Clearing a Woodland Area
It has been a while since we last visited Marlingford and on this visit the location for our Thursday group was on the north-western edge of the site. Marlingford resident Kath leads the local community conservation group here and she joined us today to direct our efforts. Paula was in charge today and began with the usual briefing on the task ahead of us and reminder to work safely. There was a good turnout of volunteers and the work area was fairly compact so it was important to be aware of where our fellow volunteers were and make sure there was sufficient space between us.
The task today was to clear the area of previously cut brash, tidy up the blackthorn hedgerow alongside the footpath and remove blackthorn and other scrub around the perimeter. Once Paula had thinned out a few trees we were able to build a fire site ready to burn the material. The group got to work on the various tasks including brush cutting an area of bramble. Tim and Keith rescued several young wild pear trees that had started to collapse by loosening the soil around them and staking these firmly in an upright position. Other volunteers worked steadily along the blackthorn hedgerow reducing the height and shoring up sections where this had thinned out to deter people from creating too many paths through this.
The fire eventually got going and we were able to make an impression on the growing pile of brash. A couple of discarded Christmas trees burned spectacularly and the leaves of cut ivy crackled as the fire caught them. By lunch break everything was under control and the area mostly cleared. Having cleared all the standing material we had a better view of what needed doing next and removed some further trees around the perimeter and brushcut the now open area. Paula removed some of the large ivy on the oak trees and removed some dead trees hanging precariously over the site. The larger trunks were left lying to provide habitat for local wildlife.
Tea break was a bit of a cake fest. Paula had made a delicious carrot and orange cake and also brought a fruit cake. I had made some flapjacks and someone had donated some other cakes. So much for January diets but hard work requires energy to fuel the body and cakes help! But the biggest surprise of the day was that we had new mugs! Matt had treated us to some designer mugs in green and black. It is nice to be spoiled occasionally.
At the end of the day the site was tidy with more light for the retained trees and a nice open glade. We have since received feedback from residents commenting on how much better the site now looks and thanking us for a job well done! It is good to know that our efforts are appreciated.
Regards
Chris Stebbing
Eaton Village Residents Association - Chairman