Matthew Arnold Field, Saturday April 22nd 2023

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 This weeks' blog was written by Kevin

There were a Dozen volunteers or more, plus Becky from Wootton who joined us for the first time and was very effective and made good progress, apparently she had, had some experience in conservation work.

The jobs to do were clearing some young horse chestnut trees and some low hanging oak tree branches to open up the area into the copse below, also some scything and lopping of brambles from last year, plus pulling blackthorn saplings that have started to spread.

I brought 2 scythes along as I knew 3 of the members (one with her own scythe) had recently completed a scythe training, so put them to good use. Meanwhile the main body of the volunteers tackled a large patch of bramble bushes. The final task was the blackthorn which I tackled, with an ingenious tool which can grip the base of the saplings and leverage them out root and all sometimes! which was useful as we intend to replant some of the small plants at another site to form a hedge/barrier.

 Despite the cold, damp, misty start the sun appeared by refreshment time to make it a pleasant Morning


Roger scything - clearing brambles

Rosie scything - also clearing brambles!



Kevin digging up blackthorn


well earned rest


cutting and clearing



all done!


spot the field mouse!

can you see it now!?


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