Sunday 21 July saw us at a new site for the group, Congleton Hydro. We helped with the removal of Himalayan balsam, which has established quite a presence around the site, and also got a chance to see Archie, the Archimedes screw, in action!
Following our visit here in May, we were back on 23 June to continue with the same work: suppressing bracken invading a heathland area by bashing it to break the stems. It was another warm summer day; and as it was over a month since our last visit, the bracken in the zone we tackled this time was of course much taller, but nonetheless we made good progress in completing the clearance of a good swathe of the slope. It will be interesting to see how this experimental means of control fares in the years ahead.
Of course, there was also time for a little stroll to see some other parts of Tegg’s Nose, including the lovely current display of orchids!
Posted in Heathland | Tagged Cheshire East Rangers, Tegg's Nose Country Park |
Our activity on 19 May was to help ranger Martin with the control of bracken on a slope of heathland at Tegg’s Nose Country Park. To reduce the use of chemicals on the site, this was the start of a trial to control the emerging bracken by physical means, i.e. by bashing the young stems with wooden poles (stiles or stales)! Good initial inroads were made, and the activity will continue in the weeks ahead (including by us again, on 23 June). As it was a warm, sunny day, this was energetic work – so a great opportunity for some of the day also to be taken up by Martin taking us on a wildlife walk and sharing his knowledge of the flora and fauna around us (moonwort, adder’s-tongue, pignut, green hairstreak butterfly, wall brown butterfly…).
More volunteers to progress this task on 23 June would be very welcome, so please come along to help us then if you can!
Posted in Heathland | Tagged Cheshire East Rangers, Tegg's Nose Country Park | 1 Comment »
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
SMCV 