tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24992927782509101602024-03-16T21:06:18.757+00:00Abingdon Green Gym BlogThe latest news on the events and activities of Abingdon's Green Gym.Eleanor Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10824953953729149735noreply@blogger.comBlogger708125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-43394741373014486332024-03-16T21:05:00.001+00:002024-03-16T21:05:31.857+00:00"Between the Fens", Frilford Heath Golf Course SSSI - Thursday, 14 March 2024<p>Blog"by Sally, photos by Jim and Sally</p><p>We enjoyed another mid-week extra session to our programme at Frilford Heath Golf Course to continue with the cut and rake of reed in the "Between the Fens" area, which links Two Pine Fen with Boundary House Fen. We are trying to restore this area to its former glory as a haven for orchids and other calcareous fen specialist plants. A team of three Green Gymmers was afforced by Richard. The four of us set about scything the old, tall reed around the ladies' tee and under the trees, which we managed to achieve by lunchtime. For a change, we were blessed with fine weather - with only a few spots of rain, but nothing to speak of. After lunch, we started operation rake up. The bund of cut reed we had formed by the stream was getting a bit high, so we started to make a heap for the green keepers to remove at a later date. We also managed to rake up the cut material that we had left when Storm Henk forced us to make a hasty retreat on our visit on 2 January. We return on 4 April and it remains to be seen whether we continue with the cut and rake of this area or turn our attention to Two Pine Fen to start the spring cut. We left the site feeling as though we had achieved a good amount.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVdxMZqSZRzQA_EkcRNXnYmRgplQ-yN-GZlfmHP7pxZuvUbrkNOHpS0nZ72irIdm1NieJR4cMvhQv7guUXGPeNZ_bxwOZ_JSsUTaLeT0ms8jgyBRKHgbnJfrrivoSOYzBvsQiKUpxoExj2H5Say7mIbzabUZmtAXsJJlPhlokCMT8eK8DyVOxXku5JFM/s2048/IMG_6602.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVdxMZqSZRzQA_EkcRNXnYmRgplQ-yN-GZlfmHP7pxZuvUbrkNOHpS0nZ72irIdm1NieJR4cMvhQv7guUXGPeNZ_bxwOZ_JSsUTaLeT0ms8jgyBRKHgbnJfrrivoSOYzBvsQiKUpxoExj2H5Say7mIbzabUZmtAXsJJlPhlokCMT8eK8DyVOxXku5JFM/s320/IMG_6602.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Richard and Adrian setting off armed with their scythes</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvQebS-sWw42qqkw0RyB0-7drpwElpD9e9LyszxQABzSGueotRjLz1V8k2SWzksE3gKlWGqqRkFxaSX3Wej5mx0WhOAdcWjB0-CiY9_EnJQ2Zp2GWIDpf75mXbBQaC-TqwXpOq9_JEqoEEIBYXKxhzPqvLY52WhSa9ZbGf0F9vCOvWxXvfpuNWdrdKls/s2048/IMG_6603.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvQebS-sWw42qqkw0RyB0-7drpwElpD9e9LyszxQABzSGueotRjLz1V8k2SWzksE3gKlWGqqRkFxaSX3Wej5mx0WhOAdcWjB0-CiY9_EnJQ2Zp2GWIDpf75mXbBQaC-TqwXpOq9_JEqoEEIBYXKxhzPqvLY52WhSa9ZbGf0F9vCOvWxXvfpuNWdrdKls/s320/IMG_6603.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Richard and Adrian scything the tall reed behind the ladies' tee</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzze6uRqHPIfUBLePBydbfP6qtfGG0oxlzogTCxIEjVMskjep8BJMLvQfUaRaHlV2J-Us9B7mv6Va14vb9X0asZmQD66JBu45oZMXRrBrFQ8S2DG6ZInwCznQkyW7nExOaeRmmQj-gKtOldkoqR9ZSGiAAgeoAuRkb74IGL6e8V8gLOM4XtFw0Jc-A6o/s2048/IMG_6617.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzze6uRqHPIfUBLePBydbfP6qtfGG0oxlzogTCxIEjVMskjep8BJMLvQfUaRaHlV2J-Us9B7mv6Va14vb9X0asZmQD66JBu45oZMXRrBrFQ8S2DG6ZInwCznQkyW7nExOaeRmmQj-gKtOldkoqR9ZSGiAAgeoAuRkb74IGL6e8V8gLOM4XtFw0Jc-A6o/s320/IMG_6617.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The final breakthrough</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NkMZPJUzCnde0NJQP9procgC5MxyhlB_Ik4K0Jy3JxnT3LHxH_6HZ3EbocPLW6e-yOTAzSnwKExNFDL1Z3XkY2hrkxMQtYUbkLFcw66Iauleky1I58KU-4QzILYSHQ_ITvgaZmtCLrtoYhfuboR4RmKHI1kvi64kE8OnHnqZNzDcARTQfYK7Ihgyh3U/s3264/IMG_20240314_122300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="3264" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NkMZPJUzCnde0NJQP9procgC5MxyhlB_Ik4K0Jy3JxnT3LHxH_6HZ3EbocPLW6e-yOTAzSnwKExNFDL1Z3XkY2hrkxMQtYUbkLFcw66Iauleky1I58KU-4QzILYSHQ_ITvgaZmtCLrtoYhfuboR4RmKHI1kvi64kE8OnHnqZNzDcARTQfYK7Ihgyh3U/s320/IMG_20240314_122300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrian and Richard - nearly there!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKbN01iGxmj_vgQpXLyDZiWyioCVNuJbdZYqTd0Wv7JWQgah4wSL24r0oKtCLd2hfrBqrM332GYlPfQ37wLfhGWoZFZachiN_giXLWHRniZBgVVcCQ7e1FiCygFlapnwMyUwif00HW3EPIjDp3J6K65gKnH-DppPpThyphenhyphen_PnYHqvaXrsiJXsVjNWcIC3o/s2048/IMG_6623.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKbN01iGxmj_vgQpXLyDZiWyioCVNuJbdZYqTd0Wv7JWQgah4wSL24r0oKtCLd2hfrBqrM332GYlPfQ37wLfhGWoZFZachiN_giXLWHRniZBgVVcCQ7e1FiCygFlapnwMyUwif00HW3EPIjDp3J6K65gKnH-DppPpThyphenhyphen_PnYHqvaXrsiJXsVjNWcIC3o/s320/IMG_6623.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dog's mercury</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Vkf2Tu6_U6EV5SzYdx2PbCBq5TPAREIo3d5E83oXE4EBrfx7tVfPjcMuYjowKXH1AWXUgIhwwogtScRzD_8RfyEHHuy9zgM3uQsYT_jEQKZ1dL_WMVxKkuJgikvJLYWm8ccV9_xrKLf-9y0TEAck5bl7hjRNRt1PqZ40ENdNFYCiwdf7_3tDUd0-Owg/s2048/IMG_6641.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Vkf2Tu6_U6EV5SzYdx2PbCBq5TPAREIo3d5E83oXE4EBrfx7tVfPjcMuYjowKXH1AWXUgIhwwogtScRzD_8RfyEHHuy9zgM3uQsYT_jEQKZ1dL_WMVxKkuJgikvJLYWm8ccV9_xrKLf-9y0TEAck5bl7hjRNRt1PqZ40ENdNFYCiwdf7_3tDUd0-Owg/s320/IMG_6641.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Richard and Adrian raking the cut reed</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLZaVL_KVQtXIjI7BjyA4aA4mPTzgX5tEpMr-W1oAyWHSXAzydR2UZbRo_qxfK5AWKjJBwoPPoZVdB504v0GjkKc39jiPrJh6D43DV_EUQe1MMt9ugPBF2smqUpmP3QuYbJYcwbEg_iDhgPPqAfItruQp0QkrPttm1ly9n3WpEq5K722krWb3xZqrdQQ/s2048/IMG_6642.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLZaVL_KVQtXIjI7BjyA4aA4mPTzgX5tEpMr-W1oAyWHSXAzydR2UZbRo_qxfK5AWKjJBwoPPoZVdB504v0GjkKc39jiPrJh6D43DV_EUQe1MMt9ugPBF2smqUpmP3QuYbJYcwbEg_iDhgPPqAfItruQp0QkrPttm1ly9n3WpEq5K722krWb3xZqrdQQ/s320/IMG_6642.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ladies' tee sporting a haul of found golf balls - the newly created heap of cut reed evident</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVsaA49DG4wiOUxvrFTJYKksayQLaCYcAh8Wgd0GRElrVY0kybBmzwaOa9BBQbCwCoSjyRNLe-Z_vUr-PbRSprQguQHovkvyVvsgb1sD0TKlqluL1fLkld05BgCzYoZULwI_CtTO5P15BsbY2xMifpr_kShrON7kDxw22W8wFaog1TLcJGPp41hR7uYE/s2048/IMG_6644.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVsaA49DG4wiOUxvrFTJYKksayQLaCYcAh8Wgd0GRElrVY0kybBmzwaOa9BBQbCwCoSjyRNLe-Z_vUr-PbRSprQguQHovkvyVvsgb1sD0TKlqluL1fLkld05BgCzYoZULwI_CtTO5P15BsbY2xMifpr_kShrON7kDxw22W8wFaog1TLcJGPp41hR7uYE/s320/IMG_6644.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lovely to see the wet fen area after raking</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheYQ2ZCOD1IoiV6sDKTGlY0VoZ1dnC59qauY1nB5pUvKfMYNbDKCHq7oYOwnfafyL3pvX1vgqKcqgeQtS2p9AMRLFZv0Gh9Xczv1jAjcoNtjqAnegibfym16fJAvg_2RvDxSr-6ZVdvZ_ksMdaU7aXJ-5OMM1AAP4dADMP_pJ_6cxWYwCW9r94JTlynw/s2048/IMG_6648.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheYQ2ZCOD1IoiV6sDKTGlY0VoZ1dnC59qauY1nB5pUvKfMYNbDKCHq7oYOwnfafyL3pvX1vgqKcqgeQtS2p9AMRLFZv0Gh9Xczv1jAjcoNtjqAnegibfym16fJAvg_2RvDxSr-6ZVdvZ_ksMdaU7aXJ-5OMM1AAP4dADMP_pJ_6cxWYwCW9r94JTlynw/s320/IMG_6648.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Richard, Adrian and Jim packing up. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Frustratingly, the reed in the middle of the stream was a stretch too far to cut!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uGqfo8Spd83DjQ64pOowvHk91MvoV2OAxyxZpqm4q9TFN4sFuGwpUM7PbJWsD24a4PTRJW1xnC1lIVaQiVZLAnYlidZWBCiVr3JwdGmmX2nw1Z4NobP57zND1Rq2qGjCxaC82mTy7SlA8kW0-N3AqiyLv8z4pwPp2Cy2p9WHytv1xSP9fdSc8TiBYLE/s8252/IMG_6650.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3048" data-original-width="8252" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uGqfo8Spd83DjQ64pOowvHk91MvoV2OAxyxZpqm4q9TFN4sFuGwpUM7PbJWsD24a4PTRJW1xnC1lIVaQiVZLAnYlidZWBCiVr3JwdGmmX2nw1Z4NobP57zND1Rq2qGjCxaC82mTy7SlA8kW0-N3AqiyLv8z4pwPp2Cy2p9WHytv1xSP9fdSc8TiBYLE/s320/IMG_6650.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A panoramic view of the newly cut and raked area</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1Iaa5NIAkSw0JNGN-c70Vs8vuyvZWrmPedWwFtUjqt1Oaiw_dvYRpHO1DJULoVaWjPG2LiV1617pkn5ZyC3XZRhdtit-4SKlLc0XaQiMQrbX43b_t9lMkK0c_ym-5VPDz28QNCVdkRGj4bh8UVWcybSp_MqCGOHr_HCPqkfMFvRq_EW-xP1l4yppWVc/s2048/IMG_6653.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1Iaa5NIAkSw0JNGN-c70Vs8vuyvZWrmPedWwFtUjqt1Oaiw_dvYRpHO1DJULoVaWjPG2LiV1617pkn5ZyC3XZRhdtit-4SKlLc0XaQiMQrbX43b_t9lMkK0c_ym-5VPDz28QNCVdkRGj4bh8UVWcybSp_MqCGOHr_HCPqkfMFvRq_EW-xP1l4yppWVc/s320/IMG_6653.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Richard, Jim and Adrian homeward bound</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-50099423262513798352024-03-11T21:28:00.005+00:002024-03-14T21:27:23.603+00:00Lashford Lane Nature Reserve - Saturday 9th March 2024<p>Blog by Eleanor, photos by Kevin, Adrian and Joan</p><p>This Saturday was our second visit to Lashford Lane Nature Reserve. It was, fortunately, milder than our previous, frosty, visit in early December, though rain was threatening. Having squeezed into the tiny car park, Adrian outlined the tasks to us. A lot of work had been done felling ash trees, which had suffered from ash die back and he warned us to keep clear of certain trees which were threatening to fall. We then set off on our long trek to the fen site where we were going to be working.</p><p>Our task was to clear a runnel of overhanging trees, brambles and other vegetation, which were blocking out the light and impeding the flow, and to scythe the reeds along the margin of the runnel. The scythers set to work on the reeds and the rest of us with sawing and lopping. Some of the branches were quite big and sawing them down was quite a challenge. We also had to be careful where we put our feet, since we were working on a fen and the water was up to wellie height in parts.</p><p>We gathered for tea break in a drier area off the fen. Some light rain began to fall, though it was still quite sunny, but the shower didn't last long. Jim pointed out an attractive fungus growing just on the other side of the barbed wire fence. It was almost certainly a scarlet elf cup (<i>Sarcoscypha coccinea</i>). Joan took a photo of it, which you can see below.</p><p>We got back to work, continuing with our task, but had to leave enough time to transport all the branches and vegetation to the other side of the runnel and add it to the large collection already there. By the end of the session the area was much clearer and we could see the water flowing. It was time to gather up our tools and begin the long trek back to the car park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2oTTGiEArWcQvSXVcQqijyyfCPG9Bp02MW9ZZ6nxxdo-DwyWG91u_y1VdKLaXxEFMkcA97vdTIzop-fo0cDVstxX4d9vYtAoAGU9CRt_-mXw5VMAKwt1EX45-qsPe_THhyphenhyphendmArVA9TPNYdAHBxTWSOJ4p-DWA-9iLdNBt6VDrj15zxcPtm4tlJG-O3c/s3000/20240309_100849%5B18664%5D.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2oTTGiEArWcQvSXVcQqijyyfCPG9Bp02MW9ZZ6nxxdo-DwyWG91u_y1VdKLaXxEFMkcA97vdTIzop-fo0cDVstxX4d9vYtAoAGU9CRt_-mXw5VMAKwt1EX45-qsPe_THhyphenhyphendmArVA9TPNYdAHBxTWSOJ4p-DWA-9iLdNBt6VDrj15zxcPtm4tlJG-O3c/s320/20240309_100849%5B18664%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGIes4eH-PAybQtkmjClbs9voikvCANOkKBKLpTcT5jz8WRCEoun8ULqbQwQ9HRQS1CL01N0kH5201dH8u-ti1eondiFcGPJjWE4SVBWm7Jfff6qXXsdtk6xPvhxNrW6wqoENlxXHGNDRc_n4m8ukHTSnTcg2wC8AjG8f0ExQVDvQett61ZvfF75c-xQ/s3000/20240309_100956%5B18661%5D.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGIes4eH-PAybQtkmjClbs9voikvCANOkKBKLpTcT5jz8WRCEoun8ULqbQwQ9HRQS1CL01N0kH5201dH8u-ti1eondiFcGPJjWE4SVBWm7Jfff6qXXsdtk6xPvhxNrW6wqoENlxXHGNDRc_n4m8ukHTSnTcg2wC8AjG8f0ExQVDvQett61ZvfF75c-xQ/s320/20240309_100956%5B18661%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgVxDi_a5mVCfNRjk1yGxyZyHViYfwTgYWRFWU9ICT5OP940-IF48xF0tahZ3387W3ZCrIzIRyZBCG7NOvGFyx-1vGIIZDwr9tOxbngh1vT5IFmloIW05l51OCUlgBJJO1nhTsj_1DcArTI2WfYHymq4xH4agN6sOLFp-dPi5376KxnryjrFceGHpENg/s3000/20240309_101105%5B18659%5D.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgVxDi_a5mVCfNRjk1yGxyZyHViYfwTgYWRFWU9ICT5OP940-IF48xF0tahZ3387W3ZCrIzIRyZBCG7NOvGFyx-1vGIIZDwr9tOxbngh1vT5IFmloIW05l51OCUlgBJJO1nhTsj_1DcArTI2WfYHymq4xH4agN6sOLFp-dPi5376KxnryjrFceGHpENg/s320/20240309_101105%5B18659%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieX1CeERD6brp_PakXOR7Un2tQBz5_RQsdvsCqbRR5-QzqhUmjAhVbDgFCN2NhN6ZcAA9EbQ0QpM5jng3JeJQvOlzUWHHFHN-qJpwQaRk6Z5huZd1cavYojxsp2_d48A4465ZNFSmal4Eqt4IA5LXlhXqRSu_m4kO72SI1UuARGgh6o1-E_EQ6bg4ofEY/s3000/20240309_101110%5B18658%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieX1CeERD6brp_PakXOR7Un2tQBz5_RQsdvsCqbRR5-QzqhUmjAhVbDgFCN2NhN6ZcAA9EbQ0QpM5jng3JeJQvOlzUWHHFHN-qJpwQaRk6Z5huZd1cavYojxsp2_d48A4465ZNFSmal4Eqt4IA5LXlhXqRSu_m4kO72SI1UuARGgh6o1-E_EQ6bg4ofEY/s320/20240309_101110%5B18658%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various sawyers - Carolyn, Roger, Susan and Eleanor<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81rtbHtPp4Ite62p_1rx6ai13tCZUMoptVKXhC_y93mtUXSSAjOY55zBkjD2aa1udwRIIAbE-Fmm-HW4aNXJ7y-zwdg7u7qQ1UBNqszbBNDq7w889hweL72oWUH5MmVTJWN67EYmoBj3BNUg2fGRH86aAAI45sE5ncElgVotkfWIU7ObTEvpZMoeho0g/s3000/20240309_101016%5B18660%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81rtbHtPp4Ite62p_1rx6ai13tCZUMoptVKXhC_y93mtUXSSAjOY55zBkjD2aa1udwRIIAbE-Fmm-HW4aNXJ7y-zwdg7u7qQ1UBNqszbBNDq7w889hweL72oWUH5MmVTJWN67EYmoBj3BNUg2fGRH86aAAI45sE5ncElgVotkfWIU7ObTEvpZMoeho0g/s320/20240309_101016%5B18660%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim scything<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqiraq-ycF1E_psFrw5YKWyWkj9FcwM9AU1E4puarqUFOhyphenhyphenugtt2Tiw22535rllh3pNJ3ByW7ER-6NcH0gGYW-qoyr730P0IPJBDiSQI-8TpoHPQqiT0qqduqvPN3fh2aDedBky_5JfFfF8l4rf_ebmCYCXfvaCh6kRlxFA23nssssFCi21mvPuEh2Is/s3000/20240309_100915%5B18663%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqiraq-ycF1E_psFrw5YKWyWkj9FcwM9AU1E4puarqUFOhyphenhyphenugtt2Tiw22535rllh3pNJ3ByW7ER-6NcH0gGYW-qoyr730P0IPJBDiSQI-8TpoHPQqiT0qqduqvPN3fh2aDedBky_5JfFfF8l4rf_ebmCYCXfvaCh6kRlxFA23nssssFCi21mvPuEh2Is/s320/20240309_100915%5B18663%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan and Dieuwke among the reeds<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCst2up59YGX_K4HjiLoijCI8S-bPnpM5NjrjruVGhU6FQZKFAweF5nHcEZ7nL8k66tB2sWSgooGV766LUzCehQrBJbOqzUM7EcX7kCrrsfTMaBfHEHp4kH74DU2V8TUaauD-W6awO-p-n5Ls9ly5CCwCAMQ5LmGgCeIu8t3LBSf_EN2wQgomLr7OlmWA/s3000/20240309_100944%5B18662%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCst2up59YGX_K4HjiLoijCI8S-bPnpM5NjrjruVGhU6FQZKFAweF5nHcEZ7nL8k66tB2sWSgooGV766LUzCehQrBJbOqzUM7EcX7kCrrsfTMaBfHEHp4kH74DU2V8TUaauD-W6awO-p-n5Ls9ly5CCwCAMQ5LmGgCeIu8t3LBSf_EN2wQgomLr7OlmWA/s320/20240309_100944%5B18662%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosie and Roger among the reeds<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSDsbEwz-veaa28W3SlJbgpAeIwbj8Q3BkABo7Y02gLS6xXc_E5DaiT0iy5jHMr6Ku7BJJ6RCgL9ix87pzoQW426pCTf_j2GclFhQAi3uS6-ndbDRW6fHQIdvjFdnB92hPUgmq_d2lZAaG0SRzOGkP3ZaLDruhTcVA4mRrOdsjpZQ_P0LNSx5Dz0aIDw/s2000/Image%5B18652%5D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSDsbEwz-veaa28W3SlJbgpAeIwbj8Q3BkABo7Y02gLS6xXc_E5DaiT0iy5jHMr6Ku7BJJ6RCgL9ix87pzoQW426pCTf_j2GclFhQAi3uS6-ndbDRW6fHQIdvjFdnB92hPUgmq_d2lZAaG0SRzOGkP3ZaLDruhTcVA4mRrOdsjpZQ_P0LNSx5Dz0aIDw/s320/Image%5B18652%5D.jpeg" width="240" /><br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-ffgB0pfQxj4X2TNYCaCsGa4-2k0DNWfSCO5BC0KPlZ02Q7ksxZI-s6DJatzwPt3Tkdx37rEaRuAXyIAdLhO9H3A5GPAkAoOiBgwogfaVpCrPhKaY5Ppn69do3aDSpPBohJp4QqIB60bGCXIwceQjtd4JYaNwsGZKj-THOcazglp_lOvi-3vDZavnT8/s2000/IMG_1996%5B18653%5D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-ffgB0pfQxj4X2TNYCaCsGa4-2k0DNWfSCO5BC0KPlZ02Q7ksxZI-s6DJatzwPt3Tkdx37rEaRuAXyIAdLhO9H3A5GPAkAoOiBgwogfaVpCrPhKaY5Ppn69do3aDSpPBohJp4QqIB60bGCXIwceQjtd4JYaNwsGZKj-THOcazglp_lOvi-3vDZavnT8/s320/IMG_1996%5B18653%5D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcTNxU3MZqEpv3Jax5m6wOWXN2miUSH11kVJPpmUbevgMoJhtP8LATxdo4ar5MwiBDo6RdBkonRUwCuNh_RQgpkY3_gQRUkbnxoA-PuuwFyMRhSA4PV2L-eEIj07Dve7SbDBeHoQmeN8n-n6Al1bCU4rZFmQCYOlAfZTpj36546Dd7Wd4Ic18-ZBEO-4/s2000/IMG_1997%5B18654%5D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcTNxU3MZqEpv3Jax5m6wOWXN2miUSH11kVJPpmUbevgMoJhtP8LATxdo4ar5MwiBDo6RdBkonRUwCuNh_RQgpkY3_gQRUkbnxoA-PuuwFyMRhSA4PV2L-eEIj07Dve7SbDBeHoQmeN8n-n6Al1bCU4rZFmQCYOlAfZTpj36546Dd7Wd4Ic18-ZBEO-4/s320/IMG_1997%5B18654%5D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynytPQTJez5xu7gyA8vh7ftAt8sXVZGnWKCteAf50xwaJlNuhuhNIBq3o1_UP9C2QTYvP0DfWsfiRW7b79pHDePyA8jqqQCgA3_rtJVUKLf9nCtxicqWGQuWtx5jqRUgdVR2GGzgfoHr-T1kkQroSAVxM2kM7w09YQu-oXT4yKK5FaapcXYEHtTqGNyI/s2000/IMG_1998%5B18655%5D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynytPQTJez5xu7gyA8vh7ftAt8sXVZGnWKCteAf50xwaJlNuhuhNIBq3o1_UP9C2QTYvP0DfWsfiRW7b79pHDePyA8jqqQCgA3_rtJVUKLf9nCtxicqWGQuWtx5jqRUgdVR2GGzgfoHr-T1kkQroSAVxM2kM7w09YQu-oXT4yKK5FaapcXYEHtTqGNyI/s320/IMG_1998%5B18655%5D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCj9EBRIsYB9ln9r-HlXRymzWubyjNFHUV6nVM91g33hDhMzxRL05_LMy08SEjKkzqvAfAqof1XgTxiMOrGrbNzKoU2O_f3-JIy32nGTEK9FAazDl5KYd7uRR3QcJ-qjP6jVq9yqw6GnMo2aHf-k2LGFjwSOSiUoimgi4u6flwCJ32hxIngfm1fM_i0Q/s2000/IMG_1998%5B18655%5D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCj9EBRIsYB9ln9r-HlXRymzWubyjNFHUV6nVM91g33hDhMzxRL05_LMy08SEjKkzqvAfAqof1XgTxiMOrGrbNzKoU2O_f3-JIy32nGTEK9FAazDl5KYd7uRR3QcJ-qjP6jVq9yqw6GnMo2aHf-k2LGFjwSOSiUoimgi4u6flwCJ32hxIngfm1fM_i0Q/s320/IMG_1998%5B18655%5D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfd5DqPMSoLcHiooR06bmFyftodmnkI0lTHoA42Sdt4hEjWYYxgk2cdV6p_yADMkP0BUbdNHA8ozuVTriSd1EXXI2yNsmRkdkVReeFt1rlCbsWOo-xBq6hDaUIw7beCSM6yQwKKV_ktV3TkmH51FzNm7j_9nHz3fJqLLUJ_L9Bg1WGy0Rp-6peoL6HQM/s2000/IMG_2001%5B18657%5D.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfd5DqPMSoLcHiooR06bmFyftodmnkI0lTHoA42Sdt4hEjWYYxgk2cdV6p_yADMkP0BUbdNHA8ozuVTriSd1EXXI2yNsmRkdkVReeFt1rlCbsWOo-xBq6hDaUIw7beCSM6yQwKKV_ktV3TkmH51FzNm7j_9nHz3fJqLLUJ_L9Bg1WGy0Rp-6peoL6HQM/s320/IMG_2001%5B18657%5D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work progresses on the runnel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM_Vj8iXGTJw61waM9zEmn4lYl7i4lsz_HACAuETrabVLCpx36sIMWtK_gdfV6Txd6IzV4h3xnwi4QcOhr02gVztlcntAD6gB_VC9rsDlwHkHMjbY9euv6HDS3avs7U4xokvR5eJ-ZgRLQdZdBiqXQjZUCl47kFKzkQ44O4e8x1SvChwzT-aqRzY79nE/s640/fungus%20Lashford%20Lane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM_Vj8iXGTJw61waM9zEmn4lYl7i4lsz_HACAuETrabVLCpx36sIMWtK_gdfV6Txd6IzV4h3xnwi4QcOhr02gVztlcntAD6gB_VC9rsDlwHkHMjbY9euv6HDS3avs7U4xokvR5eJ-ZgRLQdZdBiqXQjZUCl47kFKzkQ44O4e8x1SvChwzT-aqRzY79nE/s320/fungus%20Lashford%20Lane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-74112816176870060822024-03-07T22:29:00.001+00:002024-03-07T22:29:13.136+00:00"Between the Fens" at Frilford Heath Golf Course SSSI - Thursday, 7 March 2024<p>Blog and photos by Sally</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggjiRRszW_Q9Hdd7UBYPGhglUsLD0BnNEZMD41b6yJaJ9WwNjLBrufFVF0i4GJ0ng-F_uoKVApHX9LUGU7YmLfEexInObWf8RkPsrddCOBG2o06g6LcfOoubgLx1mp5OXdzU6BaaSG3ytp4YJJybwsUcHLUgReK2ThOq7V_FkjUAIVwAIchssV4IrDOc/s2048/IMG_6523.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggjiRRszW_Q9Hdd7UBYPGhglUsLD0BnNEZMD41b6yJaJ9WwNjLBrufFVF0i4GJ0ng-F_uoKVApHX9LUGU7YmLfEexInObWf8RkPsrddCOBG2o06g6LcfOoubgLx1mp5OXdzU6BaaSG3ytp4YJJybwsUcHLUgReK2ThOq7V_FkjUAIVwAIchssV4IrDOc/s320/IMG_6523.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Ladies' 16th tee invisible behind the tall reed</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr8NEaEZclGrNejjylEDLiJDbUOm4-pcCEuM9efIiaxJ3w_mMj-L80TBvQ4fRT5_-wdJGf0HVEpLidOpy5S7eTznezfOLHGrm9g9rDTZ1I3IeENS4wfaWq_Ru3lB4BIMYUfHiQqCpA8sZ3IXpNUu5syL4rnU63X7mnx04iDWbF7vcl2XSk_ZXssm_PRI/s2048/IMG_6524.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr8NEaEZclGrNejjylEDLiJDbUOm4-pcCEuM9efIiaxJ3w_mMj-L80TBvQ4fRT5_-wdJGf0HVEpLidOpy5S7eTznezfOLHGrm9g9rDTZ1I3IeENS4wfaWq_Ru3lB4BIMYUfHiQqCpA8sZ3IXpNUu5syL4rnU63X7mnx04iDWbF7vcl2XSk_ZXssm_PRI/s320/IMG_6524.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of arisings from our last visit to be raked</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDr95-gEmFloQBLsDt5HbDjARvvBqZDqjFMvKnC3pQhSVA953_PcdfxyH_1W7toc3HMQ4_ldQiQ0RyX9wwXiu4QlFBR1GYJYVD1M-8JHLtZ5MTm24PS7-2VI4GTMYGAuKb1Q8lXvHFA3nXq_CHmFbBZN9T7DV6u1NdKrFHj0zqUM2ins4VY8grgOp1xw/s2048/IMG_6525.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDr95-gEmFloQBLsDt5HbDjARvvBqZDqjFMvKnC3pQhSVA953_PcdfxyH_1W7toc3HMQ4_ldQiQ0RyX9wwXiu4QlFBR1GYJYVD1M-8JHLtZ5MTm24PS7-2VI4GTMYGAuKb1Q8lXvHFA3nXq_CHmFbBZN9T7DV6u1NdKrFHj0zqUM2ins4VY8grgOp1xw/s320/IMG_6525.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And even more ...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHSMcR4v51OuwWgOSQ5C5CVG6CkPxZaB3ifSms9NnWZA8fl7UJ8su9tDD9Vak911_1tXMBEwABxLKMRfc07XtbWue9HET5b6KVjlWQljQ2G4bz8No4jBO3SMO9f-QG0FX5bmUy6xGjk92TBK-A7OwGj9X8tsVy95t9jatEmoz42Xy0bqD4mZoCywalZk/s2048/IMG_6531.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHSMcR4v51OuwWgOSQ5C5CVG6CkPxZaB3ifSms9NnWZA8fl7UJ8su9tDD9Vak911_1tXMBEwABxLKMRfc07XtbWue9HET5b6KVjlWQljQ2G4bz8No4jBO3SMO9f-QG0FX5bmUy6xGjk92TBK-A7OwGj9X8tsVy95t9jatEmoz42Xy0bqD4mZoCywalZk/s320/IMG_6531.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jim raking in the distance adding to the bund by the stream</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLXt96AYnCJ9PPGKHmEQTEXpNCtEB32sSt2IBR-UEuzb0V-j79p1MgHid7JbqYObf8atQz9lZ2kXMAUsGasVDYUKACS6Y7qZos9W30dHg_x6mArrr_P61jybrvOPb3J0CpGNOsyXd-sA9OhKNwAx9gVQnFq5YvFbawFAfbSUnyq8jF4urYbayw99n0UA/s2048/IMG_6533.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLXt96AYnCJ9PPGKHmEQTEXpNCtEB32sSt2IBR-UEuzb0V-j79p1MgHid7JbqYObf8atQz9lZ2kXMAUsGasVDYUKACS6Y7qZos9W30dHg_x6mArrr_P61jybrvOPb3J0CpGNOsyXd-sA9OhKNwAx9gVQnFq5YvFbawFAfbSUnyq8jF4urYbayw99n0UA/s320/IMG_6533.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Allowing in the light</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtaLRpSCZ9V6XMEyf_dIG78bLRL4x6RTsV7Tym0thXcdKmnkWJTipefKYVTa5IlvMOko3cGc722woZXkEeS4rVWR0oqiG0EtiiZOEZ_7yJHkxL65vKw9qQxPTnBlq7ZepQZrtXlue5EzqnGU5GrNYMjROpZw71k4WKf25WOFz0-1FTVXFiXD9x_VyMOc/s2048/IMG_6537.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtaLRpSCZ9V6XMEyf_dIG78bLRL4x6RTsV7Tym0thXcdKmnkWJTipefKYVTa5IlvMOko3cGc722woZXkEeS4rVWR0oqiG0EtiiZOEZ_7yJHkxL65vKw9qQxPTnBlq7ZepQZrtXlue5EzqnGU5GrNYMjROpZw71k4WKf25WOFz0-1FTVXFiXD9x_VyMOc/s320/IMG_6537.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking across to Two Pines Fen on the other side of the track</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdXRwkuuC6Flv-9XMEElFnguofrNGyEmqNmdpFghgJjRRj-vDxixfHikLSIAtGir6aIWFbyYfDe6RJJVLe-iOGd2NU1dxwT-v0YoE1n7prOUGySPubSyMrZWYQ4Pb4ZALBb-GkDVdpNAkwj0yRzW5_yOx3X2GAhcQQTXXYoLmgacRMNSMzF1zy_zES2E/s2048/IMG_6539.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdXRwkuuC6Flv-9XMEElFnguofrNGyEmqNmdpFghgJjRRj-vDxixfHikLSIAtGir6aIWFbyYfDe6RJJVLe-iOGd2NU1dxwT-v0YoE1n7prOUGySPubSyMrZWYQ4Pb4ZALBb-GkDVdpNAkwj0yRzW5_yOx3X2GAhcQQTXXYoLmgacRMNSMzF1zy_zES2E/s320/IMG_6539.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jim's cut reed from behind the Ladies' 16th tee</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wUBwBpV86vtd5snjZmP_Z3dTIBYBwrJdoezhUk_7cHzA0081s_mVIynNHV0Q0oC0heSQqTbxN5Y2lhsGRi0u9iVRqyKKkseckMJ9wz0TT1x691z0PZaaNbkx9QVbvVIxQieE8tuQHAwb-uimWtEuISWatQYYOPO5i5LAuqqkcwYhIkGtS5TziiPh2uk/s2048/IMG_6540.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wUBwBpV86vtd5snjZmP_Z3dTIBYBwrJdoezhUk_7cHzA0081s_mVIynNHV0Q0oC0heSQqTbxN5Y2lhsGRi0u9iVRqyKKkseckMJ9wz0TT1x691z0PZaaNbkx9QVbvVIxQieE8tuQHAwb-uimWtEuISWatQYYOPO5i5LAuqqkcwYhIkGtS5TziiPh2uk/s320/IMG_6540.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jim calling it a day</div><div style="text-align: center;">The reddish colour to the water is from iron oxide</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOWY7efE-eP-3WB_T8WzgAb_5CrHMIM-SLzmqaX50ntCBBeKVzMWdRz06quRnMyseXCF28LtDfqkii3CUMESSwx31e1JUWJEwEP7Z3V2RP6jkw0A_UqJQSvmo37lwnLsUIJNhDespWMc7sfqqSAihMtIyPxAc2cJA6LR1pvtgt4Hgl8Cm4bYPF7sz3gk/s2048/IMG_6544.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOWY7efE-eP-3WB_T8WzgAb_5CrHMIM-SLzmqaX50ntCBBeKVzMWdRz06quRnMyseXCF28LtDfqkii3CUMESSwx31e1JUWJEwEP7Z3V2RP6jkw0A_UqJQSvmo37lwnLsUIJNhDespWMc7sfqqSAihMtIyPxAc2cJA6LR1pvtgt4Hgl8Cm4bYPF7sz3gk/s320/IMG_6544.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Candlesnuff (or candlestick) fungus growing on a mossy tree stump</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgqFVLzcQneSzxs0dCEvZaCVWFedvx2Er9F5Bc9jFF79DQIte7MrKFtN3dW3f70HlxFCrySyEeNFmQ2ST93CDP9b-SeHjM1D2PYAIoesmHZeqZT9F6Bry3QFV9xPDvdZrKnFIYwHX05NfZV41rKVvKozvPAdk1jz8wvekkYQy3JdKIvwAxw09JiIO_Zw/s2048/IMG_6566.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgqFVLzcQneSzxs0dCEvZaCVWFedvx2Er9F5Bc9jFF79DQIte7MrKFtN3dW3f70HlxFCrySyEeNFmQ2ST93CDP9b-SeHjM1D2PYAIoesmHZeqZT9F6Bry3QFV9xPDvdZrKnFIYwHX05NfZV41rKVvKozvPAdk1jz8wvekkYQy3JdKIvwAxw09JiIO_Zw/s320/IMG_6566.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Ladies' 16th tee now visible</div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-5382736120850536152024-03-03T20:31:00.001+00:002024-03-07T19:43:20.044+00:00Riding for the Disabled, Southmoor - Saturday 2nd March 2024<p>Blog by Eleanor, photos by Helen and Sally.</p><p>Sixteen Green Gymmers assembled for the session at Riding for the Disabled, which is a site we all enjoy returning to. Last time we cleared a ditch to enable the stream to flow freely and drain away water which might otherwise flood the paddocks. This time our task was to plant a hawthorn hedge along a boundary fence, and March was the last opportunity for planting before next Autumn.</p><p>Joyce, who is in charge at RDA, met us in the recently resurfaced car park with 300 hawthorn whips plus tree guards and canes. We made our way over to the boundary fence where we were to plant the hawthorn on the road side. There were daffodils in full bloom along the grass verge and we wanted to avoid damaging these. </p><p>Digging holes along the older fence on the right hand side of the gate was relatively simple and several people set to work on the planting. The side with the new fencing proved more of a challenge as the ground was very uneven and covered with trailing, matted ivy and brambles so we started clearing these. Underneath, however, we uncovered a lot of buried rubble, a tangle of wire, a trail of barbed wire and something that looked like a car tyre but proved to be much longer and had probably belonged to a bulldozer. Kevin worked hard on this and eventually pulled it triumphantly from the ground.