Frilford Heath SSSI, 27th June 2015

By Andrew -
Sixteen Green Gymmers turned out on what proved to be a beautiful sunny day to pull up yet more Himalayan Balsam. 

We parked as usual at Woodhaven and made our way past the meadow and across the bridge to the SSSI land. However, this time we were concentrating our efforts on land belonging to the neighbouring property. There was an open meadow with very dense patches of small plants. 

Pulling these up required a great deal of bending and patience. Alison from Natural England had also mentioned another patch on the edge of the woodland which was growing on chippings from felled willow trees. By contrast, these plants proved to be gigantic and some were already in flower. We had soon made some very satisfactory heaps.

Our tea break was enhanced by some delicious Spanish apple tarts, which Victor had made to celebrate his birthday. Some of us varied the work after the break by pulling up plants on the edge of the large, murky pond, though nobody indulged in any wild swimming, either deliberately or accidentally.

I'm sure that in a few weeks' time the tiny plants will have shot up and another attack will be needed.
-Eleanor


We set to work

Tackling the big stuff

Victor displays his birthday treats

Spanish apple tarts

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