Bramble bashing stops for nesting

When we first planted Filnore Woods in 1998, the walls of the old cowshed were still standing and the chains where the cattle were each tethered in their individual stalls to be miked by hand, were still there.  Unfortunately it was rendered unsafe by fire and had to be demolished.  Perhaps we can make what's left into a feature like a barbecue site or timber-framed barn at some time in the future.  Well, you've got to have big ideas and plans.

 

In the intervening years the remains of the building had become totally overgrown with brambles and a few elder and hazel bushes.  The last of several work sessions this winter, with nine volunteers in action, resulted in a good clearance around the ruins.

 This is what it looked like as we started last Wednesday.

 

Many hands make light work

 

 

Although the work warms you on a chilly day, a coffee and a biscuit help refuel the workers.

 

February coffee break and November sunshine

 

What we started at the beginning of the winter has now been concluded, to allow birds like long-tailed tits, lesser whitethroats, wrens, blackcaps and garden warblers to nest in the remaining thorny thickets if they choose.  And so the old cowshed foundations are revealed - not a pretty sight but full of potential.

 

 

If you live locally and would like to help with the conservation work, you will be very welcome.  Check the 'volunteering' page for details.