This was a new site for us and added to our list of urban locations. We were helping the Moorland Local People Project with activities to improve their local woodland. 15 of us, plus a few locals, set about a range of tasks.
A small patch of ground had been dug ready for seeding with wildflowers and we removed the weeds in preparation. Some of us set up a new planter frame made of pallets, lined it with netting and tarpaulin, filled it with soil and stuffed the sides with rocks, pine cones and other bug friendly housing to create a combined bug hotel and edible plant planter. Both planter and meadow are at the entrance to the woodland (from Walford Drive). A couple of us starting by seeking and finding a line of hedge plants hidden among nettles and grass, carefully clearing to give them some light.
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Other volunteers headed into the wood to cut back brambles from the sides of the many paths and to clear litter. The latter proved a lot more challenging than expected as gradually people emerged from the undergrowth dragging out smashed furniture, trashed computers, kids toys, parts of bikes and a moped, as well as the usual litter. Everything was dragged to the lay-by on Moorland Road, ready for collection - enough to fill a full size skip. We had plenty of comments from passing locals amazed at how much rubbish had been dragged out of their local green space.
The weather was warm and mostly sunny and we enjoyed cakes supplied by Jo, the community project officer and a lovely chocolate cake, courtesy of Sophie’s aunt. We welcomed 2 new volunteers, Chris and Emma.
Check our some more photos on the Moorland Local Peoples Project Facebook page.
Let’s hope the locals like their new woodland features.
Julian
Let’s hope the locals like their new woodland features.
Julian