Bridges, Brambles, Chainsaws, Footpaths, Cromes and David H

Cast: Trevor, Val, Nick, Bev, Peter. Andrew S, Alan, Fran, Elizabeth, David H, Roger, Ed.

Bridges: Bridges were assembled and carried to key points between ponds and over wet patches on the perimeter path. Trevor, Ed, Andrew and Nick were the stars here.

Brambles: An initial survey revealed that the main path was full of trip wires (one caused David to nearly faceplant) so a small band (Alan, Peter, Bev, Elizabeth, Roger and Fran) was dispatched to either clip them or dig them away so that safe passage was assured – until the next time we are there. Brambles are nothing if not persistent.

Chainsaws: Well, one only, so Chainsaw. Ed used his expertise to remove quite a few fallen Willows and Alders from ponds, with Trevor, Andrew and Nick helping to haul them out of the ponds and saw them up, with Val and Fran hauling the brash away to create a wild tangle and a log pile, both to add to the variety of the habitat. Quite a bit remains to be done at a future work party, but we are beginning to see clearer ponds, with more light falling on them.

Footpaths: Roger carried out invaluable footpath repair and improvement to make the path along the side of the allotment wider, flatter and safer; while, towards the end of the work party, he created two steps on a steep part of the path. And Alan improved a plank walkway near the steps, adding vertical posts that act as a kind of handrail.

Cromes: these wonderful rakes, with right-angle bent tines, are the perfect weapon for dragging sodden leaves and branches from the edge of the ponds to the banks, thus improving the quality and depth of the water. The scent accompanying the operation is interesting. Crome operators were Val, Peter and Fran.

David H: As usual, David wandered mysteriously but fruitfully, perusing, gauging, pondering and wading. It is his huge professional knowledge and experience of all things watery that underpins all of the work we are doing where our sites involve water – which almost all of them do. Thank you, David.

A very good morning, starting in frost and mist but ending in warm sunshine and a feeling of achievement for everybody.

Our next work party is at WBOA and West Beckham Green on Thursday February 20th.

Peter Maingay February 6th 2025.