Here is Jonathan’s call to action for this coming Saturday:
Greetings Orchardeers,
There’ll be a volunteer session in Fairfield Orchard and FAUNA this Saturday, April 13th, starting at the usual time of 10.00am and finishing in the vicinity of 1.00pm.
You’ll notice a strong “cutting and clearing’ theme to this month’s agenda.
I suspect in another month everything will be growing like the clappers again so this will be our last chance to get on top of things before, well, they get on top of us.
1. Mow the grass which must surely be about to start growing any moment now.
2. Strim / cut back tufts of grass in the Orchard.
3. Clear the remnants of last year’s foliage in the Orchard, particularly at the southern end. Strim around the bushes to prevent being swamped by upward growth.
4. Clear the large brambles behind the fruit hedge.
5. Clear the prunings left over from the fruit hedge.
6. Clear the bramble enveloping the laid hedge by the FAUNA stones.
7. Cut off and clear the broken willow branch adjacent to the Towneley Close path.
8. Inspect the small tree alongside the Fauna / School footpath which has blown over. If dead, clear; if alive, stake.
9. Clear the rubbish in the northern end of the Orchard to black bag.
10. Consult with interested parties on the future of the sycamores in the Pads hedge and the alder near the Towneley path. (Bear in mind we have agreed to take down the ‘crooked oak’ nearby at some point).
11. If the shed is finished begin moving equipment to it.
I’ve spoken with my people in Weather and the word they all come back with is “Warm.” And not before time.
If you’re able to, please do come along and cut and clear like you’ve never cut and cleared before.
Best wishes,
Jonathan.