Thursday 29th June 2023

Our Growing Herbarium

Border Patrol

For the rest of us it was back to the bread and butter work.

We had two areas in the centre part of the arboretum where the rapid growth of the brambles was causing issues.

The picture on the left shows this border before work was started, and the picture on the right shows the completed works.

The same problem had occurred at the top of the arboretum, with the brambles surrounding the second badger sett.

Again the brambles were growing 2 to 3 ft out across the manicured lawn area. This causes problems as the ride-on mower cannot get in close to cut the grass.

Moreover the ride on mower operator is very likely to catch one of these brambles and end up with a nasty gash on the arm.

The 'A-Team' soon made short shrift of that problem.

Another job completed was the clearing of a path through the nettles and undergrowth towards the concealed entrance of the second badger sett.

Visiting the badger sett is for many of the visiting youngsters a highlight of the day.

A nice wide path and standing area was cleared so that children can now learn about Mr Badger in safety.

We are currently getting volunteers safely inducted into the use of some of the powered kit we have.

Howie took his turn learning safe starting, stopping and general handling of the Husqvarna Ride-On.

The Local Residents

On our travels we found 2 local residents.

The first was a Common Toad, who was hiding amongst the bramble thickets. Since the toad spends much of its year in moist, shaded places, the brambles were perfect. Plenty of worms, slugs and insects there.

Our second resident was the beautifully marked Five-spot Burnet moth. Our resident botanist, Dr John, found this wonderful specimen in the wild flower meadow area.

Another productive and enjoyable today. Thank you all for your efforts.