</p><p>By now it was time for our tea break and we made our way to the little room above the arena, where Joyce provided us with a delicious lemon drizzle cake. Then it was back to work. The ground by the new fence was fairly clear now, so we were able to begin planting. Adrian had an idea for using the rubble we had dug up. He had noticed that the base of one side of the bridge over the stream had been damaged by the heavy rainfall so he and Kevin set off to repair it using the rubble. Unfortunately, there was nobody to take a photo of their handiwork.</p><p>By 12.30 all 300 hawthorn whips had been planted and the threatened rain had held off. We look forward to seeing the hedge growing and flourishing on future visits. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-Nox1rWeusRuxHAqpzA0FZ6x0qZ6sBo8j6JRau16imjUHbXWa7Jq7mFsOtvtLv3YgCj2uVcg_aN2VTdMCOA0zh1u-9K19FHjxICV7mN4T2xyKRT5WdRpiLyJZnnWAjE90kiQyHxBd3W2H92VdudEevlJ8E0iTxFTci3HHIWmqlueSJjCVxv3vYvcQ-U/s3840/PXL_20240302_094303117.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-Nox1rWeusRuxHAqpzA0FZ6x0qZ6sBo8j6JRau16imjUHbXWa7Jq7mFsOtvtLv3YgCj2uVcg_aN2VTdMCOA0zh1u-9K19FHjxICV7mN4T2xyKRT5WdRpiLyJZnnWAjE90kiQyHxBd3W2H92VdudEevlJ8E0iTxFTci3HHIWmqlueSJjCVxv3vYvcQ-U/s320/PXL_20240302_094303117.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing to work<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPh-LTsOWJ3uzvd-KC6enZj05rBVyYA39DoBVT02Fp7g3Toj5wKjhMBrrwBxzYtbvIgrLoivm3l_Zm28AaIkehZzRp1677wLVdmUehklfqHAaZRRuHOUx4t4RiEFzNGArM5Y65lp58IGhbevx8m09Obc-NKD4WxmbEY-jdbyOQkZu-qflixjQgJA9lv3w/s3840/PXL_20240302_100526424.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPh-LTsOWJ3uzvd-KC6enZj05rBVyYA39DoBVT02Fp7g3Toj5wKjhMBrrwBxzYtbvIgrLoivm3l_Zm28AaIkehZzRp1677wLVdmUehklfqHAaZRRuHOUx4t4RiEFzNGArM5Y65lp58IGhbevx8m09Obc-NKD4WxmbEY-jdbyOQkZu-qflixjQgJA9lv3w/s320/PXL_20240302_100526424.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning to plant</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUfCAGcjohbIbSs00RLg58sbEELs-py7cGWRkcw71lBtzi_Cz_o2t6qHvG6BtwI6RstVRZcJDHsyh-r3aTiGM8auZaquv0p-KJlrLKwqNZyWzstxli3z5bUQJ4Z2_mvYrKGgHOIWSS7aWnVStX10DMMNbsB27uLio2SsVsIRelnntd8jqkW6JJRX0VlE/s3840/PXL_20240302_101321352.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUfCAGcjohbIbSs00RLg58sbEELs-py7cGWRkcw71lBtzi_Cz_o2t6qHvG6BtwI6RstVRZcJDHsyh-r3aTiGM8auZaquv0p-KJlrLKwqNZyWzstxli3z5bUQJ4Z2_mvYrKGgHOIWSS7aWnVStX10DMMNbsB27uLio2SsVsIRelnntd8jqkW6JJRX0VlE/s320/PXL_20240302_101321352.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making progress<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2awJh76ve71lnegnNOFoe5kRELT2WQeO2A8INQtMEMBjH6jvXIclEz6-gf9P43a2iJKNQiYEqx3ZDqQDp1aB0ZbMLg6Vl9k4s6k1kPaVT-Oiwl1Yz4t_QTO-14UWVRh1iBjO6qkuqomqrHz5CQVKrVUthGxH7N6S6EcZnhzEqjFOfj1horCvvWaax4QA/s4032/PXL_20240302_102301035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2awJh76ve71lnegnNOFoe5kRELT2WQeO2A8INQtMEMBjH6jvXIclEz6-gf9P43a2iJKNQiYEqx3ZDqQDp1aB0ZbMLg6Vl9k4s6k1kPaVT-Oiwl1Yz4t_QTO-14UWVRh1iBjO6qkuqomqrHz5CQVKrVUthGxH7N6S6EcZnhzEqjFOfj1horCvvWaax4QA/s320/PXL_20240302_102301035.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The more difficult area<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ9PqrSVF4DO-xT77ar3uA2nuIu2FZdRjRGTlRg9KAAB-oTYKoEwaDnUAbt05fMvkWsUhuAJ_Icm4gEGf9DeNLv2QSwsbwdpO-2-RhQadEMYCRmSv7kVyMWL0zM68meXwDetrCywlkYJGAI038xe-sdcvyJ2POOxu8IK-KfKIDMGtD2C4I0anKg3RUH4/s4032/PXL_20240302_102313000.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ9PqrSVF4DO-xT77ar3uA2nuIu2FZdRjRGTlRg9KAAB-oTYKoEwaDnUAbt05fMvkWsUhuAJ_Icm4gEGf9DeNLv2QSwsbwdpO-2-RhQadEMYCRmSv7kVyMWL0zM68meXwDetrCywlkYJGAI038xe-sdcvyJ2POOxu8IK-KfKIDMGtD2C4I0anKg3RUH4/s320/PXL_20240302_102313000.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulling out the wire<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQjPtzuXq_3RdOruqD0z4sZskWQuOgm7u4QvK7w2oDokcp65yYSvLAESBkzs-7J77KP_xh274qthvPg1xPY3V7U55xnX-DIeZw8dhUadQ9JXuTrcdLvP9zuq8sDLxBdIfy3F_CjteW5qj0FOFg6H444oFcdm09qicHZp3vmMm2_2XYS54oSc5b_SRJdo/s4032/PXL_20240302_102722912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQjPtzuXq_3RdOruqD0z4sZskWQuOgm7u4QvK7w2oDokcp65yYSvLAESBkzs-7J77KP_xh274qthvPg1xPY3V7U55xnX-DIeZw8dhUadQ9JXuTrcdLvP9zuq8sDLxBdIfy3F_CjteW5qj0FOFg6H444oFcdm09qicHZp3vmMm2_2XYS54oSc5b_SRJdo/s320/PXL_20240302_102722912.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin triumphant with tyre track<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCWiqD168r-tnMJCXhAuXbytnFqO-ewrPsCvWkJ5AUmlqUNNN2bAT2_30on5LNDWYAh2NOlkS3y5b74O8ggtZDGU524q9WSkHk_WZ1ovUOop40tTRFIgAJlHeaZSFI2047MxlXhkyV7BX7JMqkr3bXso1gdwA7L6FJsbFHz00oxLN5nHboFLIUILLSjc/s10658/IMG_6490.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2360" data-original-width="10658" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCWiqD168r-tnMJCXhAuXbytnFqO-ewrPsCvWkJ5AUmlqUNNN2bAT2_30on5LNDWYAh2NOlkS3y5b74O8ggtZDGU524q9WSkHk_WZ1ovUOop40tTRFIgAJlHeaZSFI2047MxlXhkyV7BX7JMqkr3bXso1gdwA7L6FJsbFHz00oxLN5nHboFLIUILLSjc/s320/IMG_6490.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcs_mu3FwxWi_dwVKmZkyDlebUwHcFrrJjHtY0RqeYj_IHlH2PwJFfM-pFMpg4wnpD4fjkOetLjb-nehkTnAkOSzeJZOu0EPJIz4d3syaXjVCbHhyphenhyphenEGkuvVV37k6Wb9SfvEmuB0vOxyPCmLnCRqu1dWCp_OS1iCPLETD8Nxgy0YTxWN0Nu1nqNuPDfpQ/s2048/IMG_6492.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcs_mu3FwxWi_dwVKmZkyDlebUwHcFrrJjHtY0RqeYj_IHlH2PwJFfM-pFMpg4wnpD4fjkOetLjb-nehkTnAkOSzeJZOu0EPJIz4d3syaXjVCbHhyphenhyphenEGkuvVV37k6Wb9SfvEmuB0vOxyPCmLnCRqu1dWCp_OS1iCPLETD8Nxgy0YTxWN0Nu1nqNuPDfpQ/s320/IMG_6492.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan and Lesley with Joyce<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOY3hdL596WL0Kjj-nkOb_TFrQF4u1ENEDCJJ4ofs42W9f-DQPjCW3L-WUWoIL4NaIEm_apXWq6kBBBJ7-AeXXlkSty5hdHOAcQ1m0wMJ3PdqOWnucbdWmpevFrJOXd9HeZrvMpOfl_RwPSF8-EfzBQ5nuU6wgAwIdSP4xI9BDOStUOYAm7AmnsKCoxI/s2048/IMG_6504.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOY3hdL596WL0Kjj-nkOb_TFrQF4u1ENEDCJJ4ofs42W9f-DQPjCW3L-WUWoIL4NaIEm_apXWq6kBBBJ7-AeXXlkSty5hdHOAcQ1m0wMJ3PdqOWnucbdWmpevFrJOXd9HeZrvMpOfl_RwPSF8-EfzBQ5nuU6wgAwIdSP4xI9BDOStUOYAm7AmnsKCoxI/s320/IMG_6504.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rosie and Helen plugging a gap</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYD_PfHFHwapsH9S3eNxQuNHvsIlaaUweujjgI_JnGcEaVzHwjyw0QLaEf-M4oB4p0bmgy5AatBavlqTJ7n4xh4gOUKIrtWM8PK3bT2bDCaYl-if1ywn0AIkAqksxWzS2ynofwpxz1L2YXBaS2-sPbau9raydPld27R8-w_qfR5gA9trMkTTfbAqGQCU/s2048/IMG_6500.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYD_PfHFHwapsH9S3eNxQuNHvsIlaaUweujjgI_JnGcEaVzHwjyw0QLaEf-M4oB4p0bmgy5AatBavlqTJ7n4xh4gOUKIrtWM8PK3bT2bDCaYl-if1ywn0AIkAqksxWzS2ynofwpxz1L2YXBaS2-sPbau9raydPld27R8-w_qfR5gA9trMkTTfbAqGQCU/s320/IMG_6500.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rosie planting another hawthorn whip</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnF603zaMX09jNBeDzKFXFNG2omENfmsfefZHH1r4O77M56MmljWYIp549By4AZVt3joYe8T362LKkKwDYQtLDi8NybHFG0PUzmfrJs0gv7rXgZ-kuBaNnG0Wm-k5vXKnFQVETGsyajL68whRk6XwLCZaLjqCHod1E_nG1JLmS4Otp-QGzW-2DsS_mSs/s2048/IMG_6499.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnF603zaMX09jNBeDzKFXFNG2omENfmsfefZHH1r4O77M56MmljWYIp549By4AZVt3joYe8T362LKkKwDYQtLDi8NybHFG0PUzmfrJs0gv7rXgZ-kuBaNnG0Wm-k5vXKnFQVETGsyajL68whRk6XwLCZaLjqCHod1E_nG1JLmS4Otp-QGzW-2DsS_mSs/s320/IMG_6499.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Carolyn with tree guard at the ready</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeICmOu8aLIHApt5XDttcBLNSyPxMQf7OrBg9MzvW9VW7oFBo2GgxDqdJOw8FJ-7V52IVjAaF4MtfCOAbrrqoVvfg2KIikr-XmzD1bjvXaHXv8n-tLEbGZGusqrCsrfKDiBS0jXRLgE0dgkJ5L3KSPjXikUe6RLZqyfyZc3mgBOrNvGjDdCLN7LF4xq0/s2048/IMG_6495.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeICmOu8aLIHApt5XDttcBLNSyPxMQf7OrBg9MzvW9VW7oFBo2GgxDqdJOw8FJ-7V52IVjAaF4MtfCOAbrrqoVvfg2KIikr-XmzD1bjvXaHXv8n-tLEbGZGusqrCsrfKDiBS0jXRLgE0dgkJ5L3KSPjXikUe6RLZqyfyZc3mgBOrNvGjDdCLN7LF4xq0/s320/IMG_6495.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy workers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhowSGsgp5UBhWsuhDGD6nXnBnMcIwTioEpInQlW8j-cHbAycBXDcb_GcTqCGhjzhUwqw85_wxDSejTgFFavz-Nqq50n48DatassHO5dbzC9G_b5eCrBBjZlc1cl9KJ6NRHaJnIbLDh23IHFuuvmGYJODlMoAFCNRPBKWjRlyqCmSN23l5awrGk9Y2GRU/s4032/PXL_20240302_120005784.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhowSGsgp5UBhWsuhDGD6nXnBnMcIwTioEpInQlW8j-cHbAycBXDcb_GcTqCGhjzhUwqw85_wxDSejTgFFavz-Nqq50n48DatassHO5dbzC9G_b5eCrBBjZlc1cl9KJ6NRHaJnIbLDh23IHFuuvmGYJODlMoAFCNRPBKWjRlyqCmSN23l5awrGk9Y2GRU/s320/PXL_20240302_120005784.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planting the more challenging side<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0VMvE7qdB_67WFJ2tZC1URTL-svcIP5TG8OS77M9DqWIeX5ATL1FSlx-Rvn9Ms1_tnsb9NionEx-0C-_OBs5LwQL804Y5HOryEcRlagHhnBf3QrTettf3jtdrjOyeU7BkHYKYl3sfFuz61iNn21g832yRUG2IlFg1TI4qmH_nhcVUx25VQ6Mq9c9z-U/s3840/PXL_20240302_120524889.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0VMvE7qdB_67WFJ2tZC1URTL-svcIP5TG8OS77M9DqWIeX5ATL1FSlx-Rvn9Ms1_tnsb9NionEx-0C-_OBs5LwQL804Y5HOryEcRlagHhnBf3QrTettf3jtdrjOyeU7BkHYKYl3sfFuz61iNn21g832yRUG2IlFg1TI4qmH_nhcVUx25VQ6Mq9c9z-U/s320/PXL_20240302_120524889.MP.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham with sticks and guards<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIViICjnZ-gYR7fmHSANIly1qwnGifixnoKgwYU3VGqrYOFJoyNu2mzEg19oPcLsTNMwbAnLNxs32rd8kd4fOL48esEloOFN9kBeFoRiVTTJHTTAkXVw70lKXMKuRmzp0TQG1Fe9atIC9cafS2-lqBfMHxPvEbvaMlShcfv6RDIZGTH9p2uHzQgWBhuo/s3840/PXL_20240302_120959430.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIViICjnZ-gYR7fmHSANIly1qwnGifixnoKgwYU3VGqrYOFJoyNu2mzEg19oPcLsTNMwbAnLNxs32rd8kd4fOL48esEloOFN9kBeFoRiVTTJHTTAkXVw70lKXMKuRmzp0TQG1Fe9atIC9cafS2-lqBfMHxPvEbvaMlShcfv6RDIZGTH9p2uHzQgWBhuo/s320/PXL_20240302_120959430.MP.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of hawthorn whip<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjOsW4kgkzbqAOSzfett2nZGo65EbCq02HlVgvHOnupYDKUP6lPXFIhGzQcUxWT8QLyY97uQ_HV9iBI2lhzkVczh4CxmnteFeYlgLN-5LFuzM_HkxSHSfA6gJjqw8BgSSdGDNq0GptQN8aZ7_lLnTxTSVPxzB87VRCa-kL8FH8s6PvW29MWlj2Fa5dOQ/s3840/PXL_20240302_122431288.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjOsW4kgkzbqAOSzfett2nZGo65EbCq02HlVgvHOnupYDKUP6lPXFIhGzQcUxWT8QLyY97uQ_HV9iBI2lhzkVczh4CxmnteFeYlgLN-5LFuzM_HkxSHSfA6gJjqw8BgSSdGDNq0GptQN8aZ7_lLnTxTSVPxzB87VRCa-kL8FH8s6PvW29MWlj2Fa5dOQ/s320/PXL_20240302_122431288.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed task<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RFtELZYn_S1j1lYF_M_dl86i0d4lalmVdN1sW7g_w2w6__qnN9wHv2v8fv1qQVgp1f3oV5fX8O5cuquq2gKjUYPjgB0LgRURK15tvvjOenUjVKbIsETx-wIacPCa5gQyQfOFTuROqsOFskmJym722frNYSDmqoibCzdvMYCNEqyJwfKqdpi2h7yP4FM/s2048/IMG_6516.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RFtELZYn_S1j1lYF_M_dl86i0d4lalmVdN1sW7g_w2w6__qnN9wHv2v8fv1qQVgp1f3oV5fX8O5cuquq2gKjUYPjgB0LgRURK15tvvjOenUjVKbIsETx-wIacPCa5gQyQfOFTuROqsOFskmJym722frNYSDmqoibCzdvMYCNEqyJwfKqdpi2h7yP4FM/s320/IMG_6516.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing to depart</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-25402442833110278822024-02-25T22:11:00.001+00:002024-02-25T22:11:35.125+00:00Boundary House Fen, Frilford Heath Golf Course SSSI - Saturday, 24 February 2024<p>Blog by Sally, photos by Kevin and Sally</p><p>We returned to Boundary House Fen at Frilford Heath Golf Course this week to continue with the cut and rake, working under the direction of consultant ecologist, Rod d'Ayala. Kevin led a team of 10 Green Gymmers - 4 trained scythers and 6 rakers. Kevin had arrived to find that the gate to the Greenkeepers compound had not been opened, so after a call to the clubhouse, the gate was opened. Kevin dropped Carolyn off to greet everyone and when we had assembled we made our way across the golf course. We could hear a couple of skylarks singing as we approached the fen. Kevin had parked off the road nearer the fen to make it easier for him and Graham to transport the tools to our usual spot near the fen. By the time we got there, Rod had joined us and was able to show where on the fen we would be working and what we'd be doing.</p><p>Rod had managed to rake a good amount after our last session at the site, but there was still some raking to be done. He set off with the rakers in tow, whilst the four scythers were asked to continue with the cut of common reed, rush and sedge, taking care to avoid areas that were thick with marsh lousewort, in case it had not distributed all its seed. Marsh lousewort is a wonderful plant that is an ecosystem engineer. It feeds off the sugars stored in the reeds' roots, thereby suppressing its vigour. The reed, rush and sedge can all, if left unchecked, grow very densely, thereby blocking out light for other fen specialist plants. Barbara was asked to scythe along the "stream" which is acting as a ditch, whilst the other three scythers continued cutting towards the two man-made ponds.</p><p>We were all able to negotiate the stream, which has been packed with cut reed, rush and sedge so we could step into the middle without getting a bootful of water! The fen was very slushy in places and we were careful not to get stuck or plastered in mud.</p><p>The cut material was taken to a heap running along the top of the boundary with the aim to pile it high and then Rod would flatten it so that more cut reed could be piled on top. </p><p>There had been an overnight frost, so we had a bit of a chilly start, but once we got going, we soon warmed up and gradually, peeled off layers of clothing, making use of one of the tree stumps in the middle of the fen as a makeshift clothes horse. As the morning progressed, the sun broke through and it began to feel like spring again.</p><p>After a welcome break, we returned to continue and we soon reached the two ponds which we were able to start to fill and to return the fen to its former glory. Depending on the number of volunteers on our next visit, we hope to finish the cut and rake for this season and it will be interesting to see what plants come through as the site is home to a number of species of orchid, amongst other calcareous fen specialists.</p><p>It was soon time to pack up and go. We said farewell to Rod and made way home all feeling as though a good job had been done. We look forward to returning at the end of April.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiirYOYq8OTC3kAFDdMjIYEynoPMef_s9RVNthq31qIQJYjxnkBxu3qUbzj4KLKiO0cVpwbktp8l0QmOj6P7wSm9zoUqyd1QNAW3cyT-jfKkS09LssLF48BuiYD-_sdiDNmfx2bBbM5SD5UkkdQ2NtmYUWIefrOPMDTDIZZnmErV5RoTkfB3ZJ0odC5U/s2048/IMG_6423.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiirYOYq8OTC3kAFDdMjIYEynoPMef_s9RVNthq31qIQJYjxnkBxu3qUbzj4KLKiO0cVpwbktp8l0QmOj6P7wSm9zoUqyd1QNAW3cyT-jfKkS09LssLF48BuiYD-_sdiDNmfx2bBbM5SD5UkkdQ2NtmYUWIefrOPMDTDIZZnmErV5RoTkfB3ZJ0odC5U/s320/IMG_6423.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rod briefing Kevin</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LNKrWWTowW_vpejvWaMDL3gc4CguIHgLG9lRXZ61yS-1pRTh6FP013957d6T8TKiiNyLDtxlIDBEmEjl5_ftoq-iydRikgqHech_N9EKVNZEXKRzO25O36iG6WpEe59n_49m3XiXRXVrPMLrAoCRLVmhIOt0lMoojzVfqf_4ZFwuP1idj6zBQO8pNjc/s2048/IMG_6424.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LNKrWWTowW_vpejvWaMDL3gc4CguIHgLG9lRXZ61yS-1pRTh6FP013957d6T8TKiiNyLDtxlIDBEmEjl5_ftoq-iydRikgqHech_N9EKVNZEXKRzO25O36iG6WpEe59n_49m3XiXRXVrPMLrAoCRLVmhIOt0lMoojzVfqf_4ZFwuP1idj6zBQO8pNjc/s320/IMG_6424.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fen as we'd left it last time</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4B6SU7bnFmIl7iz107e6xQCaAVMCUUquXTC0Z5jKmc05yB4QXdWijTkm2gqcqEO5_9aEIxf0NWSzBLjAz1tT6WwWFP64YXYIxqChseGMFFytI0JFBc8z6LAplSj2wq4bNSUWzNUzOpXPyT4ho-sT1YVBAULTRXaFDCI48PSPGfMrkYftoD7yZwEHnVA/s2048/IMG_6428.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4B6SU7bnFmIl7iz107e6xQCaAVMCUUquXTC0Z5jKmc05yB4QXdWijTkm2gqcqEO5_9aEIxf0NWSzBLjAz1tT6WwWFP64YXYIxqChseGMFFytI0JFBc8z6LAplSj2wq4bNSUWzNUzOpXPyT4ho-sT1YVBAULTRXaFDCI48PSPGfMrkYftoD7yZwEHnVA/s320/IMG_6428.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rod leading the raking party</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHnYmUKKZxj1t_RcJu1sFiEw1cHrG-PRgtFCM-CJpRwOSTXiJrMbt4EoRVRT-lFkp6OlM9XGovwJ14agx1re8uXYDI1ks24OMMNxl2h73vYnYCvX6_hfQQi2iOoxUvchL-zruzyjfHCWA_6eTyLDaJUMOmgaSBxA66MTXVzqvW1S27wgU9XKNHyLOYYk/s2048/IMG_6430.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHnYmUKKZxj1t_RcJu1sFiEw1cHrG-PRgtFCM-CJpRwOSTXiJrMbt4EoRVRT-lFkp6OlM9XGovwJ14agx1re8uXYDI1ks24OMMNxl2h73vYnYCvX6_hfQQi2iOoxUvchL-zruzyjfHCWA_6eTyLDaJUMOmgaSBxA66MTXVzqvW1S27wgU9XKNHyLOYYk/s320/IMG_6430.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rakers clearing the cut material from our last session here</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS2finjxv2WJra9-P0SPYtHhth8SiKpHmKTvVlzi3XQjbD9cGT6V7TFC2UHzcnMnhwIGtUR7aulUX2iTvPUlq4dcBvGdktDQxpw50opDvQo574FPJ4bK6CPu10DJYI822wBMqUnb6iZ_Oa_1nuLw8up58DBTEFQwAOUxNXAR7EciXTn7C6hHbu8RgDV0/s2048/IMG_6433.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS2finjxv2WJra9-P0SPYtHhth8SiKpHmKTvVlzi3XQjbD9cGT6V7TFC2UHzcnMnhwIGtUR7aulUX2iTvPUlq4dcBvGdktDQxpw50opDvQo574FPJ4bK6CPu10DJYI822wBMqUnb6iZ_Oa_1nuLw8up58DBTEFQwAOUxNXAR7EciXTn7C6hHbu8RgDV0/s320/IMG_6433.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roger scything</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz7p4YnHUM-9RGvcIZ3k-F-_K1bi-dS_PEzE0PNa9TOPFJPWCpZqYzuGyvI4fTrwAoSJFDUhHLcT9s9AzhwKGAFPpSefN26TFeb76brALhnqI8aQ9S96VNWxL5ONRaRahY7iTVWXctWmfTl2hAKDacZF171coffyZOB7NVUfM-VY4j4uGTPJyJL9gF90/s2048/IMG_6437.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz7p4YnHUM-9RGvcIZ3k-F-_K1bi-dS_PEzE0PNa9TOPFJPWCpZqYzuGyvI4fTrwAoSJFDUhHLcT9s9AzhwKGAFPpSefN26TFeb76brALhnqI8aQ9S96VNWxL5ONRaRahY7iTVWXctWmfTl2hAKDacZF171coffyZOB7NVUfM-VY4j4uGTPJyJL9gF90/s320/IMG_6437.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Barbara scything along the stream</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZheZKsv5nwHE4uFw4uTypUWTnmSF_OxPdpXEtM5echb5M8603enDX1lWng_zADRaEeYGH6XJazJVdxVXyT4-SnxGYCFj7TxGvQDmMvEeLYz4k5vDh8zNix-JtbnpxvNzZb16S7Fb3hP2szZABe23AwYXxliNJao_HshgdZmivz5i7uXmTqQYuCfRTJ2k/s2048/IMG_6444.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZheZKsv5nwHE4uFw4uTypUWTnmSF_OxPdpXEtM5echb5M8603enDX1lWng_zADRaEeYGH6XJazJVdxVXyT4-SnxGYCFj7TxGvQDmMvEeLYz4k5vDh8zNix-JtbnpxvNzZb16S7Fb3hP2szZABe23AwYXxliNJao_HshgdZmivz5i7uXmTqQYuCfRTJ2k/s320/IMG_6444.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jim scything</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxQBFrmDMRqLMQ8GbNSqsn2qjzIctxVsAp7hvE5S0tGnaKO4WhkWa8UJAPqWZW4veB5UNGvO447wMy7X3bzYEgte_m4clVnlOKBslrCBpSLzEXo5EUiWcM-DAbg7ghX9OH9W031HE6snikAxWyasZnd_9SioYHrDQyqQwTiuMapeJtulOVNBozvcmpE4/s2048/IMG_6445.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxQBFrmDMRqLMQ8GbNSqsn2qjzIctxVsAp7hvE5S0tGnaKO4WhkWa8UJAPqWZW4veB5UNGvO447wMy7X3bzYEgte_m4clVnlOKBslrCBpSLzEXo5EUiWcM-DAbg7ghX9OH9W031HE6snikAxWyasZnd_9SioYHrDQyqQwTiuMapeJtulOVNBozvcmpE4/s320/IMG_6445.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Barbara and Roger scything away</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Vgr8tcA_ba32ph1qX-E9CmEo0LNfi0dhGyqLXgE41IEYtqUq4w2x3DekqPkYOeryWWYq9i2Nr9js2wibehbRPPH8wlfRfgPT5jhh4tUnb-Uy7HP_h7OovDxs_ly1tadd5b6I6qFopBu9uVph95DiokeU_UNaneW1ELVD9hacQJl0jeqE5WEuE4Q87wo/s2048/IMG_6451.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Vgr8tcA_ba32ph1qX-E9CmEo0LNfi0dhGyqLXgE41IEYtqUq4w2x3DekqPkYOeryWWYq9i2Nr9js2wibehbRPPH8wlfRfgPT5jhh4tUnb-Uy7HP_h7OovDxs_ly1tadd5b6I6qFopBu9uVph95DiokeU_UNaneW1ELVD9hacQJl0jeqE5WEuE4Q87wo/s320/IMG_6451.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gorse in flower</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko1aLAO5Iq2qrKX8ToWkhSv5gHA-EryrbTs3elp07qZB06lF-HX4h3tof8C8vuJ1VsimHYQYzbUoNYjSWC9yNsP6f6aehiWgyfN_6ds1myF_UNwq5JDcXXiqYyHNJfhQfGYFgw_t4RhFESoFUqXe-IZI1sTcD8ePQYDGtCu5uWWcLMQekSkqVpqp_ucI/s2048/IMG_6452.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjko1aLAO5Iq2qrKX8ToWkhSv5gHA-EryrbTs3elp07qZB06lF-HX4h3tof8C8vuJ1VsimHYQYzbUoNYjSWC9yNsP6f6aehiWgyfN_6ds1myF_UNwq5JDcXXiqYyHNJfhQfGYFgw_t4RhFESoFUqXe-IZI1sTcD8ePQYDGtCu5uWWcLMQekSkqVpqp_ucI/s320/IMG_6452.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Break time</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiO7OqYCf4SkB6a_mD6oHg-N1KGLBaY7upp9KPnU3olNZ7Zwmp0u6giNyjk4pixjoeapvy9WBICrf8B-kD6dmKRArRg3OnQTj57uJIcA8DtdTtuTvPBnWyk1eKKfoSQWhQARHY7UvbvyeI5QSjNx-n4Y2ytV_XnylgwlQTv-a0nHtLPZD-WzVw75Vjjc/s2048/IMG_6455.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiO7OqYCf4SkB6a_mD6oHg-N1KGLBaY7upp9KPnU3olNZ7Zwmp0u6giNyjk4pixjoeapvy9WBICrf8B-kD6dmKRArRg3OnQTj57uJIcA8DtdTtuTvPBnWyk1eKKfoSQWhQARHY7UvbvyeI5QSjNx-n4Y2ytV_XnylgwlQTv-a0nHtLPZD-WzVw75Vjjc/s320/IMG_6455.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What a drag! Carolyn and Kevin with another bundle making for the heap</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48UlPuqArQM8U_Y4GTvsFNfnTXOR5cY5VX5MSlSQwKr5d_36k8cn8cmI2qDmMn9SZDDO0l6dY2WWSbLTT_CE0yYeY7W5VTM7l_9rf9zPvzK7hDakbAFuHat-T6G-rX_L6h3i1ycOYADyq63f0HKgecSmmN7y-LpJMg2aOee_ZODy0Rh9mj8UwizuFW-A/s1772/IMG_6476.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48UlPuqArQM8U_Y4GTvsFNfnTXOR5cY5VX5MSlSQwKr5d_36k8cn8cmI2qDmMn9SZDDO0l6dY2WWSbLTT_CE0yYeY7W5VTM7l_9rf9zPvzK7hDakbAFuHat-T6G-rX_L6h3i1ycOYADyq63f0HKgecSmmN7y-LpJMg2aOee_ZODy0Rh9mj8UwizuFW-A/s320/IMG_6476.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ursula and Lesley drag another bundle of cut material to the heap</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt93z64cUdNfmP0cAOXmITt1My3wLeoE26O0meVXbSh3j7gOTZDtODSq2jMMuaDUfEV7R641Fw7zrwm8I8DcjvKan6cmyiUwU2q9vf_lrzepKfJo2adsIEh1dT7dko864tdbXUksA8nb8DsXNIzEQRnGhBBQeHvlwtBfgi9SSRx94vIrcSFENP0j53hnY/s2048/IMG_6456.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt93z64cUdNfmP0cAOXmITt1My3wLeoE26O0meVXbSh3j7gOTZDtODSq2jMMuaDUfEV7R641Fw7zrwm8I8DcjvKan6cmyiUwU2q9vf_lrzepKfJo2adsIEh1dT7dko864tdbXUksA8nb8DsXNIzEQRnGhBBQeHvlwtBfgi9SSRx94vIrcSFENP0j53hnY/s320/IMG_6456.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The clothes horse</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl1seq2czfIxygqWpo86HYLU2LCIWEw9kHhiENx5xJ3eq1A4Lj7icdNcLKmiIUwv35SYC0cOSTOHq9Aa8eLrHssIjSL8CCMuldpTy7MIRu91tXCmoSpdgvniWm2wXRG2uOxRJQIyI118ID58BaVXygk7ZQd8TMs0h1gmIH0RFLHCFCngWI2stDNHa4nE/s2048/IMG_6457.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl1seq2czfIxygqWpo86HYLU2LCIWEw9kHhiENx5xJ3eq1A4Lj7icdNcLKmiIUwv35SYC0cOSTOHq9Aa8eLrHssIjSL8CCMuldpTy7MIRu91tXCmoSpdgvniWm2wXRG2uOxRJQIyI118ID58BaVXygk7ZQd8TMs0h1gmIH0RFLHCFCngWI2stDNHa4nE/s320/IMG_6457.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A hive of activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMogbCY_Jz_ekll8BSlLlWJr_nXnuHN4-NE5OhDtPzrwacmAz_9TTSJbLU1fXvo8fBK0VmRNgwSJiAPErZqsrK6ZGMZLCRVGQ_fRpE1RQN7N7Rqg2-K9VxtMXZwBp0Ch4J5GyZtfGRLEY1K4-9_F5VFnYqX5y8lFsBGnOCV_75hm5ho-tZ2De0shnPv0/s2048/IMG_6460.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMogbCY_Jz_ekll8BSlLlWJr_nXnuHN4-NE5OhDtPzrwacmAz_9TTSJbLU1fXvo8fBK0VmRNgwSJiAPErZqsrK6ZGMZLCRVGQ_fRpE1RQN7N7Rqg2-K9VxtMXZwBp0Ch4J5GyZtfGRLEY1K4-9_F5VFnYqX5y8lFsBGnOCV_75hm5ho-tZ2De0shnPv0/s320/IMG_6460.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lesley, Carolyn, Kevin and Rod filling in the pond</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNIBYBHOhhAh9W-Hlu6LjckhcP2PaHehzeNbv6TCIW9yJjqPYJmN1O9448J3u6NyvbQsdDu8y9E67-VwK2hV2dzinYw4ccPKAtFAMz57a__yt_OsbNthGm-OkCWH-6p_XtOXSuZHohUdFHY4JUn_Qfz5xioP4tvA_eVldBD1CBwA7Vg8gbUVyp6is_Ac/s2048/IMG_6464.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNIBYBHOhhAh9W-Hlu6LjckhcP2PaHehzeNbv6TCIW9yJjqPYJmN1O9448J3u6NyvbQsdDu8y9E67-VwK2hV2dzinYw4ccPKAtFAMz57a__yt_OsbNthGm-OkCWH-6p_XtOXSuZHohUdFHY4JUn_Qfz5xioP4tvA_eVldBD1CBwA7Vg8gbUVyp6is_Ac/s320/IMG_6464.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The "stream" buried under a heap of reed</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn6I9LinwIGE16os559MJ90_l_AOMOe7zrbk4WhhZkYPvAEMCRyXM9JxlXI20XDrDJ8HoRwu9Sm2kVYT4nKx3HmtdmIxLOCnk5-tUYSg9PMzdtBae6WZlZyQpKzXX7aWUb1NlZfhbZ2UpYZVogIMYh28gyXQdZPfAv-q0EOg4GtSWkS7z4YaQqAl8uVI/s2048/IMG_6468.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn6I9LinwIGE16os559MJ90_l_AOMOe7zrbk4WhhZkYPvAEMCRyXM9JxlXI20XDrDJ8HoRwu9Sm2kVYT4nKx3HmtdmIxLOCnk5-tUYSg9PMzdtBae6WZlZyQpKzXX7aWUb1NlZfhbZ2UpYZVogIMYh28gyXQdZPfAv-q0EOg4GtSWkS7z4YaQqAl8uVI/s320/IMG_6468.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking across to the heap - the fen looking glorious</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjJNuyIINjVeIW1CX7SAslcMJO_U_AZfdvmCewAkmSykwg63vN16BZP_MFBiEMDfvStKKI7-ADrFRNyIgkjP3HFvd4ywEIQ5jBS_BM233DO2DFSoBZsVxzV8witY1LNgcz2gpi8ij1AQ1pdrAzFmRlwkf9goJ9gPvZKkJdnCDPrEZF1cqZrLfeib-I0g/s2048/IMG_6470.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjJNuyIINjVeIW1CX7SAslcMJO_U_AZfdvmCewAkmSykwg63vN16BZP_MFBiEMDfvStKKI7-ADrFRNyIgkjP3HFvd4ywEIQ5jBS_BM233DO2DFSoBZsVxzV8witY1LNgcz2gpi8ij1AQ1pdrAzFmRlwkf9goJ9gPvZKkJdnCDPrEZF1cqZrLfeib-I0g/s320/IMG_6470.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking back before we left the site</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-57827613662804705662024-02-20T21:32:00.001+00:002024-02-22T18:51:00.238+00:00Ock Path Town End - 17th February 2024<p> Blog and photos by Kevin</p><p>There
were 10 volunteers who attended the Ock Path session with one new recruit. Adrian
was leading and once we had decamped the equipment in our usual spot by the stream, he explained the jobs to be done, which were wood chip
laying on the muddy sections of the track that leads off the main path (a
regular job), piling up branches into habitat piles, clearing the ivy off the
large footbridge and litter picking.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The
wood chip laying required 3 volunteers, one shovelling the chips into the
barrow, one wheeling the barrow to the muddy patches and one to rake and spread
the chips over the patches. It was quite an arduous task as we started to fill
the muddy patches near the pile of wood chip but as we extended to patches
further away the effort became harder, but swapping over the wheeling and the
raking gave us enough rest to continue throughout the morning. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Three of
the volunteers collected the fallen and broken branches and piled them up, one
