Mowing

As well as the woodland, our site contains about 20% grassland, important for wild flowers and invertebrates but also attractive for people.

Over the years some of the site has got overgrown with brambles so drastic action was required to return it to its flower-rich condition. A certain amount of bramble is fine; it is good for nectar, fruit and shelter for wildlife.  But it is a bit too successful and can take over.

The photo below shows an area that was cut partly by volunteers from local civil engineering company Hydrock, wielding slashers and pitchforks, and partly by the robocut machine.  Unfortunately robocut went over a wasps' nest in the ground and operator Dave was stung.

These are the nine beeches donated by Brett Harrison and Ruth Piolle several years ago.  Once again they have room to breathe and grow.

And here is the  area near post 10, neatly cut by our scythe-wielding volunteers.  This was first cleared by Steve Gilliard some years ago and is re-cut each year so that the primroses and bluebells that flourish here are not blotted out by bracken and nettles.