Sunningwell - Saturday 16th November 2024

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 Blog by Eleanor. Photos by Michele, Sally and Eleanor


It was a really good turnout, 17 volunteers for our work party at Sunningwell. We were pleased to welcome Simon, an OPT volunteer, who had been at Boars Hill the previous week.

Bob Evans, a resident and pillar of the village community, welcomed us and outlined the tasks. One was to dig patches in two areas on the green for the planting of wildflower plugs. Another was to make two gaps in the hedge running up the middle of the green, which we had planted some years ago. This would involve clearing a lot of brambles. An important task was to do hedge laying at the far end of the green. This is a skilled task and Sally and Simon were the experts, so off they went with Michele and Margaret as helpers.

One more task was to clear nettles by the stream near the gate and Kevin volunteered for this task.

Kevin working by the stream




Some people began work on the mound.




Helen, Henry and David set off to dig a patch higher up the field where wildflower plugs were to be planted. This proved to be very hard work, so we appreciate their efforts!


Adrian, Lesley, Susan and Dieuwke went to clear two gaps through the hedge.

Clearing a gap





 






Soon, there was a lot of debris to be dragged or barrowed away.

We were glad of our tea break at 11 o'clock. It's a real treat to come here, as Bob provides refreshments in his garden. Soon we were tucking in to sausage rolls, picnic eggs and cakes, accompanied by Bob's friendly new border collie puppy.


Tea break in Bob's garden




There was another task to be done after the break. Kevin and I went to clear branches back from the pavement on the dangerous corner where three roads meet. The pavement had become impassable due to the overhanging branches and was, in fact, invisible as it was covered in fallen leaves.

Sally, Simon and co went back to finish the hedge laying. Here's how it's done:


Margaret clearing





 
Sally hedge laying









Simon hedge laying





Cutting partly through a trunk





Bending the tree





Task completed. The laid hedge




So a number of tasks had been completed - wildflower plugs planted, hedge laid, nettles cleared, gaps made in the dividing hedge and a pavement made more passable. Thank you to all the volunteers and to Bob for his hospitality.

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