Sunday 4th December 2016 - work party

A clear, crisp day with plenty of sunshine, perfect for a spot of leaf raking. Or a lot of leaf raking as it turned out!

A heavy fall of leaves meant that the grass on the paths would suffer if the leaves were not removed. So, with a selection of rakes, wheelbarrows and other containers, the whole team worked to clear the grassy paths and produce a sizeable heap to rot down into lovely leaf mold.

Result!

And by the time that was done we were ready for refreshments. The rest of the list will have to wait until next year! 

Just look how much the foxgloves have grown already.

Halloween 2016

The second annual pumpkin trail and marshmallow toasting around the fire pit took place on halloween, 31st October 2016. Even though it was a school night this year lots of people still turned out to enjoy a pumpkin lantern trail and refreshments round the fire. Many thanks to everyone that contributed to a lovely evening.

Work Party October 2nd 2016

Foxgloves - the saga continues!

Photo credit Flossie

 It was a chilly, bright morning after a spot of rain the night before. The foxgloves, previously pricked out and potted on were now big enough to plant out.

Foxgloves ready for planting

The last bits of bramble and nettle were cleared from the chosen areas and the pots set out to form suitable drifts. Then with a bit of team action, holes were dug, compost added, plants put in the hole and watered well, around 100 foxglove plants were added to the woodland flora.

Planting in progress

There was still a bit of wildlife about, the mouse family still in their nest area and a frog, toad, millipedes and slugs also spotted.

Raindrops by Flossie 

 

Guide visit September 13th 2016

For their first meeting of the new term, Stonham Aspal Guides had an evening ramble from  The Old School House Nursery at Helmingham and finishing with toasted marshmallows in the woodland.

Group social.

On Sunday 11th September we had our first social gathering in the woodland. Members of the group were joined by friends and family for what turned out to be a big cook up on the fire pit and not a bow saw in sight!

The fire pit performed beautifully with room for everyone to cook and keep warm space as well. 

Here's to the next one!

Bridge School Visit

In July, children and staff from The Bridge School in Ipswich thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the woodland. After the wood had been explored, the sausages cooked on the fire were much appreciated. Thank-you to the school for sharing theses pictures.

Work party September 4th 2016

The woodland is beginning to show a few hints of autumn after a hot dry spell. These are the stunning berries of the guelder rose,  Viburnum opulus. 

The foxglove seedlings pricked out last month had grown sufficiently to be potted on into the next size pots. These were stood on capillary matting in trays and will be left to grow until big enough to plant out.

Meanwhile, the area along edges of the main path was hand weeded to remove brambles with a view to planting some of the foxgloves when ready next year. As these are biennials it may be another year before they flower but we will have to wait and see.

In recognition of it's name, Eades Orchard, there are a few plums on the trees plus a few more blackberries and elderberries in the wilder bits.

August 2016 Work Party

The woodland is settling into it's summer state now with a thick covering of green leaves in some areas and growth slowing throughout. It was windy, although still hot, today so there weren't many butterflies but an abundance of shield bugs was noted.

Some trees were thinned out along the main path to improve the growth of the standard oak and cherry trees which form both sides of the avenue. The branches were added to the brash line along the perimeter.

Foxglove seedlings were pricked out into modules ready for planting out next year. Only another 800 to go!

The growth along the path edges and around key plants continues to be hand weeded and cut back. All looking very nice today!