The first task of the year as it turned out was back again to Scotgrove Wood near Bardney. I was expecting maybe 12 people but an amazing 16 of us turned up on a cold frosty morning - but the sun came out for the first sun we had seen in a long while. The wind was light in the wood so it felt quite mild.

As is usual with a coppicing task we were cutting back regrowth of coppiced stumps to allow light in to encourage the ground fauna to grow. Traditionally the cut wood would be used for different uses so was a sustainable commodity but in modern times the practice has all but stopped, which has had an impact on the diversity of plants and insects. The work we carry out is repetitive, having to go back to the same place a few years after clearing an area, but the work is well worth the effort.

Anyway we had some new and nearly new volunteers so hoping to see Malcolm, Jake, Stuart and Martin again. Thank you for turning up and helping out.

With so many hands and nice dry crisp weather, we cut mounds of wood. Nick struggled getting the fire going as it had rained most days for a week and the ground was sodden but by lunch time the fire was blazing and the piles of cut brash were soon on the fire and burnt.

I'm sure all had a good day outside in the fresh air; we really made an impact to the rides, opening up both sides of the main track.  A job well done.
​Jeff