News | SMCV | A voluntary conservation group working in and around south Manchester, England

A new site: John o’ Jerusalem woodland

February 17, 2024 by Ferret

Last Sunday (16 February) we joined Trafford Wildlife at John o’ Jerusalem woodland, near Bowdon – a new location (new to us, that is!)! This is a site which Trafford Wildlife have only in the past several months become involved in looking after; it is a mature woodland, but one which has become overrun with rhododendron. Our task today was to help with the ongoing project of removing the invasive rhododendron, to bring more diversity back to the wood. Thanks to Trafford Wildlife volunteers for the welcome and the interesting introduction to this lovely site!

Posted in Invasive species, Woodland management | Tagged Trafford Wildlife |

Hedgelaying – before the storm

January 21, 2024 by Ferret

Another good day hedgelaying today, on the Middlewood Way with Ed from Cheshire East Rangers. We were working on a section of hedge which had previously been laid, adding to the usual fun puzzle of working out exactly what to do with each stem to get an even and structured laid hedge at the end of the day. We were even lucky with the weather finishing up just before the wind and the rain – phew!

Posted in Hedgelaying | Tagged Cheshire East Rangers, Middlewood Way |

Spud Wood to conclude 2023

December 3, 2023 by Ferret

As has been the case in the last few years, our final activity for 2023 was to continue with the removal of invasive rhododendron from Spud Wood, a Woodland Trust site looked after by the Friends group. The few of us braving the cold enjoyed a lovely wintry woodland, complete with holly berries and frequently visiting robins, and made good progress in expanding the rhododendron-free areas.

Looking forward to 2024’s activities – first up, hedgelaying on the Middlewood Way on the 21 January…!

Posted in Woodland management | Tagged Friends of Spud Wood, Woodland Trust |

Rainy day in Longford Park

November 12, 2023 by Ferret

A hardy few turned out for a rainy day in Longford Park today. In spite of the weather some good work was done around the community allotment and in the peace garden. Thanks to those who braved the wet weather, and to the Friends for the warm welcome!

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged Friends of Longford Park |

At Tegg’s Nose Quarry

October 25, 2023 by Ferret

Our activity for October was to join Martin of the Cheshire East Rangers on a sunny Sunday to clear willow scrub below and near the quarry face at Tegg’s Nose Country Park. The rock face is of geological interest and but would be hidden by willow if growth were allowed to go unchecked. We already have dates arranged at Tegg’s Nose in 2024 (Sunday 26 May and Sunday 23 June 2024), we so look forward to being back here then!

Posted in Grassland, Miscellaneous | Tagged Cheshire East Rangers, Tegg's Nose Country Park |

Brambles in Alexandra Park

October 1, 2023 by Ferret

Our activity for September was some habitat management in Alexandra Park, Whalley Range – our first group visit here. On Sunday 17 September, We were in the north-west section of the park, working in an area thick with bramble, whips and pendulous sedge. Our task was to clear some of the growth to create bays, giving a longer “scalloped” edge to this habitat-rich and wild area. Thanks to all those who came along, including new volunteers, and to the Friends of Alexandra Park for the hosting and the welcome!

Posted in Miscellaneous |

Access ramp at the camp

September 10, 2023 by Ferret

For our August activity, a few of us made it a return visit on the 6th to the developing Hollinwood Scout Camp, where we helped to improve access to one of the camp’s fields with construction of a ramp. We had a warm welcome, as always – many thanks for the plentiful supply of much-needed tea!

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged Hollinwood Scout Camp |

Helping heather and hindering balsam

May 25, 2023 by Ferret

On Sunday 14 May we were out with Trafford Wildlife at Birch Moss Covert. We were focussed on two activities: removing bracken from the heather area, and removing invasive Himalayan balsam from within the woodland. The area for the re-establishing of heather at this site is gradually and successfully being expanded, and the annual balsam-pulling has had a positive effect within the woodland where there is now much less of the invader.

Great to be out on an early summer’s day to contribute to these worthwhile efforts!

Posted in Heathland, Invasive species, Woodland management | Tagged Trafford Wildlife |

Longford Park allotment and wildlife garden

March 19, 2023 by Ferret

A mild spring day today, which we spent helping the Friends of Longford Park with various tasks around the border of the community allotment and in the wildlife garden. Thanks to all who came along to help, especially the new volunteers!

Volunteers and the borders of the community allotment

Posted in Community orchard, Wildlife education | Tagged Friends of Longford Park |

Hedgelaying – continued!

February 19, 2023 by Ferret

Today saw us in the same place and doing the same activity as last month. Another great crowd, another excellent day, and not one but two birthdays to celebrate among those taking part!