"Between the Fens" at Frilford Heath Golf Course SSSI - Thursday, 7 March 2024

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Blog and photos by Sally

We (ie Jim and I) returned for another midweek special session to continue with the cut and rake that we started in late autumn of the "Between the Fens" area, which links Two Pines Fen with Boundary House Fen, at Frilford Heath Golf Course SSSI.  These are alkaline (or calcareous) fens, which is a very rare habitat.  The spring water percolates through a layer of chalk substrate and this reduces the acidity of the peat when it forms, which favours certain species.  Because the habitat is rare, many of the flora and fauna that thrive in these areas are also rare and our efforts we hope will create favourable conditions for them to flourish.  

We thought we would start off by raking the arisings from our last session here on 2 January which was rather curtailed when Storm Henk blew in!  Still, at least we got a good blow-dry after the soaking, as I recall!  The weather was a little murky, but dry and once we started raking, we soon warmed up.  Rod had created a mini-bund along the stream (which is really a ditch) so we continued to add to that.  We tried to rake up as many of the arisings as we could and hopefully disturb the seed bank.  It was disappointing to note how much ivy and privet was growing and we will probably have to dig this up as much as we can to prevent it from overtaking and smothering any rare plants.

Jim then took up his scythe to cut along the other side of the stream.  Lots of tree stumps in this patch did not make it easy for him, but he was rewarded by finding some candlestick (or candlesnuff) fungus growing on a mossy stump.  It was also uplifting when the sun tried to break through and we were grateful that the rain that had been forecast turned out to be a few drops.

As we made our way through the gate, we were fortunate to meet one of the green keepers having a game of golf, who kindly offered to lock up after us.

We're looking forward to returning here next week with a few more volunteers to hopefully complete the cut and rake of this fen area.

The Ladies' 16th tee invisible behind the tall reed

Lots of arisings from our last visit to be raked

And even more ...

Jim raking in the distance adding to the bund by the stream

Allowing in the light

Looking across to Two Pines Fen on the other side of the track

Jim's cut reed from behind the Ladies' 16th tee

Jim calling it a day
The reddish colour to the water is from iron oxide

Candlesnuff (or candlestick) fungus growing on a mossy tree stump

The Ladies' 16th tee now visible

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