volunteer picked litter, which at this time of the year with the under
growth having died off, made it easier to spot the beer cans, fast food
containers and a motorbike's rear number plate and mud guard.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The
task for the remaining volunteers was to clear the ivy off one of
the foot bridges. The ivy had grown significantly, and once they had
stripped it away, they found that in parts, the wooden barrier had rotted and could be
unsafe in the near future. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nature
seemed dormant at this time of year but most of the trees that we had planted
over the years were growing and filling the spaces with a mixture of species to
enhance wildlife and for the benefit of people who pass by. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-LjLZS5zs8kL4DjwAqtn5NBvA7S0G9d2ONWNpS7xnYjmUfi8mAxuxyQDSy87jf91BDf3GU47jCM16yL3eIYY4gT1coTgGARr4vB2ENNd9RPyXkg8Y04xQWZ3RheJZSFhnbkZV-MFMcX-Appvlai4K2m8fTAyUT_S0Bi6E2fL1CuoY5tdyooUzaS3OD4/s3000/20240217_114153.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-LjLZS5zs8kL4DjwAqtn5NBvA7S0G9d2ONWNpS7xnYjmUfi8mAxuxyQDSy87jf91BDf3GU47jCM16yL3eIYY4gT1coTgGARr4vB2ENNd9RPyXkg8Y04xQWZ3RheJZSFhnbkZV-MFMcX-Appvlai4K2m8fTAyUT_S0Bi6E2fL1CuoY5tdyooUzaS3OD4/s320/20240217_114153.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kofB5VCNo4zMgWJAjm13YP6eJfaUxiubaEIAucnTn6CzVJ2KRQvlzYewbbgBra22mm6Y4yEgqm8BrYz8nbIiU0vRCWWF05DFtHSYveekOb418ATl3LMgq7iTdOrgWe1IZ4gg8to5wupEYv0blm38LA23CTmPXsg9ukPv5LYfx20GoOYF4WjKNuAYoyo/s3000/20240217_114134%5B18477%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kofB5VCNo4zMgWJAjm13YP6eJfaUxiubaEIAucnTn6CzVJ2KRQvlzYewbbgBra22mm6Y4yEgqm8BrYz8nbIiU0vRCWWF05DFtHSYveekOb418ATl3LMgq7iTdOrgWe1IZ4gg8to5wupEYv0blm38LA23CTmPXsg9ukPv5LYfx20GoOYF4WjKNuAYoyo/s320/20240217_114134%5B18477%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting ivy on the bridge<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrjpfqV7HWDkNkvEHOepOEHdN2dMrA17ROH3RWMUlCkZ9u3PcV23RLzlYZoKMLYZQUp_4gmwiV8wWoTOKX_7yQAF_IKdrn7K07obyxNZ5B75c0w1QBY9pSqH5tUVVreOG4mn7g91Z7o7CfmTNC_ml7PrFtlMKOUmOHSNrypDLJfFoU5YSGaxUOWG5u9E/s3000/20240217_114138%5B18471%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrjpfqV7HWDkNkvEHOepOEHdN2dMrA17ROH3RWMUlCkZ9u3PcV23RLzlYZoKMLYZQUp_4gmwiV8wWoTOKX_7yQAF_IKdrn7K07obyxNZ5B75c0w1QBY9pSqH5tUVVreOG4mn7g91Z7o7CfmTNC_ml7PrFtlMKOUmOHSNrypDLJfFoU5YSGaxUOWG5u9E/s320/20240217_114138%5B18471%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing the bridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmxVikliUdkh4F4J28lQOmqTA8kXjTCyfry7X5m9dHnB8cHwev3TikuZeDmRlrYCt6knnKkTsO71yTLEFNoye8REF8ZcougoESRdHghQbsPLjmG4PQ1SUvOCWDyvxqb5UmESAGZmobZsIfX8HmLkM-rF3Biwlb6aW43rRWl7gmL6aHLLND291UbKqYlo/s3000/20240217_095926%5B18476%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmxVikliUdkh4F4J28lQOmqTA8kXjTCyfry7X5m9dHnB8cHwev3TikuZeDmRlrYCt6knnKkTsO71yTLEFNoye8REF8ZcougoESRdHghQbsPLjmG4PQ1SUvOCWDyvxqb5UmESAGZmobZsIfX8HmLkM-rF3Biwlb6aW43rRWl7gmL6aHLLND291UbKqYlo/s320/20240217_095926%5B18476%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham shovelling woodchip<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hnidWxysyqB6BWZaVt_WlF13ibimjaAZ_RZT_bQE1ZT6Zndq_XW_A7efeKDdzwg-ZRrS0Fh4zoKVEiDaYZCssGI3IhAVGOoCwbWNhAor2JeYN1qMBJW5Dqut3EV8h69VLc5PIEZiaBGeJ_9iWolvzeggL_fkizhuAX1Rg_BjcPxEN9nBCEdV8o8SN7o/s3000/20240217_101125%5B18472%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hnidWxysyqB6BWZaVt_WlF13ibimjaAZ_RZT_bQE1ZT6Zndq_XW_A7efeKDdzwg-ZRrS0Fh4zoKVEiDaYZCssGI3IhAVGOoCwbWNhAor2JeYN1qMBJW5Dqut3EV8h69VLc5PIEZiaBGeJ_9iWolvzeggL_fkizhuAX1Rg_BjcPxEN9nBCEdV8o8SN7o/s320/20240217_101125%5B18472%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headless person raking woodchip and spooky shadow<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2H2HvfkFgvhwrNEBPJGx29OahaZW-CkRZRceX1WqZImVStZydmll2OHfNoFAMNzu3CueX51sDuwAafmGbxlT6GogXe4UTQcLuIfnhGhyphenhyphenF32PFXTfqynN_KxX01SNXtfwpv4ghwE_r7YbI-Kk85HKo3JbPCUad0mWVFjOjKTbZZrSNgghhLrCVctZqAo/s3000/20240217_111149%5B18473%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2H2HvfkFgvhwrNEBPJGx29OahaZW-CkRZRceX1WqZImVStZydmll2OHfNoFAMNzu3CueX51sDuwAafmGbxlT6GogXe4UTQcLuIfnhGhyphenhyphenF32PFXTfqynN_KxX01SNXtfwpv4ghwE_r7YbI-Kk85HKo3JbPCUad0mWVFjOjKTbZZrSNgghhLrCVctZqAo/s320/20240217_111149%5B18473%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlToRlR4LFBRDCIYP8eksLL6JvxJEVk8cJ2GbGWmpAsnv8iUlj5w3q-C4Y8whPi6PQZI2UiMWep3V338SiM6yTaHiUAdWwQpbvKVQStk-l0wHt_2w7E0IJyZx9H5_ifjpf9VSTx3ig8OzjW6K17CfWbD7p97BGV1doC3wthJRcz4Q-rqEl76We_atFTLI/s3000/20240217_114906%5B18478%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlToRlR4LFBRDCIYP8eksLL6JvxJEVk8cJ2GbGWmpAsnv8iUlj5w3q-C4Y8whPi6PQZI2UiMWep3V338SiM6yTaHiUAdWwQpbvKVQStk-l0wHt_2w7E0IJyZx9H5_ifjpf9VSTx3ig8OzjW6K17CfWbD7p97BGV1doC3wthJRcz4Q-rqEl76We_atFTLI/s320/20240217_114906%5B18478%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowdrops<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElLybfSeOgF86t9s_iP2Kth0BDyRJZ97En__J9DQeQlTHlGSBvJaVHfNCLCoYkHbM5yBNAo4-q-_cDESZb3j8-pQ-gi5fmlBg3j2tun8jYVBoA5jGO8N8LLhNz5GojnTuLHamol-59TB9u9CD1IBb-BDNOvIRUnnnCsn2172KNB1GYq4PtKV-VqrFAkM/s3000/20240217_110057%5B18479%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElLybfSeOgF86t9s_iP2Kth0BDyRJZ97En__J9DQeQlTHlGSBvJaVHfNCLCoYkHbM5yBNAo4-q-_cDESZb3j8-pQ-gi5fmlBg3j2tun8jYVBoA5jGO8N8LLhNz5GojnTuLHamol-59TB9u9CD1IBb-BDNOvIRUnnnCsn2172KNB1GYq4PtKV-VqrFAkM/s320/20240217_110057%5B18479%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan by the brash pile<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICIn2smC_Exaf-KEZMX3H2oPaPrOezJAbvpL9tdqdvbhghzH3AaizWeUleqcJk4HKzkvXP-S1CS7BKsC9HlvQcrxenWgHv3hSsxDVBQJ8jJJbISifqB5h-5HjqhPlSVCzANaDRvs5hHnAvl1J_WUWIp9jpqRFddDOlO2PTUUs_E4z26u_IlrjmGHNWnA/s3000/20240217_114710%5B18474%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICIn2smC_Exaf-KEZMX3H2oPaPrOezJAbvpL9tdqdvbhghzH3AaizWeUleqcJk4HKzkvXP-S1CS7BKsC9HlvQcrxenWgHv3hSsxDVBQJ8jJJbISifqB5h-5HjqhPlSVCzANaDRvs5hHnAvl1J_WUWIp9jpqRFddDOlO2PTUUs_E4z26u_IlrjmGHNWnA/s320/20240217_114710%5B18474%5D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodils</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-76058642418481897892024-02-11T21:14:00.001+00:002024-02-14T21:25:07.796+00:00Hinksey Heights - Saturday 10th February 2024<p>Blog by Eleanor, photos by Sally</p><p>This Saturday saw us once again at Hinksey Heights, to continue the work we had started a few weeks previously, that is to cut back brambles and clear a path to the upper lake on the side opposite the nature trail.</p><p>There had been a lot of rain in the previous few days, necessitating the closure of the golf course, and we could see the flooding in the fields on the other side of the A34. However, we were once again lucky with the weather, with only a slight drizzle as we made our way to the site and it wasn't long before we got some sunshine.</p><p>The first task was to move the heap of brambles we had made on our last visit to a more suitable site, then to continue cutting back, clearing a path round to the edge of the lake, and, hopefully, locate the sluice, which would mean that water could be diverted from the upper to the lower lake. </p><p>It was probably the last time we could cut back brambles before the nesting season began. Already there were signs of activity, with the tell tale sight of two robins. We also heard a strange bird call, which Jim identified as a snipe.</p><p>By the end of the session we had cut back enough bramble to make a clear path and it was time to rake and pile up the last of the cuttings. We made our way back up the slope for a very welcome free cup of coffee at the "19th Hole" cafe. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DVz3QwhzaiVRSfT_T5sRVaaYSkKtdTqrW5IM82LsHwmQrG2F9rE-LOCox-BFlHBgDftmeEpGObD0jSi031SQXwP2FLcIZq_bEklPZZfD_CarG1sebXxWY-KHJBFbezW46zhOgN_Vgm5t3XfiZv0i9WLdgZw8z93n_v0PCazqX7Kz4TMa15-Q1o_nEf4/s2048/IMG_6307.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DVz3QwhzaiVRSfT_T5sRVaaYSkKtdTqrW5IM82LsHwmQrG2F9rE-LOCox-BFlHBgDftmeEpGObD0jSi031SQXwP2FLcIZq_bEklPZZfD_CarG1sebXxWY-KHJBFbezW46zhOgN_Vgm5t3XfiZv0i9WLdgZw8z93n_v0PCazqX7Kz4TMa15-Q1o_nEf4/s320/IMG_6307.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing to move the heap<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsIRj5pLRWVDmSnFM_7pb0f6FxYpQMSS6oubTwUODYg2EcTZlap1tFdyKz0BYXc9hn9w-cWMOzTdtwnanRc2IzEVD7ahKL31E29IycrjhXtTav0_dEawy9YmQtG0L8wrHtmxlWJpCRgozsLExQbWkapFWyYNsXNEIRunQ8Cwe5m8qGMyAfBOt9B0zN64/s2048/IMG_6308.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsIRj5pLRWVDmSnFM_7pb0f6FxYpQMSS6oubTwUODYg2EcTZlap1tFdyKz0BYXc9hn9w-cWMOzTdtwnanRc2IzEVD7ahKL31E29IycrjhXtTav0_dEawy9YmQtG0L8wrHtmxlWJpCRgozsLExQbWkapFWyYNsXNEIRunQ8Cwe5m8qGMyAfBOt9B0zN64/s320/IMG_6308.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on the brambles<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCLP4dyCGgBdhroHwjZT-CLTs3_xidjRuIHRJw0a0rSTnw928xezBjNj-D3oYyXC7iwmkgSA4hadbu6I-1NiEerNIhHlbDRoijgUkcZXdjQrrrIOM2BrSLxP680wuaxpx51LUhZLGkQ0u6LuzbV-nHLzIr7Vpu81XhmLW_582OGWPxosJ5vRbiU8ahMA/s2048/IMG_6311.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCLP4dyCGgBdhroHwjZT-CLTs3_xidjRuIHRJw0a0rSTnw928xezBjNj-D3oYyXC7iwmkgSA4hadbu6I-1NiEerNIhHlbDRoijgUkcZXdjQrrrIOM2BrSLxP680wuaxpx51LUhZLGkQ0u6LuzbV-nHLzIr7Vpu81XhmLW_582OGWPxosJ5vRbiU8ahMA/s320/IMG_6311.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philip practising circus skills (flattening the heap)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGBhPqkmMT1yjK_OaWOq6jK0zGBfwdXUKfJ2a-l9CH02mrw_4yj1PpzWj7G1OHni7lEqo73UDl4XJMlQLTCfF8fZsP86nyzGn5lwCMVzPhgzl2D1vCnxJ6vXohqMvOoBXeAdkIA-epdBzj8hhb3mVG5Pe0MsNS_T4fHc-1Js-KJ3GtbX_aqBCs3ljPFA/s2048/IMG_6312.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGBhPqkmMT1yjK_OaWOq6jK0zGBfwdXUKfJ2a-l9CH02mrw_4yj1PpzWj7G1OHni7lEqo73UDl4XJMlQLTCfF8fZsP86nyzGn5lwCMVzPhgzl2D1vCnxJ6vXohqMvOoBXeAdkIA-epdBzj8hhb3mVG5Pe0MsNS_T4fHc-1Js-KJ3GtbX_aqBCs3ljPFA/s320/IMG_6312.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikArF51mAjcBejKG8T3f6RS6qC-_EU4nEvyovMPV4vK_K3gkcGqn7OpkEIadqyAtw1R3sYCuYI-6AwR9_BiLJgInlDefgskhnLJ6sls6WRN13u85aTllolIyoHYigTU6Z1e0S5Koeh8Gjye-q73PpsHkRL_76sfMRi2G3yXhBataWp4l4T2Er4mUiVqNU/s2048/IMG_6314.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikArF51mAjcBejKG8T3f6RS6qC-_EU4nEvyovMPV4vK_K3gkcGqn7OpkEIadqyAtw1R3sYCuYI-6AwR9_BiLJgInlDefgskhnLJ6sls6WRN13u85aTllolIyoHYigTU6Z1e0S5Koeh8Gjye-q73PpsHkRL_76sfMRi2G3yXhBataWp4l4T2Er4mUiVqNU/s320/IMG_6314.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing a path<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU0CZqSo3Br5f79f312mJxxI63KM0LI_N__EV96hK49qOhgnWrQpjSPqmhOXFH8iEXfaMDWwwIfdXYuUWc_83FnsH5pLNfOMWfAtXbWb7jRufasFFUCJ-XyFRYbqmZdrgcOZWdG4FGYSouQcylW4rz6iu-9OpB9a6jxqyxZ85BXJMTZSt2EanfnbCce8/s2048/IMG_6324.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU0CZqSo3Br5f79f312mJxxI63KM0LI_N__EV96hK49qOhgnWrQpjSPqmhOXFH8iEXfaMDWwwIfdXYuUWc_83FnsH5pLNfOMWfAtXbWb7jRufasFFUCJ-XyFRYbqmZdrgcOZWdG4FGYSouQcylW4rz6iu-9OpB9a6jxqyxZ85BXJMTZSt2EanfnbCce8/s320/IMG_6324.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaps of brambles<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ4azMDhdt6gRZfuSvA2taeUmoWZVqzZiw8H_o_-3yaLedWUHSigVNYdHHhr2gK1WSkpXjErVg4Kg8RVmpRpaPMdl39hrP-v2lGhyzVtMP8cGpYggOcp0a7wT9C062KKEEo5-Tz8taed5wwiUtCgWzjJ-rxK8iHEoMZvpughq54_BmAeOy_nup8q__5g/s2048/IMG_6325.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ4azMDhdt6gRZfuSvA2taeUmoWZVqzZiw8H_o_-3yaLedWUHSigVNYdHHhr2gK1WSkpXjErVg4Kg8RVmpRpaPMdl39hrP-v2lGhyzVtMP8cGpYggOcp0a7wT9C062KKEEo5-Tz8taed5wwiUtCgWzjJ-rxK8iHEoMZvpughq54_BmAeOy_nup8q__5g/s320/IMG_6325.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Job done</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-66569129924371956112024-02-04T20:33:00.002+00:002024-02-10T17:23:04.636+00:00Abraham Wood, Boars Hill - Saturday 3rd February 2024<p>Blog by Eleanor, Photos by Sally and Eleanor</p><p>Abraham Wood, on Boars Hill, next to the Old Berkeley Golf Course is an Oxford Preservation Trust site. It used to be part of a private garden, and the aim is to return it to natural woodland, which means taking out laurel. We were also asked to take out holly, which is sprouting everywhere. There is also some bamboo by the top end of the wood. We tackled this a few years ago, but we still need to look out for the occasional sprouts and remove them. The wood is at its best in late April to early May, when it is covered in English bluebells (hyacinthoides non scripta).</p><p>Numbers were quite low with only eight of us, but we were joined by two OPT volunteers, Pasindu and Peter. The weather was cloudy but mild as we made our way down to the wood. One of the tasks was to clear brambles from around the entrance gates. Sally set about tackling these with her scythe and I joined her to pick up the heaps and transfer them to a brash pile inside the gate. The others set to work cutting back laurel and cutting back and uprooting holly.</p><p>At break time we had a convenient tree trunk to sit on and we had an extra special treat as Dieuwke had brought some Ferrero Rocher chocolates to celebrate her return to Green Gym after a bicycle accident. We had to get back to work and a few of us swapped jobs, with Jan going to help Sally with bramble bashing, this time inside the entrance gate. There were only a few sprigs of bamboo which had crept through from the private garden at the top of the wood, so these were soon dealt with. </p><p>At 12.30 it was time to finish, so we gathered up the tools and made our way back to the road.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0dvf15I9Cp7dIOrksMrbN6-XSEc_2uiIUjWM9RoF5e-lANJPJtz0tvt2sJ82_3c1A7QphWEM-eW2kTibYQwUukGyO3yWn3wuNqeF32THISEay-7hH9cGwou8ITxf6uzVawrzO8i4i7mB4VsObQ-W0f-JV4rfrNSXPrM5wPPhF2G5kSjZ85Ws4XpNzOo/s2048/IMG_6291.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0dvf15I9Cp7dIOrksMrbN6-XSEc_2uiIUjWM9RoF5e-lANJPJtz0tvt2sJ82_3c1A7QphWEM-eW2kTibYQwUukGyO3yWn3wuNqeF32THISEay-7hH9cGwou8ITxf6uzVawrzO8i4i7mB4VsObQ-W0f-JV4rfrNSXPrM5wPPhF2G5kSjZ85Ws4XpNzOo/s320/IMG_6291.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brambles around the entrance to the wood<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT3sk_xt3yyViUQ6VHrpJy2isuDFfCecR3c2hoVJt_ZJ3kuuKW771zopoewE0CNnbJAyLIlFtt9pEZnbHeFdlJHUi_ys_NBc0JjtgY6cJDLzvqSlC3ZvVSsIYjoqZYOqmdxmxmbU8XJWMuHgfxRh2eLUXrUWweXTbFLlc-26_YoFhao79K00QWJR8m4c/s2016/PXL_20240203_102111438%5B18416%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT3sk_xt3yyViUQ6VHrpJy2isuDFfCecR3c2hoVJt_ZJ3kuuKW771zopoewE0CNnbJAyLIlFtt9pEZnbHeFdlJHUi_ys_NBc0JjtgY6cJDLzvqSlC3ZvVSsIYjoqZYOqmdxmxmbU8XJWMuHgfxRh2eLUXrUWweXTbFLlc-26_YoFhao79K00QWJR8m4c/s320/PXL_20240203_102111438%5B18416%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReGwD_76phTevRRVNYbmkuM8B2BSz63AHihbGppk7sXCWTwUxAMsKaJdvbqqeMT-aGvBnRnGDyA2Ql4A7LpGzDQjFAMfL0xIUZjRgZmvjzdf2rVfDvBUeyRqeJ-NfofZlZy8C1Vg3m_VTcdHos2kcvEfCPRmhLv2n4U7G8coDVdFDy2uPkLyH6o351cg/s2016/PXL_20240203_102402033%5B18419%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReGwD_76phTevRRVNYbmkuM8B2BSz63AHihbGppk7sXCWTwUxAMsKaJdvbqqeMT-aGvBnRnGDyA2Ql4A7LpGzDQjFAMfL0xIUZjRgZmvjzdf2rVfDvBUeyRqeJ-NfofZlZy8C1Vg3m_VTcdHos2kcvEfCPRmhLv2n4U7G8coDVdFDy2uPkLyH6o351cg/s320/PXL_20240203_102402033%5B18419%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting back laurel<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS7tPFKoBb6ZOzd4HIk-87M5gGvx3cb38Va9Ouxh_UGZXWo12tyup0IpUgeR41_GG5Lo6XkLnUY9SSk1-otQTvkDQNeug9dTdc-h5yGJ7VdUqCiPWBlOThLwe23auSLguFvsf4dPO7rL_LD-IxvsdenV6mUgvgiemBmsQLCdoqCVUyB7gaeeNt-9JPl0/s2048/IMG_6290.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS7tPFKoBb6ZOzd4HIk-87M5gGvx3cb38Va9Ouxh_UGZXWo12tyup0IpUgeR41_GG5Lo6XkLnUY9SSk1-otQTvkDQNeug9dTdc-h5yGJ7VdUqCiPWBlOThLwe23auSLguFvsf4dPO7rL_LD-IxvsdenV6mUgvgiemBmsQLCdoqCVUyB7gaeeNt-9JPl0/s320/IMG_6290.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesley attacking the holly<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUsZoH33EIoow_CEHWvndSg7-g91e9YLSFNXITmFuakHwnb0VpZFjY751b0-LvRp9WpDGfdoEIXdiX6UsyppmIrWbiHoaVrF7n553JGJmLvwsn3YwPHb1AS0nzz6sFE362I9S8HrGPs4Im_IpRJ3u6FX_gNPIXFY2VKzxHIOD9edPWFImkQoxxXFBEsA/s2048/IMG_6287.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUsZoH33EIoow_CEHWvndSg7-g91e9YLSFNXITmFuakHwnb0VpZFjY751b0-LvRp9WpDGfdoEIXdiX6UsyppmIrWbiHoaVrF7n553JGJmLvwsn3YwPHb1AS0nzz6sFE362I9S8HrGPs4Im_IpRJ3u6FX_gNPIXFY2VKzxHIOD9edPWFImkQoxxXFBEsA/s320/IMG_6287.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacking the holly<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXWc9G1GJtoc4065xNu0RW1o9n1nLBu_1JDk30Mzc6p_hS4m0JochohCQ3YOG5wmyuWixVHjL7M_Sb8Tj259yVoTJohBXeg5M3GZj8nvUDcGgoE4fjMaupHxxWBInqPAwMRzne_sDvR-a9BYLbflSY163tzlEZCRZqJkQCu0rRzX4dvvdFk532XH1x40/s2016/PXL_20240203_101926757%5B18415%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXWc9G1GJtoc4065xNu0RW1o9n1nLBu_1JDk30Mzc6p_hS4m0JochohCQ3YOG5wmyuWixVHjL7M_Sb8Tj259yVoTJohBXeg5M3GZj8nvUDcGgoE4fjMaupHxxWBInqPAwMRzne_sDvR-a9BYLbflSY163tzlEZCRZqJkQCu0rRzX4dvvdFk532XH1x40/s320/PXL_20240203_101926757%5B18415%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter and Pasindu shifting the holly<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRf5f6wQtnvpaGY_VxbZEUZZIc0ZAWS5FHzwPucDA3-wIgSz5Vmom4ZhEHUfB6F5wjJASbgvdbI8qs-fJCiFtwM_15q0cp-50PR_ekWA-usMaXe6i2q_AniKAGILEo7jx9h7C5W4YxPuYKa-iyevAOQHKjsBTM2oyTBadsBm5TsBHPrAgk4g8qhgI45o/s2048/IMG_6293.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRf5f6wQtnvpaGY_VxbZEUZZIc0ZAWS5FHzwPucDA3-wIgSz5Vmom4ZhEHUfB6F5wjJASbgvdbI8qs-fJCiFtwM_15q0cp-50PR_ekWA-usMaXe6i2q_AniKAGILEo7jx9h7C5W4YxPuYKa-iyevAOQHKjsBTM2oyTBadsBm5TsBHPrAgk4g8qhgI45o/s320/IMG_6293.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eleanor cutting back holly around the entrance<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWligXf6BieK6f5l9ZHPubv7TVj1oH0PATwuyMAZY61QWUz6FJ4dmtnHUDtOVxsKnaQmA9wJkiVBw6zYbKwS1E7NaK4CaHCgqUfTMikiZkNhLmaXmnD-73KFno6bhGfOcNNdlXoauZvze2-xxZjkD2TlXhQ_JAN2ASC9Uv9PoD4Xu3rHfHcJtLnm3H3Mg/s2048/IMG_6299.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWligXf6BieK6f5l9ZHPubv7TVj1oH0PATwuyMAZY61QWUz6FJ4dmtnHUDtOVxsKnaQmA9wJkiVBw6zYbKwS1E7NaK4CaHCgqUfTMikiZkNhLmaXmnD-73KFno6bhGfOcNNdlXoauZvze2-xxZjkD2TlXhQ_JAN2ASC9Uv9PoD4Xu3rHfHcJtLnm3H3Mg/s320/IMG_6299.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break on a convenient tree trunk<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG-Me6Gmy46kpw2zQo81hZQSy1mWJM5O2-YvzhK5yiPgOjgjzsnsmYR7WxZdh1dGScWlaWv0Yek3DBYNRSqZwkmTkK5kgFObsJwak1VO_LiyOM8v8hDPdMAvNY_IRVrVH_9Y2cb_awzHLEvfEmWtRbaG9f2Lw6OkOnrbSa9p3nvGLFseRIYgwZle0nnM/s2016/PXL_20240203_120103826%5B18420%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG-Me6Gmy46kpw2zQo81hZQSy1mWJM5O2-YvzhK5yiPgOjgjzsnsmYR7WxZdh1dGScWlaWv0Yek3DBYNRSqZwkmTkK5kgFObsJwak1VO_LiyOM8v8hDPdMAvNY_IRVrVH_9Y2cb_awzHLEvfEmWtRbaG9f2Lw6OkOnrbSa9p3nvGLFseRIYgwZle0nnM/s320/PXL_20240203_120103826%5B18420%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan and Sally clearing brambles<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrV9_k76JHfbU3sZ6BXE5OEnjHbjDfZkeJE-_5nirQ9UxxDf7KYFwmw7S-wMt_Hjrx6wc-aNxG49Ozgi6bjL9lM5_Q63GuSvMkME2T_JjuHR-JMVoS16rrGx8jPRtwG9izHpSqUbyDDZFqdOb3wnBqVhfCe7XDGXZBM05nSfGZn27mpY-V1qPyIL84MA/s2048/IMG_6302.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrV9_k76JHfbU3sZ6BXE5OEnjHbjDfZkeJE-_5nirQ9UxxDf7KYFwmw7S-wMt_Hjrx6wc-aNxG49Ozgi6bjL9lM5_Q63GuSvMkME2T_JjuHR-JMVoS16rrGx8jPRtwG9izHpSqUbyDDZFqdOb3wnBqVhfCe7XDGXZBM05nSfGZn27mpY-V1qPyIL84MA/s320/IMG_6302.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cleared entrance</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-83993091631417161742024-01-28T19:21:00.000+00:002024-01-28T19:21:14.078+00:00Boundary House Fen, Frilford Heath Golf Course SSSI - Saturday, 27 January 2024<p>Blog by Helen and Henry, photos by Helen, Henry, Margaret and Sally</p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;">It was a chilly but dry morning when a group of 14 Green Gymmers arrived at the greenkeepers’ compound at Frilford Heath Golf Course, led by Sally. We headed off, with tools in hand, to work on Boundary House Fen at the edge of the golf course where our main tasks were to be scything, raking and cutting back brambles.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"> <br />We met Rod D’Ayala at the Fen who gave us details of the work to be done. The five scythers in the group headed off to the far side of the stream where there was plenty of reed, rushes and sedges to be cut and cleared to heaps and bunds which form part of the fen management system. A breach was apparent at the perimeter where deer had likely come through, causing a fast stream of water to enter the fen from the main spring. Several people were tasked with moving old cut material to compact onto the breached zone. After a number of loads were delivered to the affected area, the flow was successfully stemmed!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br />There were also a couple of zones where brambles had started to encroach into the fen area. A few Green Gymmers, armed with loppers and saws, set to work on cutting these back and forming a hedge. Some of the brambles were quite old and thick in places!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br />For break time, Sally had kindly brought some cakes in honour of Lesley and Barbara’s birthdays. We had all definitely worked up an appetite!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br />After break, we carried on with our tasks and by the end of the morning we had achieved a lot. The work of Green Gym is rarely ever ‘done’ and Boundary House Fen will still have plenty of work for the next session. But for today, we could set off back to our cars in the knowledge that we had played a part in maintaining and improving this very rare habitat.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Helen and Henry</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKTYxvaNV1kclWsog10A2upjht2k0Vo2QA8ghNGZbl4sw2fq-jEfKp_pq3S7mAWgCFQnTN0JixxYOd7dNdlDur7dZHmpeGOlI4GnBf6KYw6zrRXHHgeUuHN8EaPhBiWRVxZpycMQuRA3eutJdmIsfbLUxmQAMkhHLl0LV1uZ0L6I9sMm1gJeDfEnBt6M/s3840/PXL_20240127_095344932.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKTYxvaNV1kclWsog10A2upjht2k0Vo2QA8ghNGZbl4sw2fq-jEfKp_pq3S7mAWgCFQnTN0JixxYOd7dNdlDur7dZHmpeGOlI4GnBf6KYw6zrRXHHgeUuHN8EaPhBiWRVxZpycMQuRA3eutJdmIsfbLUxmQAMkhHLl0LV1uZ0L6I9sMm1gJeDfEnBt6M/s320/PXL_20240127_095344932.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: arial;">Making our way across the golf course to the fen</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqaxIlb5N2m91JeNyV7DmRj3HTbFk1mupmL1jEcR6zpnRhrad7aFlJLxqQLCIstY8oHFrCvKiEjnYINsbNVjEkqrmOFkYSXAacPNOOM6qpt_GHaFpt9QEm0NkXZB1_d0OuxsSbnJBN9kWm4qKRe_aN4u0FrAFoVrs-mccCpvO7_tMyjM6jI-7Bp1_bEg/s3840/PXL_20240127_095353296.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqaxIlb5N2m91JeNyV7DmRj3HTbFk1mupmL1jEcR6zpnRhrad7aFlJLxqQLCIstY8oHFrCvKiEjnYINsbNVjEkqrmOFkYSXAacPNOOM6qpt_GHaFpt9QEm0NkXZB1_d0OuxsSbnJBN9kWm4qKRe_aN4u0FrAFoVrs-mccCpvO7_tMyjM6jI-7Bp1_bEg/s320/PXL_20240127_095353296.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">How we'd left the fen at our last session with lots of little heaps of cut material to be moved</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdz-XvfjPADH6wGQz_Fx-OpGhmTYB-4y59uob2mfkrEvHbIxFUtC-rEoyfjlJmjPQm_og54q3LllgCqhTlrGXq3a7X9KYpKzCfVNH_peHdH37eR3Cn8S92Yx7nSzMGPbyoLHkQEPUd5QW3SiTtNxTdxAp8ShtcPkwJSTTqxxcqTBBsYh1_SzoFnaYtDU/s2048/IMG_0297.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdz-XvfjPADH6wGQz_Fx-OpGhmTYB-4y59uob2mfkrEvHbIxFUtC-rEoyfjlJmjPQm_og54q3LllgCqhTlrGXq3a7X9KYpKzCfVNH_peHdH37eR3Cn8S92Yx7nSzMGPbyoLHkQEPUd5QW3SiTtNxTdxAp8ShtcPkwJSTTqxxcqTBBsYh1_SzoFnaYtDU/s320/IMG_0297.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Henry and Susan proffer a load of cut material from our last visit for Rod to use to block the leak at the spring head</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSsh47N57S0jICw4r7vFOm87qEkZKKbU9ErmlSf6-hPuiV3sD9I7qrL3fgaD2MXfzVpLD1M_N755mypyjHVAEsc9r_MCJxmRMWFE8E_XLPTPhkluCqo_2xhyOYtwRV04CZh6RMzYp62p9fYPj2RA2xi5WGrZ9N227MO5B6MX62Bp0Sf1tNug41fNgp1U/s2048/IMG_6249.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSsh47N57S0jICw4r7vFOm87qEkZKKbU9ErmlSf6-hPuiV3sD9I7qrL3fgaD2MXfzVpLD1M_N755mypyjHVAEsc9r_MCJxmRMWFE8E_XLPTPhkluCqo_2xhyOYtwRV04CZh6RMzYp62p9fYPj2RA2xi5WGrZ9N227MO5B6MX62Bp0Sf1tNug41fNgp1U/s320/IMG_6249.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;">Lesley and Ursula chopping back the bramble which, if left unchecked, will encroach onto the fen</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bju_vzbToaSpIz-VjPu4J7_digeKwdiPZkYE2WDicuhcMuSQ7EyWApkJogHewh1SyjW-yX58aLB6SZlsG1SrWoei7OC8w4goRNmtoxIHThsA9upNQWK3kgpqpU-CkLtdg8sY4e0bhD4nbB91OYZiXf6BsdCg_HUN6RUmVolhH-GGcYs0npcgIUdrftk/s2048/IMG_0303.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bju_vzbToaSpIz-VjPu4J7_digeKwdiPZkYE2WDicuhcMuSQ7EyWApkJogHewh1SyjW-yX58aLB6SZlsG1SrWoei7OC8w4goRNmtoxIHThsA9upNQWK3kgpqpU-CkLtdg8sY4e0bhD4nbB91OYZiXf6BsdCg_HUN6RUmVolhH-GGcYs0npcgIUdrftk/s320/IMG_0303.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Henry and Graham having heaps of fun</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmrTD-eyV-KGiuSOFxnqyCYfO2pimFaHiFMg0NJRW5Po9OYiNL1xOwZEARTR-Tspu7vSUIHaEa3WlQFswoLZsYcW39B8uco5Au6YP8NCMn3mMaTS63zuGzOqVOLxiu70uuo9uvAOeoPvW5fws-2mV8r_kzaYOJHpNWsGphw085YReC_z2BJB4t20j0NE/s2048/IMG_0304.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmrTD-eyV-KGiuSOFxnqyCYfO2pimFaHiFMg0NJRW5Po9OYiNL1xOwZEARTR-Tspu7vSUIHaEa3WlQFswoLZsYcW39B8uco5Au6YP8NCMn3mMaTS63zuGzOqVOLxiu70uuo9uvAOeoPvW5fws-2mV8r_kzaYOJHpNWsGphw085YReC_z2BJB4t20j0NE/s320/IMG_0304.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">A hive of activity</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQkYIGvVcbWm3V3wlsyT09WO2UqSM5gOB25mWRtD-r45UVvESx82DHacapzrVCQwo-Mfoo9LD0z9zMwgMxe8M3RHQdjBwIfCgsf-hGqE7fEwSW39j7wlRDCCXUj91JCWYlVdm7SPapQlNJxAPJAjdjCoQdU910tveWWjOc5TcC4_0DL-5MVVNhv_fDlM/s2048/IMG_6245.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQkYIGvVcbWm3V3wlsyT09WO2UqSM5gOB25mWRtD-r45UVvESx82DHacapzrVCQwo-Mfoo9LD0z9zMwgMxe8M3RHQdjBwIfCgsf-hGqE7fEwSW39j7wlRDCCXUj91JCWYlVdm7SPapQlNJxAPJAjdjCoQdU910tveWWjOc5TcC4_0DL-5MVVNhv_fDlM/s320/IMG_6245.