Snowdrop ready

After the recent wet and windy weather, it was some small relief that this morning was dry and calm. It was also however cold and grey, and feet not encased in multiple layers of socks were liable to suffer. Nonetheless, a round dozen of us made it to the first section of the boardwalk (the bit between the car park and the Bradfield Road spur), in order to re-visit some of the overhanging willows, and to cut and clear the grassy section between that spur of the boardwalk and Bradfield Road itself.

The willow trimming had become necessary so soon after the earlier work here because as they age and lean they tend to subside, leaning against their neighbours and generally lowering the tone (I am still talking about trees, not our volunteers). Here’s an example:

It’s a soggy and tangled area, so entering it can be challenging – think Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, or the film Apocalypse Now if you prefer.

We see the gaudily-clad Noel in that picture. One of the joys (or is that hazards?) of working with him is that he’s liable to break into song at the least provocation: any careless remark is liable to include part of the title of a song in his extensive repertoire. He’s been called ‘The Southrepps Matt Monroe’, although admittedly only by your correspondent, today.

This being the season that it is, autumnal nature was much in evidence in this patch of wet woodland, with the highlight being the flushing of a woodcock. As well as the fun guys wielding saws and loppers, there were plenty of fungi to admire too.

Lacking Team Leader Julie’s dead-hedging expertise, the branches and twigs cut down were disposed of in a less impressive fashion than would otherwise have been the case: we hope she doesn’t notice! Here we see our crack team admiring their handiwork.

Meanwhile, round the corner on the Bradfield Road spur of the boardwalk, grass clearing was in full swing (the grass having been mown immediately before the main session began.)

Exactly an hour into the session, half time was declared, and with a rousing chorus of “I like a nice cup of tea in the morning, I like a nice cup of tea with my tea” we trooped off to the storage container for our due rewards, which again included especially good biscuits. Something seems to have particularly amused Margaret and Sheila!

Following that welcome break (although it did allow the cold to creep back into at least one set of toes), work was resumed with a merry whistle on our lips ahem. Tipping loaded drag sheets over is never easy, and it seems harder still after a break.

Meanwhile, Team Leader Kevin was noisily at work operating a brush cutter to good effect.

Our recently restored Grillo mower had been given a run out, but now it was time for it to have the protective cover for its cutting blade to be refitted, before putting it back in its box.

At the end of the session, the area looks like this – all ready for next Spring’s display of Snowdrops.

Here is Team Leader Kevin’s message of thanks: 

Hi all

Judge for yourself if the 12 good men and women who turned out today (on a damp and cold morning) have done a splendid job clearing the Bradfield Road spur, as well as cutting back the overhanging branches along the boardwalk. This means we should now be able to see the first signs of spring when the snowdrops start coming through.

Thank you to all who came and we look forward to seeing you in two weeks’ time which will be the last session before the Christmas break.

Kevin for team leaders