We spent a good morning coppicing, removing excess growth of self-seeded ash. We noticed some young trees whose bark had been stripped by deer – see photo. There was a good attendance – thanks to everyone who helped.

It appears that there is a problem contacting the Conservation Group through the address on our website. We’ll look into this, but in the meantime please feel free to email us on paul.hulbert@gmail.com.

A quick look at some current work and issues in the Lower Meadow.

Please don’t forget to join us on our workday next week, Monday 9 November. We’re meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10 am. Please wear wellies – we’ll provide any necessary tools. See you there!

Unfortunately our work morning on 31 August was rained off. There had been some heavy downpours, and as we we intending to do stream clearing it would have been dangerously slipperly.

Never mind – there are more work mornings planned:
Sunday Nov 9th 2008
Sunday Jan 11th 2009
Sunday March 1st 2009

On each occasion we will be meeting at 10.00 am at the Shire Way gate. Please watch this space for more details.

The Wapley Bushes Conservation Group is meeting on Sunday 31 August at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. We will be doing some general conservation work such as tidying up a small stream that is the habitat of a very rare plant. (No, not this one – this is just one of the Lords and Ladies arums)

Please come along and help! Tools are provided, but you’ll need to wear wellies or stout footwear and appropriate clothing. If you would like more details please ring Paul on 01454 315851, but you can just turn up on the day.

Just a very quick Wapley update – we had a very successful workday. We cleared overhanging branches from around meadows and paths and used the brash (the cut branches) to rebuild the dead hedge at the bottom of path – it looks good now.

We have also recently measured out the woodland ride path, which needs improvement to stop it getting so muddy after rain. We are also likely to have two informal rest stops as well. The next steps will be getting detailed quotations and applying for funding.

Mary, Dave and Val cropping overhanging branches

A good workday today. We concentrated on removing small stumps and regrowth from the field edges that the contractor cleared for us a few months ago, so that the grass can be cut without damage to the cutter blades. Even so they will have to set the blades very high, but it will stop the blackthorn and other species from invading the meadow again. We also cut back some overhanging branches so that the tractor can get right in close to the hedges.

On our way round we stopped to look at the top pond, and were very pleased to see some tadpoles there for the first time. This is more significant than it sounds, as this pond used to be relatively bereft of life. Over the last couple of years we’ve worked to improve the pond. First we had it dug out deeper so that it holds water for more of the year. Then we planted marginal plants along the edge and on the bank, and we had some of the tree canopy cut back to let in more light.

It appears that we’re succeeding in increasing the biodiversity of the pond – there’s now a range of water life, both plants and insects. And now invertebrates – we’re not sure yet whether they are toads or frogs. Very pleasing.