Bracken Bashing at Old Spring Wood: 18-06-13

What a beautiful day for bracken bashing, the weather was lovely and the concept of bashing something sounded like a wonderful day ahead to relieve stress. More seasoned volunteers will have guessed this was my first time, I wondered why they didn’t seem quite as excited as me.

Twelve volunteers and their leader marched into the woods carrying their bashing sticks after a briefing explaining both the concept and the difference between bracken and ferns. Who are the good guys? Nothing is simple, we have to identify the enemy before bashing!

Sticks at the ready  - bring on the bracken!

The first half hour was quite enjoyable picturing well know politicians as I flattened the bracken; very satisfying, but after an hour when arms were beginning to ache a coffee break was unanimously called. It was one of the longer coffee breaks I had encountered on my volunteering so far.

The NCVs are glad of an opportunity to stop for a photo opportunity. The smiles are becoming slightly forced as the joys of bracken bashing start to wane.

A bit more bashing and it was lunch, with talk of a second front in the lower part of Spring Wood. We did make a big impression, the bracken gave up without much of a fight and we all felt victory was ours.

Slowly the ground starts to clear and the precious wild flowers can now be seen.

Dave - you've missed a bit - it's behind you!

In its favour bracken bashing does come out just ahead of Balsam pulling; thank goodness it was such a beautiful day and in such lovely surroundings.

Terry M