Planting

 October 2021 began with bulb planting around Victoria pond. There were more daffodil bulbs, plus snowdrops and snakes-head fritillary.

This was followed by planting small trees in the picnic area, there were 2 Liquid Amber (sweetgum) and 2 Fern Leaved Beech. Another tree was planted just outside (Cedar of Lebanon) and protected with a metal cage.

We used 7 barrow loads of woodchip to surround the trees for mulching.

            Above: Liquid Amber tree

            

            Right: Cedar of Lebanon tree

Catton Park was hosting a 'Spooktacular' event for Halloween. So, to prepare for this, I assisted in erecting fencing, litter picking and leaf blowing.

Then more bulb planting. This time it was wild tulip, crocus and Star of Bethlehem (snowdrop) and these were planted by the Badger sculpture at the lodge.

Into November and time for clearing away bramble, nettles etc, to uncover previously planted trees.. This also involved coppicing elm & sycamore trees to provide more light. Once uncovered, we spread woodchip around the young saplings.

The canes mark the previously planted young saplings.

Back in the picnic area, we coppiced a row of hazel trees (leaving the stems about a foot high), before feeding the tops and branches through the chipper.

After that we visited the 'Dell' to cut down some laurel and removed sections of ivy on surrounding trees in order to kill the growth.

It was then planned to clear an area along the bottom of Oak Lane for some new planting. Again by cutting back bramble, nettles etc, and coppicing elm & sycamore trees. Work continued with this into December.

Eventually, we will be planting hazel trees and designate the area as 'the nuttery'.