Elizabeth Daryush Memorial Garden - Saturday, 14 October 2023

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The weather had turned a bit chillier than recent days but there was a clear blue sky as we assembled at Boars Hill in the layby next to Elizabeth Dayrush Memorial Garden, which is owned and managed by Oxford Preservation Trust.  Blog and photos by Kevin

We had a good turnout of volunteers (16 in total) including Susan, a new recruit, and Peter from the OPT volunteers.

I had met Rod d'Ayala, the consultant ecologist for OPT, earlier in the week to get a clear picture of what was needed to be done, which mostly centred around the pond.


The main job was to clear the summer growth of reeds and brambles that had started to encroach on the pond and would, if left, take the water as well, although after the recent heavy rains the level look fairly healthy!  Also there was a need to cut back the willow from spreading out too much and keeping just the upright branches.  There were some other trees that also need cutting back - the holly on the path to the entrance and an oak with it low hanging branches that would stop the tractor from harvesting the hay/grass.
Margaret set about scything the bracken that was growing on the other side of the grass ride to encourage the acid grassland specialists to flourish (the brome and woodland sage, in particular).


The pond it self would need some further work of clear out some invasive plants (the dreaded crassula) on another visit and requiring donning some waders!


Refreshment break was spent sitting under the sweet chestnut tree and admiring our efforts, before we put in the last hour of completing most of our tasks.

Kevin

Dieuwke, Philip, Lesley and Peter bramble bashing

James and Kevin cutting back willow

Roger and Sally scything the overgrown pond vegetation

Margaret scything bracken
Susan dragging a cut branch to the heap

One cleared bramble patch by the pond





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