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Susan and Graham raking up the arisings from our last session for use by Rod to block the leak at the spring head</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_8kH0to6FFHQ_yyMbMUsVaFicmKCgL_3112VrMnS6ZXDp07JWwsYWPKRL3X-wT_-HAxCyYsPMR5B6p7ZOcwCrVPGgtf8MMeoTUIpaiYXIss_9HjAcK957a7vbrCWADw1RTPudddYL3gck3PKv6hGNwQiNuR7xVB9UqINtgP3XJnMKzyyLCG0Wr_W97M/s2048/IMG_6251.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_8kH0to6FFHQ_yyMbMUsVaFicmKCgL_3112VrMnS6ZXDp07JWwsYWPKRL3X-wT_-HAxCyYsPMR5B6p7ZOcwCrVPGgtf8MMeoTUIpaiYXIss_9HjAcK957a7vbrCWADw1RTPudddYL3gck3PKv6hGNwQiNuR7xVB9UqINtgP3XJnMKzyyLCG0Wr_W97M/s320/IMG_6251.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">James having a lopper, lopper fun!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglPHa7CvdbSarBYmhwbsEb3ZkuQZqKgRIrXdoJSOjf2w7CMyNwk_iBUgDJsrkltvK01Dg-Sx8h-4a1nR_W3B78js0dGKfZjaCiWxmLaf1ENzv442skIHOmhnpq3NF9_gN8OiyhuJMV-aJXxAi0Y1CkymxPaG2s4n_FAB7qmrbbiqJS_kZs1Dll9vtWeA/s2048/IMG_6252.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglPHa7CvdbSarBYmhwbsEb3ZkuQZqKgRIrXdoJSOjf2w7CMyNwk_iBUgDJsrkltvK01Dg-Sx8h-4a1nR_W3B78js0dGKfZjaCiWxmLaf1ENzv442skIHOmhnpq3NF9_gN8OiyhuJMV-aJXxAi0Y1CkymxPaG2s4n_FAB7qmrbbiqJS_kZs1Dll9vtWeA/s320/IMG_6252.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Rosie and Roger enjoying scything in the wintry sunshine</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidy2mBPUHXp22V5wdRazhYmZsYu2BkTYCVEQEeejFTuGDiGu5ubLybxhiLy1VQWFfuSS2kxoZUCkqnBLUMyDh9HpgicNXvvlXRminrbByJNCg7biZk4E96n0LiAzraDQdYnBQezZ1fPv_4Lm7HywnAtn83xz222SCTf8jSmuLb5XzzI8hOfW5N3ZD8bNo/s2048/IMG_6253.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidy2mBPUHXp22V5wdRazhYmZsYu2BkTYCVEQEeejFTuGDiGu5ubLybxhiLy1VQWFfuSS2kxoZUCkqnBLUMyDh9HpgicNXvvlXRminrbByJNCg7biZk4E96n0LiAzraDQdYnBQezZ1fPv_4Lm7HywnAtn83xz222SCTf8jSmuLb5XzzI8hOfW5N3ZD8bNo/s320/IMG_6253.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Jim scything</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-miszi3sw0BnQ5fYUZUWQkjb_V6y7eufdqwKXV9G5skaWXy5wSL6U2aBlkOUI_uw-iscrhwqW0BTtEtqwGRe73RpFP7EZ7GP-VeY03XZstZnVEVmHY72riA2M_l-w5g1rMXIOKe3bsC3H9lRl-wNThCnW9kjbw_kONluOyl0HP-HCHwKiNLF13BJwozE/s2048/IMG_6257.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-miszi3sw0BnQ5fYUZUWQkjb_V6y7eufdqwKXV9G5skaWXy5wSL6U2aBlkOUI_uw-iscrhwqW0BTtEtqwGRe73RpFP7EZ7GP-VeY03XZstZnVEVmHY72riA2M_l-w5g1rMXIOKe3bsC3H9lRl-wNThCnW9kjbw_kONluOyl0HP-HCHwKiNLF13BJwozE/s320/IMG_6257.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Using the cut arisings from the last session to block the stream, which is acting as a ditch, to slow the flow of the water and help re-wet the fen</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbwU-tWNjv48japthhvlJXRoYwvjOtgBlRpi8TbHUI-iY4gnn7BN2o8WBFF6iwJSUklO_vk8x9sae0tfAQgpjCw5V1QJ6Rj5V64eDeBBSDqIPJEnhOBxKd-2aDk-lXhYywqDJjySKZoHBLfO8KALy7vfCnsKb7mMqaNvYMLDcGHyZ71EC4ZiKKidAhWU/s2048/IMG_6260.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbwU-tWNjv48japthhvlJXRoYwvjOtgBlRpi8TbHUI-iY4gnn7BN2o8WBFF6iwJSUklO_vk8x9sae0tfAQgpjCw5V1QJ6Rj5V64eDeBBSDqIPJEnhOBxKd-2aDk-lXhYywqDJjySKZoHBLfO8KALy7vfCnsKb7mMqaNvYMLDcGHyZ71EC4ZiKKidAhWU/s320/IMG_6260.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Pixie-cup lichen on a rotting log (we think it is <i>Cladonia pyxidata</i>)</span></div></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ES0OM_3BQ9bNQE5H2cT-0MMnG5apsdFXgPksZYzDd2L5Eykn4FocPREjS4nCTSTFWszsp4rzuF6pUsydVxmVbR2H_VY4i02DUFjBL3g0SrAWhDH-a-R1gAuK_Xy3j_ym9sxUqfSnWMiNM6xtnLzUwqxP4b5KiEdF5gIWeZdlxR-kjrzc-CQivpfWl98/s2048/IMG_6266.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ES0OM_3BQ9bNQE5H2cT-0MMnG5apsdFXgPksZYzDd2L5Eykn4FocPREjS4nCTSTFWszsp4rzuF6pUsydVxmVbR2H_VY4i02DUFjBL3g0SrAWhDH-a-R1gAuK_Xy3j_ym9sxUqfSnWMiNM6xtnLzUwqxP4b5KiEdF5gIWeZdlxR-kjrzc-CQivpfWl98/s320/IMG_6266.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Everyone in full swing</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3CsUROqCuG20-mt4T_pUictsPZNtvm7goLVSMiI81B4cahU1IfrJkYn6goCyfP3hgO9RYKBbZEuCDC98_iLJdbDUjmTZpf4s84QLFrw25i2seVCrCrxKgEL264w8jhFQlZYZNxoIZwne-gHSjvHD6-X-ObWHNjrGui2mqirfnewwL9Y-J-ebgHWi6D8/s3840/PXL_20240127_113247075.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3CsUROqCuG20-mt4T_pUictsPZNtvm7goLVSMiI81B4cahU1IfrJkYn6goCyfP3hgO9RYKBbZEuCDC98_iLJdbDUjmTZpf4s84QLFrw25i2seVCrCrxKgEL264w8jhFQlZYZNxoIZwne-gHSjvHD6-X-ObWHNjrGui2mqirfnewwL9Y-J-ebgHWi6D8/s320/PXL_20240127_113247075.MP.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The birthday girls opening their cards at break time</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0rE2PmhRAxiERNezP_xE1slOwjM8GPWs3vTqvBwlP-0k33Uzm9fZfXh0hPJDBYPVr7jUV2KDOYI-fjUoK5ij6_2EEOdCuelKKdc2d0ilMN7lKB59vmPBEOyJYVK0OjdrFSpMJwgDb6TeE-F9f3x1ImNPADDkIB4Tg_DfzbQDkLkyaVSqir3fq7IDEaU/s4032/PXL_20240127_122621874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0rE2PmhRAxiERNezP_xE1slOwjM8GPWs3vTqvBwlP-0k33Uzm9fZfXh0hPJDBYPVr7jUV2KDOYI-fjUoK5ij6_2EEOdCuelKKdc2d0ilMN7lKB59vmPBEOyJYVK0OjdrFSpMJwgDb6TeE-F9f3x1ImNPADDkIB4Tg_DfzbQDkLkyaVSqir3fq7IDEaU/s320/PXL_20240127_122621874.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lots of progress made cutting back the brambles</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcbJbFFmMX923kZGfWQku6IRR91Hf53j7vLJjrxll_JfNOJyh3XGEdPSnUO_oD9ixNl0UTL2j8QWsPFcHTwF7U2VYk4H6sF20G7S86Z-S2SnvXjExqjpD__7EsDXBxAn3O6-pDb-wMiYpeFhbvN5LPLiRdS7_D8_GMDYIEibOJW3Xnvj3-CEYnuAUpV0/s2048/IMG_6267.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcbJbFFmMX923kZGfWQku6IRR91Hf53j7vLJjrxll_JfNOJyh3XGEdPSnUO_oD9ixNl0UTL2j8QWsPFcHTwF7U2VYk4H6sF20G7S86Z-S2SnvXjExqjpD__7EsDXBxAn3O6-pDb-wMiYpeFhbvN5LPLiRdS7_D8_GMDYIEibOJW3Xnvj3-CEYnuAUpV0/s320/IMG_6267.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Rake's progress</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZZkcFciUkWykkvItkXa7B0K0QyF9DMZWIDTz_TjQWQ7qKhlr6l35V0CiUq04oivzu7P9Tghq-wGEZ0N4npWGQ-AsxXWt4SkItusrpahdObJdFkP7OoUQF_dG_kp4eUtGxpf3Eik6N0zWpYW2tg2wbM1OOBXHsOc0n5oo45c1SJpo1Of4Q8w2h_zs3ao/s4032/PXL_20240127_122824653.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZZkcFciUkWykkvItkXa7B0K0QyF9DMZWIDTz_TjQWQ7qKhlr6l35V0CiUq04oivzu7P9Tghq-wGEZ0N4npWGQ-AsxXWt4SkItusrpahdObJdFkP7OoUQF_dG_kp4eUtGxpf3Eik6N0zWpYW2tg2wbM1OOBXHsOc0n5oo45c1SJpo1Of4Q8w2h_zs3ao/s320/PXL_20240127_122824653.MP.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Turkey tail fungus on an old tree stump and one of the bunds for retaining water on the fen</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI11nufUjOoaNnOaadh-VYuzYj7JIZ18gtMzvWYIghAZ7mxnxfyHzb17hAKA5ewAov58kvOwiVR3aZ9aHhi6MJKkSX6bIqPxBm8fh_lgPvqQuUycFEJgLssn-eon-CZB3Ckz7EwQ2qJKys6kV4VF93hhcKTbB0PiyezgznObTBiIt4MBl_NTae7URzyE4/s2402/PXL_20240127_122916046-.PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1627" data-original-width="2402" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI11nufUjOoaNnOaadh-VYuzYj7JIZ18gtMzvWYIghAZ7mxnxfyHzb17hAKA5ewAov58kvOwiVR3aZ9aHhi6MJKkSX6bIqPxBm8fh_lgPvqQuUycFEJgLssn-eon-CZB3Ckz7EwQ2qJKys6kV4VF93hhcKTbB0PiyezgznObTBiIt4MBl_NTae7URzyE4/s320/PXL_20240127_122916046-.PANO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Helen showing off our handiwork</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ffc7tjq1QMplNFKkfsLRIs5bNreHPXkXeX1mwUVT1spisTTHmnYe7Z11A6mfWtD0UxqJoXY6xbB-MNVBjhDBV3bTqTl8v8e7GYPXqSelEXoBTv0ZfBWXDiVgI1cxQpB02MFqxJ0Esi9NcyehcyorH7L1TdOLt0IlgpQnEm2QUX9MBq_RAg6R5oRCldQ/s3218/PXL_20240127_123147682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3218" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ffc7tjq1QMplNFKkfsLRIs5bNreHPXkXeX1mwUVT1spisTTHmnYe7Z11A6mfWtD0UxqJoXY6xbB-MNVBjhDBV3bTqTl8v8e7GYPXqSelEXoBTv0ZfBWXDiVgI1cxQpB02MFqxJ0Esi9NcyehcyorH7L1TdOLt0IlgpQnEm2QUX9MBq_RAg6R5oRCldQ/s320/PXL_20240127_123147682.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The fen in all its glory</span></div><br /><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></b></span></div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-87404105382313173892024-01-21T20:36:00.001+00:002024-01-23T22:32:34.982+00:00Hinksey Heights Nature Reserve - Saturday 20th January 2024<p>Blog by Eleanor, photos by Sally and Kevin</p><p>We met in the car park of Hinksey Heights golf course, which has a large nature reserve and a public footpath nature trail running through it. We were joined by new member Jane, who joined us for the first time on a Saturday. The temperature had risen slightly since the previous days' frosts, but this was replaced by a cold wind.</p><p>John Brimble, the landowner, welcomed us and led us across the golf course, to the area where we were going to be working. First, Kevin needed to cut a path through the hedge, then John cut through some barbed wire so we could descend a precipitous slope to the brambly and somewhat boggy area just above the two lakes. We had worked on the other side of the lakes near the public footpath before, but never on this side. John told us that the water for irrigating the golf course all came from these lakes.</p><p>Our task was to cut back bramble and elder to make a clear way through to the lakes. There was a lot to do, so we set to work at once with loppers, saws and scythes. John showed us an area where we could pile the cut material so, having cleared a path through, some of us began to rake it up and pitchfork it down there. It was hard work dragging and pitchforking it down the slope, but at least we were more sheltered from the wind. A robin kept us company, waiting for an opportunity to dive down and snatch some food.</p><p>By tea break time we could see a clear view through to the lakes and the nature trail on the other side. There was plenty more to do, however, and we had to make sure that all the cut material was cleared up. Then it was time to collect up our tools and make our way back up the slope and to the car park. Some people stayed for a welcome free hot drink at the cafe. We will be back again in a few weeks' time to continue the work. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXXcQcBPatuFOCWRuzCDT70es4yG4DpuNNWAQIDj6IlqVTS6mZT4yAXq-omVph4fZGGP1-GczomVJnpjRWD-yLWcOdj4gSq50Gnamq8JU3drJId3yjwzm6OOqbsnctSJ2SeoNRJIM9qtZsSdTYKZDZ2vi1mnS4yh3c8g0XuMKL1FTEMfVkzooAu6uB9g/s2048/IMG_6115.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXXcQcBPatuFOCWRuzCDT70es4yG4DpuNNWAQIDj6IlqVTS6mZT4yAXq-omVph4fZGGP1-GczomVJnpjRWD-yLWcOdj4gSq50Gnamq8JU3drJId3yjwzm6OOqbsnctSJ2SeoNRJIM9qtZsSdTYKZDZ2vi1mnS4yh3c8g0XuMKL1FTEMfVkzooAu6uB9g/s320/IMG_6115.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin cuts a way through.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTrJhxz13IBeT68W5jJe1Y-LlfJFKdb8brPiCwhmoGOkWXS0kPNsARsRocr2EdYYCx9t1NzeiBz6FRCScniTkMyePjtMnchVZGUQWMGFjd7dx79SKF6DnqjBTvYpS30TXMHR5mwoZSapRNrBvJ9uoRrO6QgbgvUlASqNzxEeKIkt6cRASbd_f3NvvmXE/s4000/20240120_105750%5B18313%5D.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTrJhxz13IBeT68W5jJe1Y-LlfJFKdb8brPiCwhmoGOkWXS0kPNsARsRocr2EdYYCx9t1NzeiBz6FRCScniTkMyePjtMnchVZGUQWMGFjd7dx79SKF6DnqjBTvYpS30TXMHR5mwoZSapRNrBvJ9uoRrO6QgbgvUlASqNzxEeKIkt6cRASbd_f3NvvmXE/s320/20240120_105750%5B18313%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFwIY9cZNYHD9FkZK51wBgUOYB5xou8QzhA2m9jRXqiWxjCUhbhMK80HpC5ftSL1pEkC3vAZfpHXCqdzJf9cSEfht6JhVFCjvBSGTCooYWhJ3i5JvIN-TPQbQVnMUMMlU-WdeTEkn30YdyxA2FZOhPjHvvEZzcpp78yty2jAD-yZekoDbb6pSzb3eyqc/s2048/IMG_6117.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFwIY9cZNYHD9FkZK51wBgUOYB5xou8QzhA2m9jRXqiWxjCUhbhMK80HpC5ftSL1pEkC3vAZfpHXCqdzJf9cSEfht6JhVFCjvBSGTCooYWhJ3i5JvIN-TPQbQVnMUMMlU-WdeTEkn30YdyxA2FZOhPjHvvEZzcpp78yty2jAD-yZekoDbb6pSzb3eyqc/s320/IMG_6117.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting work<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_ZglISXSP6IOS0b-yjW3MjWFuojWL281E1xvDvWvlXVS_vcKCxyaWcNFANhoJ31pfrOkpiWoy8lp9Yk_J_-vcG4z6f1TScI1YKo5PDIdSSdBqkVV821ZVxFS-YDrcILAD7d2u2eIbHCBpKg-mm9XFiGTpROJ3JHmdrXRVPCytbgplTYxF15qAS9POdM/s4000/20240120_102526%5B18314%5D.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_ZglISXSP6IOS0b-yjW3MjWFuojWL281E1xvDvWvlXVS_vcKCxyaWcNFANhoJ31pfrOkpiWoy8lp9Yk_J_-vcG4z6f1TScI1YKo5PDIdSSdBqkVV821ZVxFS-YDrcILAD7d2u2eIbHCBpKg-mm9XFiGTpROJ3JHmdrXRVPCytbgplTYxF15qAS9POdM/s320/20240120_102526%5B18314%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKMvLa3Gl00c6ib21mdaS-L-Ztc65aI82JZWIOVf4dAM3J9dAc6_gT6QZmzC9yaijTpxNS_w7Ga51rXTuQiPwnQXLNsCr9NAlcZjzoybnTo_DypVoceEIXviVH66hid3UDY0E0g3_glNXnRm9tzDdX42LJ2bUgq0LTgyL9QyH0UgNh8GyUOb_bRnIx2E/s2048/IMG_6119.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKMvLa3Gl00c6ib21mdaS-L-Ztc65aI82JZWIOVf4dAM3J9dAc6_gT6QZmzC9yaijTpxNS_w7Ga51rXTuQiPwnQXLNsCr9NAlcZjzoybnTo_DypVoceEIXviVH66hid3UDY0E0g3_glNXnRm9tzDdX42LJ2bUgq0LTgyL9QyH0UgNh8GyUOb_bRnIx2E/s320/IMG_6119.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bramble cutting<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCRcmxDhbr6r6iJGu-DnR8EcR6azqeUxaNQcDM1rxvUki9_btOWPwkl8bvhGc0bjsv6IftUGncJhFV5OkfIvs8KebOV9Mcp1ux0zf87OCSnUd7MnVjt9TZ0CPi4LZ-Mtyfg2ep_eH31XRDJv7EH-YtFMgMrAUYJGkUEMGsMmNT-hXbm8EYFd25xbQa-A/s2048/IMG_6126.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCRcmxDhbr6r6iJGu-DnR8EcR6azqeUxaNQcDM1rxvUki9_btOWPwkl8bvhGc0bjsv6IftUGncJhFV5OkfIvs8KebOV9Mcp1ux0zf87OCSnUd7MnVjt9TZ0CPi4LZ-Mtyfg2ep_eH31XRDJv7EH-YtFMgMrAUYJGkUEMGsMmNT-hXbm8EYFd25xbQa-A/s320/IMG_6126.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constructing the heap.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy07cODlncSSTxI0cHZ9WS4CuoxwlWNRfj6MUT8eYzwz0zhoQW91499PxM2H4KmCS7K3fySZlB5Kyoksd85tRGkCQrwg5Z3_6G0hrgw8XhPpmb3_Cl4azKtjNcdnEMOH5pSu3h9gaAmK55_DFy63vltquIwI66mrWVcKxWTguMC59nLpOvsHacm5QMyV8/s2048/IMG_6128.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy07cODlncSSTxI0cHZ9WS4CuoxwlWNRfj6MUT8eYzwz0zhoQW91499PxM2H4KmCS7K3fySZlB5Kyoksd85tRGkCQrwg5Z3_6G0hrgw8XhPpmb3_Cl4azKtjNcdnEMOH5pSu3h9gaAmK55_DFy63vltquIwI66mrWVcKxWTguMC59nLpOvsHacm5QMyV8/s320/IMG_6128.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham raking. Joan chatting.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJUD_1WUnpXiN7eME5A_PLla3i28_m7kM9MKB66x_0pdN0ZjAkAhHxmVvpGpn3Pc6ffqdeOT1MZX1bWxEIso7hix1XnNtUPFjFRAtrHxMkjC81B7A2mWK4zTQ_Y31w0WE1e_eoCugZgesf8mty9uFCHapEey7ZKgoEz0ZVJn3qZttPvfT0tkNrlFjOJw/s2048/IMG_6123.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJUD_1WUnpXiN7eME5A_PLla3i28_m7kM9MKB66x_0pdN0ZjAkAhHxmVvpGpn3Pc6ffqdeOT1MZX1bWxEIso7hix1XnNtUPFjFRAtrHxMkjC81B7A2mWK4zTQ_Y31w0WE1e_eoCugZgesf8mty9uFCHapEey7ZKgoEz0ZVJn3qZttPvfT0tkNrlFjOJw/s320/IMG_6123.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara in front of the lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBR_uLK_stVEA3u9LHnvdgl6p6dqs9_IQ6_VOJEcE6VrscUE5jBu8WDV-aEVmh9Xz_fp05bOXXMBp1UQonQbEY1sK6ZHFJrvfnxbFVyDhbPIGZRXUQBQe4lTFbEvC0snnjerY0VHzZCKoNkih9bgdo4mUEyVKn9EOEh3SdjMDYi0X_R51T0-_w_H1n-wM/s2048/IMG_6129.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBR_uLK_stVEA3u9LHnvdgl6p6dqs9_IQ6_VOJEcE6VrscUE5jBu8WDV-aEVmh9Xz_fp05bOXXMBp1UQonQbEY1sK6ZHFJrvfnxbFVyDhbPIGZRXUQBQe4lTFbEvC0snnjerY0VHzZCKoNkih9bgdo4mUEyVKn9EOEh3SdjMDYi0X_R51T0-_w_H1n-wM/s320/IMG_6129.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the session<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7iJoP4FShp7Gv3L5GJC89fPFLIBP3Hc9mk3nJSLq06qXB4-NGEV0tp5MkbSpMDk_ToNGj6WfQPOIzXRpo_D7gFxg3F735zzrhFTklzgYWgDQOkWM3UMVCkOqUmroxGbQmurHUK_20ssZx4vO_2heZNcvgnFqOu50qanZ4J0CDbA1dHOG6gfe-AlUVnE/s2048/IMG_6131.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7iJoP4FShp7Gv3L5GJC89fPFLIBP3Hc9mk3nJSLq06qXB4-NGEV0tp5MkbSpMDk_ToNGj6WfQPOIzXRpo_D7gFxg3F735zzrhFTklzgYWgDQOkWM3UMVCkOqUmroxGbQmurHUK_20ssZx4vO_2heZNcvgnFqOu50qanZ4J0CDbA1dHOG6gfe-AlUVnE/s320/IMG_6131.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clear way through to the lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-15782876044257486772024-01-14T19:58:00.001+00:002024-01-23T22:27:00.210+00:00Annual General meeting of Abingdon Green Gym - Saturday 13th January 2024<p>Blog by Eleanor</p><p>Fifteen Green Gymmers attended the Annual General Meeting of Abingdon Green Gym, which was held in the Perry Room, All Saints Methodist Church, Appleford Drive.</p><p>After tea, coffee and biscuits we got down to business with reports on sites and sessions, membership, finance and tools and equipment. We were pleased that two new people joined the committee. We also discussed the proposal to celebrate our twentieth anniversary later in the year.</p><p>A great incentive to attend the A.G.M. is the buffet lunch held afterwards at Carolyn and Kevin's house nearby. Everyone contributes food or drink and we enjoyed a spread of ham, chicken, quiche, pies, sausages, salads, crisps and cheese followed by trifle and meringues. We thank Carolyn and Kevin for their hospitality.</p><p>We were so busy eating, drinking and socialising that we forgot to take any photos. Next week we will be back to our more usual activities with a session at Hinksey Heights.</p>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-88783548677444353862024-01-08T21:49:00.001+00:002024-01-23T22:23:49.157+00:00Dry Sandford Pit - Saturday 6th January 2024<p>Blog and photos by Eleanor</p><p>Although the programme stated that we would be working at the Tesco end of the Ock Path, the weather had other ideas. After days of heavy rainfall, the area was completely flooded as was the Town end of the path.</p><p>Fortunately, our ever-resourceful programme coordinator, Adrian, suggested a swap with the Dry Sandford Pit session, due in mid February, and Beth Hall, the BBOWT officer for this site agreed, though she asked us not to work in front of the cliff faces, which were crumbling and dangerous.</p><p>Eleven of us assembled at the site, which fortunately lived up to its name. It was a beautiful sunny day, though chilly, and it was great to see the sun after the wet, cloudy week. The task was to clear scrub from the grassland area. Adrian cleared a path through to the area where we would pile the cut material and then he and Roger set to work with scythes on a massive bramble thicket while the rest of us cleared sprouting blackthorn, hawthorn and dog rose and James had great fun with the tree popper. We decided to leave a rose bush covered in hips. We trimmed it, but it would have been a shame to cut it down. We piled the cuttings on to the drag sheet and Graham proved to be a tireless pitchforker and, being tall, was very useful in helping us empty loads on to the top of the heap.</p><p>It was very pleasant to have our tea break in the sun, but soon it was back to work, with Adrian and Roger determined to clear the bramble patch before the end of the session. That, of course meant there was loads to rake up and pile on to the heap, but on the stroke of 12.30 the work was finished and we made our way back to the car park.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgvbx8OHtDi1hpAks7HYx2FNC2pjF3DxUzMlt7h-n4D1PGh7VyILO0cG3PJaDKEVH2UJFr_cAxg3qMh7HB3vQqWfQaiAljB3zg8uUy1Usbr_pk3KMYYjAFa6YB_m2_vxzMJbMFceEL7EJpoF6Xd7v8hlGsgfBkla__MhZuee5Z1LhBNDY2Gb-6N-RGmI/s2016/PXL_20240106_095947759.MP%5B18147%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgvbx8OHtDi1hpAks7HYx2FNC2pjF3DxUzMlt7h-n4D1PGh7VyILO0cG3PJaDKEVH2UJFr_cAxg3qMh7HB3vQqWfQaiAljB3zg8uUy1Usbr_pk3KMYYjAFa6YB_m2_vxzMJbMFceEL7EJpoF6Xd7v8hlGsgfBkla__MhZuee5Z1LhBNDY2Gb-6N-RGmI/s320/PXL_20240106_095947759.MP%5B18147%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adrian scything, Graham pitchforking<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHI3wd_nlduJdqG4D1WoB2_mEApI12ZFybTMSel6E5uIa-HfnGWBgEowFsI52FGQsJfrgQIsNwJ7nT19Wgp2fq9sR4YrRj0Ptt8d_-c_J7Kwd9QQu9quTCYlTGwusJ7hYouTHKsJduHt6i37gm76QQpNIKE31lQPIqOUcphXBcaCljjdAzfZvUXRyoPQ/s2016/PXL_20240106_100036063%5B18146%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHI3wd_nlduJdqG4D1WoB2_mEApI12ZFybTMSel6E5uIa-HfnGWBgEowFsI52FGQsJfrgQIsNwJ7nT19Wgp2fq9sR4YrRj0Ptt8d_-c_J7Kwd9QQu9quTCYlTGwusJ7hYouTHKsJduHt6i37gm76QQpNIKE31lQPIqOUcphXBcaCljjdAzfZvUXRyoPQ/s320/PXL_20240106_100036063%5B18146%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing with loppers<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUS7EyF5Rru2KdrNvc3VmdB55mUZB75wDJLX-UU5ekH9URJso94EyCxvyQj47LDG_ykOdsOxLKji9GWWRtjZDWRXRNN-XIrGgC2b8nsGur8a3XvjAY0vsh1u_tlA89IFXi6dvBWF7TXxjWQaXz3RU-CxdAziTTOv153jMulqLa65Y6cATPOXJ0Baas7aE/s2016/PXL_20240106_102416185.MP%5B18154%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUS7EyF5Rru2KdrNvc3VmdB55mUZB75wDJLX-UU5ekH9URJso94EyCxvyQj47LDG_ykOdsOxLKji9GWWRtjZDWRXRNN-XIrGgC2b8nsGur8a3XvjAY0vsh1u_tlA89IFXi6dvBWF7TXxjWQaXz3RU-CxdAziTTOv153jMulqLa65Y6cATPOXJ0Baas7aE/s320/PXL_20240106_102416185.MP%5B18154%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham hauls a log<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdu0Roc7DrAxmUdCOvMTmr9e8YUcBxn_ygbake-GVtVtDSn1-WMGcI8vpb3Nwz4mSL3ew9z_BXh-hVefJ3hMIHFndhkJc3kZGb3TBfi3F1ewrF3f8NLHUNcelBoMRTr8PPFOtDo-XTTLrto4UzbayRvkbGnl8s1i0ERvH51pDX6rH1wVwm4_rqig1UrU/s2016/PXL_20240106_102429799%5B18155%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdu0Roc7DrAxmUdCOvMTmr9e8YUcBxn_ygbake-GVtVtDSn1-WMGcI8vpb3Nwz4mSL3ew9z_BXh-hVefJ3hMIHFndhkJc3kZGb3TBfi3F1ewrF3f8NLHUNcelBoMRTr8PPFOtDo-XTTLrto4UzbayRvkbGnl8s1i0ERvH51pDX6rH1wVwm4_rqig1UrU/s320/PXL_20240106_102429799%5B18155%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing proudly by the growing heap<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CV48DyjeUGyJx9sTd47DVz5KT6XgbRPhafCo9lTcota-I1M76WCZmRaTlvR0B9pijvpW8U07U2i0DjAzuP6-yxPV0Vh02HSglXbNjachbqlD-ObE0gL8z-1Vdzt9MVL4wnKKZU6msbM72zvfiasrz4ZBAUStqmQUJCCBZkjILyx-SdAJw9z87pZ6UP0/s2016/PXL_20240106_100047264.MP%5B18150%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CV48DyjeUGyJx9sTd47DVz5KT6XgbRPhafCo9lTcota-I1M76WCZmRaTlvR0B9pijvpW8U07U2i0DjAzuP6-yxPV0Vh02HSglXbNjachbqlD-ObE0gL8z-1Vdzt9MVL4wnKKZU6msbM72zvfiasrz4ZBAUStqmQUJCCBZkjILyx-SdAJw9z87pZ6UP0/s320/PXL_20240106_100047264.MP%5B18150%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piling up the loppings<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6KrxpbHAvojqaj1SiKfu_XZ0VQyunTQLEWbnoYHpCSLwn_EM9Rrpal32rSIpdCYfkedIKpWWwMvx2C_c43MinM7k-_pQYqzGtyxXNNm5vbcn3pPq5I5I2zmA_IL3Pplb_yxJ771Ce_25RFhVYL7QvfEfmdxMOKbikTFzDGUjmVSHs0z0gXvzt97WbuE/s2016/PXL_20240106_110525958%5B18157%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6KrxpbHAvojqaj1SiKfu_XZ0VQyunTQLEWbnoYHpCSLwn_EM9Rrpal32rSIpdCYfkedIKpWWwMvx2C_c43MinM7k-_pQYqzGtyxXNNm5vbcn3pPq5I5I2zmA_IL3Pplb_yxJ771Ce_25RFhVYL7QvfEfmdxMOKbikTFzDGUjmVSHs0z0gXvzt97WbuE/s320/PXL_20240106_110525958%5B18157%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepeyeXY2Gd1UhrpZloydLUbkuOqI2we92MPal8In6wqAwGrxkQzpUhL0XAyZnyNWJi2PVdJ2F7vJ5ma4wRYsG5xomneKgLn7VAdWiZC1pb6jWUmaXegSv6SbXS6UKI1kx1HQREO9JBt6Fq38dhiazjpZpCZ0MEjTddzPd5-YgFoykszOLspj8CF__MwY/s2016/PXL_20240106_100119436%5B18151%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepeyeXY2Gd1UhrpZloydLUbkuOqI2we92MPal8In6wqAwGrxkQzpUhL0XAyZnyNWJi2PVdJ2F7vJ5ma4wRYsG5xomneKgLn7VAdWiZC1pb6jWUmaXegSv6SbXS6UKI1kx1HQREO9JBt6Fq38dhiazjpZpCZ0MEjTddzPd5-YgFoykszOLspj8CF__MwY/s320/PXL_20240106_100119436%5B18151%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter sun casting a long shadow</td></tr></tbody></table>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-6935470995847614612024-01-07T20:53:00.005+00:002024-01-07T20:53:51.718+00:00Between the Fens, Frilford Heath Golf Course - 2 January 2024<p>We had to postpone our return to Frilford Heath Golf Course to continue with the cut and rake of reed in the area between Two Pines Fen and Boundary House Fen due to Storm Gerrit, but we were able to go back on 2 January 2024 for another "midweek special" and our first session of the New Year. 5 hardy souls came clad in waterproofs as it was rather a wet start to the morning. We were joined by Rod d'Ayala, consultant ecologist. </p><p>There were four scythers and, with Rod, we had two people to rake the cut reed. This is an important link between the two fens and we are trying to get it back to a favourable condition for the rare alkaline fen plants and insects to thrive. This means that we have to cut the reed very low and rake very hard to remove the build-up of "thatch" thereby preventing the build-up of nutrients and also to allow light to aid seed germination and disturb the seed bank.</p><p>Break time soon came round and our number reduced to 5 in total with Rod. Once we were suitably refreshed, we returned to work. Adrian started to help Rod with the raking. Our brief was to clear as much of the tall reed as we could. We soon reached the stream that flows from Boundary House Fen and through Two Pines Fen and were able to drop some of the cut material into it. The stream is acting as a ditch and is draining the fens, so by heaping in some of the cut reed, this eventually breaks down to form peat, raising the level of the stream bed and helps re-wet the fen, by slowing the flow. As the area is next to one of the tees, we were careful not to completely fill the stream as it would render the ladies' tee very wet.</p><p>The showers were intermittent and by lunchtime, we could even glimpse a patch of blue sky. We were all a little apprehensive though as the forecast had promised the arrival of Storm Henk and it was not too long before we experienced gust after gust. It was very hard to even keep upright, but we battled on trying to scythe and rake the reed and we kept a careful eye on the trees. At one point, reed was blowing off the top of one of the heaps by the track, but we dampened it down by putting on some heavy thatch. We called it a day at about 3.30 or so - the last golfers (one of less than a handful of pairs) had passed through. Our next main challenge was trying to fold the tarpaulin which we had used to protect our bags from getting too wet. At least Storm Henk gave us a decent blow dry and we weren't dripping wet all the way home! We left feeling quite windswept, but it was good that we had made such progress in trying conditions - everyone had worked so hard. It will be good to return to finish the job in the near future.</p><p>Sally</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vK4oFUSEwGBWPP7M64u8GSopsmx4c2I8idMQlnBCf6x-Cm6bhQOp743cDFowQQ4BRGBcQwACqBwn-Lw5oPXSjNKwU_rQhcuZdctUuBU0WhWDA6Bvv00hZjBVxpNpdPtLm48Yw9rti7K3L8Z0F_21bBA8pFuMfOHljn37YdISekK9kbOky6dMDnyMHsY/s2048/IMG_6053.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vK4oFUSEwGBWPP7M64u8GSopsmx4c2I8idMQlnBCf6x-Cm6bhQOp743cDFowQQ4BRGBcQwACqBwn-Lw5oPXSjNKwU_rQhcuZdctUuBU0WhWDA6Bvv00hZjBVxpNpdPtLm48Yw9rti7K3L8Z0F_21bBA8pFuMfOHljn37YdISekK9kbOky6dMDnyMHsY/s320/IMG_6053.