Yesterday’s volunteer morning, for those that participated in our January event, was much warmer, a definite relief to cold fingers and toes! The event was also very well attended too, with committee members, volunteers and members of the local Charlton -based “Good Gym”, see the photos of people enjoying a half-time coffee and biscuit break.

The main entrance to the site is also looking very different with the portacabins from neighbouring Seren Park Gardens being removed. After 2 years, it was a surprise to see the entrance again!

Also continuing on from last month, we have salvaged un-used wood and a small shed which will soon find a new lease of life.

Our usual activities of removing excessive amounts of bramble continued and committee member Jerry Avis was once again repairing damaged steps so that we could maintain safe access to the woodland. Plant-wise, there’s still very little activity, but the hazel catkins are in full bloom, bluebells are already starting to emerge and some of the early flowering primroses have wonderful and delicate pale yellow flowers on show.

Work continues to make sure that fallen trees are being dealt with for safety reasons. Finally, the pond is looking very well, it’s absolutely full of water.

The Friends of Westcombe Woodlands are issuing an invitation to our Annual General meeting for Wednesday, the 20th of November, to start at 7:30pm and finishing at 9pm. This year we have guest speaker Russell Miller.

The venue is once again at Greenwich University; the Lecture Theatre, Room 065, Ground Floor, Queen Anne Court, Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9NW.

Russell Miller will speak about managing our urban trees and woods. He is an arbicultural consultant and activist, he works with the Ancient Tree Forum and is a founder of “Tree Musketeers”.

On an overcast but warm Sunday afternoon in early October, the community gathered for another several hours filled with activities and goodwill. The event saw around 70 visitors, all eager to participate in the various activities and enjoy the early Autumn event. The light drizzle towards the end of the day didn’t dampen people’s spirits! The refreshment stall, managed by Chris Bates and Fiona Machen, was a popular spot, we offered a large selection of homemade cakes, treats and refreshments that brought in approximately £150 for the management of the woodland. The sweet treats were a hit, perfectly accompanying the day’s events.

One of the highlights was the spring bulb planting of daffodils, where participants got their hands dirty planting bulbs that will bloom into beautiful flowers come early Spring. Andrew Slade led the pond dipping activities, which fascinated both children and adults as they explored the aquatic life including the observation of newts.

Henry Medlam’s apple bobbing station was a source of much laughter and fun, while Rich Sylvester captivated young and old audiences with his storytelling and leaf printing sessions.

These creative activities allowed visitors to take home a piece of the day’s memories. Jerry Avis and Frank Smith did a sterling job manning the front gate, ensuring everything ran smoothly and welcoming each visitor with a warm smile. Finally, we had displays of photographs taken from our recent completion. The afternoon was a perfect blend of nature, creativity, and community spirit, leaving everyone looking forward to the next gathering, which is currently scheduled for early May next year.

Our next Open Day event is only a few days away! We’ll be welcoming you in to the woodlands from 2pm at our usual entrance at the bottom of Seren Park Gardens’ car park. There’ll be home-made cakes and refreshments, storytelling, opportunities to meet the Committee members and much more!