29/04/2026
Saturday 25 April was a wonderful Spring day, so not surprisingly there was an excellent turnout for the Forest Farm volunteering session – more than 22 people came along! There were the usual die-hards, and some very welcome newcomers – including a Duke of Edinburgh Award student, and a group of ladies belonging to the Rebel Badge Club. Whatever people’s motivation, everyone got stuck in and worked hard, as usual amidst much fun and laughter.
Alec had an excellent job for us that wouldn’t impact nesting birds and which didn’t involve us walking far from the Warden’s hut, where we met. Armed with loppers, shears, rakes and saws we walked the short distance to the field behind the Orchard. It was lovely to see, in passing, how good the Orchard was looking following our pruning session there in the Winter. There is more to do, but the trees have gained a better shape and the blossom was wonderful against a bright blue sky.
Our task was in the field behind the Orchard. Here, the Rangers have a long-term plan to develop a nature trail for children. There will be signage to illustrate what they might see, a bug corner where they can roll over logs etc to see what they can find beneath, and of course the existing dipping pond. A lovely idea that will develop over time. Our task for the day was to make a start on this by clearing Brambles from along the fence and pathways, removing some old barbed wire, clearing space at the Orchard end, for a log pile to be built, and protecting this newly cleared area with a Dead hedge.
We made a great difference and by the end of two hours large amounts of Bramble had been cleared from the fence and hedges, and tidied away. The fences and paths were clear, the area around the memorial tree tidied, the beginnings of the Dead hedge and Log pile were in place and the field looked somehow bigger. We really look forward to seeing the results as this lovely project comes into fruition. It will be a great resource for visiting school and other groups and it was a joy to play a part in it.
As always, thank you everyone who came along, whether for badges or not! The next session is on Saturday 16 May at 10 am and all are welcome!
