March 2024. It can be disappointing when it rains on a volunteering day. Light rain is not so bad as you can still get jobs done, especially in the shelter of the woods.
The last day of February was a bit like that. It started with a big litter pick, followed by further coppicing of laurel in some parts of the woods. Unfortunately, by lunchtime the rain started to become a bit more persistent.
That would have meant 'rain stop play', but instead it gave us the opportunity of finding something useful to do in the workshop by the lodge; making birdboxes! A new venture to add to my list.
All the necessary tools and materials were available and Amy provided a plan to follow.
Using a circular saw and drilling machine, we cut out the various sections and then proceeded to assemble them using wood glue, nails and screws.
Finished! The metal plate around the entrance prevents the hole being widened by other animals not intended for its use.
The boxes were then coated in decking oil for weather protection.
Back in December, I helped Amy take some cuttings of various plants which was a first for me. I was chuffed to discover that they have all started sprouting - wohoo!
Since the Parish Council was successful in purchasing the Deer Park, Matt & Amy have been carrying out essential and restorative work there.
I was lucky enough to be included in their next visit.
The plan was to plant some young oak whips at the top of the park. In order to protect these, we first had to erect an enclosure to prevent them from being 'got at'. This wasn't straightforward, as the posts needed to be sunk over three feet deep to make them sturdy enough. An auger was used to help dig the holes.
A wire fence was then added.....
.....If I had a hammer....🎜
A total of 25 young oaks were planted before the area was finally sealed.
On a personal note, Amy has decided to move on to pastures new. She has been an absolute asset to the park and I will miss her cheery company. I'm sure that all who know her will join me in wishing her the very best for the future.
Our last day together involved some work in the picnic area. We checked all of the young trees and shrubs along the fence-line, and pruned or removed them as necessary. Unfortunately, quite a few of the young shrubs hadn't survived, so the old canes and plastic guards were removed as well.
We then set about clearing the dead grasses and knapweed etc, to open out the area and made sure that all of the remaining shrubs were clearly marked ready for mulching. We managed to transport and spread two loads of woodchip, using the jeep (Zak), before the end of the day and time for our farewells.
I'll leave you with a photo of earlier times together. It has been a pleasure working beside Amy these past few years.
Amy and I installing one of wooden sculptures back in 2021.