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrian making a head start with Susan raking as Margaret and Barbara set up their scythes</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvwWl6Fwnw6MxBV9V33b42HlkjL3oEC1S9VpG14sohPPZfAuz-1XBQJ1sBqjc6dh_wXxMeJst35ueebaxKtgCZkCpm-2_79tsz6k-NogUTjHvZtzas6Z3k8Wzvq7KoFAbypYlRivPRj_IskdfdlR2EhiOa8WcNdNamW9fiQG4e4hBjtLYkV0l4rKg_EE/s2048/IMG_6054.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvwWl6Fwnw6MxBV9V33b42HlkjL3oEC1S9VpG14sohPPZfAuz-1XBQJ1sBqjc6dh_wXxMeJst35ueebaxKtgCZkCpm-2_79tsz6k-NogUTjHvZtzas6Z3k8Wzvq7KoFAbypYlRivPRj_IskdfdlR2EhiOa8WcNdNamW9fiQG4e4hBjtLYkV0l4rKg_EE/s320/IMG_6054.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 16th tee surrounded by reed before we started work</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BsQA401Yab7O7ID27orqY2hhyphenhyphenLagYD-iIgHOgr55AEnSEZYfanGFlCOUX15Zq5yRmzjGkHja7QRuH1qTNRK_XzvYVfHYMF4WlUO8x-5RyBh7rgtuUaxve7tFdI2-_uRP4ClAv-NkRbZp5z8wIP3osJdqBR0ef4xpJ12AnmIKjCgZX850wi64UY9vwMo/s2048/IMG_6055.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BsQA401Yab7O7ID27orqY2hhyphenhyphenLagYD-iIgHOgr55AEnSEZYfanGFlCOUX15Zq5yRmzjGkHja7QRuH1qTNRK_XzvYVfHYMF4WlUO8x-5RyBh7rgtuUaxve7tFdI2-_uRP4ClAv-NkRbZp5z8wIP3osJdqBR0ef4xpJ12AnmIKjCgZX850wi64UY9vwMo/s320/IMG_6055.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Break time in the rain!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml6m0juXu69A-TW2y_oq_bntmpfIpd3AmaLO4XcDxgGG8UOQhwZLgC0KyrrNZZ73k3fh6YDtxYF78rALY_hVeeSpXK0PZ4dA1Z3ZhaINF3eTsjgAFczzHf4N0yxCzzN1sIhvuNWod9yEzMXcYVa4UcTXCVfYt5Q2ayq3m_4mxip7G4TekyE8hOpHgDJM/s2048/IMG_6057.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml6m0juXu69A-TW2y_oq_bntmpfIpd3AmaLO4XcDxgGG8UOQhwZLgC0KyrrNZZ73k3fh6YDtxYF78rALY_hVeeSpXK0PZ4dA1Z3ZhaINF3eTsjgAFczzHf4N0yxCzzN1sIhvuNWod9yEzMXcYVa4UcTXCVfYt5Q2ayq3m_4mxip7G4TekyE8hOpHgDJM/s320/IMG_6057.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Work continues</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2GpqAqueZS4lFzTXWiDt1h6WGiNlqoHtsM2G9fAfP2Rb2BhNP7x6kKxTTq26VucJeaHciS3iM9rolgFouYOf_m4ntz84w-52jFNr8_pQRKC_EvLKBIyKMByiR2fLrG0KeUsvYiL1SRpw5wnBCoFDLS6Hk20taLJvREefbSvOG8Ds3xVhGvniMvghKU4/s2048/IMG_6058.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2GpqAqueZS4lFzTXWiDt1h6WGiNlqoHtsM2G9fAfP2Rb2BhNP7x6kKxTTq26VucJeaHciS3iM9rolgFouYOf_m4ntz84w-52jFNr8_pQRKC_EvLKBIyKMByiR2fLrG0KeUsvYiL1SRpw5wnBCoFDLS6Hk20taLJvREefbSvOG8Ds3xVhGvniMvghKU4/s320/IMG_6058.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrian, Margaret and Barbara scything</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV2hMqfUGd4FpIqxdYF_x6o0eGEHr0m673tfjVabJoot7PjzjLsICGse0IfaPcX0qBLy2y4bViz8EnZzKVSa_7ti5erw4rBS88mJAm9bHT2s2VXWQ6kM2F1_2VYRUGGdz_Nc7IttiCmuqTkFi_edb_5HD9Zzrf4bBbxmfiRoYUjHfNYvM5m14Yvh1clI/s2048/IMG_6060.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV2hMqfUGd4FpIqxdYF_x6o0eGEHr0m673tfjVabJoot7PjzjLsICGse0IfaPcX0qBLy2y4bViz8EnZzKVSa_7ti5erw4rBS88mJAm9bHT2s2VXWQ6kM2F1_2VYRUGGdz_Nc7IttiCmuqTkFi_edb_5HD9Zzrf4bBbxmfiRoYUjHfNYvM5m14Yvh1clI/s320/IMG_6060.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The stream</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7Je0slLFHd4WKmuePawKM88cKNPnqnOmMaTfTltNiUAJekVI_bR1vro3MVaLFh8jIZs4cKOLG8O7U32Q8aYi55rmWkOtqvITgUp_sqDpIORnXmiIQXg7e7-MeMyteo531H_nAj_Nrm3tdiPNtAz6Tw3PDcVAVL3Hacg-feM_QqDu7qBG6w-QP2TnBkQ/s2048/IMG_6063.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7Je0slLFHd4WKmuePawKM88cKNPnqnOmMaTfTltNiUAJekVI_bR1vro3MVaLFh8jIZs4cKOLG8O7U32Q8aYi55rmWkOtqvITgUp_sqDpIORnXmiIQXg7e7-MeMyteo531H_nAj_Nrm3tdiPNtAz6Tw3PDcVAVL3Hacg-feM_QqDu7qBG6w-QP2TnBkQ/s320/IMG_6063.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Adrian, Barbara and Margaret raking cut reed under a patch of blue sky!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrEbQRRp2mjDqvtwH8iKP3n0wuUg5BlTpFYjNb8kF5s96vV5ZrnVGwAOT8JK89dfORsy5E3CakDDpLBI0u91Q3z8N2aqkSuujhTJToWB5cjLWrOw_ijCUXp0281zHQ5zvk4bFG3U8uLf5oLvsX-nUc9t5UbDosBltV3i8iA9pYO1ktqf2qhvnSYITlUk/s2048/IMG_6069.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrEbQRRp2mjDqvtwH8iKP3n0wuUg5BlTpFYjNb8kF5s96vV5ZrnVGwAOT8JK89dfORsy5E3CakDDpLBI0u91Q3z8N2aqkSuujhTJToWB5cjLWrOw_ijCUXp0281zHQ5zvk4bFG3U8uLf5oLvsX-nUc9t5UbDosBltV3i8iA9pYO1ktqf2qhvnSYITlUk/s320/IMG_6069.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The results of our labour with Storm Henk raging</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WPJzWptrQAF-6EPuE8qyrVy1LVjidHFQz89nUJNFyIeQhBh_-t0jJB0lNTqhYkpYq_NDTwpVk0iity03V1fkF3A2zmUAnG6D4JMbt9gIOQ-fLVzuTpp20jApkBxpay4yMurQYr77AEWHfBZ182VVSrHZBdL4QUS0G-vtx5RJk_dB0fKeupb2IAgtVzU/s2048/IMG_6070.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WPJzWptrQAF-6EPuE8qyrVy1LVjidHFQz89nUJNFyIeQhBh_-t0jJB0lNTqhYkpYq_NDTwpVk0iity03V1fkF3A2zmUAnG6D4JMbt9gIOQ-fLVzuTpp20jApkBxpay4yMurQYr77AEWHfBZ182VVSrHZBdL4QUS0G-vtx5RJk_dB0fKeupb2IAgtVzU/s320/IMG_6070.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-60875135457154733382024-01-06T10:15:00.002+00:002024-01-06T10:15:31.955+00:00Jarn Mound Wild Garden - Saturday, 30 December 2023<p>Blog by Kevin. Photos by Kevin and Sally</p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">For our last session of 2023, Abingdon Green Gym was at Jarn Mound Wild Garden, which is one of the Boars Hill sites managed by the Oxford Preservation Trust. It was attended by 15 Green Gym volunteers and 2 OPT volunteers, Peter and Mary. <u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">The tasks for the morning as requested by Hannah of OPT was to clear the pathways through the Jarn Mound Wild garden and fill in the watery muddy patches around the gate entrances and at the bottom of the steps leading up to the Mound, with cut branches and a topping of brash from a pile of previously cleared bracken and brambles.<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">We did a quick walk around the area with the volunteers to show everyone what was needed. The conditions, as you can imagine after the recent storms, were very muddy in places, but one consolation with working in the garden was a large shelter (a facility we seldom have!) which was ideal for our refreshment break.<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">The volunteers strung out along the path to spots where brambles and trees had started to grow over the pathways to start cut these back and to clear fallen branches following Storm Gerrit. A selection of suitable sized branches were taken to the gate entrances. Once they had been cut to the right length they were then laid on top of the muddiest areas and covered with a topping of bracken from an old pile. The remainder of the cut material was used to form habitat piles in the wood, which hopefully will be a vital refuge for invertebrates.<u></u><u></u></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"> <u></u><u></u></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">The weather held and, with encouragement from passing dog walkers, it made the morning's work very enjoyable. The benefit of the shelter with some seating meant that the refreshment break lasted a little longer than normal but being between Christmas and New Year there was a need to savour the time outdoors in these days of limited daylight.<u></u><u></u></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"> <u></u><u></u></p></div><div style="background-color: white;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">Kevin</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLvn0gqmmz_sW_AZ7QzW4SxDmQAqXZ4PLFRDiom4y5D7TkzxY98MLx13wq7T_EftKq6DimWRokTNfxLQC5GkPFM0zlJG_tNECTbbBoHHu0lLs0vBKh-Tkp9xJbQr1OSu9165lekIpjQWshMM9mHdHScr1f-uWqLRLjsXjZ8dnAd-S48f_7paQLJ-q7s8/s2048/IMG_6045.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLvn0gqmmz_sW_AZ7QzW4SxDmQAqXZ4PLFRDiom4y5D7TkzxY98MLx13wq7T_EftKq6DimWRokTNfxLQC5GkPFM0zlJG_tNECTbbBoHHu0lLs0vBKh-Tkp9xJbQr1OSu9165lekIpjQWshMM9mHdHScr1f-uWqLRLjsXjZ8dnAd-S48f_7paQLJ-q7s8/s320/IMG_6045.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Getting started</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxaah0BoRxSBOYjA50pSKEMdf-NIqADzn4EoV8C6YKXbvnr22cfjQvTjYLOulSQla4b32kxM6fVfz_iEQHDZlIfvweShhsm4q1zCSL87DdJ0pgfTKO08YS3aeRPRMbMSudf3esXy7mhmHyp9gEFkQyWhXEM1CxbAYVR0ukAKT0ZR_g_Sb4xHyfM7CO8U/s694/jarn%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxaah0BoRxSBOYjA50pSKEMdf-NIqADzn4EoV8C6YKXbvnr22cfjQvTjYLOulSQla4b32kxM6fVfz_iEQHDZlIfvweShhsm4q1zCSL87DdJ0pgfTKO08YS3aeRPRMbMSudf3esXy7mhmHyp9gEFkQyWhXEM1CxbAYVR0ukAKT0ZR_g_Sb4xHyfM7CO8U/s320/jarn%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Mary, one of the OPT volunteers, bagging cut vegetation</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt1ytP9EXYTqPT0Sk3sX7WMP0UzEZ7OfHhYhTyp_gvgzf8m0qmAzEt7W_c9BqUouQ6akJ4Suz7t1dbIIGmxBURh8JfCQGds1F-UUkw5B5qPrhhLF4iD1S7f_NqFZA0WcXzzXdcLfARLQEdhcD2crP4-5knwkl6RMYqPleAzPLFWXTcdxzAyUeoj6A-KE/s2048/IMG_6047.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt1ytP9EXYTqPT0Sk3sX7WMP0UzEZ7OfHhYhTyp_gvgzf8m0qmAzEt7W_c9BqUouQ6akJ4Suz7t1dbIIGmxBURh8JfCQGds1F-UUkw5B5qPrhhLF4iD1S7f_NqFZA0WcXzzXdcLfARLQEdhcD2crP4-5knwkl6RMYqPleAzPLFWXTcdxzAyUeoj6A-KE/s320/IMG_6047.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Break time!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0fJZRzkSsRer-kuvNwqeM-g6bV5wtYA_1MKYxGxz_NMWaNCY3ZX21dbmIF-8uSrRywAyzNVRncPJZGNdpp0UJ4IfLAuEHTZx7ZOm2_P3GULDIFEc2ZnIGK1EDmO1b645KTDy8tpF2amU_7y30woG9NTf_KVLiTeDaNYzGrPfmFqKQG-fyYIb5diwLB8/s694/jarn%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0fJZRzkSsRer-kuvNwqeM-g6bV5wtYA_1MKYxGxz_NMWaNCY3ZX21dbmIF-8uSrRywAyzNVRncPJZGNdpp0UJ4IfLAuEHTZx7ZOm2_P3GULDIFEc2ZnIGK1EDmO1b645KTDy8tpF2amU_7y30woG9NTf_KVLiTeDaNYzGrPfmFqKQG-fyYIb5diwLB8/s320/jarn%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Catching up at break time</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkRkEISofEqu3DKKNiCBJwMtceJD9KBDzMNQZdCG3c_F_Y_z2aCddmW6zhmY_OJdma3S-Yf32Sx7IlwpPBxXQraGnuvNDfVOJ2sDQKY-mFtD17bsTOwJ_hO-LygPVVRw1C79-vsJvG2sB_SC00HqQhKOaKoxFNgSKQ1ZzpLNSiA8OPuFXNZSwTVeDYi8/s694/jarn%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkRkEISofEqu3DKKNiCBJwMtceJD9KBDzMNQZdCG3c_F_Y_z2aCddmW6zhmY_OJdma3S-Yf32Sx7IlwpPBxXQraGnuvNDfVOJ2sDQKY-mFtD17bsTOwJ_hO-LygPVVRw1C79-vsJvG2sB_SC00HqQhKOaKoxFNgSKQ1ZzpLNSiA8OPuFXNZSwTVeDYi8/s320/jarn%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">We need a bigger shelter!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnftVbiiPDGYCwYKvAc9EBTYjQWGXdW8nIqW7XKqsV3eqv4ZjEj5kXD77gxV5apiHgH5VFpZoIOZ6M4m8deRY4bSg5M5G932BUILYXumrHQ_FuY76orfU-0P7cXzudHW2KXTaxjM7WzewR0bxomyz1zxanjYW2nmTyyAI1osGtl5Y48IGYmqN5fqM10o/s2048/IMG_6048.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnftVbiiPDGYCwYKvAc9EBTYjQWGXdW8nIqW7XKqsV3eqv4ZjEj5kXD77gxV5apiHgH5VFpZoIOZ6M4m8deRY4bSg5M5G932BUILYXumrHQ_FuY76orfU-0P7cXzudHW2KXTaxjM7WzewR0bxomyz1zxanjYW2nmTyyAI1osGtl5Y48IGYmqN5fqM10o/s320/IMG_6048.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Kevin checking in on Mary</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipK5aRe3CMyDFkiJZZCwS8jLgfOecFVM_3pjgJkNTaMHJaYr7bCBkuiW5Z-RsMIA0ySZYhxroKLzG4uYVKPjbWJT8IZA-oh2gkXv3-VeFNPTkeqEp1OZjVqAvvL822-ZDvKoCKWSxXCzdKTgYJZRsTOZ7wF1AOXYIYERk-x7rKfJfSnE2dhkpuxqVGJnk/s2048/IMG_6052.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipK5aRe3CMyDFkiJZZCwS8jLgfOecFVM_3pjgJkNTaMHJaYr7bCBkuiW5Z-RsMIA0ySZYhxroKLzG4uYVKPjbWJT8IZA-oh2gkXv3-VeFNPTkeqEp1OZjVqAvvL822-ZDvKoCKWSxXCzdKTgYJZRsTOZ7wF1AOXYIYERk-x7rKfJfSnE2dhkpuxqVGJnk/s320/IMG_6052.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Lots of these fungi about</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l7pPaKksx8KLlcDy8WxD7SXZVjc7EXdKdooH4RRp6A3cbJkLZOkktefn9tqP_fkdIYk4sBOWMskJqu4XAkI_gtcJGkhyGsHax3oGp-OMNMX5jVjhg5_qmjhnO4JcO-LQ4fjZzQ3W8cL5Y_5zqF1cQzQUFf3ni873gt1-5KvHLovfXJwQp6-Bv9dYjWc/s694/jarn%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l7pPaKksx8KLlcDy8WxD7SXZVjc7EXdKdooH4RRp6A3cbJkLZOkktefn9tqP_fkdIYk4sBOWMskJqu4XAkI_gtcJGkhyGsHax3oGp-OMNMX5jVjhg5_qmjhnO4JcO-LQ4fjZzQ3W8cL5Y_5zqF1cQzQUFf3ni873gt1-5KvHLovfXJwQp6-Bv9dYjWc/s320/jarn%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">Margaret and Rosie cut back encroaching vegetation</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUdejvBpPiBhsIlf08VIb9BkuH2hgbfotNCbT-LHftKsiRsjhB943HNZFzKcYX838NsBl8avDa-1X5fG7wYzzLaIrCzeXGnocQ5wKWa96OGtyDHHZPs0hs-4dA1x2_9-cRIvlCRbaoQLaSUck6lcFQcD292lMlvM1iHQFoUYQYnghx2ukTrwITQKq6O4/s694/jarn%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUdejvBpPiBhsIlf08VIb9BkuH2hgbfotNCbT-LHftKsiRsjhB943HNZFzKcYX838NsBl8avDa-1X5fG7wYzzLaIrCzeXGnocQ5wKWa96OGtyDHHZPs0hs-4dA1x2_9-cRIvlCRbaoQLaSUck6lcFQcD292lMlvM1iHQFoUYQYnghx2ukTrwITQKq6O4/s320/jarn%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">James and Ursula remove encroaching vegetation from the path</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-68393876232824562972023-12-24T16:05:00.000+00:002023-12-24T16:05:16.786+00:00Boundary House Fen - Saturday, 23 December 2023Blog post by Sally, Photos by Sally and JimB <div><br /></div><div>For our penultimate session of 2023, we returned to Boundary House Fen on Frilford Heath Golf Course SSSI to continue with the cut and rake on 23 December and we had a glorious morning for it with plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies. Four of us met in the greenkeepers' compound and made our way to the Fen where we were met by Rod d'Ayala and then later joined by Barbara, who had cycled from Abingdon.
Rod gave us our instructions. </div><div><br /></div><div>Alison and Sally were asked to clear the area to the left hand side of the stream (which is acting as a ditch, draining the fen) and were later joined by Barbara, whilst Jim was asked to cut the area of tall reed that was being overtaken by bramble around the perimeter next to the Boundary House itself. We had to take care to avoid cutting a tussock-forming grass, identified by its keel where the leaves emerge from their stem. These tussocks create microhabitats for small invertebrates and plants. Rod and Graham set about raking up the arising from our last visit here and removed the cut reed to existing piles off the main fen area. This helps prevent the build up of nutrients and also allows light to the surface - vital for germination of precious fenland plant seeds.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was very mild for this time of year, although there was a slight edge to the breeze, and layers soon started getting peeled off! It was lovely to see lichens, mosses and fungi growing on tree stumps looking like miniature rainforests. We also spotted a couple of gorgeous, shiny rove beetles sporting orange and blue/black colours (we think Paederus species) - rather quick moving foraging for food. If anyone can identify any of the species do please let us know! The stumps made for some tricky scything - some are notorious trip hazards and also risk damage being caused to scythe blades or them getting stuck. </div><div><br /></div><div>We enjoyed a welcome break with a special treat of chocolate mini rolls - well, 'tis the season - although a brimstone butterfly must have thought spring had come early as it foraged for nectar on one of the ivy clad trees!
It was then back to work continuing clearing along the ditch and the main areas on both sides of it. It was lovely to so many dead spikes of common spotted orchids with their empty seed pods - hopefully, our efforts in cutting and raking the taller, dense vegetation will provide adequate light for their seeds to germinate, along with many other rare species. Rod then started to work along the ditch packing in the newly cut reeds/rush/sedge, which will break down over time to form a peat later at the bottom of the ditch, encouraging the spring water to flow over the fen area to keep it wet, thus creating favourable conditions for the special alkaline flora and fauna to flourish as well as locking in carbon. Oxfordshire is one of the few counties in the country where alkaline (or calcareous) fens exist as the spring water that feeds/creates the fen percolates through a layer of chalk, resulting is slightly less acidic conditions favoured by a whole suite of specialist flora and fauna and it is a pleasure to be involved in helping preserve this extremely rare habitat. </div><div><br /></div><div>We just about reached the fairway on the other side of the fen so Rod had a clear sight of the ditch by the time came for us to pack up and go home, while Rod enjoyed a bit of a break before setting about raking more of the cut material. We look forward to visiting the site again to continue our progress.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBERSQkuq6y0cbTmJu-ln2QS5SAW0f_ogsISD-jcLfyUJh3jyUR7-NHlx-wko-cfkjje72A8_y0f_pi3nLYQ-fQR2OqUnzmO0NIb_37aWNBdx5KA3nxleXA_xeCgcSoLcfD5alsXnRcydIt42F9fPzyF9AXTMPhfivNIFzS7v7OKrywBRP91fPNdY-sJY/s2048/IMG_5969.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBERSQkuq6y0cbTmJu-ln2QS5SAW0f_ogsISD-jcLfyUJh3jyUR7-NHlx-wko-cfkjje72A8_y0f_pi3nLYQ-fQR2OqUnzmO0NIb_37aWNBdx5KA3nxleXA_xeCgcSoLcfD5alsXnRcydIt42F9fPzyF9AXTMPhfivNIFzS7v7OKrywBRP91fPNdY-sJY/s320/IMG_5969.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Boundary House Fen before we started </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OjpU6ShMixXmbzaJQvO9Aa14ZZrMBPUyOBrjVAPLY-m526nrbEhnASEj6dPCiMxzYngR3vlQ0FxOicUwGMWdrAmOqYeYV9MZe3j3sMzSbd5CHrds3PhlDDVugimqloAj2iGPxVTn-AvH_rDjgSt7yAIOMyri73JaCJ2m6LaIrX6fm6Lf3_TO6KgAuGM/s2048/IMG_5970.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OjpU6ShMixXmbzaJQvO9Aa14ZZrMBPUyOBrjVAPLY-m526nrbEhnASEj6dPCiMxzYngR3vlQ0FxOicUwGMWdrAmOqYeYV9MZe3j3sMzSbd5CHrds3PhlDDVugimqloAj2iGPxVTn-AvH_rDjgSt7yAIOMyri73JaCJ2m6LaIrX6fm6Lf3_TO6KgAuGM/s320/IMG_5970.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Showing the uncut area of reed near the spring that feeds the fen</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsjVNcw9ml6xP0-KDycW7hiJogy6Xggt5LjMwIC2OrvwxNCyelXASav8adW1Pht96AQVMac8QBNJO5hb1MQOCgxzJo_Vs0PiLkv-4aIXTkPVpO0rcs6XhNpJuYTfnllBgF25lUx9PBjmfWzm9dHltxCJK3vsbpbucXdFFwvzMTYXh7qS9ue4RP2-9x2o/s2048/IMG_5972.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsjVNcw9ml6xP0-KDycW7hiJogy6Xggt5LjMwIC2OrvwxNCyelXASav8adW1Pht96AQVMac8QBNJO5hb1MQOCgxzJo_Vs0PiLkv-4aIXTkPVpO0rcs6XhNpJuYTfnllBgF25lUx9PBjmfWzm9dHltxCJK3vsbpbucXdFFwvzMTYXh7qS9ue4RP2-9x2o/s320/IMG_5972.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Alison cuts a swathe</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2i17bnjlraOIvcMLoSCe3A6LzpGTkB638Z0evVinEaoI1LP6FLYf310VEEvo8CMhTmGo9tm-EtZfi5le9Nq8mI-Ej8ZUKJFLCiqsvfBEBRcfn48J9wX2QNlPQ24jQzJ8rDkPIlRciZYZ0PzeeAW2TvwkEBjByUiWPnVxLKzdIi44k1pM4jr0_1nfxeM/s2048/IMG_5975.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2i17bnjlraOIvcMLoSCe3A6LzpGTkB638Z0evVinEaoI1LP6FLYf310VEEvo8CMhTmGo9tm-EtZfi5le9Nq8mI-Ej8ZUKJFLCiqsvfBEBRcfn48J9wX2QNlPQ24jQzJ8rDkPIlRciZYZ0PzeeAW2TvwkEBjByUiWPnVxLKzdIi44k1pM4jr0_1nfxeM/s320/IMG_5975.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turkey tail fungus - rather apt for the season!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLHnL0muxNJPfuqq7zsjkVHs1fgBCWjVc-ARf7znsHXnVYUvFkXoqLiEX4wca6J7VwJwrNSiYjBrbgRlS3QkC6SJ8GRiNIDghZ0xRaemjIudI_eA1wnboQlhStQpDOXi6FrJwdqLnOImZv-xQv04b4AItUFzfoJpmtqd1ue6FkbvwSOwS2sv162RYcYw/s2048/IMG_5976.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLHnL0muxNJPfuqq7zsjkVHs1fgBCWjVc-ARf7znsHXnVYUvFkXoqLiEX4wca6J7VwJwrNSiYjBrbgRlS3QkC6SJ8GRiNIDghZ0xRaemjIudI_eA1wnboQlhStQpDOXi6FrJwdqLnOImZv-xQv04b4AItUFzfoJpmtqd1ue6FkbvwSOwS2sv162RYcYw/s320/IMG_5976.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Graham and Rod raking up the old cut reed</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWmS-aYInZc_kD_1q9xuVMoo2VIR-7dFwZuw7wvu_OPI8koyuPRyGskyUFI4zxssgHc-xLygVgVcnoupM1E5qO2yF85JZJShIwBMBNWzC3RXjlkPH4iwCF9IRR2Sv068mwIRlrMBb3AYKk-KUEMHHApmQLO1wngdu6QkKgQ2wixlnfBBVA6bwwODcp-w/s2048/IMG_5980.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWmS-aYInZc_kD_1q9xuVMoo2VIR-7dFwZuw7wvu_OPI8koyuPRyGskyUFI4zxssgHc-xLygVgVcnoupM1E5qO2yF85JZJShIwBMBNWzC3RXjlkPH4iwCF9IRR2Sv068mwIRlrMBb3AYKk-KUEMHHApmQLO1wngdu6QkKgQ2wixlnfBBVA6bwwODcp-w/s320/IMG_5980.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Barbara and Alison scything away</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAPKBwBTJk-c-M4Rv9lqMsGpUIIZg7m0o5ZX7WnTn4XhnjkB-EDtcABMO0VhfiRQFUCEb_eZFx49exXGiJEa-fwl8oQvkG1iKm2e1hfOTDNAfbSN7-7-U3mmolD8lB9cNBm6-PfAdxj64dwCD89nhr0IXen-QIkN4fDDjRzhf5rjbA8uBLzj5eoUEoTg/s2048/IMG_5981.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAPKBwBTJk-c-M4Rv9lqMsGpUIIZg7m0o5ZX7WnTn4XhnjkB-EDtcABMO0VhfiRQFUCEb_eZFx49exXGiJEa-fwl8oQvkG1iKm2e1hfOTDNAfbSN7-7-U3mmolD8lB9cNBm6-PfAdxj64dwCD89nhr0IXen-QIkN4fDDjRzhf5rjbA8uBLzj5eoUEoTg/s320/IMG_5981.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Graham and Rod having heaps of fun as Jim makes progress scything along the fen boundary</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgzDqgjFm6fFeCU83DAseiSHI-UfVIYFZE4pySqQLZ3LL6UKSMTf_bwuW_jb-Ct3lx7K8HL_r7e8fQgFah0R3bu3YGK6iSpRHLF9Eum1Ka-N-ntMkosFiR5NXvMpR5X-9PygOaNDcZ1cVmJqgmWubaJpQHVBo7G_KB3xM1uvn4LoiJHL4P1ZHhcVxQBA/s2048/IMG_5983.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgzDqgjFm6fFeCU83DAseiSHI-UfVIYFZE4pySqQLZ3LL6UKSMTf_bwuW_jb-Ct3lx7K8HL_r7e8fQgFah0R3bu3YGK6iSpRHLF9Eum1Ka-N-ntMkosFiR5NXvMpR5X-9PygOaNDcZ1cVmJqgmWubaJpQHVBo7G_KB3xM1uvn4LoiJHL4P1ZHhcVxQBA/s320/IMG_5983.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Young bracket fungus </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrYkpQshoC-0xGT0vhBBjdjetvYsfqFWfAS6_n5LfeQ5KVc7dGyMDiaIgSjZbDR1dGWulkScb3iEbl0aURCyt9v1x6fS9ojZR0eUOtcNrpPeVflHAr0CZjAF8d8_lQPso2ncuErudaXQ-qTV_-ightxiKzivHrE2N9jwJtBj6irZ8d56RwwWZBKUhDko/s2048/IMG_5984.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrYkpQshoC-0xGT0vhBBjdjetvYsfqFWfAS6_n5LfeQ5KVc7dGyMDiaIgSjZbDR1dGWulkScb3iEbl0aURCyt9v1x6fS9ojZR0eUOtcNrpPeVflHAr0CZjAF8d8_lQPso2ncuErudaXQ-qTV_-ightxiKzivHrE2N9jwJtBj6irZ8d56RwwWZBKUhDko/s320/IMG_5984.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In lieu of scarlet elf cups, we did find these little beauties - only a few millimetres high</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuu-yX89KDqXm3-lbm1wzMIohfLCb8h3qGH3-8u1XYLAFKdB8QNVGoLC_Q4x_UtDLQHVAeWmmEjW4j_3GSPErc4ekNMaXwEK37x0Xfk1GHqckqR_8nwgfwDFn-6fhZDD1eeBUNcLSPcYTKF2k_UwchD5LKfxmfu7q7ACBhHSRempgcP96JR_ByBAnL_k/s2048/IMG_5990.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuu-yX89KDqXm3-lbm1wzMIohfLCb8h3qGH3-8u1XYLAFKdB8QNVGoLC_Q4x_UtDLQHVAeWmmEjW4j_3GSPErc4ekNMaXwEK37x0Xfk1GHqckqR_8nwgfwDFn-6fhZDD1eeBUNcLSPcYTKF2k_UwchD5LKfxmfu7q7ACBhHSRempgcP96JR_ByBAnL_k/s320/IMG_5990.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the rove beetles we spotted of the Paederus genus (we think!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rSYiABHpwgFprZl24R4ye4-KIxXEreqIJSmtAghrAI8wHNfNsA_dcf2G1oIKZhx72RDs7TqcpofW8ziuJYDbOPpy7_2oBLHDFTPbbq2_T7_yJ5NHXPLsImjDvbA1iUuZEUz7lMHUnE_5xyFmlwa7pzvz1txPuZYuXcephsvm6PDVcN9Sj4dUWHmmCkY/s2048/IMG_5996.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rSYiABHpwgFprZl24R4ye4-KIxXEreqIJSmtAghrAI8wHNfNsA_dcf2G1oIKZhx72RDs7TqcpofW8ziuJYDbOPpy7_2oBLHDFTPbbq2_T7_yJ5NHXPLsImjDvbA1iUuZEUz7lMHUnE_5xyFmlwa7pzvz1txPuZYuXcephsvm6PDVcN9Sj4dUWHmmCkY/s320/IMG_5996.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A welcome break!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAEuTtz6L80rWB1g4CVtF-JaHvpvVbElG7GonM2g6EyF8ktzbLo2HYdH9BAPaKrl8yb06k47zoZ43agEiBX01Qe8Fay7cRwtynQk7VA2-2yawKovrZPWOFfnW-yw0o_erEQQmA_vm40cppkl-0q66YthEp7M9yMDkqowPR_n0MH4efsoTIrRVfl82rg4/s3264/IMG_20231223_122111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="3264" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAEuTtz6L80rWB1g4CVtF-JaHvpvVbElG7GonM2g6EyF8ktzbLo2HYdH9BAPaKrl8yb06k47zoZ43agEiBX01Qe8Fay7cRwtynQk7VA2-2yawKovrZPWOFfnW-yw0o_erEQQmA_vm40cppkl-0q66YthEp7M9yMDkqowPR_n0MH4efsoTIrRVfl82rg4/s320/IMG_20231223_122111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Candle-snuff fungus (photo by JimB)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo-46E_ubGokv3qvnnP6H7T5I4mI_n9hJzKwkLaTnjuLP8agmPTYq-WatLum4HfSee_8kjzHa5PegHzXBoBnz_-iTJsISCQkI7nLgr4KwQS3b-FxWXrpc1i11-_AqF17pxWL3IzOYxx1BloXo_fZ4XRqmkTKzWqcPHP-BbwQJDdTQk1VhbKn5Frmx190/s2048/IMG_6003.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo-46E_ubGokv3qvnnP6H7T5I4mI_n9hJzKwkLaTnjuLP8agmPTYq-WatLum4HfSee_8kjzHa5PegHzXBoBnz_-iTJsISCQkI7nLgr4KwQS3b-FxWXrpc1i11-_AqF17pxWL3IzOYxx1BloXo_fZ4XRqmkTKzWqcPHP-BbwQJDdTQk1VhbKn5Frmx190/s320/IMG_6003.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rod raking into the ditch, as Barbara and Alison continue cutting a swathe</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_gPHk072mMYrqUbhlKPkunuHEORAzzhKxx5Ii5x2J-cibgsBlVnWet71pgzkuGbrm6hh3EUCss-SYpp33zuOOYazUlAQ8HycLI40EpCvzusTld1prZefYl1z1fQoKBgbcitGQ0Z9itDE1qZwUlFXneJ-ZDKGZma8rtwcr1OngrET9PV-QPjfWNNrTYw/s2048/IMG_6006.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_gPHk072mMYrqUbhlKPkunuHEORAzzhKxx5Ii5x2J-cibgsBlVnWet71pgzkuGbrm6hh3EUCss-SYpp33zuOOYazUlAQ8HycLI40EpCvzusTld1prZefYl1z1fQoKBgbcitGQ0Z9itDE1qZwUlFXneJ-ZDKGZma8rtwcr1OngrET9PV-QPjfWNNrTYw/s320/IMG_6006.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking back along the ditch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XsX-8jvrnQGv8aENpW3yX1__0pHdJoIZVSxZO9Qv8uYKYFNVE20g6pa7FLRWgl5a4upDp6Bu_7eAi9Tk31gJklJGw88UW9xN4ABp8dQNBy2XbTL5q9_jooDgzpkvhTi0gvtvo6bleRQYBJDR3RhYNumJU5tMhVsoyVJslaUgZsfF-vTX9qHPAbOxKLA/s2048/IMG_6008.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XsX-8jvrnQGv8aENpW3yX1__0pHdJoIZVSxZO9Qv8uYKYFNVE20g6pa7FLRWgl5a4upDp6Bu_7eAi9Tk31gJklJGw88UW9xN4ABp8dQNBy2XbTL5q9_jooDgzpkvhTi0gvtvo6bleRQYBJDR3RhYNumJU5tMhVsoyVJslaUgZsfF-vTX9qHPAbOxKLA/s320/IMG_6008.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After our efforts</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoDinnMO49W0DQ90E3NfqPYAKR8Xbf9K3DL5SESR4LPf9Ala5hRGR_926z1XgCVPT60ILRjTmb__i8VO6vDub8bjM6PxtGNbZsXL4qV590TFFrFugYPfgnDNjY-ReZrANtggWOLulmONtWDnmLYAxlf2J5RE5ZbAsCptCcOO9oESNmya3TJMBgEiCigQ/s2048/IMG_6009.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoDinnMO49W0DQ90E3NfqPYAKR8Xbf9K3DL5SESR4LPf9Ala5hRGR_926z1XgCVPT60ILRjTmb__i8VO6vDub8bjM6PxtGNbZsXL4qV590TFFrFugYPfgnDNjY-ReZrANtggWOLulmONtWDnmLYAxlf2J5RE5ZbAsCptCcOO9oESNmya3TJMBgEiCigQ/s320/IMG_6009.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The spring area as we left it</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Season's greetings one and all!
