The first volunteer session of Summer took place the 1st July. Numbers of volunteers were a little below normal, but this didn’t reduce the enthusiasm of the people who were present. We also welcomed 2 new people who had never been to the Woodland before.
Apple tree with small fruit
Apple tree with small fruit
Pear tree with small fruit
Successful Summer Party! On Sunday 11th June, members of Westcombe Woodlands were once again invited to come along and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of Chairman Tim Barnes’ home. It was an opportunity for all to enjoy refreshments and to chat among other members of achievements in the past and to discuss upcoming events and activities, all in Tim Barnes’ garden.
Woodland members chatting away
Only a week after our 4th Open Day event saw us back to our usual routine of the monthly volunteer events. Over a dozen people helped out with today’s tasks. The weather is really starting to warm up now, so extra watering of our new plants is required. Of course, this means that the weeds we try and keep at bay are also rapidly growing. The “Mound” area was also weeded to.
Westcombe Woodlands Chairman Tim Barnes at work weeding
Volunteer weeding
Removed Spanish Bluebells
Our first volunteer session in Spring was a wonderful day. Blue skies, warm temperatures and no wind made the outside conditions seem almost balmy for this time of year. This meant we could really get stuck in to the tasks of planting and weeding. Using funds from previous open days, we purchased more native plants to further enhance the existing woodland flora.
With the warmer temperatures, now is the ideal moment to new plants in before the soil starts to dry out, making it less likely plants will survive. Having purchased new plants, we also took existing plants such as established clumps of primroses and red campions and divided these in to smaller plants. An economical way to increase the woodland flora. However, there’s always a requirement to keep on weeding. The Glade area has a lot of bindweed, and this plant needs to be kept under control.
Freshly purchased native plants
Newly planted primroses among bluebells
Primroses with three cornered leeks in the background
Volunteer planting newly divided plants
Volunteer removing weeds
The 3rd Volunteer Morning of the year had a definite feeling that Spring isn’t far away. The event was very well attended with both committee members and volunteers, with around 18 people onsite. Tasks this morning were the removal of a non-native horse-chestnut tree to make way for native woodland saplings including English Oaks. The photos below show committee member Andrew Slade with a mattock taking aim at the horse-chestnut, to remove it from the newly created woodland clearing on the way to The Glade area.
Mattock in hand
Taking aim
Roots and all removed!
