweed the predominating plant in the meadow over the last month, we needed to clear this bully of a plant before it seeded further. This much needed task was completed in the morning. All the participants in this task enjoyed the morning, we all had a good workout to the sound of swishing scythes and comradely chat. Not only that, but the wildlife we disturbed were able to move away unharmed and ready to return once we had gone. The wildlife included voles, frogs and butterflies. We left a pocket of marjoram undisturbed as some Carder Bees were actively feeding from the flowers. We found the hive close by shortly afterwards. The pictures below (please click for expanded view) shows: the view before the work, the scythers in action and the final picture is Helen with the pitchfork.
Later in November we will return to doing more coppicing, details to follow towards the end of October.
