Yesterday morning was the 7th volunteer session of the year. As nearly every time we hold an event, the weather is good and new people come along for the first time to enjoy our little, local woodland.
After the very warm few weeks, the water level of the pond hadn’t dropped to much, but it was topped up using rainwater from the tool shed’s water butt. In September or October we will need to cut back or remove some vegetation before it takes over the pond.
Other items we worked on were bindweed removal on The Mound, and in anticipation of tomorrow’s evening bat walk, the footpaths were tidied up, and vegetation cut back.
The apple trees in The Glade are showing a good crop, the pear trees aren’t looking so rich in fruit; perhaps local squirrels have already been enjoying the pears before us!
Pears gowing well on trees 
Apples growing well
The geraniums in The Glade’s flower bed have really come on this year, their vibrant blue flowers can be seen in the accompanying photo. Also growing well, as can be seen below are hogweeds and meadowsweet. Meadowsweet is commonly associated with damp meadows, going around 4 feet in height and is a member of the rose family.
Geranium in The Glade. 
Meadowsweet and hogweed growing in The Glade
The Halstow School project of growing acorns and other seeds is looking very successful, the photos of the seedbed show young oak saplings several inches tall, all with plenty of leaves and looking healthy.
Our tree project 
Young oak saplings
Finally, at the entrance, we saw a hazel shrub with hazel nuts! We suspect that it won’t be long before the squirrels enjoy this free snack!
Young hazel nuts 
Enchanter’s nightshade
