Spring has nearly sprung!

Spring is almost with us, judging by a stroll at Wapley Bushes over Easter:

The first bluebells are just emerging...

A few primroses...

And lesser celandines on the woodland floor

Report from work morning 2nd March

We had a very successful work morning today. One work party thinned out a large number of surplus ash trees in the Centenary Wood to allow the main tree to grow without too much competition. It seemed perverse to be cutting down young trees, but it will be for the best in the long term. Following traditional woodland practices, we coppiced them - cutting them off at 10 to 15 cm from ground level so that they will regrow as bushes. This understorey will hopefully stop the brambles from invading.

Meanwhile the other group worked their way round the meadows, where the invasive growth has recently been cut back, trimming off stray saplings and gathering up litter. We were glad to be joined by several young people who worked hard to help us.

Work morning tomorrow (2 March)

A quick reminder that there's a Wapley work morning tomorrow, meeting at the Shire Way gate at 10.00 am. We're doing some traditional woodland management - coppicing - and litter clearance. The weather forecast is good, so come and join us for some fresh air and gentle exercise.