</div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-70634179981143948112023-12-17T22:15:00.000+00:002023-12-24T13:49:57.002+00:00Dry Sandford Pit and Christmas lunch - Saturday 16th December 2023<p> Blog by Eleanor, photos by Sally</p><p>Only six of us turned up for a 10 a.m. start at Dry Sandford Pit. The other Green Gymmers, we assumed, were resting and preparing themselves for the Christmas lunch later in the day.</p><p>Our task was to clear scrub and sprouting willow and alder from the fen if it was not too wet, or to clear scrub from in front of the cliff faces. We found that the fen was not too wet so we decided to work there. On our way, we saw that quite a bit of the first cliff had crumbled.</p><p>When we got down into the fen, having made a gap in the dead hedge barrier, it looked at first as if there wasn't much to do, but once we were among the reeds, we saw that there was plenty to cut back. We piled it up near the dead hedge ready to mend the gap when we had finished. Sally pointed out some " cigar galls" on some reeds. This is where a gall wasp has laid its eggs inside the reed, causing a cigar shaped swelling. Adrian also saw signs of the presence of water voles.</p><p>We carried on working without a break as it was a shorter session. Susan arrived later and some of us left at midday to go home and get ready for the lunch.</p><p>When everyone was out, Adrian repaired the dead hedge barrier, which is there to discourage people and dogs from going on to the fen.</p><p>Our Christmas lunch was at the Dog House, Frilford, attended by seventeen people. The earliest we were able to book was 2p.m. so everyone was hungry. The service was quite slow, and the people who hadn't ordered starters got even hungrier. The food, when it arrived, was good, though there are always some people who grumble. However, it was great to meet for a convivial, social occasion, and, wishing each other a Merry Christmas, we made our way home.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAi9cZjxtoXIiyjw-WuFK_iraDZqVbli43rV9lznhpzydeE57Yl9mKPo75zLPg4Y868HWD_Andtek06hhIPg8nPHNJhCh741pUadvD3YJ8aRs3_LzYhfyS4nKwR_eCLa_T2rIn1-cOuCMgXii4JdQdzTmoxaV5Bw-DNjYKz3EkO0VUMAi62dWNp3MNt8/s2048/IMG_5912.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAi9cZjxtoXIiyjw-WuFK_iraDZqVbli43rV9lznhpzydeE57Yl9mKPo75zLPg4Y868HWD_Andtek06hhIPg8nPHNJhCh741pUadvD3YJ8aRs3_LzYhfyS4nKwR_eCLa_T2rIn1-cOuCMgXii4JdQdzTmoxaV5Bw-DNjYKz3EkO0VUMAi62dWNp3MNt8/s320/IMG_5912.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crumbling cliff<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2E9uZHKIA5Gj1emfkjLdsMg6KS2dYesd7HJWjPsKdFgzA6M8v5YFIB7qzJRS86Os8fbZlbO5fWO_JezZHSictdu65ygJwSdEkFUQqzpWPusdyFNvz7ZrL1T2rjDyzdNUzVQNZh9xuJSUNvQKXdyehUAFuDIIokGwF9_D5ILJRbVyFJ5YoqfC6IhZiHHY/s2048/IMG_5915.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2E9uZHKIA5Gj1emfkjLdsMg6KS2dYesd7HJWjPsKdFgzA6M8v5YFIB7qzJRS86Os8fbZlbO5fWO_JezZHSictdu65ygJwSdEkFUQqzpWPusdyFNvz7ZrL1T2rjDyzdNUzVQNZh9xuJSUNvQKXdyehUAFuDIIokGwF9_D5ILJRbVyFJ5YoqfC6IhZiHHY/w240-h320/IMG_5915.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interpretion Board<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUYoV8T5ZNsNp2HC8Q7RzJqtlJPfH-anDm3HM6jexWMIoiIueOYTUdRAxWgsnDqrSiRy_czDXjVUN2mLG2gmZ6C92Wmi8WtJ8mKR-PhsCY3dqlmSsT47Bhuqk8D1epsc2u2QXE6TsCzMqf6sWjIIBWm1jxFWRa6w1CLM9ptxr49CpMWxKlDrOkswclXo/s2048/IMG_5917.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUYoV8T5ZNsNp2HC8Q7RzJqtlJPfH-anDm3HM6jexWMIoiIueOYTUdRAxWgsnDqrSiRy_czDXjVUN2mLG2gmZ6C92Wmi8WtJ8mKR-PhsCY3dqlmSsT47Bhuqk8D1epsc2u2QXE6TsCzMqf6sWjIIBWm1jxFWRa6w1CLM9ptxr49CpMWxKlDrOkswclXo/s320/IMG_5917.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesley lopping<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpCu1koBpK2jXxNngBBnoUFY3fp0dI_8GStxABlWh5spH3gzlYR3cl6MSAsWsgerFHjzCG10jK99ZwHZ0tfPTyLhjsDHUVUrbIkfpYEf1wqYHNM_sC7bcheRb8mYI3ZNlASM_PVk38tg-CY7kmPeQszGLL2lYezLdqd3EsPUGqdRN6-rMg-HTwA3YYhk/s2048/IMG_5919.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpCu1koBpK2jXxNngBBnoUFY3fp0dI_8GStxABlWh5spH3gzlYR3cl6MSAsWsgerFHjzCG10jK99ZwHZ0tfPTyLhjsDHUVUrbIkfpYEf1wqYHNM_sC7bcheRb8mYI3ZNlASM_PVk38tg-CY7kmPeQszGLL2lYezLdqd3EsPUGqdRN6-rMg-HTwA3YYhk/s320/IMG_5919.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan with novel Christmas tree<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9v7TIV7LJUSSenulDExpKhxcmbfNf-h29P2Adv_1-kzYYnqRFZl-Tm84NfmL7QiH-2c-AmkROUh_Uajk3xBN61GDSRKr6EJSeBpjvIbtZxxOid_qzDM5hfJYXVnw0ePOkz8Wvqi0YAkcbDIwXLDTZDpJxrh_qIJm892ryfpVwEsd8n1whDiG91jd_Yk/s2048/IMG_5920.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9v7TIV7LJUSSenulDExpKhxcmbfNf-h29P2Adv_1-kzYYnqRFZl-Tm84NfmL7QiH-2c-AmkROUh_Uajk3xBN61GDSRKr6EJSeBpjvIbtZxxOid_qzDM5hfJYXVnw0ePOkz8Wvqi0YAkcbDIwXLDTZDpJxrh_qIJm892ryfpVwEsd8n1whDiG91jd_Yk/s320/IMG_5920.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh helleborine seedpods<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmvp5hGa1zuI0UEw-zUeLX4GTOyuOoKb4f2U0SHSo4K-ibqcOIaCEZV3GdJYlKBCuUolkl30caYvSZ_aDRA_eDm-3qp2O2O5iAwwXi7drkO0xTXMfGvGG3g76IhqANd-sBihdJWCR7GP3qvdzN6SF_LBxpy8c4vJnyCkjonqeb5zrvpdoIHTLsPP3X_A/s2048/IMG_5922.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmvp5hGa1zuI0UEw-zUeLX4GTOyuOoKb4f2U0SHSo4K-ibqcOIaCEZV3GdJYlKBCuUolkl30caYvSZ_aDRA_eDm-3qp2O2O5iAwwXi7drkO0xTXMfGvGG3g76IhqANd-sBihdJWCR7GP3qvdzN6SF_LBxpy8c4vJnyCkjonqeb5zrvpdoIHTLsPP3X_A/s320/IMG_5922.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cigar gall<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnpQreTQOGQrl6wAXXaaXyXtZ0BJmgAPGZKXr3TyOEvgxnocCnULLWKlz6fF4sWHS08qaq43EcLy_r7EidwpBdbIImmxZhBaPwYn-dKeL47yQqZYN4h3Kkp2ItvNEtbz5yAUp_jctceeZpX36izTXQmsHt7ZOqK_FTq5JGK2VdThoZQroFiUxf0jQnqg/s2048/IMG_5928.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnpQreTQOGQrl6wAXXaaXyXtZ0BJmgAPGZKXr3TyOEvgxnocCnULLWKlz6fF4sWHS08qaq43EcLy_r7EidwpBdbIImmxZhBaPwYn-dKeL47yQqZYN4h3Kkp2ItvNEtbz5yAUp_jctceeZpX36izTXQmsHt7ZOqK_FTq5JGK2VdThoZQroFiUxf0jQnqg/s320/IMG_5928.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gap in dead hedge with "No Access" sign<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55wajmwOMioVA2d9VHQTMDyF9L3Z6MbRl0bV6KKQPlW5aSg2YirIQ3NvJNLzqr3DiSvcwx1eXDAd9CdeRJCQhB_oB8WYKK9Y8njMou46M4U0nkiyIgrFES2iBYLDwNuZiL4pzI-n_1HNqRJqjseaDNk2h1U2TuRoolKAHOMjxgq4L6kbB7pZer6IXuro/s2048/IMG_5931.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55wajmwOMioVA2d9VHQTMDyF9L3Z6MbRl0bV6KKQPlW5aSg2YirIQ3NvJNLzqr3DiSvcwx1eXDAd9CdeRJCQhB_oB8WYKK9Y8njMou46M4U0nkiyIgrFES2iBYLDwNuZiL4pzI-n_1HNqRJqjseaDNk2h1U2TuRoolKAHOMjxgq4L6kbB7pZer6IXuro/s320/IMG_5931.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan among the reeds<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA__jWRgYdY7M4EQkgDzSj3yCJkYnbKYK_sVPbWaz00HZu7oGQMhXUA3MyC2q5frw16SyQ7Eru-OZ2I-5IcuA755dbvM0cSK0dOyAPGEx05IroM5e7lru593umMzLXsJPHbjOM6JEc4b6anu7T7GjcFBgN9z7QtkFyAb-QXNj4fjTRwhKgx4wA8JlCKA/s2048/IMG_5936.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA__jWRgYdY7M4EQkgDzSj3yCJkYnbKYK_sVPbWaz00HZu7oGQMhXUA3MyC2q5frw16SyQ7Eru-OZ2I-5IcuA755dbvM0cSK0dOyAPGEx05IroM5e7lru593umMzLXsJPHbjOM6JEc4b6anu7T7GjcFBgN9z7QtkFyAb-QXNj4fjTRwhKgx4wA8JlCKA/s320/IMG_5936.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adrian repairing the dead hedge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFwOOZ7vOW-4_ThT_OKIe9BjAzJGnsJPTu0Bdch6mWffwnPi75agO3FvP5Rn2WWHINAEK3MHKkuOuXTwNdO_3RA0U2rA056yOYWLxNgTqugBQjbG1XYMdSKGKz5RjRdj9BO2kpaX_n6XLOaDwFcuKEZHq2EYjN7TrLysyIhjB_aU-HlcVPRiyy4h6iQ8/s2048/IMG_5939.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFwOOZ7vOW-4_ThT_OKIe9BjAzJGnsJPTu0Bdch6mWffwnPi75agO3FvP5Rn2WWHINAEK3MHKkuOuXTwNdO_3RA0U2rA056yOYWLxNgTqugBQjbG1XYMdSKGKz5RjRdj9BO2kpaX_n6XLOaDwFcuKEZHq2EYjN7TrLysyIhjB_aU-HlcVPRiyy4h6iQ8/s320/IMG_5939.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYfRJ7uNr8UeqW5HvOtVEyodLVsKp7GGw2efi9VsiSrxK7DjGXof-oJghk440uPhd8sMUTZmrGTzOfL7LYZohXfoxBtRYapguT-fBaNjlhnDW5Td6Fhv3iOgaLosRJ9_1-zQJIsJz28KPcnSFT39URsEhAGBD78JHYjVF14c7AepK6rrL4ZyTE9pg2jQ/s2048/IMG_5941.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYfRJ7uNr8UeqW5HvOtVEyodLVsKp7GGw2efi9VsiSrxK7DjGXof-oJghk440uPhd8sMUTZmrGTzOfL7LYZohXfoxBtRYapguT-fBaNjlhnDW5Td6Fhv3iOgaLosRJ9_1-zQJIsJz28KPcnSFT39URsEhAGBD78JHYjVF14c7AepK6rrL4ZyTE9pg2jQ/s320/IMG_5941.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas lunch at the Dog House.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-43168981580929167232023-12-10T23:19:00.003+00:002023-12-10T23:19:53.319+00:00Abingdon Riding for the Disabled - Saturday, 9 December 2023<p>On Saturday, 9 December, 13 Green Gymmers went to the Riding for the Disabled in Southmoor to help clear vegetation from the stream in an effort to prevent it from flooding. The late Janet Dale used to volunteer for the RDA, which is how we were introduced and the last time we visited, we planted a willow tree in Janet's memory along the stream. Lesley continues to volunteer with the RDA so it felt good to return to this special place. Eleanor was our leader and after assembling in the car park those who wished to don waders did so, whereas the rest of us trusted that our wellies would be up to the task. Although the skies were grey, the heavy rain that had been forecast in the morning had fizzled out by the time we arrived on site and we enjoyed a very pleasant morning.</p><p>We had to negotiate an electric fence (which had been turned off!) and we were able to free one of the wires so that we could scythe and cut without being hampered. Jim, Barbara and Sally tried scything the fairly steep bank whilst others grabbed loppers to tackle nettles. We kept an eye out for the presence of water voles, which are sadly endangered having once been very common along our waterways. We did not see any of the tic-tac shaped droppings which they deposit in their latrines nor any evidence of their larders where they keep their cut vegetation (cut at a 45 degree angle) but we were careful to leave plenty of grass and cover in case any were about.</p><p>Luckily, even after the recent rains, the water in the stream came well below the height of our wellies, but we just had to be careful not to get stuck in the oozing mud.</p><p>Break time was a rather luxurious affair as we trundled back up the track to HQ where we were able to sit in rather comfy chairs and were treated to delicious homemade cake. Suitably fortified, we ventured back to the stream for a bit more clearing. A good morning's work.</p><p>Blog and photos by Sally</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyAbhfYOu-rrPQCoIHhgbt4j42s_7pl21aLATNOoWql8tFw4kQw-rHuOyB3mm2kZyR9EuJoQUxgGQNvBAQR_OxrT72bjthBPQI9X1SpMignQ7GOu5_4LCoaJI-sEcarp8s2l4cs0Aw_8tuZgh_jRptubl2Tee6YufdE29JW5DIQsZvwXjfLJWyqlhzb8/s2134/IMG_5842.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="2134" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyAbhfYOu-rrPQCoIHhgbt4j42s_7pl21aLATNOoWql8tFw4kQw-rHuOyB3mm2kZyR9EuJoQUxgGQNvBAQR_OxrT72bjthBPQI9X1SpMignQ7GOu5_4LCoaJI-sEcarp8s2l4cs0Aw_8tuZgh_jRptubl2Tee6YufdE29JW5DIQsZvwXjfLJWyqlhzb8/s320/IMG_5842.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ursula, Rosie and Jim start work along the fence line</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AzSyzLHcmRvZd24Hff2Ahzib4rjH6OK46JulnvIoKYd2HUU5XaJ0DANHi0k3bM_VjsuZJotfoLV4ERaMT3gOVtVXX6_LfbSCRx7SxMMuNBAyrBegyjJgbTt6qjxi3XLRI6dHCMefwhdLfKIY-QDYDgdQZHQ3zHzyo6KRS3eL6b8mxMF_5GVVJh73Lpw/s2116/IMG_5843.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="2116" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-AzSyzLHcmRvZd24Hff2Ahzib4rjH6OK46JulnvIoKYd2HUU5XaJ0DANHi0k3bM_VjsuZJotfoLV4ERaMT3gOVtVXX6_LfbSCRx7SxMMuNBAyrBegyjJgbTt6qjxi3XLRI6dHCMefwhdLfKIY-QDYDgdQZHQ3zHzyo6KRS3eL6b8mxMF_5GVVJh73Lpw/s320/IMG_5843.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eleanor directing Helen, Joan and Henry</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIwKtrB4Ay-s8gjKRTUl7WHWaBBmn_C0rQIGSHmmWY3J8Fxt3NtoEKRKOXBFAmp4liAb4-D1e3Jz1tTuqiyH2UgBrrv05XSpwpBbBIf_31dbQJeSs22jAZ5CnzO7vW43sBgQ3A2LUjvHwuk4Qmxo8178new9RKHi3mIfnPTjAnZHedBSs1z4P8GtdKPQ/s2048/IMG_5847.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIwKtrB4Ay-s8gjKRTUl7WHWaBBmn_C0rQIGSHmmWY3J8Fxt3NtoEKRKOXBFAmp4liAb4-D1e3Jz1tTuqiyH2UgBrrv05XSpwpBbBIf_31dbQJeSs22jAZ5CnzO7vW43sBgQ3A2LUjvHwuk4Qmxo8178new9RKHi3mIfnPTjAnZHedBSs1z4P8GtdKPQ/s320/IMG_5847.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't fence me in!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19R9u8ZbZqZdW6ExBKbPhaNjHGWGyAxSTSR0Y5ufC-SGeKiVQYhcs6Lxln_rLUjY8x2WPbip2Lng2LX3MTxygG7u8d4MTooalrGB0xtiN8nzyr0xzYOpzcaPl-moNtZWgSTZTYi7rbQBMSh8cn04hF_4E0Id658yS7DVm14YulBxGkj367YnbVaN7O6o/s2048/IMG_5849.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19R9u8ZbZqZdW6ExBKbPhaNjHGWGyAxSTSR0Y5ufC-SGeKiVQYhcs6Lxln_rLUjY8x2WPbip2Lng2LX3MTxygG7u8d4MTooalrGB0xtiN8nzyr0xzYOpzcaPl-moNtZWgSTZTYi7rbQBMSh8cn04hF_4E0Id658yS7DVm14YulBxGkj367YnbVaN7O6o/s320/IMG_5849.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kevin takes the plunge</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaSXg3pQY7XQbWIRPVRsZGlWfE2NXzcnzAd1CZsc-WwzGbN1eY60MFXDJOev7tQ96TJkjdYm5kc6gAmwM_YgSWXqxBLb_xqvSu38Mu8ZFIk2h-UuZyJqXbLap8Ksjv7ZJa37_UnvaSnrcSGkfMaeeBYewRrDz6JJoAhyIDftqzfQ5aQC0IEPAqNSENR4/s2048/IMG_5852.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaSXg3pQY7XQbWIRPVRsZGlWfE2NXzcnzAd1CZsc-WwzGbN1eY60MFXDJOev7tQ96TJkjdYm5kc6gAmwM_YgSWXqxBLb_xqvSu38Mu8ZFIk2h-UuZyJqXbLap8Ksjv7ZJa37_UnvaSnrcSGkfMaeeBYewRrDz6JJoAhyIDftqzfQ5aQC0IEPAqNSENR4/s320/IMG_5852.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Progress at break time</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkceinEDtJ6c_wMDLI5xHArd6BUGbo4YSo01DiqTAi-lBs2U0oNZ9ySuUYhrb7SbLlaOuobXuBEzdhJqovNUoDX415VmZdc7BKVR1C8-ZD7gjTXcIdDqyoubZNfKeITydd0BOYjxeHaCdAaCR8oslO1PTyUVr3EI2Vk5FASsOU5S7OfxSq2bsHS3ycGfM/s2048/IMG_5853.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkceinEDtJ6c_wMDLI5xHArd6BUGbo4YSo01DiqTAi-lBs2U0oNZ9ySuUYhrb7SbLlaOuobXuBEzdhJqovNUoDX415VmZdc7BKVR1C8-ZD7gjTXcIdDqyoubZNfKeITydd0BOYjxeHaCdAaCR8oslO1PTyUVr3EI2Vk5FASsOU5S7OfxSq2bsHS3ycGfM/s320/IMG_5853.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kevin, Henry and Helen beaver away</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpXZYQvzSg7xhYcYBkYsQNejiWw7D967HPMXZfKsbjr12PLgwkfhz9vQg8yS_9lkaigTwOwaWlC2HH0vRgy5kA1uc1QaJ_jQ3FPVS_DOKPuGuS_cSpmtsh6GgDhAMOS0ATqoPv-e803mHDW4ur_DOmKmjWAOKQ8C2e8sdppnmaq35_R-PoMND_-x6Jp4/s2048/IMG_5857.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpXZYQvzSg7xhYcYBkYsQNejiWw7D967HPMXZfKsbjr12PLgwkfhz9vQg8yS_9lkaigTwOwaWlC2HH0vRgy5kA1uc1QaJ_jQ3FPVS_DOKPuGuS_cSpmtsh6GgDhAMOS0ATqoPv-e803mHDW4ur_DOmKmjWAOKQ8C2e8sdppnmaq35_R-PoMND_-x6Jp4/s320/IMG_5857.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joan with a forkful </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxEHqIa_SPYMFEDKbntfxAAgSAtyGTXQVzKUnQABCbGWFbn6nsLpsufkVn9s28G73r9IKylLVf_t-zqc3CmWinuXz5QMGi5ZqsRr7-Y9tWhny8Wmt0xGvaWglR-w0VOM9IupuJ4aEoXgOvdjQO0NlmEY9JWym1AspRhFA8I2vFB3WbJV7smcuXxyDWvE/s2048/IMG_5859.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxEHqIa_SPYMFEDKbntfxAAgSAtyGTXQVzKUnQABCbGWFbn6nsLpsufkVn9s28G73r9IKylLVf_t-zqc3CmWinuXz5QMGi5ZqsRr7-Y9tWhny8Wmt0xGvaWglR-w0VOM9IupuJ4aEoXgOvdjQO0NlmEY9JWym1AspRhFA8I2vFB3WbJV7smcuXxyDWvE/s320/IMG_5859.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Barbara in clearing up mode</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPj5OK-HjVgxGwb8Yx2Ej3Q40m-ZVMSft1AzdkLCOCZIwSBIcSnfYY6DP4fIDspOppjPre08brltrp5mgn-QjQz38iGzs38TS0Z78WSVLXh-0BH8g9llsbNF3rH2lEylfxo0K0B66Pik4cm1utmDb_rxmpnph7cEoq2ArQHUY-oFCLymH7Wc132k5LSE/s2048/IMG_5860.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPj5OK-HjVgxGwb8Yx2Ej3Q40m-ZVMSft1AzdkLCOCZIwSBIcSnfYY6DP4fIDspOppjPre08brltrp5mgn-QjQz38iGzs38TS0Z78WSVLXh-0BH8g9llsbNF3rH2lEylfxo0K0B66Pik4cm1utmDb_rxmpnph7cEoq2ArQHUY-oFCLymH7Wc132k5LSE/s320/IMG_5860.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lesley having fun</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3t4k55Ilo3LJLXqnUEi9e9FI6vLb8y27OD72QcfXBF9SD5OR_tc8WfCHfRJT6-Fbo489oBl6mxTuN8yzz7ZSFOeKhAz0VjNNrPhktJ5IYrvz-RHTx_-Wuw9G3w7Cu2ueeSuPpkj-yHpC5VpL_qxwfFnFBsQhFNTCO0lHrhTCVWJRgWmup0vof-dJp9LE/s2048/IMG_5861.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3t4k55Ilo3LJLXqnUEi9e9FI6vLb8y27OD72QcfXBF9SD5OR_tc8WfCHfRJT6-Fbo489oBl6mxTuN8yzz7ZSFOeKhAz0VjNNrPhktJ5IYrvz-RHTx_-Wuw9G3w7Cu2ueeSuPpkj-yHpC5VpL_qxwfFnFBsQhFNTCO0lHrhTCVWJRgWmup0vof-dJp9LE/s320/IMG_5861.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joan and Carolyn in tandem</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-yTrT0mGjVRISff373gn_VqLCfjVbzNfi7boXecHN9qkVtoooy9krI1NE_gCjo4DwSHv67LRFFM7_Y1f-YG7hmHESLLXznq6Gz3O9gkJ4CBiu1k2tD66rJCfJnoLVNiWKoyGq6AGAqn0lCAsPkEXtVIm2_00FIJGIYMWAGbeXiAQQg2dmIJlh4OeRGQ/s2048/IMG_5862.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-yTrT0mGjVRISff373gn_VqLCfjVbzNfi7boXecHN9qkVtoooy9krI1NE_gCjo4DwSHv67LRFFM7_Y1f-YG7hmHESLLXznq6Gz3O9gkJ4CBiu1k2tD66rJCfJnoLVNiWKoyGq6AGAqn0lCAsPkEXtVIm2_00FIJGIYMWAGbeXiAQQg2dmIJlh4OeRGQ/s320/IMG_5862.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Helen mid stream</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EIUAZe0tGkZW5Zr15TutJsuuk-dpNCCC7XPikYP6CH3y6w40a5gpaeJYkJYWTPMc6RkevnugHfhexbEHhCkkXcyMKkUp-6x8h06oGpZto3z2KhNcqcnZ8KCGma6RoWdavhQX8jKge-TmVakPf0CR08t2WsjmV9sWl0hP1YT-g8V9nrsfEObzLAA6i_c/s2048/IMG_5863.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EIUAZe0tGkZW5Zr15TutJsuuk-dpNCCC7XPikYP6CH3y6w40a5gpaeJYkJYWTPMc6RkevnugHfhexbEHhCkkXcyMKkUp-6x8h06oGpZto3z2KhNcqcnZ8KCGma6RoWdavhQX8jKge-TmVakPf0CR08t2WsjmV9sWl0hP1YT-g8V9nrsfEObzLAA6i_c/s320/IMG_5863.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sally swapping to loppers</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gQ3SUteiu2YaUCL0G-bvIa0y5ZsPlpdsIzNn3JHiqz6zK3K5kIfP-KgOoB3K0Ad5yW18H9NsqmJ6PPn0_QwnngEudpW-QMD0wiNGg8oyFN9hBkYaSCP2v_8LtHeiIi1PyizYmLvShgIkUnSlP-E3OJU8hD8MfiErDYh5AwAZYxhG9L60Pk32DRK1dM0/s2048/IMG_5868.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gQ3SUteiu2YaUCL0G-bvIa0y5ZsPlpdsIzNn3JHiqz6zK3K5kIfP-KgOoB3K0Ad5yW18H9NsqmJ6PPn0_QwnngEudpW-QMD0wiNGg8oyFN9hBkYaSCP2v_8LtHeiIi1PyizYmLvShgIkUnSlP-E3OJU8hD8MfiErDYh5AwAZYxhG9L60Pk32DRK1dM0/s320/IMG_5868.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Barbara looking pleased with progress</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifr9o3_9dcQjsz-3FY1vhptVsdKdMBUBfPVMV7KXA5JhXCLFuTN8uSoc7TeDSi5p7SB-vYDVXjly1HKIby0l2T-FB30Ve0EjU7QKy0p7o0vkKAV8dHw7fbwRFR15OgjO22SsBaTeU9PXn6-7TRQAI4ps8JA3yL_JewGf3hJUa9X-Dsjb82d4jca75VLCo/s2048/IMG_5866.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifr9o3_9dcQjsz-3FY1vhptVsdKdMBUBfPVMV7KXA5JhXCLFuTN8uSoc7TeDSi5p7SB-vYDVXjly1HKIby0l2T-FB30Ve0EjU7QKy0p7o0vkKAV8dHw7fbwRFR15OgjO22SsBaTeU9PXn6-7TRQAI4ps8JA3yL_JewGf3hJUa9X-Dsjb82d4jca75VLCo/s320/IMG_5866.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the cut</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-52848392359239831882023-12-10T22:36:00.001+00:002023-12-10T22:36:18.067+00:00Mid-Week Special - Two Pines Fen, Frilford Heath Golf Course SSSI - 14, 21 and 28 November 2023<p>On three successive Tuesdays in November, Abingdon Green Gym and friends (12 in total) completed the autumn cut and rake of Two Pines Fen, which is a calcareous (or alkaline) fen situated between the red and green courses of Frilford Heath Golf Course. The cut and rake is to mimic the action of herbivores and allow light for seeds to germinate and prevent the build up of nutrients in the peat, as the calcareous fen specialist flora do not thrive in rich peat. Because of its location, we can only visit it midweek as it involves either the closure of a hole or the moving of a tee to avoid the risk of volunteers being hit by a stray golf ball - and, judging by the number of balls we found whilst working on the fen, the risk of this would have been quite high! We donned our hi-viz jackets and each day made our way from the compound car park along the track to the fen. Luckily, we are hardy souls so we had all brought waterproofs for when it rained, but the joy of seeing the fen in the autumn sunshine was something to behold - that and finding lots of delicate wasp spider nests!</p><p>On 14 November, we concentrated our efforts on the red course side of the fen and, under Rod d'Ayala's guidance we cut and raked the reed and sedge and packed this into the ditch, which is acting as a drain for the fen. We were careful to maintain the flow of water so that the whole area does not completely flood and use the natural shallow stream to achieve this. It was great to see that shallow pools of water had formed as this will be a vital habitat for the larval stage of many invertebrates which, in turn, help pollinate the several species of orchid and other fen specialist flora that thrive here. We did as much as we could on the day as progress had been hampered by a bit of rain - although we have known much worse!</p><p>The following week was the turn of the green course side, which tends to be much drier underfoot and is favoured by the stunning Grass of Parnassus (the county flower of Cumberland). The green keepers had kindly put notices in the clubhouse to let the golfers know that the hole had been closed so we could work freely.</p><p>Knowing that we had not finished the red course side completely, we agreed with the Golf Club that we would return on 28 November. Adrian did some mattocking out of willow scrub and after lunch, Rich started the cut of the rush in front of the ladies' 16th as one of the greenkeepers had told us that he had seen a butterwort in flower in the late spring/early summer, which is very encouraging as we think it is a new species for the site or one that has not been recorded for some time. Susan came in the morning to help with the rake and then Jan came in the afternoon. It was their first time of visiting the site. Jan christened the two Scots pines in the middle of the fen, Duncan and Gordon, and found that it was quite comfy to sit against them after a hard spell of raking.</p><p>We need to return to finish the area around the 16th red tee which lies between Two Pines Fen and its big sister, Boundary House Fen, to provide greater connectivity and hopefully improve the chances for the fen flora and fauna to spread between the two, before we start the process all over again in the spring.</p><p>A huge thanks to Adrian, Eleanor, Jan, Jane, Jim, Kathy, Mike, Philip, Rich, Rod, Roger and Susan for all their help.</p><p>Blog and photos by Sally</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLkYAD-ZdZ6-XzfP8XLtpQcNzZHCB1L-UMzLZlUbeph6v76xc5juv0D6bPx4qX9Zz1UFqAp0eeNYFqSPYpxyygN9l0OdokojVM1hP5Bii-8GYYoQ17g9VULnB3F8zUy1UkeJZdlmVOPMhyyMDrLjqdOPrGKyKMSNCBGYr4f86H30CZXmD4Q_7IyocQtc/s2048/IMG_5654.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLkYAD-ZdZ6-XzfP8XLtpQcNzZHCB1L-UMzLZlUbeph6v76xc5juv0D6bPx4qX9Zz1UFqAp0eeNYFqSPYpxyygN9l0OdokojVM1hP5Bii-8GYYoQ17g9VULnB3F8zUy1UkeJZdlmVOPMhyyMDrLjqdOPrGKyKMSNCBGYr4f86H30CZXmD4Q_7IyocQtc/s320/IMG_5654.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roger and Jim scything on Day 1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gIJUPg8kq9nK4IHAtfbrtSHllpp0TS-dDu91zAjRqGwbp-owdrVpOUQxswziA9obfykfT6pIv1ZxScPnyhUZLVJMZE0vdajONF59CgfDdSFs7jrJD5EG9L7AD6ARxY7zyqv5B9agNupA2xlDIjXK9iAgsq_TRi2Q2Pd05Whx4qJhCElcd2SkIZQgcVo/s2048/IMG_5656.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gIJUPg8kq9nK4IHAtfbrtSHllpp0TS-dDu91zAjRqGwbp-owdrVpOUQxswziA9obfykfT6pIv1ZxScPnyhUZLVJMZE0vdajONF59CgfDdSFs7jrJD5EG9L7AD6ARxY7zyqv5B9agNupA2xlDIjXK9iAgsq_TRi2Q2Pd05Whx4qJhCElcd2SkIZQgcVo/s320/IMG_5656.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the thick of it</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lUKEp0B7sEj07wQQBFPe53tLJGvRvtVYtj2AgBJvV_MIACVLAxp4SagUHMZtoOGc5GHxfNHhqNdk6aHUeMz_fbFfAfOmgUrpkJK5XOyjwN1L-bDVHZwLC2XPrRbpP677q8AUBEupmPvtEK_04dMKZPv0BzeOgUb82cebKZhREB0UBrc0VV3dWoyckhw/s2048/IMG_5658.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lUKEp0B7sEj07wQQBFPe53tLJGvRvtVYtj2AgBJvV_MIACVLAxp4SagUHMZtoOGc5GHxfNHhqNdk6aHUeMz_fbFfAfOmgUrpkJK5XOyjwN1L-bDVHZwLC2XPrRbpP677q8AUBEupmPvtEK_04dMKZPv0BzeOgUb82cebKZhREB0UBrc0VV3dWoyckhw/s320/IMG_5658.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rake's progress</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCdgs5QyFhAirDKe8ajsqSOG8LNO9ZOGLGndeVgqj_HO1I8-jgVJfqxu60UnpbJTUNeKkRLF1OD2_3RhMp9Rd-TpIRPNI471cTLDkAfs-5O1y2zMafQ1vy4woIyf9Ae_3Vr8-PAPw8onNrRRj1yEUrjE2Dkp2W6f-Gb0Ijm8fTl5ZWX1fQDrOVogbNzQ/s2048/IMG_5661.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCdgs5QyFhAirDKe8ajsqSOG8LNO9ZOGLGndeVgqj_HO1I8-jgVJfqxu60UnpbJTUNeKkRLF1OD2_3RhMp9Rd-TpIRPNI471cTLDkAfs-5O1y2zMafQ1vy4woIyf9Ae_3Vr8-PAPw8onNrRRj1yEUrjE2Dkp2W6f-Gb0Ijm8fTl5ZWX1fQDrOVogbNzQ/s320/IMG_5661.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sphagnum moss - this is a rare variety</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xrz31tPvFq9_TmRnlQhKHlj20FtozDVejm_JYJ6QGokXSUzd6YXYsVfy_dtHaCOhCTRJXOtygz1T5E-t2Wb5gEN76OcNdQ_g7ZMcHUbaniYQrRqaQgLYCMl77k9O9weaPbZHvLXoxw4iASDEszv3Xnqn_zM3r_rGGk7ixEM30tayhdDZB2ie3dxyEJw/s2048/IMG_5664.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xrz31tPvFq9_TmRnlQhKHlj20FtozDVejm_JYJ6QGokXSUzd6YXYsVfy_dtHaCOhCTRJXOtygz1T5E-t2Wb5gEN76OcNdQ_g7ZMcHUbaniYQrRqaQgLYCMl77k9O9weaPbZHvLXoxw4iASDEszv3Xnqn_zM3r_rGGk7ixEM30tayhdDZB2ie3dxyEJw/s320/IMG_5664.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Working on the red side</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhyphenhyphenJtKUUgr863dLOBdlg-875ufcYd7Fv4V1j22dBX5vB_KjDJ-9VrneGbKNFTTfaHsfzdVOLwT3rR9Q4ioQvxJKKCWkeNpBelU7JksAWZo7u_UVnGnkvmvAKHdRnFQHOHNW8u5_ydj4swJxxqoB113QlvPu6XYuWwEDAP9Z7Z-_r62PsgU9Z0CFi7aBg/s2048/IMG_5667.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhyphenhyphenJtKUUgr863dLOBdlg-875ufcYd7Fv4V1j22dBX5vB_KjDJ-9VrneGbKNFTTfaHsfzdVOLwT3rR9Q4ioQvxJKKCWkeNpBelU7JksAWZo7u_UVnGnkvmvAKHdRnFQHOHNW8u5_ydj4swJxxqoB113QlvPu6XYuWwEDAP9Z7Z-_r62PsgU9Z0CFi7aBg/s320/IMG_5667.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Under blue skies</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yiEIxRt2V2sOg8JjJYSRCyRIeyfTDze5Fsb0gO7i7mavrwH87HLbAD06tOt2nSg5az7QqkdAallulz-kEgrSrAqy_NYrp-ZvIXBfS_G0yTT3NiwWCLHDLUTNREHirpHqGjGOzqPeZmB7Lqn_v1iHxBkbkupS9oeKgJ5uBltwA50VM8MAA2xRfrBeTMI/s2048/IMG_5673.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yiEIxRt2V2sOg8JjJYSRCyRIeyfTDze5Fsb0gO7i7mavrwH87HLbAD06tOt2nSg5az7QqkdAallulz-kEgrSrAqy_NYrp-ZvIXBfS_G0yTT3NiwWCLHDLUTNREHirpHqGjGOzqPeZmB7Lqn_v1iHxBkbkupS9oeKgJ5uBltwA50VM8MAA2xRfrBeTMI/s320/IMG_5673.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fen-tastic!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiimOfpeqVN_fXXw3A3n7XrhWDkiqaNYlPTBJImZnAnTvj3eiOzPzKmOgDc_KefawMWqE2gRzkfMTox8tn-iTAAXOia_T2tWt-cQYYAzBkCtUnlK1EMQKymFYFymYAYh0VC6ZdpekXeRPfMp9o1J0vl8ZcRqs2PfnFHQbP_aR00r2BB2X1bT0K2lZSOF8/s2048/IMG_5675.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiimOfpeqVN_fXXw3A3n7XrhWDkiqaNYlPTBJImZnAnTvj3eiOzPzKmOgDc_KefawMWqE2gRzkfMTox8tn-iTAAXOia_T2tWt-cQYYAzBkCtUnlK1EMQKymFYFymYAYh0VC6ZdpekXeRPfMp9o1J0vl8ZcRqs2PfnFHQbP_aR00r2BB2X1bT0K2lZSOF8/s320/IMG_5675.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wasp spider's egg case</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0U5X7Gena7bjIjAKr39mLQNPCQQu0uI8aOWb5mjLLI1H52NyFqiXW_-U5HxH97xl77YRy4s_eNDvT79Gx9oWvgTs85n5FEODSgGnC2ZqWztjzHF6K4WzXj83m0pz-ZkXUzJvw2uJnfMdA3k0-pOIOfFiQtFBrURs6CIKh8fnl5iFK6TI7PqT3P8cGbw/s2048/IMG_5710.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0U5X7Gena7bjIjAKr39mLQNPCQQu0uI8aOWb5mjLLI1H52NyFqiXW_-U5HxH97xl77YRy4s_eNDvT79Gx9oWvgTs85n5FEODSgGnC2ZqWztjzHF6K4WzXj83m0pz-ZkXUzJvw2uJnfMdA3k0-pOIOfFiQtFBrURs6CIKh8fnl5iFK6TI7PqT3P8cGbw/s320/IMG_5710.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The "green" side and a lot of golf balls</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQR-Gv5VPbqUqFhGwm51LGzMPIOpitI0ZPy5TqaHOcrnvnJZIfU1VldfWQlUCaF3nm6VM6OTnXlbsDwwzPA7OYFxnU2050CGKJN868CvVK5N38KiC693Qh9KQ_YEozYIl_vHg5veNV86SmGJ4xYJl-5vG5ql7sbvXnRjn65XRzpAvhVeRLn4osOlZuwc/s2048/IMG_5713.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQR-Gv5VPbqUqFhGwm51LGzMPIOpitI0ZPy5TqaHOcrnvnJZIfU1VldfWQlUCaF3nm6VM6OTnXlbsDwwzPA7OYFxnU2050CGKJN868CvVK5N38KiC693Qh9KQ_YEozYIl_vHg5veNV86SmGJ4xYJl-5vG5ql7sbvXnRjn65XRzpAvhVeRLn4osOlZuwc/s320/IMG_5713.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Duncan and Gordon at the end of Day 2</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6yUhWjHh8E8Tvxr6zalYogh4f5cNPIKaAcH_d1BrM0jadQj4clDkRTn_Kz3LnaOCOKAn2GZZhfFIIh64zqmSVWBN41yz1j0Y-5-jEnC0Y5-z2nSLh-fzAK9j9l3f8fqoobx9WZP1QDHsDOAWLOZ6gAmNMXTIUaP-XZ5ab9TuNFAE2uooDC2yKygM4sc/s2048/IMG_5742.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6yUhWjHh8E8Tvxr6zalYogh4f5cNPIKaAcH_d1BrM0jadQj4clDkRTn_Kz3LnaOCOKAn2GZZhfFIIh64zqmSVWBN41yz1j0Y-5-jEnC0Y5-z2nSLh-fzAK9j9l3f8fqoobx9WZP1QDHsDOAWLOZ6gAmNMXTIUaP-XZ5ab9TuNFAE2uooDC2yKygM4sc/s320/IMG_5742.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">At the start of a perfect day for finishing off the "red" side</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYjv4lVtn4Opc5T03WIZE9KBc79pD2MJeWyMS90aGHt50IKaoe-1qwomlAQ5Q6JQyk4gg0OpLyvm-zkSHHhw0RcwikxE4VAv0U3q_lt7VfvKtFlm9l1ThR3Otx-n41JPs8MZe6bhvmWBUSBLF85clr5Vt7wry_JjBJwzNfRDcExMIWKjBVA5_O1repTA/s2048/IMG_5743.