Ock Path Tesco End - Saturday 12th July 2025

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 Blog by Eleanor, photos by Sally and Eleanor

It was a very hot day, the peak of the third heatwave this Summer, so it was remarkable that ten Green Gymmers braved the heat to come to this session.

The main task was pulling up Himalayan Balsam, but we also needed to scythe reeds to widen part of the path to New Cut Mill, cut some overhanging branches and encroaching brambles and litter pick. The litter situation was particularly bad between Tesco and the Ock Meadow, while the Himalayan Balsam was between Tesco and New Cut Mill.

We made our encampment in the wooded area next to the path.

Setting up base camp



David and Joan set off to do litter picking, Kevin went along the path cutting back brambles and overhanging branches, Sally went to do some scything and the others set to work on the Himalayan Balsam. Very soon the seed pods will ripen and pop, scattering seeds everywhere, so it is important to pull up as many plants as possible before this happens.

Dieuwke with a massive plant




Rosie pulling up Himalayan Balsam






Philip and Susan (camouflaged) in the ditch




The path before scything



Sally scything



There were a number of sheep in the neighbouring field. We hadn't seen sheep there before. They were trying to get as much shade as possible and fortunately there were some big water bowsers so at least they would have enough to drink.

Sheep trying to keep cool



At 11 o'clock we went back to base to have our refreshments in the shady woodland. I had made a refrigerator biscuit cake from chocolate digestives that had stuck together.

Eleanor with refrigerator biscuit cake





Break time




Most people went home after the break, but Sally, Dieuwke, Rosie and I stayed on, though we decided to finish at midday because of the heat. There was more and more and more Himalayan Balsam, on the other side of the ditch and into the woodland.

The path after scything




Waste and recycling bags, plus a broken metal chair, awaiting collection


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