Here is Jonathan’s message:
Greetings All,
There’ll be a volunteer session at Fairfield Orchard, Fauna and Flora this
Saturday morning, October 13th, starting at 10.00am and finishing at
1.00pm.
This week’s To Do list looks a bit like…
1. The channel and ponds in our Upper Sowerholme reed bed need clearing of
encroaching vegetation to ensure some clear water. This is very much a
wellington boot job, indeed we have two pairs of waders available (size 8
and 9) if anyone wants to really take the plunge. This will also involve
the replanting of any phragmites reeds moved out of the channel into the
surrounding marsh.
2. We have recently opened up an area of Flora Field as a wildflower patch
using a digger to remove the turf. We are now ready to plant out donated
teasel plants and to sow a suitable seed mix.
3. If we complete the above tasks we can move on to hedge trimming.
And that’s it for now,
Best wishes,
Jonathan.
Here’s what happened
For the second consecutive month the Saturday volunteer session was blighted by heavy and persistent rain, this time associated with Storm Callum. This restricted volunteer numbers to six, who worked for varying time periods but who should all be commended for service beyond the call of duty.
• The intention to plant up and sow the new Flora Field wildflower bed was abandoned. However, Keith and Stuart came along with purple ramping fumitory for the Fauna wildflower bed.
• Invasive bramble was cut back to the fence along the Fauna path.
• The standard trees in the hedge between the Fauna path and the Grammar School Field are proving difficult to mark so as to be visible to the contractor. Thus, the area around each was trimmed to allow their sighting.
• Our main job was clearing vegetation in the Upper Sowerholme ponds and channel to restore clear water. More work need to be done but this was a good learning experience for Ian and Graham who drew useful conclusions to take to the Association