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYjv4lVtn4Opc5T03WIZE9KBc79pD2MJeWyMS90aGHt50IKaoe-1qwomlAQ5Q6JQyk4gg0OpLyvm-zkSHHhw0RcwikxE4VAv0U3q_lt7VfvKtFlm9l1ThR3Otx-n41JPs8MZe6bhvmWBUSBLF85clr5Vt7wry_JjBJwzNfRDcExMIWKjBVA5_O1repTA/s320/IMG_5743.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jim and Rich scything</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SCkKn767ZCah-4JqBb4r8CHRFNFSFwk7a-Gkhu0tPiyhv4m7MQkl1gclY0Cb3iOB9qAXIbaXPjmk7WGx-ddWfNFTkwfz1xbzfsD7HYR_sY3As-YwXn76yYFHNLynVczIzOkrWuTu9mRlVFT8gLCOI1WppGxMQ9R5k4p_gK-83PUZOR-B3AqG6AMyqrQ/s2048/IMG_5746.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SCkKn767ZCah-4JqBb4r8CHRFNFSFwk7a-Gkhu0tPiyhv4m7MQkl1gclY0Cb3iOB9qAXIbaXPjmk7WGx-ddWfNFTkwfz1xbzfsD7HYR_sY3As-YwXn76yYFHNLynVczIzOkrWuTu9mRlVFT8gLCOI1WppGxMQ9R5k4p_gK-83PUZOR-B3AqG6AMyqrQ/s320/IMG_5746.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Break time on Day 3</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bVsiHIMxzY2Q0z9iG79SxegFk9KNBIoZpLWDRazmC6UntlWLwAT6CJuWZxgd_WkDTiQnidwBIA6ycfoEnhtq9QE4CU2SSJRLHytSl9F8jauhQ7_F9nIVxWuCLHBjoNpnHs6EXGCcA3PDtOIT8ghOSAx9ie5FTUBXd6y0ADtjuwZjuCpgpX7SHzRE088/s2048/IMG_5750.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bVsiHIMxzY2Q0z9iG79SxegFk9KNBIoZpLWDRazmC6UntlWLwAT6CJuWZxgd_WkDTiQnidwBIA6ycfoEnhtq9QE4CU2SSJRLHytSl9F8jauhQ7_F9nIVxWuCLHBjoNpnHs6EXGCcA3PDtOIT8ghOSAx9ie5FTUBXd6y0ADtjuwZjuCpgpX7SHzRE088/s320/IMG_5750.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back to it after lunch break</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzVqXcNNjHJE3E3k7fl3NPF7aN1fWvchKCewpbRaB7QKHV0nIZ5wt4I4D-3DeEAU_zyljQN1kTQwzjPN1RpUiY5qxJv07Koh-mGBtyTOtJdLGbx_L6ab9TLRxDnUbIgWakiQlJPNy5qWK8Uvuoj4DHP3bxPbLdKZDaMNCUaq1ZsXRioW2n-dhXIxn_kA/s2048/IMG_5752.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzVqXcNNjHJE3E3k7fl3NPF7aN1fWvchKCewpbRaB7QKHV0nIZ5wt4I4D-3DeEAU_zyljQN1kTQwzjPN1RpUiY5qxJv07Koh-mGBtyTOtJdLGbx_L6ab9TLRxDnUbIgWakiQlJPNy5qWK8Uvuoj4DHP3bxPbLdKZDaMNCUaq1ZsXRioW2n-dhXIxn_kA/s320/IMG_5752.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rich takes on the rush area in the distance</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmadsmwIRxGkqMH_Z1LfY_UWZSYxgg1_98XxKxMXCNbmww7VgC2iWUS9XfFmJQEPgsrSc5Z3l92SNlPe-ZEOXlQThSliT01aytGPRzmKRs_WeV9gTl-9cGadlnNNs_wPd-8a0XZsnECks1PWxqkmpCK3AjEzFlrmtGMYsWGseQ-fIZ5XT8QnE11BGDKbM/s2048/IMG_5754.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmadsmwIRxGkqMH_Z1LfY_UWZSYxgg1_98XxKxMXCNbmww7VgC2iWUS9XfFmJQEPgsrSc5Z3l92SNlPe-ZEOXlQThSliT01aytGPRzmKRs_WeV9gTl-9cGadlnNNs_wPd-8a0XZsnECks1PWxqkmpCK3AjEzFlrmtGMYsWGseQ-fIZ5XT8QnE11BGDKbM/s320/IMG_5754.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heaps of cut material moved off the fen, which is looking a lot more watery now!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfVZvDlzvbZqz2EQ3fg7rAwiHD2ZAFopoeeOmkqb_gCjeXOx5kAtzYBF2XoQHHtAjFjOsOCeVqJskS5cDC87Sqmo4ZrlGrfb3M2eILTwfITlvuxGz7mp6x3XszYn-kWJLAZ47ctD1YhwT03hqrPEzo8raMytrx2xQnh8loCCY-RC5C58rrq4SQwv2So4/s2048/IMG_5757.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfVZvDlzvbZqz2EQ3fg7rAwiHD2ZAFopoeeOmkqb_gCjeXOx5kAtzYBF2XoQHHtAjFjOsOCeVqJskS5cDC87Sqmo4ZrlGrfb3M2eILTwfITlvuxGz7mp6x3XszYn-kWJLAZ47ctD1YhwT03hqrPEzo8raMytrx2xQnh8loCCY-RC5C58rrq4SQwv2So4/s320/IMG_5757.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rush area cut in front of the ladies' 16th red tee </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f55iTPVUiCVOCmTlsqKflXJCfcuPQ07ezDhn7VNxfpFYnhGJ2kVeq9zP_Sw5E87Z0suJ9suf1gHB61zyc0vlqOoPZ-ZX4ErtCbSan3rOx0L_o9qQyz88GyRmUju5KvcrDJ41GG0RRjSgoT9Bknr1iTYIEbnqJcpZsS_y4qlSx_zJYN0oQV1r5Z9_fJc/s2048/IMG_5760.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4f55iTPVUiCVOCmTlsqKflXJCfcuPQ07ezDhn7VNxfpFYnhGJ2kVeq9zP_Sw5E87Z0suJ9suf1gHB61zyc0vlqOoPZ-ZX4ErtCbSan3rOx0L_o9qQyz88GyRmUju5KvcrDJ41GG0RRjSgoT9Bknr1iTYIEbnqJcpZsS_y4qlSx_zJYN0oQV1r5Z9_fJc/s320/IMG_5760.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Encouraging the natural stream</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPbDTfqqmgNgbgMPuhAMWRwdwllWrNRim-LXWQ0nnIcAiHlwW78absr0UzTa69kdFHIiOZe_mL5EVe-wOGlGBgifbhmTKzPsJSs40J07JieK_jU7BUGJn3CkikXDO8QPAg-FH4PPxLUbEOiwFQeSaiyQD_R826WPSb3q3HhmivbJJ2ZTj5ARMDQBzOak/s2048/IMG_5763.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPbDTfqqmgNgbgMPuhAMWRwdwllWrNRim-LXWQ0nnIcAiHlwW78absr0UzTa69kdFHIiOZe_mL5EVe-wOGlGBgifbhmTKzPsJSs40J07JieK_jU7BUGJn3CkikXDO8QPAg-FH4PPxLUbEOiwFQeSaiyQD_R826WPSb3q3HhmivbJJ2ZTj5ARMDQBzOak/s320/IMG_5763.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A good job, well done</div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-1397425174039208352023-12-05T23:09:00.000+00:002023-12-05T23:09:52.028+00:00Lashford Lane Fen - Saturday 2nd December 2023<p> Blog by Eleanor. Photos by Kevin, Olivia and Sally This was our first visit to Lashford Lane Fen, situated between Wootton and Dry Sandford and managed by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.</p><p>Thirteen Green Gymmers turned out, braving below freezing temperatures and fog. Adrian, our session leader, led us on quite a long trek to the area where we were going to be working. The main tasks were to cut back trees and scrub, so we were equipped with saws, loppers, mattocks and a tree popper, which is useful for getting small trees up by the roots.</p><p>There were two work sites and Adrian led some of us to the second one, which involved negotiating some quite marshy ground. Here, there was similar work to be done, cutting back small trees and scrub. We worked hard until break and our cups of hot tea and coffee were very welcome.</p><p>Some of us swapped work areas for the second half of the session. On both sites an opportunistic robin made an appearance. There was some coppicing to be done, as well as more cutting back and we did our best to warm our hands and feet, as the fog didn't lift nor did the sun show itself at all. We built a dead hedge, using all of the cut branches and raking up the residue, before making he long trek back to the car park.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNb3xfDGJsERgC1f0uFoHPYTOoU1G7C-QTPzBk097o_pxPl8b9rOf111G62mz_ZSZIys36RwjIKn9G7AHGjmRnkI2hMSWHUNYeIOu0rZCb_m8p-dxHqAZ2Iu_JTSS8phtc8SmPIrfXFXM0AZDY7vxeFprDz8s5o8oQWcbdztBMj-_jC5z1cGaj5tNlXY/s2048/IMG_5796.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNb3xfDGJsERgC1f0uFoHPYTOoU1G7C-QTPzBk097o_pxPl8b9rOf111G62mz_ZSZIys36RwjIKn9G7AHGjmRnkI2hMSWHUNYeIOu0rZCb_m8p-dxHqAZ2Iu_JTSS8phtc8SmPIrfXFXM0AZDY7vxeFprDz8s5o8oQWcbdztBMj-_jC5z1cGaj5tNlXY/s320/IMG_5796.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interpretation board<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_yFke_HFU4Mfz9YkuKwbDTllvrJpZQiH9y-_ieU309Z6kqWJWSA3QyeH2QunodLz3rkvgqRYyBAFIBUcCEX30GxxSv9OUs1ftUMJAlu6K_71Dy6TyRPDHfPGYWtHbfMES9NIKX8uCUCOwvZvZbUtFFt7hUeYtadDnr5HHe2_jg4nKuyOwniw_q_9VAk/s2048/IMG_5767.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_yFke_HFU4Mfz9YkuKwbDTllvrJpZQiH9y-_ieU309Z6kqWJWSA3QyeH2QunodLz3rkvgqRYyBAFIBUcCEX30GxxSv9OUs1ftUMJAlu6K_71Dy6TyRPDHfPGYWtHbfMES9NIKX8uCUCOwvZvZbUtFFt7hUeYtadDnr5HHe2_jg4nKuyOwniw_q_9VAk/s320/IMG_5767.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The work site<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-1nnuNlZBqs47BL8lBfQ_mQ3iITHND74gh8pzhBQTOJGSd9vUNoCaY3qeep7vTjf24lXjl-bPhT8695MaBbHih6p_o03Ak42KmmKrKVXj3iGfsJET0hGlWJ1B9AjtMnfiMSNJlAYeR-eERx3DKr4k8iIbPG-ZOQwT4PY9yzipu9gEgdSJZDGbEhJfxo/s2048/IMG_5765.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-1nnuNlZBqs47BL8lBfQ_mQ3iITHND74gh8pzhBQTOJGSd9vUNoCaY3qeep7vTjf24lXjl-bPhT8695MaBbHih6p_o03Ak42KmmKrKVXj3iGfsJET0hGlWJ1B9AjtMnfiMSNJlAYeR-eERx3DKr4k8iIbPG-ZOQwT4PY9yzipu9gEgdSJZDGbEhJfxo/s320/IMG_5765.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for work<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUh2Sqa3nakTWtpQLL3-tN7l4J4mELVFDIhGbOQNTVVQbwLnksZUk_hggyc_K4w8S6o6MdaKRg1FfVr1Yi8XvV5TF8N8VWHKcuBc2Zll66puksjAQ5Tu4a1Q8OnOcIsxoHy9lUhamTJy9J57e96iVtDl4ZeUc_lWWDZBlHt7-4ZvmDLqrFtnuGK8LRho/s4000/20231202_100419%5B17943%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUh2Sqa3nakTWtpQLL3-tN7l4J4mELVFDIhGbOQNTVVQbwLnksZUk_hggyc_K4w8S6o6MdaKRg1FfVr1Yi8XvV5TF8N8VWHKcuBc2Zll66puksjAQ5Tu4a1Q8OnOcIsxoHy9lUhamTJy9J57e96iVtDl4ZeUc_lWWDZBlHt7-4ZvmDLqrFtnuGK8LRho/s320/20231202_100419%5B17943%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adrian instructing (or conducting?)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y3UiKKtgEljqRAoYpHXPxTn-steztPyEUfd6NTHFUfBtFZFHb6YTAKoWUxK4UAahKi6VBkpKYrFPuud-Ykcg9gWhFxiSE8ialVI1UTM9Ywb-ZRLrZA31923hqkrQsdb_luTPCSgxGWK98BrkGv2-cMjkavu5SSGp5pZd4Q-j6KQBgkAmYQsMS1gLm38/s4000/20231202_100432%5B17942%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y3UiKKtgEljqRAoYpHXPxTn-steztPyEUfd6NTHFUfBtFZFHb6YTAKoWUxK4UAahKi6VBkpKYrFPuud-Ykcg9gWhFxiSE8ialVI1UTM9Ywb-ZRLrZA31923hqkrQsdb_luTPCSgxGWK98BrkGv2-cMjkavu5SSGp5pZd4Q-j6KQBgkAmYQsMS1gLm38/s320/20231202_100432%5B17942%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frosty fen<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6VYFqrixWas_2UgUuS-XmZSIkGZ0NDcCh0qLmeEr6ZPyVmpSxHvy37y0L2bMZWyIqLHeb9xfXvNhxRkjKTYQ689j4uRfxFQS2Pq7wJl9INheBna6H3Yv2Eq34MfvMXfpRBKT6QIot2M_tLFAvVGKWUAO4beX8ZHiz4MV2mlD985h9WK-io922U7WN2c/s2048/IMG_5766.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6VYFqrixWas_2UgUuS-XmZSIkGZ0NDcCh0qLmeEr6ZPyVmpSxHvy37y0L2bMZWyIqLHeb9xfXvNhxRkjKTYQ689j4uRfxFQS2Pq7wJl9INheBna6H3Yv2Eq34MfvMXfpRBKT6QIot2M_tLFAvVGKWUAO4beX8ZHiz4MV2mlD985h9WK-io922U7WN2c/s320/IMG_5766.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A frosty cobweb<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8yY2sH6Wz-sNajkXhyGXmjp7HcxqXwKh8Mk_-NFrWTZVe26u39zXktXgK5yNiPrWoQsxeIBztbfoV0O8_P9BFMra2jxyiv3rc_Kl0ZIIsBVMwQ_M_iKDqWRpl62UfwvmgDvyzxUtnEdeC7XvJkPqU8IsTAkzRh8urku5JtPT-LjUhSSu-shCEPTMnFk/s4000/20231202_102143%5B17941%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8yY2sH6Wz-sNajkXhyGXmjp7HcxqXwKh8Mk_-NFrWTZVe26u39zXktXgK5yNiPrWoQsxeIBztbfoV0O8_P9BFMra2jxyiv3rc_Kl0ZIIsBVMwQ_M_iKDqWRpl62UfwvmgDvyzxUtnEdeC7XvJkPqU8IsTAkzRh8urku5JtPT-LjUhSSu-shCEPTMnFk/s320/20231202_102143%5B17941%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCZd_A0RE6uypzkR5aaiHZvzjGDneY4cza3NL4xf8u_7jXOgYf6cKeXql6txD_F-t2_PWqGcMecyp04tsc9Cib1xr-Cx_Z2UPFjHhuVgazUTr2iXSW4ndXygH1O9-IIC7Y38GpAhIJFlK-onu0xPptw_gVtHKQk0C1eK-V9gnR54zpsbWpcDhIO_DCsk/s4000/20231202_102151%5B17940%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCZd_A0RE6uypzkR5aaiHZvzjGDneY4cza3NL4xf8u_7jXOgYf6cKeXql6txD_F-t2_PWqGcMecyp04tsc9Cib1xr-Cx_Z2UPFjHhuVgazUTr2iXSW4ndXygH1O9-IIC7Y38GpAhIJFlK-onu0xPptw_gVtHKQk0C1eK-V9gnR54zpsbWpcDhIO_DCsk/s320/20231202_102151%5B17940%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lopping and sawing<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7lvDvMHp15eOBip0ZgRxq4KYvB-CJZBZMlJy1UElYklb33lycRCbnuXHr-O2H_99mdx1jx5IopNyXMJqWaSIIzMWhJCV82kHuCbt0R-pOWoXuWelZbPRdIYfJZRNDYAjhzlRVCivOArSBulOYrSAHiIypcYGTDAusrthQllS5otweuK2wVOIpT8ikVw/s4032/IMG_6367%5B17935%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7lvDvMHp15eOBip0ZgRxq4KYvB-CJZBZMlJy1UElYklb33lycRCbnuXHr-O2H_99mdx1jx5IopNyXMJqWaSIIzMWhJCV82kHuCbt0R-pOWoXuWelZbPRdIYfJZRNDYAjhzlRVCivOArSBulOYrSAHiIypcYGTDAusrthQllS5otweuK2wVOIpT8ikVw/s320/IMG_6367%5B17935%5D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan and Ursula<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpiCTjctKG-VO7D8_4AEEuCpwDGAk0u1V1SJeLsYFWh4-Ny835MsReFWx77JpDpPpGboOPOaMKdyB1sVfPbiBA8HclLVtNRNDPK4Cc4_f4CFXz4StZIxY_WBg6DRcZGqWvrerH_Phis6SKXeofAL9Z-7MBAWBiJbeCj3DJojPWN74e4AvaYDR4kqSV8E/s4032/IMG_6369%5B17934%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpiCTjctKG-VO7D8_4AEEuCpwDGAk0u1V1SJeLsYFWh4-Ny835MsReFWx77JpDpPpGboOPOaMKdyB1sVfPbiBA8HclLVtNRNDPK4Cc4_f4CFXz4StZIxY_WBg6DRcZGqWvrerH_Phis6SKXeofAL9Z-7MBAWBiJbeCj3DJojPWN74e4AvaYDR4kqSV8E/s320/IMG_6369%5B17934%5D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree popper in action<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs4m1LlRS0GNHF5mxp_vEeXfD6Uftb9QGy2RgPqouYijFhJELyx0JI7rtiYgwHFJUM1FPPO6udJGRqyeixbsqIoSRxM61-98_sf0pOztNceRkz3IBnO6V4iXsxOIjSs1uKZr1K-X4tpPIdxaK7P2HsfQKbgcxM_T9ik-jH9aU2kgaALXDSIX6UfJPp-Q/s4032/IMG_6372%5B17936%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs4m1LlRS0GNHF5mxp_vEeXfD6Uftb9QGy2RgPqouYijFhJELyx0JI7rtiYgwHFJUM1FPPO6udJGRqyeixbsqIoSRxM61-98_sf0pOztNceRkz3IBnO6V4iXsxOIjSs1uKZr1K-X4tpPIdxaK7P2HsfQKbgcxM_T9ik-jH9aU2kgaALXDSIX6UfJPp-Q/s320/IMG_6372%5B17936%5D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A task completed<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnMH2Yi0eq8P6fN4wIq48c2zb1yUHdWOkKogx8NDXIuBX-BGoZMsm3VHVRng-uaCV6H96vBimhz7tXfacTWYs2gxm4xFGWMh8CxZEpE4_aH30yM1EgPNndnQuJq_L-q2ksOd9SHUTbivQIwQRAdM3ausdSh8tHfXdMLcyR0GJmTzMdYkUGdzfD3bBaL4/s2048/IMG_5771.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnMH2Yi0eq8P6fN4wIq48c2zb1yUHdWOkKogx8NDXIuBX-BGoZMsm3VHVRng-uaCV6H96vBimhz7tXfacTWYs2gxm4xFGWMh8CxZEpE4_aH30yM1EgPNndnQuJq_L-q2ksOd9SHUTbivQIwQRAdM3ausdSh8tHfXdMLcyR0GJmTzMdYkUGdzfD3bBaL4/s320/IMG_5771.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adrian and Barbara<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0gwqic1bmCGGyCkGdpa62iUrxONyM8MW4k8NH0ENQch5g1KlDYIf5diLLHBX9b85ohka_jlfcT1YKvYR5hH5-EIO-YOVXpE3dPinBU3C_mOBNbekgStatu8RmQFY0auimbkUHsZqtZcHIJEWOAw8kloWd2YX1M4z7AS6tWuKpwOSWySx-DS7kht2T9Q/s2048/IMG_5773.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0gwqic1bmCGGyCkGdpa62iUrxONyM8MW4k8NH0ENQch5g1KlDYIf5diLLHBX9b85ohka_jlfcT1YKvYR5hH5-EIO-YOVXpE3dPinBU3C_mOBNbekgStatu8RmQFY0auimbkUHsZqtZcHIJEWOAw8kloWd2YX1M4z7AS6tWuKpwOSWySx-DS7kht2T9Q/s320/IMG_5773.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara raking<br /><br /><br /><br /> </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSwTaptupvwm27ytauuavIDy2b6m_uT4IFchlGb1md5CLKnrK6aRghCCjmavgZOhx6JxbnY0W6Dv3oE7mGh3S1cKyGWwR-PQfqL_Dz68vwLZojyUbNI9NQqZXVaTYXgXBcFnAqbO0nyvoPGABbFtCEFTeDjPYpV2r9P_2IurDFtim-jNvLYyprhrlPak/s2048/IMG_5775.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSwTaptupvwm27ytauuavIDy2b6m_uT4IFchlGb1md5CLKnrK6aRghCCjmavgZOhx6JxbnY0W6Dv3oE7mGh3S1cKyGWwR-PQfqL_Dz68vwLZojyUbNI9NQqZXVaTYXgXBcFnAqbO0nyvoPGABbFtCEFTeDjPYpV2r9P_2IurDFtim-jNvLYyprhrlPak/s320/IMG_5775.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nest<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLupzTg7Ef5CXvpo1Xts9jE2_uDo3DxkPFhLW14S6j2N2krTohDR1x1XwTr-v6s7BZu-g40-RGngRjb9EbCRl8-LCDtxLJ33CAvYFY0ZBqEingkICf2rQN9rLtZGpnlZn3CbGYa4PmzewiUp50gPH_toU3QmIYf9ioCv0VyimssaLBrRvHtkT0NTxO9Q/s2048/IMG_5778.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLupzTg7Ef5CXvpo1Xts9jE2_uDo3DxkPFhLW14S6j2N2krTohDR1x1XwTr-v6s7BZu-g40-RGngRjb9EbCRl8-LCDtxLJ33CAvYFY0ZBqEingkICf2rQN9rLtZGpnlZn3CbGYa4PmzewiUp50gPH_toU3QmIYf9ioCv0VyimssaLBrRvHtkT0NTxO9Q/s320/IMG_5778.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kvstMA4niLUbh5wByHhoIDU4F65PRUI7keCnKY_g7O109ERGVV_XgZwbi1Ir0UcJ-eChHII27dZCbAfH-aPcKHYXnLWWWnDbSd_LVHChLsJcimXOUBjVJZziFjNSiSwPQ-P1oNfi1pq2UjMoo3yME3nQfENOtIoquJb0FJTf8kYXEZ0ckmHIs0ABYaQ/s2048/IMG_5781.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kvstMA4niLUbh5wByHhoIDU4F65PRUI7keCnKY_g7O109ERGVV_XgZwbi1Ir0UcJ-eChHII27dZCbAfH-aPcKHYXnLWWWnDbSd_LVHChLsJcimXOUBjVJZziFjNSiSwPQ-P1oNfi1pq2UjMoo3yME3nQfENOtIoquJb0FJTf8kYXEZ0ckmHIs0ABYaQ/s320/IMG_5781.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adrian coppicing<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hHmngj4qxwrtroxQTzqgpHckdA6369S7DzS9RTrsVBzLje9sXWtRjnKfjwS_fGRqsplasQPrIhyphenhyphenCUI6nPgE8GVP1W5vVB_xdH1zJs_aNWMF94KJIm51SYbyrwvmhQTbaaUYe6Au70iN-Vjrp1GB0KR3119-gTDZEj9t4XvWfUH3Rj5nYUA4gV2HE2y4/s2048/IMG_5782.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hHmngj4qxwrtroxQTzqgpHckdA6369S7DzS9RTrsVBzLje9sXWtRjnKfjwS_fGRqsplasQPrIhyphenhyphenCUI6nPgE8GVP1W5vVB_xdH1zJs_aNWMF94KJIm51SYbyrwvmhQTbaaUYe6Au70iN-Vjrp1GB0KR3119-gTDZEj9t4XvWfUH3Rj5nYUA4gV2HE2y4/s320/IMG_5782.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin mattocking<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aYWdTc-3fejAOS3H44Ay0QyXqllhiHLuNug7Lup94KzSQzZOKegIWKdYnTxNTXUJna3s5Cg0N8iWm4KrVCcCNcluvf9Nx8AJNevEg8FP2L-kj4vtioOh9Xx3HtMeD-9SwzvV3jauk-28ZepNM9TN7mhHl_xQqOeKM8RinV30f49qXhMsmSqWyRtxo58/s2048/IMG_5786.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aYWdTc-3fejAOS3H44Ay0QyXqllhiHLuNug7Lup94KzSQzZOKegIWKdYnTxNTXUJna3s5Cg0N8iWm4KrVCcCNcluvf9Nx8AJNevEg8FP2L-kj4vtioOh9Xx3HtMeD-9SwzvV3jauk-28ZepNM9TN7mhHl_xQqOeKM8RinV30f49qXhMsmSqWyRtxo58/s320/IMG_5786.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan and Ursula attacking branches<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb_edcGXtbG4oNy9fIpJKpbzB91CPbA4Nvw9ZlcTjlUksimGVdQoagVxY9gZeHbQlq7qRKIECUawSubsdio8SqIpoNu4m0nxg-qkiFuE8-nZTK1VAneKm3hJ6qxqAp0JE_G8MgwN8ZX4vX4M5zMIDdKQflkd5JQ8JPW_cuQ1SiS9P-eomLnK9fl7IQ_A/s2048/IMG_5794.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb_edcGXtbG4oNy9fIpJKpbzB91CPbA4Nvw9ZlcTjlUksimGVdQoagVxY9gZeHbQlq7qRKIECUawSubsdio8SqIpoNu4m0nxg-qkiFuE8-nZTK1VAneKm3hJ6qxqAp0JE_G8MgwN8ZX4vX4M5zMIDdKQflkd5JQ8JPW_cuQ1SiS9P-eomLnK9fl7IQ_A/s320/IMG_5794.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees cut back</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-11229957950192618142023-12-01T11:24:00.001+00:002023-12-10T21:20:37.930+00:00Boundary House Fen - Saturday 25th November<p>Blog by Kevin</p><p>The Abingdon Green Gym session this Saturday was on the Boundary House Fen, part of the Frilford Golf Course. The tasks were scything and raking across the fen. This is usually the main job when we are there.</p><p>With temperatures down to minus 2, we were keen to start the work in the sun and move with it as it crept across the fen. Rod, who manages the site, has made great improvements to the place over the years by damming the water, which used to drain into a ditch running through the centre of the site, with cut reeds. He has also dug irrigation channels around the edge of the fen for the water to spread out, keeping the ground wet and encouraging natural fenland plants to thrive.</p><p>It was a small group of six, plus Rod, who concentrated on clearing the reeds and bolstering the water channels with them, then topping up the filled ditch and a small pond.</p><p>Once we had moved the ready cut reeds, we moved to where our two scythers had accumulated rows of more cut reeds to be raked into piles, which will be moved later.</p><p>The sun shone throughout the morning, which helped to thaw the frosty ground, making the session an enjoyable one.</p><p>After a most needed coffee break we resumed our work, finishing off what was required of us for the morning tasks.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MxDXDm5QabWyL46FidKqRhtyCcqotw1fg5GkF8AMH0xU67S6vTp5GEDEsD9paiwzF85T68PAZYfDErZ6kVYua8Vo63M4L8RFjPBPMV31yEa-4t4DRTW0EGUfFVyqHwKKL6dG3HYkoOFr0Pix9w0-tcdDormkf9v0SE7mkQpeZtGnh1zFTkxnSpnnAHE/s4000/20231125_095021.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MxDXDm5QabWyL46FidKqRhtyCcqotw1fg5GkF8AMH0xU67S6vTp5GEDEsD9paiwzF85T68PAZYfDErZ6kVYua8Vo63M4L8RFjPBPMV31yEa-4t4DRTW0EGUfFVyqHwKKL6dG3HYkoOFr0Pix9w0-tcdDormkf9v0SE7mkQpeZtGnh1zFTkxnSpnnAHE/s320/20231125_095021.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost on the fen.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXpoQJJ0EFV4wHj5AEjDmnX0KBXxjKuzJ3LVMEeleKHFANP7wGvA9L73qu8jNMDLzYkSTlB_SQyAgyFQc8lTCLfjP5Dz4fdG1C_3jwy0wIhrLTFLytDBOUkRwHS6TpHB2c9mzSafBCt_XQFOSCbhzI89eo84xWevokMLdqXArHvpeuH0VMKcg1TZX320/s4000/20231125_095156.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXpoQJJ0EFV4wHj5AEjDmnX0KBXxjKuzJ3LVMEeleKHFANP7wGvA9L73qu8jNMDLzYkSTlB_SQyAgyFQc8lTCLfjP5Dz4fdG1C_3jwy0wIhrLTFLytDBOUkRwHS6TpHB2c9mzSafBCt_XQFOSCbhzI89eo84xWevokMLdqXArHvpeuH0VMKcg1TZX320/s320/20231125_095156.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shifting cut reeds.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ceQzKFdb_XtIz9DIDYQNXhTp4Qa2kmXV_xAxbypYegt0X8knI44omoZTQUqvV9TZHKA3EwoacQ0eLFzh-yeL_vE_KNiy9SFBYrAYfwynBZ1CBO3GkAe6YvvMWh_Z8-lXwjVGYycg_PGuzYaJnxkZawRRhW5Tufz_FyRIQ2_084-Gr0QryoVmztpTwyM/s4000/20231125_100647.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ceQzKFdb_XtIz9DIDYQNXhTp4Qa2kmXV_xAxbypYegt0X8knI44omoZTQUqvV9TZHKA3EwoacQ0eLFzh-yeL_vE_KNiy9SFBYrAYfwynBZ1CBO3GkAe6YvvMWh_Z8-lXwjVGYycg_PGuzYaJnxkZawRRhW5Tufz_FyRIQ2_084-Gr0QryoVmztpTwyM/s320/20231125_100647.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A robin looks on.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjazmGVJrcQ0WHE04MBLx9tKxw6o6ESP8g3BeLWtod6vtj5PYGZ7CzOagjnpKauISR4OhDW2kDCgriKsdXIkRiE6I09MrrHVvVUjYaYHVVcdDKASTXfiyqu4Qc1xnAKKhp8oYaOCIyYO-GosYHfbRJ88GNemU3Jl15Di0ylHm0YLIX3h18x9h1xucMRM/s2592/20231125_103434.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjazmGVJrcQ0WHE04MBLx9tKxw6o6ESP8g3BeLWtod6vtj5PYGZ7CzOagjnpKauISR4OhDW2kDCgriKsdXIkRiE6I09MrrHVvVUjYaYHVVcdDKASTXfiyqu4Qc1xnAKKhp8oYaOCIyYO-GosYHfbRJ88GNemU3Jl15Di0ylHm0YLIX3h18x9h1xucMRM/s320/20231125_103434.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raking<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJra8aRaDTqPB-yDPiQcnx4hh4rRGQYNXHSHY8O9swjVqm6kE2u5qJq1Eh9027ve6e8EOi07o8etMOb-kqNPChGVSbh9Jb4NqauG2OLyY-7f4UySRdm0uZSF98OdLvT2qLnUBKOB4tUC0QoTpi1XU_Wj0emlSBuz_HtYVauJjQR6_IDS_xtj_FduZLKdE/s2592/20231125_103518.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJra8aRaDTqPB-yDPiQcnx4hh4rRGQYNXHSHY8O9swjVqm6kE2u5qJq1Eh9027ve6e8EOi07o8etMOb-kqNPChGVSbh9Jb4NqauG2OLyY-7f4UySRdm0uZSF98OdLvT2qLnUBKOB4tUC0QoTpi1XU_Wj0emlSBuz_HtYVauJjQR6_IDS_xtj_FduZLKdE/s320/20231125_103518.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working in the sunny spot.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLxvcOzg7qMr56AsS8rJ_-49ShlEMP_OLlVmV0FY4i5cNmvXv2Co4bnW40LmKfi-MmhqLnhl199L5FEE0IeHHjpsqVtb0yWJJt1qJHPhZHkTaKg93ci4YIaHlfodw3cyU7F-IbDuRpp2tXWQdXSKaE8SmCRCuORjEMrue9evMQgJpyQTpCj56q9KEWq4/s2592/20231125_114629.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLxvcOzg7qMr56AsS8rJ_-49ShlEMP_OLlVmV0FY4i5cNmvXv2Co4bnW40LmKfi-MmhqLnhl199L5FEE0IeHHjpsqVtb0yWJJt1qJHPhZHkTaKg93ci4YIaHlfodw3cyU7F-IbDuRpp2tXWQdXSKaE8SmCRCuORjEMrue9evMQgJpyQTpCj56q9KEWq4/s320/20231125_114629.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More raking.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuT8mxcDW3UqlDw41LtfVWKzq54OvFfM8uFeE7uSvI2Pp9mkcxqPcSd20IucwBXnGegCsi1spAsTbvdeMow060pc0_Cx75DofVVDeGfm-DHyYDalHmITpJ6ORTy0ZWoBdHFCfmGtNKHFjY9CWTkKR-ZsUCFxtR50x-4f9SxpTDcofDzW_QBqSoMtAG9d4/s4000/20231125_121559.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuT8mxcDW3UqlDw41LtfVWKzq54OvFfM8uFeE7uSvI2Pp9mkcxqPcSd20IucwBXnGegCsi1spAsTbvdeMow060pc0_Cx75DofVVDeGfm-DHyYDalHmITpJ6ORTy0ZWoBdHFCfmGtNKHFjY9CWTkKR-ZsUCFxtR50x-4f9SxpTDcofDzW_QBqSoMtAG9d4/s320/20231125_121559.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungus and moss<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncJ8vPmTcORo0dq5hyZt6StBYucNnsB0dc4yQhaEf6YsqtUcIw13lJ-K8YFwU8YU1y4iQCj46vU5oIRA89RmzqjY0iHNBgd3U7JSP8fSiRi7h1QQAQTuZ4E1tCeoRZpgDoS23RCrIQnesGtFCb-LsviYovGWYPxIJTPdi_PC07O4UcIqj0PAR8vAWoio/s4000/20231125_121627.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncJ8vPmTcORo0dq5hyZt6StBYucNnsB0dc4yQhaEf6YsqtUcIw13lJ-K8YFwU8YU1y4iQCj46vU5oIRA89RmzqjY0iHNBgd3U7JSP8fSiRi7h1QQAQTuZ4E1tCeoRZpgDoS23RCrIQnesGtFCb-LsviYovGWYPxIJTPdi_PC07O4UcIqj0PAR8vAWoio/s320/20231125_121627.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost on the reeds</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-82005682789209347252023-11-19T19:48:00.000+00:002023-11-19T19:48:47.624+00:00Ock Path Town End - Saturday 18th November 2023<p>Blog and photos by Eleanor </p><p> The weather was dull and damp, but fortunately, without the heavy rain forecast the previous day. Our prospective tasks at the Town end of the Ock Path were to clear three areas and plant Spring wildflower bulbs, to put woodchip on the path in areas which had not been covered in an earlier session, to pick up litter and -, if time, to test some river water for phosphates and nitrates.</p><p>Sadly, only the first of these tasks was completed as only four and a half people turned up for the session. The half will be explained later. Having unloaded the car we trundled the wheelbarrow laden with tools to our encampment. We then set to work clearing two of the previously marked out areas. Fortunately, the ground was soft from the recent rain, so it was fairly easy to pull out nettles by the roots, though the abundant mud made the tools and our hands very muddy indeed.</p><p>Then it was time to plant the bulbs. The varieties were chosen because they will flower before the nettles take over in the Spring. We had winter aconite, wild garlic, wood anemone (rhizomes) - warning - please pronounce this correctly - an em o nee - not an enemy - Thank you, wild daffodil and snake's head fritillary. The latter don't flower until May but we've been successful with them before and they do like wet conditions.</p><p>We adjourned for our tea break and Philip had to go home, but we thank him for his help and thorough digging. After break the remaining four of us tackled the third area. There was a strange hummock in the middle from which some shoots, maybe previously planted bulbs were sprouting, so we left that and planted our bulbs in a circle round it.</p><p>With so few of us, it took two journeys to get the tools back to the starting point and I retrieved my car from the car park in the nick of time. Packing the tools and the wheelbarrow back in the car was inexplicably more difficult than when I set out from home. On top of that, they were covered in mud and would need a good clean.</p><p>Many thanks to the hard working few who came to the session.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sRpWAqa3YDAl6giVvLPXISbpdZyNrZEnsJl1tVGxAUvSd2lFUILe40Yt7YXWWdyzURIQoBQxZgly_eBP4hW0d1fD_M3IcsGYrnhKs_p0wWLBPAqSaBpv_2_Epc4FfMYvULhsX2EVft42RFzEZUu19YCKyXH5kxCi_KvdiztbA5c923jvENGtkHNPRwQ/s2016/PXL_20231118_100601435.MP%5B17903%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sRpWAqa3YDAl6giVvLPXISbpdZyNrZEnsJl1tVGxAUvSd2lFUILe40Yt7YXWWdyzURIQoBQxZgly_eBP4hW0d1fD_M3IcsGYrnhKs_p0wWLBPAqSaBpv_2_Epc4FfMYvULhsX2EVft42RFzEZUu19YCKyXH5kxCi_KvdiztbA5c923jvENGtkHNPRwQ/s320/PXL_20231118_100601435.MP%5B17903%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan and Susan at work.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBWoIItigg5H2BzgUTRYIE0SQdIxTXx82eLP2G_pKGfAqhl2BWm6kHc83_PTDgR-MTWNWar0llmQ5shO19ZSGBw7kzNAN2F2_U-cgrjOLwNxr6uWg1idpErqgKPBhhp_V2NgJMR6UF9sImnDfdfwWoJmhyv4wE2lTije0DOdqMXOzSJAWBny47J9GxRY/s2016/PXL_20231118_110451888.MP%5B17904%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBWoIItigg5H2BzgUTRYIE0SQdIxTXx82eLP2G_pKGfAqhl2BWm6kHc83_PTDgR-MTWNWar0llmQ5shO19ZSGBw7kzNAN2F2_U-cgrjOLwNxr6uWg1idpErqgKPBhhp_V2NgJMR6UF9sImnDfdfwWoJmhyv4wE2lTije0DOdqMXOzSJAWBny47J9GxRY/s320/PXL_20231118_110451888.MP%5B17904%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philip and Lesley start the planting.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDeT1flp8IqVAas13JmI7cWpKmGxVFMJqcgygKJS9hau0bZKE6R-Uh73iGylYri-hKX4oXotOUI6KV5-PJ3d63e0Vb-qyDwXbxW-tDuN1w_6JRCModBlG_pQBGTp8YKmeQCO0TacdYLS08s1VkSrmE8MT-KIYONEzyzgu8p6Yqatk1BWvV0bBA8GsYeE/s2016/PXL_20231118_103700187.NIGHT%5B17902%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDeT1flp8IqVAas13JmI7cWpKmGxVFMJqcgygKJS9hau0bZKE6R-Uh73iGylYri-hKX4oXotOUI6KV5-PJ3d63e0Vb-qyDwXbxW-tDuN1w_6JRCModBlG_pQBGTp8YKmeQCO0TacdYLS08s1VkSrmE8MT-KIYONEzyzgu8p6Yqatk1BWvV0bBA8GsYeE/s320/PXL_20231118_103700187.NIGHT%5B17902%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bulbs</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-71301865303264790572023-11-12T21:57:00.001+00:002023-11-16T18:33:29.188+00:00Kennington Memorial Field - 11th November 2023<p>Blog by Eleanor. Photos by Helen and Kevin.</p><p>After a frosty start, the day turned bright and sunny as the Green Gymmers met in the sports field car park for our session at Kennington Memorial Field. We were also joined by two Kennington residents.</p><p>Kennington Memorial Field is managed by Oxford Preservation Trust and was established as a memorial to six Kennington villagers who died serving in the Second World War. It is popular with dog walkers and cattle are grazed here at certain times of year, though they were not on the field at present. The area is chalk grassland with small areas of woodland and it is important that brambles and scrub do not take over the grassland</p><p>Our task was to cut back scrub and overhanging branches from the side of the site farthest from the main road, which slopes down towards the stream. We set to work with two scythers and the rest of us with slashers, loppers, rakes and pitchforks. We loaded the cut materials on to drag sheets and transported them to piles in the wooded area. The larger branches were used to make a dead hedge at the edge of the woodland. </p><p> As it was Armistice Day, we gathered shortly before 11 a.m. for the two minutes' silence. Then it was time for our tea break. After that we moved farther down the slope as we wanted to finish clearing all down that side. By 12.30 we had finished our task and it was time to collect up the tools and make our way back to the car park. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTwMsXC_YYIKh4dFRDyU-B7-RsasuZs2MnK_VULXrHwJRm8UlU10e4Dg9Bdk5gOCPT9G9Yns_JzQIRINmn8_9YMOXQRzUW3eUg93jeLBohkscHRXDMGVhdL-eSslwbKSpYiR9GY61C9aqL0BeRBD-Po9yWwhjWThpIuw0rZrV2Aoh2PbkcoGAEEiOcmc/s4000/20231111_100809%5B17859%5D.