2nd August 2026 - Work Party

 A lovely morning for a work party but also a busy time of year so only 3 of us this month. 
Still no significant rainfall and the woodland is actually drier than it looks in this photo, on the ground you can see that there has been a large drop of field maple keys and the same has happened with apples as the trees try to protect themselves from the drought. 

Knowing that it would be a small work party, and how hot it has been getting, a short, achievable,  session was planned. The roadside verge was cut and raked, to make it tidier, but also to ensure that any rain we did get would reach the hedge. I also trimmed the taller hedge plants, it almost looks like a hedge now!

Before!

After!

After!

The hedge line just about visible now it has been cleared.

Blackberries are early this year. 

July 2026 - Work Party

 

No June work party as we had the annual plant sale instead. We raised over £500 pounds and sold out so quickly that I didn't take any photos. I came and mowed the paths one weekend just to keep them walkable. 

The two grassy areas, plum bed and next to the main path, we're cut and raked.

The hazel poles used to make the arch to the picnic table were falling apart so they have been removed and the new regrowth tied in to make it self-supporting. 

The footpath along the churchyard, unofficially adopted by the woodland group, was made passable again.

Coffee and cake was enjoyed at the end with lots of interesting discussions. The social part is always enjoyed as much as the manual work!