January 2024

 At the end of December and beginning of January,  we had a lot of rain and another named storm. The paths had running water and conditions really weren't suitable so the work party was cancelled.

During the storm on 2nd January a tree fell across the road from a neighbouring property. The road was cleared the next morning but this is how it remains blocking the ditch. 

Top of the tree in the woodland.

Not much damage in the woodland just this branch came down. 

Looking towards the glade in the wintry sun. 

December 2023

 

Icy leaves on the hazel arch.

We didn't have a work party in November, as is usual after the Halloween event. 

At the December work party, we raked leaves in the village hall garden, mostly to pick up the walnut leaves which if left on the ground would inhibit the growth of the grass. These were added to the compost heaps in the garden.

                      The main path - before.

And after raking. It looks worse but hopefully it will help the grass to grow.

A new dog bin has been installed by the Parish Council at the entrance to the wood.

The track in the frost.

Halloween 2023

 Despite the recent flooding of the village, we carried on with the annual pumpkin trail and gathering round the firepit in the woodland. Thanks to everyone who helped and came to the event. Here are some photos by Flossie and a few by me. 

There are more but I haven't managed to upload them. This part of the reason this is so late.

October 2023 - Work Party

Still green!

This is the central ditch being cut and raked in expectation of more rainfall. And a not very clear photo of the finished result. It does look better in real life. 
 

The previous hazel coppicing has grown back really well so we tackled some more in the glade, primarily to give the Baldwin apple tree a bit more light but we generated some marshmallow toasting sticks for Halloween and some long poles for future projects. 

Late yellow plums and one apple, we have not had any apples on the "new" trees before. 

September 2023 - Work Party

 I had every intention of holding a work party in August but the day before it poured all day and I just felt it would be better to cancel. Then I was away and it just didn't happen. The paths got mown and the plum bed cut as part of the churchyard tidy up so we are very grateful for their help, of course they are members of the woodland group too which helps!

This month we mowed the paths that need doing, including some in the churchyard as that grass hasn't stopped growing. We also cut and raked the summer grass area next to the main track and rescued the fruit bushes from the vegetation tangle.

Here's some photos,  by Flossie, of the fungi and fruit in the woodland. It's the first year that we have had lots of apples!

July 2023 - Work Party

 

Looking towards the glade.

Only a few volunteers were able to attend this month so while we would usually have cut the plum bed, we just gave the paths a well needed mow and strim to keep them accessible. The debris was raked off and added to the compost heaps. 

We also had a quick garage meeting, to shelter from the rain, about a new bench to be installed in the woodland. More about that in the future. 

Gooseberries

Redcurrants 

We were unable to have a work party in August due to a combination of poor weather and holidays but when the neighbouring churchyard maintenance was done they managed to get into the woodland too. Mostly because the same volunteers tend to belong to  different groups in the village, I was delighted to find the plum bed done!

There has also been a selection of plant sale and woodland photos attached to the noticeboard by Richard if anyone is interested. 

It's beginning to feel a lot more autumnal although still green in the woodland, probably because it hasn't stopped raining long enough for it to dry up. 

June 2023 -Work Party and plant sale

 

Sunday 4th June - Work Party

 A bit of warmth after a lot of rain earlier in the year, and the woodland was at it's peak of growth. With mechanical and non mechanical equipment, the focus was to open up the overgrown paths to make the woodland for accessible and welcoming. 

Main path 'before'

The den

Main path 'after'

Looking towards the glade

Clearing the verge the old fashioned way!

Top of the wood

Sunday 11th June - Plant Sale

Back to our pre-covid big plant sale arrangements  with refreshments and raffle. Advertised locally with the minimum amount of laminated posters because we like to use as little plastic as possible and on social media.

It was a very hot day but thanks to lots of local support with donations and customers we raised £487 which we are going to spend on a memorial bench and put towards necessary expert tree work.

The unsold plants have gone to the Otley shop to raise money for Parkinsons disease.