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTwMsXC_YYIKh4dFRDyU-B7-RsasuZs2MnK_VULXrHwJRm8UlU10e4Dg9Bdk5gOCPT9G9Yns_JzQIRINmn8_9YMOXQRzUW3eUg93jeLBohkscHRXDMGVhdL-eSslwbKSpYiR9GY61C9aqL0BeRBD-Po9yWwhjWThpIuw0rZrV2Aoh2PbkcoGAEEiOcmc/s320/20231111_100809%5B17859%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting back begins.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-VBXMK8Iv2vJFST0Pz84L89bL5JxOWhRPvuImi9sdaCZ17ne-jPfKV0GIYmnqF345cgJJsot_vKBCABP6ygE_Dr_GteQSX08ngGqoRJugCGtOzkcJA22YYycT8GyCnLq-VythrBwHO0UhlXLN7ZcyWu50UNuKH-8cRv13Dd410y0FxxowSRNm2UTqFc/s3840/PXL_20231111_094922293.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-VBXMK8Iv2vJFST0Pz84L89bL5JxOWhRPvuImi9sdaCZ17ne-jPfKV0GIYmnqF345cgJJsot_vKBCABP6ygE_Dr_GteQSX08ngGqoRJugCGtOzkcJA22YYycT8GyCnLq-VythrBwHO0UhlXLN7ZcyWu50UNuKH-8cRv13Dd410y0FxxowSRNm2UTqFc/s320/PXL_20231111_094922293.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut scrub on a drag sheet.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvI13yCNONQFB-6B3TG8KBd__lGVgio60GsARzQ0sUjOsdwmuZBCHY6WpQlFhbE_QCZFY5B2AboM6j3WoeNR8QXxLTJLLZkL19Ir698kYZBxYipmKlNDYZuDeyj8saSmYDEGop1HkGAqjtXF5BKwGGXs9Z67ulGDeN1NZyiVZ0nPP1Axdjn5P1CdrsOo/s3840/PXL_20231111_100913566.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvI13yCNONQFB-6B3TG8KBd__lGVgio60GsARzQ0sUjOsdwmuZBCHY6WpQlFhbE_QCZFY5B2AboM6j3WoeNR8QXxLTJLLZkL19Ir698kYZBxYipmKlNDYZuDeyj8saSmYDEGop1HkGAqjtXF5BKwGGXs9Z67ulGDeN1NZyiVZ0nPP1Axdjn5P1CdrsOo/s320/PXL_20231111_100913566.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pile grows.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ2NkeWWMss7ea8Zht6CWwMuYlsL1EiKRDICHIaLI2Rx-bTzak36tJGoQ9GJJ8NbQ4CF7_Y4W1nWYxgb3xU7HBVUhY4W2KIc04gE9SiZ5SRXYnsUjTcWPd5FwmrCFc00Yzflm42vmW4GmfKW13cMlU1dEzorEWCnxjGdJR55-Ha2t4JQIHl8JgIwNcM4/s3840/PXL_20231111_100924209.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZ2NkeWWMss7ea8Zht6CWwMuYlsL1EiKRDICHIaLI2Rx-bTzak36tJGoQ9GJJ8NbQ4CF7_Y4W1nWYxgb3xU7HBVUhY4W2KIc04gE9SiZ5SRXYnsUjTcWPd5FwmrCFc00Yzflm42vmW4GmfKW13cMlU1dEzorEWCnxjGdJR55-Ha2t4JQIHl8JgIwNcM4/s320/PXL_20231111_100924209.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lopping and scything.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBi6exHYhkLBItxSxVtc-RE-J3L_XNuUr1spOejV41DqapwH5nMZx57VUAeaVpFt7sD50eYHaHKZMFl2UK2MnWFwVm74oRzPFASUPPYGef8IgIHj5n620a-oc60WAPT0XA6Y1w8Qyq0baV5cO0qXX9XVfFgadQ1jPnl6aD6Uc8KnsV4xIoKDK5DpNFbc/s3840/PXL_20231111_104745958.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBi6exHYhkLBItxSxVtc-RE-J3L_XNuUr1spOejV41DqapwH5nMZx57VUAeaVpFt7sD50eYHaHKZMFl2UK2MnWFwVm74oRzPFASUPPYGef8IgIHj5n620a-oc60WAPT0XA6Y1w8Qyq0baV5cO0qXX9XVfFgadQ1jPnl6aD6Uc8KnsV4xIoKDK5DpNFbc/s320/PXL_20231111_104745958.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Branches from overhanging trees.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHQipB7sGRCDHKAhkYlT0IwUGJZn2sIoSsVA0G7wFsuRylh5proxiKHpFoSML6vwwpucFU_bK-gYUtXODOmGb6mCvMkJBawSQUbFqeB2igboff7GA_J7r72jhoRHTpQxcopqQLXZP0hnzgF8OVhdJUtxBn9cxnlv3URM7HVMd5Sx2Bmo8JEBtVd52A1Q/s3840/PXL_20231111_110639284.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHQipB7sGRCDHKAhkYlT0IwUGJZn2sIoSsVA0G7wFsuRylh5proxiKHpFoSML6vwwpucFU_bK-gYUtXODOmGb6mCvMkJBawSQUbFqeB2igboff7GA_J7r72jhoRHTpQxcopqQLXZP0hnzgF8OVhdJUtxBn9cxnlv3URM7HVMd5Sx2Bmo8JEBtVd52A1Q/s320/PXL_20231111_110639284.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nn8EjvoMMyrnUbW2kW8UyEeQAPkGcnbnNJvSJpoPoXTXjkjj0sS75Vd6Rxoj8LG7Ti450UeTf1QjVFkax-iuLk7RGfs3d0Fqkfo_McRtiHRB3_7aGHQ7SRKTVXq1Wu8-qINSDhKk-VhK6NQqDlj65RQX7WLKm3O33-IUdKXHOZAiNaJbPEBwlA9lRkc/s3840/PXL_20231111_095930850.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nn8EjvoMMyrnUbW2kW8UyEeQAPkGcnbnNJvSJpoPoXTXjkjj0sS75Vd6Rxoj8LG7Ti450UeTf1QjVFkax-iuLk7RGfs3d0Fqkfo_McRtiHRB3_7aGHQ7SRKTVXq1Wu8-qINSDhKk-VhK6NQqDlj65RQX7WLKm3O33-IUdKXHOZAiNaJbPEBwlA9lRkc/s320/PXL_20231111_095930850.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ursula and Joan.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkwQnUS5bZHu60Wn5uMbdr7U5Si0t5eIBYg5zG1yU6yJgONan6hRGS4D4_WszcnxwwSAOuijueZ-OMh7DNqfym2Y-83dAkOOyVGLdqgIT81KcVPovwWArIVMkQ1nDsXtQGaDe9K80gui3Tcqcf4y0oNA7dxvVsSxY-UbtQp4s4qiTzUHBoIyqVuHpHKM/s3840/PXL_20231111_120554778.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkwQnUS5bZHu60Wn5uMbdr7U5Si0t5eIBYg5zG1yU6yJgONan6hRGS4D4_WszcnxwwSAOuijueZ-OMh7DNqfym2Y-83dAkOOyVGLdqgIT81KcVPovwWArIVMkQ1nDsXtQGaDe9K80gui3Tcqcf4y0oNA7dxvVsSxY-UbtQp4s4qiTzUHBoIyqVuHpHKM/s320/PXL_20231111_120554778.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A surprised toad.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ifuo3ktFx_Bwvwqp4sLPy6bAyEqw4OSc46nkxtRSb_y9n4fu9T32qQiyaDLIpuV3GPLv6F1CljmcMPRX-Y_4ZLsAIUh0XimEJczFSpk6Qyf-3X9QMT9zLWkxQsJY7m8ZfcxMaDvOs5sZwi1D5maAxkDztsJX7WqU88p2Nv57C6NBZqV7Y22gDzKZxlU/s3840/PXL_20231111_122056637.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ifuo3ktFx_Bwvwqp4sLPy6bAyEqw4OSc46nkxtRSb_y9n4fu9T32qQiyaDLIpuV3GPLv6F1CljmcMPRX-Y_4ZLsAIUh0XimEJczFSpk6Qyf-3X9QMT9zLWkxQsJY7m8ZfcxMaDvOs5sZwi1D5maAxkDztsJX7WqU88p2Nv57C6NBZqV7Y22gDzKZxlU/s320/PXL_20231111_122056637.MP.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area cleared.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-17889646128510361292023-11-07T21:51:00.000+00:002023-11-07T21:51:37.519+00:00Cothill Fen - 4th November 2023<span style="font-size: medium;"> Blog by Eleanor - Photos by Sally, Kevin and Eleanor Despite the blog's title, the work this session was not to be on the fen itself but in the woods behind it. It was raining as we set off on the footpath to the fen and the path was the wetter and muddier the we have ever seen it. When we arrived in the wood, Steph from Natural England explained that the main work was to get rid of brambles. There was also a secondary task of cleaning moss and debris off the board walk.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We set to work, some with scythes and the rest with loppers and mattocks. As the ground was so wet, we found it was fairly easy to pull many of the brambles up by the roots. If not, we used mattocks to dig as many of the roots out as possible. We then transported them to a heap near the edge of the wood.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As we worked, the rain eased off and the sky brightened somewhat. We were glad of our tea break and then it was back to work. By the end of the morning a good area had been cleared of brambles and it was time to gather up our tools and head back to the car park.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We look forward to the Spring, when the bluebells in this wood are a wonderful sight.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPmnck5mYEYimZha3g2v4TaxfqJy8gYJsRCqw9rpgUH0wwsLXH0SW8uySuZuwGnVkh80HPzd4GdN0HkByyF2Z0CFJB6zQL67g8DNyo8P3vhtLYQZK00zYmaBpaLh_SpAhCkeFjbQEa6ct2ge76TFBSa0jPWxY2cjxYmPOffgP7L-DUd0H5aRI0PjbUrk/s2048/IMG_5600.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPmnck5mYEYimZha3g2v4TaxfqJy8gYJsRCqw9rpgUH0wwsLXH0SW8uySuZuwGnVkh80HPzd4GdN0HkByyF2Z0CFJB6zQL67g8DNyo8P3vhtLYQZK00zYmaBpaLh_SpAhCkeFjbQEa6ct2ge76TFBSa0jPWxY2cjxYmPOffgP7L-DUd0H5aRI0PjbUrk/s320/IMG_5600.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wood<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWFDORc3-n1sPuZuiA25cu0o3p_2aPAuzaXgu1Yc7aYQYr9SRNR_Spwqts5iI6qDvuPcv1pKY6_BF4phuwUYkZJAY12ExxWHpDFLSTK_8v-NjVt2rwUXZ5Bl4H6XhyO59EygW5Ky9VcStyy1X779390FgE6ncqm9DUsKuNILxVKe1ckoWLj_pa9sn9cQ/s2048/IMG_5588.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWFDORc3-n1sPuZuiA25cu0o3p_2aPAuzaXgu1Yc7aYQYr9SRNR_Spwqts5iI6qDvuPcv1pKY6_BF4phuwUYkZJAY12ExxWHpDFLSTK_8v-NjVt2rwUXZ5Bl4H6XhyO59EygW5Ky9VcStyy1X779390FgE6ncqm9DUsKuNILxVKe1ckoWLj_pa9sn9cQ/s320/IMG_5588.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adrian scything<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gvdUp36X1P8ZXbStHx_0Td1cxa9LEEv8nqG0Ipc7nuWDY0Anin5rrvw_OvVBOVYyARd-NOJl7mnGwt3_emxw2jHR7TLQkems0XuRW0mjpkiY2Z9kxBA8En3WGbJf5i4mxEvlkzUaVYcq2Lc56hfHs3fw3qdQb0cDGDwOiNUC133RHd9Dy-cO_zD-gsU/s2048/IMG_5591.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gvdUp36X1P8ZXbStHx_0Td1cxa9LEEv8nqG0Ipc7nuWDY0Anin5rrvw_OvVBOVYyARd-NOJl7mnGwt3_emxw2jHR7TLQkems0XuRW0mjpkiY2Z9kxBA8En3WGbJf5i4mxEvlkzUaVYcq2Lc56hfHs3fw3qdQb0cDGDwOiNUC133RHd9Dy-cO_zD-gsU/s320/IMG_5591.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bramble clearing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wBDQVBEb-qyF7Eje2_jpK3bgpSTn-aviAktjetlHM-snKFwYRSS__0VZgtj8ND0nLpvT6Vg62GBnkVi_WrbiHFqQuvehdFx4SSwzo98yoLhj5L63iIT5guaEwQVCKMpOFOicu9IN2txIzAouP-znjlxvE3hhVTysYRZIJ5PJixxu877wV4P88Kaenv0/s2048/IMG_5603.JPEG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wBDQVBEb-qyF7Eje2_jpK3bgpSTn-aviAktjetlHM-snKFwYRSS__0VZgtj8ND0nLpvT6Vg62GBnkVi_WrbiHFqQuvehdFx4SSwzo98yoLhj5L63iIT5guaEwQVCKMpOFOicu9IN2txIzAouP-znjlxvE3hhVTysYRZIJ5PJixxu877wV4P88Kaenv0/s320/IMG_5603.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwJMpMzwXxmUOKY1HDe6voUqUMonJ8EkoYvehzdXiBMRsyx3CWpNOns0JHFON79BCzXAF_owCazUxEirmpCVIJn7RdM0XdTEqT0kH-1ZSjBnQoPZX4RWm_0yxV8rj9lrokB6Vsl0OSjA8e9WGSPvkG0Cb6P3MhBN8hx1AedNnu3eTJ0DwIVhMo-DVR7g/s2048/IMG_5592.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwJMpMzwXxmUOKY1HDe6voUqUMonJ8EkoYvehzdXiBMRsyx3CWpNOns0JHFON79BCzXAF_owCazUxEirmpCVIJn7RdM0XdTEqT0kH-1ZSjBnQoPZX4RWm_0yxV8rj9lrokB6Vsl0OSjA8e9WGSPvkG0Cb6P3MhBN8hx1AedNnu3eTJ0DwIVhMo-DVR7g/s320/IMG_5592.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrying a load<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp-sdj2DmMJBF40OpRmb7r9vJ79foJMtRm5gNX-FwDAl_Lc6GiCNfOB2L6emZq1qbK0pegCcjv0git2AbC2Fe5C9lFQQNUV9XTPMqCRIKjaFDxKq5YBq7AVjMuFhNUEIIF9l1M6WWFBEccX6e-UT5VkDKQ0PTklR27P8QYvBHo_2wRc41M4eMllAPg7M/s4000/20231104_114629%5B17846%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHp-sdj2DmMJBF40OpRmb7r9vJ79foJMtRm5gNX-FwDAl_Lc6GiCNfOB2L6emZq1qbK0pegCcjv0git2AbC2Fe5C9lFQQNUV9XTPMqCRIKjaFDxKq5YBq7AVjMuFhNUEIIF9l1M6WWFBEccX6e-UT5VkDKQ0PTklR27P8QYvBHo_2wRc41M4eMllAPg7M/s320/20231104_114629%5B17846%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another load<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA264DYBkqAt1pVnVggSdsCEEb3phOUpUNWV0Umu0125kAnIcYmh1GALRDF9scVwYSezR1uM2vsfZ1EAhhjqPWjdMVwZvhzRyu8kqMN1wBxlwU03iwm6AJZcoocBSCRHUlCe3S64-RuVS09tFVW_3K_mZqVI2BVjfMdITivSqZ-hRSO5h9glPPyXPok4/s4000/20231104_114651%5B17845%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA264DYBkqAt1pVnVggSdsCEEb3phOUpUNWV0Umu0125kAnIcYmh1GALRDF9scVwYSezR1uM2vsfZ1EAhhjqPWjdMVwZvhzRyu8kqMN1wBxlwU03iwm6AJZcoocBSCRHUlCe3S64-RuVS09tFVW_3K_mZqVI2BVjfMdITivSqZ-hRSO5h9glPPyXPok4/s320/20231104_114651%5B17845%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun is coming out<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDmOykVcXb2ZOV_r51NtEYbItUHzwn65O-VJ0jecEDhyR9r-xSfvyWo8CqQJzL6eW7HB33IYfE4sPDNcxIAfMs3NEnaf78MvFJogfQOsIdDwZaLeSQcV03FSfloznbOavLxc-MMEYLCLik7pmhg7k23fC5FKOxQV5TcLxgUJIAgDUisVv3wCQoXeZ2ZA/s2048/IMG_5604.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDmOykVcXb2ZOV_r51NtEYbItUHzwn65O-VJ0jecEDhyR9r-xSfvyWo8CqQJzL6eW7HB33IYfE4sPDNcxIAfMs3NEnaf78MvFJogfQOsIdDwZaLeSQcV03FSfloznbOavLxc-MMEYLCLik7pmhg7k23fC5FKOxQV5TcLxgUJIAgDUisVv3wCQoXeZ2ZA/s320/IMG_5604.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPe7ci7OiU4a8lQ95edaDRSxwSepkFvzTZspAnl4CMI7zCOeIkexMer-dUnV4m3IzOVT7Cf1GEHso_R3z-mns6MSHxhx2nOP7qqN0JsbKUQP-VEk3WYM5rSTpqvZ7-83VWe8oaurP2xIgMrz9_b8DQ_orLQnlXlROcT6_wYlev4pe3j0OgHjup0sPl-A/s2048/IMG_5608.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPe7ci7OiU4a8lQ95edaDRSxwSepkFvzTZspAnl4CMI7zCOeIkexMer-dUnV4m3IzOVT7Cf1GEHso_R3z-mns6MSHxhx2nOP7qqN0JsbKUQP-VEk3WYM5rSTpqvZ7-83VWe8oaurP2xIgMrz9_b8DQ_orLQnlXlROcT6_wYlev4pe3j0OgHjup0sPl-A/s320/IMG_5608.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to work<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6ywQ9OpPHD4sNFcFeDhT5f4-0snHBMQAandO0bSNdP2Kz9tNFuvl2x_NBxMGv1gTUyL4k6giXTH3vTFlYEWgYH5TkTlS_cn8ReXSE7MYl8Tk2K4oJWpSaz2sFSj5u_tsYVgeGjm7d1v9-iiaEdnJkxSCY-AxVIUuqNrAJHi2I_JkmgliWbXhUAflKKs/s4000/20231104_114714%5B17844%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6ywQ9OpPHD4sNFcFeDhT5f4-0snHBMQAandO0bSNdP2Kz9tNFuvl2x_NBxMGv1gTUyL4k6giXTH3vTFlYEWgYH5TkTlS_cn8ReXSE7MYl8Tk2K4oJWpSaz2sFSj5u_tsYVgeGjm7d1v9-iiaEdnJkxSCY-AxVIUuqNrAJHi2I_JkmgliWbXhUAflKKs/s320/20231104_114714%5B17844%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRG12AomaqZS7Dx6PtooSRlK5KN3yUKPEUZ0POm4jer2f1Jz2zjAJZcCN1JnT6KhPxJonlro2sSWuUxQJ2jFIGoCjjOmtq_u4Fw_C4uOOXNPeZ4I-2yEuCneab_619jNwdiWWyv1yWsMF8Hbu1kbojS_a5lAr6BoMghd0m2ePJP2dYYqFkIi7MEe38l8/s4000/20231104_111156%5B17848%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRG12AomaqZS7Dx6PtooSRlK5KN3yUKPEUZ0POm4jer2f1Jz2zjAJZcCN1JnT6KhPxJonlro2sSWuUxQJ2jFIGoCjjOmtq_u4Fw_C4uOOXNPeZ4I-2yEuCneab_619jNwdiWWyv1yWsMF8Hbu1kbojS_a5lAr6BoMghd0m2ePJP2dYYqFkIi7MEe38l8/s320/20231104_111156%5B17848%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fungus on trees<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF35bNaeReuMzOPE9yjHxti1FZDgZ_kX78ZemlBPTu4LMb3PvICq13mzzsXAvX_5v-jXnWpGrdLHyuHMeIIbyoDIAJEhjvI2ynXAcr3Kl7LPAOjPL1Bzr1QPLvLD3g40xhJQ9DSf5ocS1CI7MNVxuYR-ZOdm-6I6GesNVxS-ETRuGIMUWISeYAPVT354M/s2016/PXL_20231104_114635356%5B17856%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF35bNaeReuMzOPE9yjHxti1FZDgZ_kX78ZemlBPTu4LMb3PvICq13mzzsXAvX_5v-jXnWpGrdLHyuHMeIIbyoDIAJEhjvI2ynXAcr3Kl7LPAOjPL1Bzr1QPLvLD3g40xhJQ9DSf5ocS1CI7MNVxuYR-ZOdm-6I6GesNVxS-ETRuGIMUWISeYAPVT354M/s320/PXL_20231104_114635356%5B17856%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladybirds trying to hibernate<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJLgXT9h1lMj5UP1bPrxal84Mi0Wd-uWmyjODt0W-d9U_hd88M7TNU-6lSM8_ceRh2IOIgSQYAGHUT56klqEhltMJ9gspbyAH7iLE_BWvbCswpoGlyx9dly9DdaAoo-TDn6R6Qe9N5mztdk_-1YuaHzrw_O524erg-MiGRyctqFz2o8BIq8O0WcY7J_I/s2048/IMG_5616.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJLgXT9h1lMj5UP1bPrxal84Mi0Wd-uWmyjODt0W-d9U_hd88M7TNU-6lSM8_ceRh2IOIgSQYAGHUT56klqEhltMJ9gspbyAH7iLE_BWvbCswpoGlyx9dly9DdaAoo-TDn6R6Qe9N5mztdk_-1YuaHzrw_O524erg-MiGRyctqFz2o8BIq8O0WcY7J_I/s320/IMG_5616.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work finished</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-66530907478228670502023-10-29T22:12:00.000+00:002023-10-29T22:12:39.297+00:00Boundary House Fen - 28th October 2023<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Blog by Eleanor. Photos by Sally and Eleanor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Eleven Green Gymmers met up in the Greenkeepers' compound for our session at Boundary House Fen. The weather was quite chilly, but the early rain was giving way to sunshine. We distributed the tools between us and set off for the walk to the fen, which is on the edge of the golf course.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rod d'Ayala was waiting there to give us our instructions. He pointed out the areas where he wanted the scythers to cut reeds. The rest of us had to rake up reeds that had already been cut and move them to make a barrier wall on the edge of the fen and a short outer barrier in an arc. The purpose of these was to hold back the water so that it would only seep slowly on to the fen. We set to work with rakes, pitchforks and drag sheets. The fen was very wet and we had to be careful where we were treading. The sunshine soon made everyone very warm.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">At last it was time for our break and we moved to higher ground under the trees. We all signed a card for one of our members who is, sadly for us, moving away. Then it was time to get back to work.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rod moved the rakers and stackers to a different area and told us to move the older cut reeds there, to continue the barrier wall along the edge of the fen. The water behind the barrier was very clear, with tiny insects skimming the surface. It was hard and muddy work as the old reeds were much wetter and heavier.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">At 12.30 it was time to stop, gather up the tools and make our long weary way, past curious golfers ( they don't know what they're missing!) back to the cars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMd0uUJAVtWs0cbZAk5EcHWJzQg5djPX0bmBemIRVymaIxt14D5M_iQ7MHJY1YjnpTJ1EZdAVjRWzPglRnP6Y-lM-4kQtrs9-szuT3rhxpy4VZUXn4xzfHFXtn64Fb70d2g2Th5AaegJDQQdGQvwuY3MJwmRYmwY7sxzMtA5B7Rs7RoGXh12IE56ms68/s2048/IMG_5560.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMd0uUJAVtWs0cbZAk5EcHWJzQg5djPX0bmBemIRVymaIxt14D5M_iQ7MHJY1YjnpTJ1EZdAVjRWzPglRnP6Y-lM-4kQtrs9-szuT3rhxpy4VZUXn4xzfHFXtn64Fb70d2g2Th5AaegJDQQdGQvwuY3MJwmRYmwY7sxzMtA5B7Rs7RoGXh12IE56ms68/s320/IMG_5560.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting our instructions from Rod.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygAH9g-cEqB-Xfp4_fPMo4vdqrPiEVcVE3jaJi38ovo8xxG9iEs1Psgteu8JRS34DPqd8BqKevzZaaSdv93sLVfoP85J9RVtgoezsnnpw0o2lC0bYDKWLpyBVxNQGKp94IDW-aZ8YADPsYHoZs3P_1wt8mnT5iTlsqMvnSHruAhy2eGU72QjZKTyRVhY/s2048/IMG_5562.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygAH9g-cEqB-Xfp4_fPMo4vdqrPiEVcVE3jaJi38ovo8xxG9iEs1Psgteu8JRS34DPqd8BqKevzZaaSdv93sLVfoP85J9RVtgoezsnnpw0o2lC0bYDKWLpyBVxNQGKp94IDW-aZ8YADPsYHoZs3P_1wt8mnT5iTlsqMvnSHruAhy2eGU72QjZKTyRVhY/s320/IMG_5562.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger scything.<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p> <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-3otqNYhjjgHUfEJ7AbO2EFquuG6KT0cy2vWfzIHYj35cy1_nXMnGHWrKeXexWtd40Gt9YGNdzahVCavRrGZ86_k1yfHa7xVL62Ah1BT1HIjxwxqBpFgC6KyC0NP0mlNl1avE7EhZhdr9jBPjAN11dik3bBNX_Mad6aywlROSM4yy6i6nJcMkeE9IG0/s2048/IMG_5564.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-3otqNYhjjgHUfEJ7AbO2EFquuG6KT0cy2vWfzIHYj35cy1_nXMnGHWrKeXexWtd40Gt9YGNdzahVCavRrGZ86_k1yfHa7xVL62Ah1BT1HIjxwxqBpFgC6KyC0NP0mlNl1avE7EhZhdr9jBPjAN11dik3bBNX_Mad6aywlROSM4yy6i6nJcMkeE9IG0/s320/IMG_5564.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard at work<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55ltj2N0V22FI8TeGLXyTJJuStCudsaHBVe15dKqIGPmCIRNOeuK89OR6I69rXYBOMZX3fUwCz5hI2GhVZTLjONCQWE9VGuVo0M9dXrl9bITGhwsH6HDWwCiRoxdM47WzI6zIFOjZC6uLbWw-gBPPugsKFoqDEDYqTZ7YNTqQqTshyoaLXzr8Uuko_Dw/s2048/IMG_5566.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55ltj2N0V22FI8TeGLXyTJJuStCudsaHBVe15dKqIGPmCIRNOeuK89OR6I69rXYBOMZX3fUwCz5hI2GhVZTLjONCQWE9VGuVo0M9dXrl9bITGhwsH6HDWwCiRoxdM47WzI6zIFOjZC6uLbWw-gBPPugsKFoqDEDYqTZ7YNTqQqTshyoaLXzr8Uuko_Dw/s320/IMG_5566.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adrian scything<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDfW0aww6c6I75Q3tOTrslmZb7f7hdZNiIQ_-eOBowG18I1Ru_BBdYuRxarDJgxmbZIm4VtyCX5-68tia-IaksHucsm9D3mgiOpPTPNqz-sxGmYNq07xsFJinTM-pbB6plpXF1QkXLHglmAtItK1f7uH9rj7bn9MJBfNV3Eym7ZJmHegafsxE6A09Ab8/s2048/IMG_5569.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDfW0aww6c6I75Q3tOTrslmZb7f7hdZNiIQ_-eOBowG18I1Ru_BBdYuRxarDJgxmbZIm4VtyCX5-68tia-IaksHucsm9D3mgiOpPTPNqz-sxGmYNq07xsFJinTM-pbB6plpXF1QkXLHglmAtItK1f7uH9rj7bn9MJBfNV3Eym7ZJmHegafsxE6A09Ab8/s320/IMG_5569.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading and moving the reeds<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H6G8QHagroA23PlVvxE7sNzPdytjoZ1mrEoph-0mYXBDeDeGUEBIyybVDccpRdubxqkrm8JtKq6sCPJitAWD_x5zyH1AxvmWZ3fJbIGN8Swpkb0i8Ig3I-Mh_07au19PzRUXNO9doyIjvttK3qVQaeKq1jwjbFlOvzrY5QINxcIdSKSjZWc7byb0olU/s2016/PXL_20231028_101304018.MP%5B17769%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H6G8QHagroA23PlVvxE7sNzPdytjoZ1mrEoph-0mYXBDeDeGUEBIyybVDccpRdubxqkrm8JtKq6sCPJitAWD_x5zyH1AxvmWZ3fJbIGN8Swpkb0i8Ig3I-Mh_07au19PzRUXNO9doyIjvttK3qVQaeKq1jwjbFlOvzrY5QINxcIdSKSjZWc7byb0olU/s320/PXL_20231028_101304018.MP%5B17769%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea break<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4k3AmjC7SB7kDMPQUsyULr-KBf9PcMQvQgtcKcndpvCUOX2rDhjG0nnmIHftiZwtrGDQeMMVSlJPkhq-G69ErsTuH2Bd7GP2boghKCooywRcJO3StJFpY9-5YbkaAVIfZeVhCIbpdwQFLxwa-nVl9tG3TEvmHaUM7yYpdKSXKOCRbu1zS0EeTA1qYhY/s2048/IMG_5578.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4k3AmjC7SB7kDMPQUsyULr-KBf9PcMQvQgtcKcndpvCUOX2rDhjG0nnmIHftiZwtrGDQeMMVSlJPkhq-G69ErsTuH2Bd7GP2boghKCooywRcJO3StJFpY9-5YbkaAVIfZeVhCIbpdwQFLxwa-nVl9tG3TEvmHaUM7yYpdKSXKOCRbu1zS0EeTA1qYhY/s320/IMG_5578.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raking<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDgeFTh-1dIMGQfR5G4pgpLt0xSy5j3hxhkY08l1pOL5OEpnLM9KnMD7TbetOfJ_cTOcax-2lfPmapPhBlJPHV5tBdRV0Fwp18kEONM__4R-ozHt6cXsmdTbcMLOg0qDPqzu0af2ig89B9LH2M6fFvDt71Ts8ME_XuAnw8h-bZ47Kmj4vy9JbBArFGDs/s2016/PXL_20231028_094417492%5B17771%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDgeFTh-1dIMGQfR5G4pgpLt0xSy5j3hxhkY08l1pOL5OEpnLM9KnMD7TbetOfJ_cTOcax-2lfPmapPhBlJPHV5tBdRV0Fwp18kEONM__4R-ozHt6cXsmdTbcMLOg0qDPqzu0af2ig89B9LH2M6fFvDt71Ts8ME_XuAnw8h-bZ47Kmj4vy9JbBArFGDs/s320/PXL_20231028_094417492%5B17771%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helen and Lesley with a load<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6zN6ZMA_uTSC5NDE8IEeWid1gnuSiQqkDrAQb5Bw-DUIrEfp9vbHOHzxFhWL4D95aBC1geOuKu37s8a2dpWaO1jingEVHvonlA8JzVcljkJhDxbNQcWU0pGyXBaqA__7f2T5k705rb5_VMjdTkJmnFoT7rEGTi1uuhcryKL8BjzO_Zjyke72htB6SNk/s2016/PXL_20231028_111451416%5B17774%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6zN6ZMA_uTSC5NDE8IEeWid1gnuSiQqkDrAQb5Bw-DUIrEfp9vbHOHzxFhWL4D95aBC1geOuKu37s8a2dpWaO1jingEVHvonlA8JzVcljkJhDxbNQcWU0pGyXBaqA__7f2T5k705rb5_VMjdTkJmnFoT7rEGTi1uuhcryKL8BjzO_Zjyke72htB6SNk/s320/PXL_20231028_111451416%5B17774%5D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A robin oversees our work<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dziFbHGrjDSpJXar6PYryUTUw5KvYgoYXvnZZ0MMrS6WdXStXR-Z5VUzCMq3LldyhiErYCQ6gSbYew8TmD3GQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div> Insects on the water surface<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8oshBBHRLxqXLkKqThbLRF72P6WwpZ4d4XWPWfXjVSXDWucREfJEzo_RacmJ7hjroIMuIp9npQNyKFWsOdHVfXskbEs_jyBxyFD0agpRQgMPQrEYKvsvBO20BLw-5R8ibIi9fpFg5SdIa1qpSVqTAf2cUfJ9AfG6PIG314y3VC1XiQwYiejau8cQmKc/s2048/IMG_5580.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8oshBBHRLxqXLkKqThbLRF72P6WwpZ4d4XWPWfXjVSXDWucREfJEzo_RacmJ7hjroIMuIp9npQNyKFWsOdHVfXskbEs_jyBxyFD0agpRQgMPQrEYKvsvBO20BLw-5R8ibIi9fpFg5SdIa1qpSVqTAf2cUfJ9AfG6PIG314y3VC1XiQwYiejau8cQmKc/s320/IMG_5580.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large area of the fen cleared</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2499292778250910160.post-64563242189477586202023-10-24T15:56:00.000+01:002023-10-24T15:56:57.281+01:00Sunningwell - 21st October 2023<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> This blog was written by Eleanor. The photos were taken by Kevin.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> We always enjoy coming back to Sunningwell to work on the pond, stream and meadow. Ten of us met in the Village Hall car park, where Bob Evans explained the tasks that needed to be done. We were also joined by two other local residents.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There was work to do clearing in and around the village pond, but not too much clearing, as there needed to be shelter for water voles. We needed to rake the wild flower area, plant new wild flower plugs and two lime trees. Another task was to clear nettles and willow herb from the banks of the stream, which were getting very overgrown.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We split up into groups to begin the work. There were vast numbers of nettles on the stream banks, which we tried as far as possible to pull out by the roots. This was before we even reached the willow herb. We left the purple loosestrife and the figwort, which could be distinguished by their seed pods.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We piled up the cut vegetation to heaps by the wall boundary, and then it was time for our break. We always look forward to this, as Bob and his wife provide us with refreshments in their garden shelter. This time there were sausage rolls, cake and biscuits. We went back to work somewhat reluctantly and it had started to drizzle slightly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There were still plenty of nettles, so Barbara got her scythe. This brought us close enough to the willow herb to pull some of it up. She also discovered a narrow footpath between the wall and the other side of the stream.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, the tree planters were finding it quite difficult to dig holes big enough as they kept on hitting stones. They also discovered what looked like a arrow shaft buried in the ground. Kevin, our leader, had found that he couldn't open the boot of his car as his electronic key was malfunctioning. Such are the downsides of modern technology.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thent was time to drag the last loads to the heap and collect up the tools. We look forward to coming back in the new year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSHhk7oqUkFZQZt7CQBj-fhH8xLCm4gHHRm8qwof1O5XQtQLd-naXl4bkrs-kOTdC23Ou0gvDzmKBDV6SkK0i5ljfLfczRvQQ3Q4tZ2xGLAqedn5RzkD7yzNXpnqkfaUH13GKp8jrAueCVSpj1rcDUHf3Jny-Ff_dJxNNvZDl1Yu1xFTNmNDvqHX-w_M/s4000/20231021_105713%5B17535%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSHhk7oqUkFZQZt7CQBj-fhH8xLCm4gHHRm8qwof1O5XQtQLd-naXl4bkrs-kOTdC23Ou0gvDzmKBDV6SkK0i5ljfLfczRvQQ3Q4tZ2xGLAqedn5RzkD7yzNXpnqkfaUH13GKp8jrAueCVSpj1rcDUHf3Jny-Ff_dJxNNvZDl1Yu1xFTNmNDvqHX-w_M/s320/20231021_105713%5B17535%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work by the pond<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpEbRy0qibSvwfSdTLExC28n63BmQGBG2obXksCmO9dshGIrDNCnj7Pf0GcGxAgh_ac6xQaHvTvriOEUYpgUdpN3cd6kK7KoXnngEmPqHrvERRQZhAprSf_GDekVHc5HAzVIpJ3vj7rH1sGHmGZ61pf8F9i-_waXvafkAPy2MgCNKWCHPU83v9dcl6ao/s2592/20231021_123407%5B17526%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpEbRy0qibSvwfSdTLExC28n63BmQGBG2obXksCmO9dshGIrDNCnj7Pf0GcGxAgh_ac6xQaHvTvriOEUYpgUdpN3cd6kK7KoXnngEmPqHrvERRQZhAprSf_GDekVHc5HAzVIpJ3vj7rH1sGHmGZ61pf8F9i-_waXvafkAPy2MgCNKWCHPU83v9dcl6ao/s320/20231021_123407%5B17526%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The meadow. Grass to be raked off.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wYAd_XKM-7Q3Jv33fkgwUSDT3G41gLgw0JW1aKgu-Etug3K-Xwsuq6SjTFh0Dr__F9QL1DhP3P3IbHC6zjxi03TXXZzBWD22Hp0F0ayDGK1NLENmnp2GAtwhl7ZtKlUsTet4LvzQXaB2fo03n23lbURBZkkEkbrzlddZlyG09jWpObiB1exSC4tI8MA/s2592/20231021_123355%5B17528%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wYAd_XKM-7Q3Jv33fkgwUSDT3G41gLgw0JW1aKgu-Etug3K-Xwsuq6SjTFh0Dr__F9QL1DhP3P3IbHC6zjxi03TXXZzBWD22Hp0F0ayDGK1NLENmnp2GAtwhl7ZtKlUsTet4LvzQXaB2fo03n23lbURBZkkEkbrzlddZlyG09jWpObiB1exSC4tI8MA/s320/20231021_123355%5B17528%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVigAuK5-xbY75-WjXFFznjtaM92j9ybD4AuugNB9aENLl6riAqJzMRIs4-nJCwNyE6tkfjSm5-4BCa6fX8rU2roh_88CFMtEXRkUdnW-gUTL9FLR5-iabxKyy2mXAWXvJw13sdV6yXrfH9k6FDQBqT_Hk-cUt80u-d7W5yK2JI9fjDNJdFYsBAXd99s/s2592/20231021_123353%5B17527%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVigAuK5-xbY75-WjXFFznjtaM92j9ybD4AuugNB9aENLl6riAqJzMRIs4-nJCwNyE6tkfjSm5-4BCa6fX8rU2roh_88CFMtEXRkUdnW-gUTL9FLR5-iabxKyy2mXAWXvJw13sdV6yXrfH9k6FDQBqT_Hk-cUt80u-d7W5yK2JI9fjDNJdFYsBAXd99s/s320/20231021_123353%5B17527%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New wild flower plugs<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_quV6M3XVdMdcdmZ-XGCt9BGk7Z5e0du0-dhhSfz6t9t-o2D_vxAlepFbPScBgNILdphTRlm9WLkJQzbYCY-DeUpaABSlGwxXB9QC_Kac9z4kKm2GjfYWDb7-h26VpUscA4Btk4rEWW77lPklYn2AlBW3CwTykktWhRIwCv_bj2RbcI8mm8q9fgzenA/s4000/20231021_105829%5B17531%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_quV6M3XVdMdcdmZ-XGCt9BGk7Z5e0du0-dhhSfz6t9t-o2D_vxAlepFbPScBgNILdphTRlm9WLkJQzbYCY-DeUpaABSlGwxXB9QC_Kac9z4kKm2GjfYWDb7-h26VpUscA4Btk4rEWW77lPklYn2AlBW3CwTykktWhRIwCv_bj2RbcI8mm8q9fgzenA/s320/20231021_105829%5B17531%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu051uy8-a4GLV0OuPlHANkzseu_RrsDkksFBJtHniX3QP2XFR61CtgvKQdRhv36mkgcxzJtyJNdYp5YLDL0bC4qaWbE6-sPBWXTxIiv3pGwNBRFLPkQWmdRJPLGxBEGW-d-atbHbsFbkZpS_t3ZpxEG1HLeW9OOPgZU46MeJDEUAD1DLU6r91P_mRaQ/s4000/20231021_105814%5B17530%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu051uy8-a4GLV0OuPlHANkzseu_RrsDkksFBJtHniX3QP2XFR61CtgvKQdRhv36mkgcxzJtyJNdYp5YLDL0bC4qaWbE6-sPBWXTxIiv3pGwNBRFLPkQWmdRJPLGxBEGW-d-atbHbsFbkZpS_t3ZpxEG1HLeW9OOPgZU46MeJDEUAD1DLU6r91P_mRaQ/s320/20231021_105814%5B17530%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work by the pond<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLU3gFdHerLfmdmGEAt3cx2Axjft6nnsLUkiTvLomCphWsfmPgYLoctu1-4Gxxpt4pyNicYm9KITxw2H9Bmq-ds_pTXnaENc2Sa0J5Myg4pK4_uuFRLuwAqDqDjs4-tT_0lJVf7P5NgaskUM5rBgA6jeQYC_tnbOFj1HquU-IRkE7AFrsJtnLdjGnDtU/s4000/20231021_123925%5B17525%5D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLU3gFdHerLfmdmGEAt3cx2Axjft6nnsLUkiTvLomCphWsfmPgYLoctu1-4Gxxpt4pyNicYm9KITxw2H9Bmq-ds_pTXnaENc2Sa0J5Myg4pK4_uuFRLuwAqDqDjs4-tT_0lJVf7P5NgaskUM5rBgA6jeQYC_tnbOFj1HquU-IRkE7AFrsJtnLdjGnDtU/s320/20231021_123925%5B17525%5D.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The arrow shaft<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Margaret http://www.blogger.com/profile/15255280053704782162noreply@blogger.com0