New beds

February 2022 started with creating 2 new beds for future planting. The areas involved are either side of a bench by the edge of the west woods, near the picnic area. Work had commenced earlier with 'P' shaped clearances, but it was decided to create a much larger open stretch.

A large cherry tree was cut back to enable this. the surrounding scrub was cut away and raked back into the woods. All of the collected branches were fed through the chipper.

The original 'P' shaped clearance

The cut back cherry tree with branches woodchipped.

Further along from these beds, there was a dead elm tree that needed to be felled. For safety reasons, we cordoned off the surrounding area. We started by cutting away other dead wood and ivy to enable Amy to get the chainsaw onto the lower trunk. Then we attached a sling & shackle higher up the trunk and, with the aid of a long rope, I was able to guide the falling tree in the right direction.

A second dead elm was removed nearby using only rope.

Back at the picnic area, a prepared bed was ready to be planted out. There was a selection of red and black stemmed dogwood, scotch rose, dog rose, sweet box, winter honeysuckle, Amelanchier Lamarckii (June berry), King Edward VII flowering currant & Philadelphus Coronarius (mock orange).

Storm Dudley provided us with our first task on 17th February. A dead elm covered in ivy had been blown down, covering the pavement on Spixworth Road - breaking fencing in the process. After cordoning-off the area, we quickly cut up and removed the tree back behind the fence line.

Storm Eunice due on Friday!

Cutting out a metre section of ivy on a large tree behind the lodge/picnic area, proved to be tougher than anticipated. The ivy had a real stranglehold on the bark - quite thick in places.

However, with the aid of an axe, saw, loppers & crowbar, we finally managed to prise a section off.

The following week was very wet and muddy. Several more trees had sections of ivy removed. Again, we needed loppers saws and a crowbar to prise the ivy from the bark.

Then it was onto commence planting at the newly cleared strip. Over two visits, we managed to plant red & black stemmed dogwood, wild plum, mock orange, 2 types of box, flowering currant and Juneberry.