Hackfall Wood: 28-08-2018

"REJOICE!"

"Thou shalt carry out  'Landscape Maintenance Jobs' in Hackfall Wood -

Not Himalayan Balsam pulling. (Unless you see a bit that needs removing.)"

Thus spake the 'powers that be' unto the NCVs and the NCVs were overcome with gratitude.

Yes - this week was the start of the rest of the year for the NCVs. They willingly volunteered for the chance to use mattocks and spades; litter pickers and bracken bashing sticks; loppers and saws. Their faces were radiant as they bustled forth to do what was necessary at Hackfall Wood. All kinds of tasks required their attention - as you can see from the photos below......

This week a VAN was needed. For TOOLS!

Sally kept David in order with her bracken basher
whilst they cleared the edge of the top path.

Bio-security alert!!
The Rosebay willowherb amongst the bracken was shedding its seed all over us.

Likewise the burdock.

And then came the ladies who lop for a living.
Overhanging brambles were soon taken care of.

Further along towards the Ruin a brave team of two 
were tackling the saplings that were spoiling 
the view down Lovers' leap.

That's better - you can see all the way down to the pond and fountain now.
Well done Paul and Ken.

Osian, Andy and Alistair set off with spades 
and mattocks to clear culverts like this one.
(They ended up doing a lot of other jobs besides.)

Once they'd finished, the gullies were 
ready for the autumn rains.

Synchronised gully clearing - the latest Olympic sport.

Balsam was spotted here and there (unfortunately in places where it has not been seen before). However - the NCVs cleared it with a good heart. 
We do NOT want it getting a hold in the centre of the wood!!!

Each team had their coffee time in different parts of the wood 
and enjoyed a piece of Audrey's Flapjack with their beverages.
(Thanks again Audrey!)

The culvert clearers had a lovely view of the Alum Spring at coffee time.

But what were Ros E and Sally looking at?

Oh dear - an obscured view. 
No sign of Mowbray Caslte from their viewing bench. 
We'll need ropes to get rid of the encroaching holly.

Everyone met up at the pond for lunch....

...and one of the delicious buns that 4 year old Oscar had made with his Gran.
(Thanks Oscar - you would have definitely won the Great British Bake Off with these buns!)

It was good to see the fountain back in working order.

Let's just have a team photo before resuming work shall we? 

Boots and tools were cleaned off before leaving the site.
What with balsam seeds and ash die-back in the wood 
we want to ensure we don't spread it around.