Sunday 15 Jan saw an impressive 20 volunteers assemble at the Lodge gate entrance for our first monthly Conservation event of 2023. Undeterred by the (accurate) forecast of heavy showers, the group split up into teams which battered brambles, cleared paths, lifted litter and cut back invasive rhododendrons near the central clearing and the sunken folly in the north part of the woods.
An impressive amount of clearing and tidying was achieved in less than 2 hours which will both make things easier for visitors to the woods and enhance the biodiversity of the nature reserve.
Those who wanted to were also able to visit the newly excavated pond on the edge of the top field which we will soon be planting up with pond edge plants.
An encouraging find when we lifted one rhododendron root was a fine healthy frog which is an unusual sighting in the woods. The group was nourished at the end by hot drinks (thanks Helen and Pam) and delicious scones (thanks Jeanette!) back at the Lodge entrance before dispersing.
We are really grateful for your active participation in our monthly Conservation events, and enormously encouraged by today’s turnout. Our aim is to improve the woods for people and for nature. If you would like to take part, please join us. We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 1pm, usually by the Lodge entrance on Childwall Abbey Road. It’s a good idea to wear old clothes and bring your own gloves. Our next Sunday Conservation event is on 19 Feb.
If you are free midweek, FCWF Diggers meet on most Tuesdays at 1:00pm to tackle similar work, (but with no scones).
Communication is by WhatsApp, so send Ian your details if you want to find out where we are meeting. ian.headey@fcwf.org.uk