Hinksey Heights Nature Reserve - Saturday 7th March 2026

By -

 Blog by Eleanor, photos by Julio and Margaret

This was a special session, as we were celebrating the landmark birthdays of two of our volunteers, Lesley and Carolyn. However, there was work to do first.

Map of the reserve and trail.



We were welcomed by John Brimble, the landowner and power behind the development of the reserve and trail.

John Brimble meets us in the car park


There were two main tasks. The smaller task was to clear the area by the entrance to the trail, which is intended to become a wildflower area, so five people volunteered for that, while the rest of us made our way to the Dell, to clear around the fairly recently planted trees. The tree expert was waiting for us to explain how to clear a metre diameter round each tree, so it could be dressed with woodchip to suppress the weeds.

Briefing in the Dell




Trees to be cleared around


The site has a herd of Dexter cattle. Dexters are one of the smallest breeds. They were once popular with smallhoders because of their size, then went out of fashion mid 20th century, with the expanding size of farms, but are now becoming popular again. Most are black, but some are red.

Dexter cattle observe




Hard at work


It was hard work getting the turf up from around the trees while avoiding damaging the roots, but with a good number of volunteers, we managed it.


After photos



Then it was time for our tea break.

Tea break by the lake



There was more to do. The slightly more mature trees on the other side of the Dell needed the same treatment.

Working on the other side of the Dell



Finished!



The extension of the boardwalk (by experts, of course) continues apace.

Boardwalk above the fen area with cattle pass


Meanwhile, the work to clear the area by the entrance gate was going on.

Area to be cleared




Sally scything




James working outside the fence



After photo



It was time to go for the birthday lunch in the marquee. Lesley and Carolyn treated us to a lovely lunch of soup, sandwiches and chips.

Birthday lunch in the marquee



We had a surprise cake to share.

The cake




The birthday girls





The presentation, with Dieuwke (organiser) and Eleanor (cake baker)




The birthday girls with presents




It was time to cut the cake. There was plenty to go round, plus a slice each for Carolyn and Lesley to take home.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day, 29th March 2014

By Andrew -
Image
This was the bi-annual Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day, held at the Guildhall in the town centre.  It provides us along with the many other groups and organisations in Abingdon with the chance to have a stall and demonstrate to those attending what we get up to.  Also, it is a good opportunity to attract new members. Dieuwke was in charge of organising the stall this year.  We were placed opposite the Abingdon Naturalists Society who we regularly hold joint sessions with, but there were many other groups present whose activities do not overlap. We received much interest, with several people registering interest.  We look forward to welcoming new members over the coming weeks. -Andrew Dieuwke, Kevin and Carolyn at the Green Gym stall There was much interest in our activities during the day Information on our activities and marmalade for sale! Poster outside the Guildhall Abingdon Guildhall
Read more

Jarn Mound and Wild Garden, Boars Hill, 12th November 2016

By Andrew -
Image
Four weeks after our last session with the Oxford Preservation Trust at Boars Hill, we returned, albeit at Jarn Mound this time rather than the Elizabeth Daryush Garden; which had been our venue in October. We again met with  Rachel Sanderson of the trust, who along with our leader of the day, James, outlined the tasks for the morning.  Primarily, we were to clear the mound itself of scrub and tree saplings that had taken root there, with the intention of restoring it to its original state.  There were also some flatter areas of the garden that required clearing, for the less intrepid among us. Unfortunately, the day had begun a little on the inclement side.  Indeed as we arrived, the rain fell persisently, making many of us wonder if the session would go ahead at all!  But of course, the Green Gymmers are renowned for working whatever the weather, and the damp conditions did not deter us. A couple of problems were immediately evident due to the rain...
Read more