Lashford Lane Fen - Saturday 29th March 2025

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 Blog by Eleanor, photos by Julio

It was a bright, sunny morning, when twelve of us met in the entrance to Lashford Lane Fen, one of a group of Oxfordshire fens where we work.

Interpretation board at the entrance



Our instructions were to make our way to the main fen area, scythe and rake up some of the reed and cut back trees and shrubs on the far side to stop them from encroaching on the fen.

Team briefing by Kevin



Carrying our tools, we set off on the long walk to the fen. The ground was remarkably dry, with only one muddy patch, as there has been very little rain in March this year.
At last we arrived at the fen, set up camp and made our way to the other side of the fen.

The main work area (and scythe blade)




There was also some work to be done, cutting back overhanging branches by the kissing gate leading to the fen. Roger and I volunteered to do that.

Before




After




The others set to work on the fen and the trees on the other side of the runnel. it wasn't long before people were discarding their jackets and jumpers as the morning warmed up.

Getting down to work




Jim scything







Margaret scything







When it was time for our tea break, we had an extra treat, as Carolyn had made us some delicious muffins.

Tea break






Muffins



We continued with our tasks. Margaret found a scarlet elf cup (sarcoscypha austriaca), which grows on the dead wood of deciduous trees. We had found one of these here on a previous work party.

Scarlet elf cup


This fungus is so called because elves were believed to drink the morning dew from them, or some such soppy story.

Then it was time to pack up and start the long trek back to the car park. here are some of the flowers we saw along the way:

Violets







Primroses




Marsh marigolds

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