A fine but chilly day for the first work party of the year, really nice to see some sunshine at last. The first few snowdrops are out and there should be a good show, both here and in the adjacent churchyard, by next month.
The boundary ditch got it's annual clear out of leaves and other debris so that the water, when it rains, can run freely again.
Two more pussy or goat willows, Salix caprea, were added to the group already planted. Also known as sallow, they are dioecious which means male and female flowers appear on separate trees. These were grown from cuttings so will have the soft grey buds opening out into pollen covered flowers in early spring, like the parent plant.
The broad oval shaped leaves are eaten by caterpillars of a number of moths, sallow kitten, sallow clearwing, dusky clearwing and lunar hornet clearwing.
There was an on site discussion about the picnic table proposal for a site next to the glade (top photo) the top of the wood store laid down on the right to give an idea of siting and size. Then we looked at a second area where we had already agreed a table could be sited. At the next quarterly meeting we can decide if we think another table would enhance the woodland, and if so the type and where to put it. A group vote will be taken if an agreement cannot be reached.
This is a large log relocated from the glade area to a secluded spot hopefully suited to stag beetles. It looks insignificant on this photo but I can assure you it was a big effort to move!
The ground having softened since last time, the holes were able to be dug and the posts installed to finish the new bench in the glade area. All duly measured, levelled and finished off it had to be tested!
Some branches were thinned along the boundary ditch and leaves raked from the grassy areas.
