Hello Conservation Volunteers
Another work morning and another great turnout from our pool of volunteers - thank you - and another fine morning weather wise as the early morning rain stopped before we started.
You know Christmas is around the corner when our Master Wreath Maker, John, appears with bunches of willow (two full carloads of willow were collected from Blackburn Meadows two weeks ago) and teaches hoop making to the volunteers, although with some of the strange movements required to bend the willow, passers-by may have thought it was some sort of bizarre exercise class! Along with Hilary, Janet and Rowena a total of 42 hoops were made during the morning session. A great start....with more wreath making to be done at our next work morning.........
Lower down the valley, various teams were out repairing and maintaining drainage on the footpaths and bridal paths.
Matt led a team to install new revetments. Armed with a supply of planks they dug out channels and anchored the planks down which will divert the run-off water and prevent erosion.
Chris and Leonie checked and cleared surface drains on the footpath and bridal path all the way down to Hangingwater/Highcliffe road, whilst another team was rodding out the underground drains and pipes which had become blocked with stones, branches plus the odd tennis balls or two! In some areas, drainage channels needed to be dug out to divert the run-off into the nearby drains.
The next work morning is on Tuesday 22nd November. An email will be sent out nearer the time with details.
Lyndon
A Selection of photos from the work morning
Willow all ready for hoop making
Hilary, Rowena, Janet and John with some of the completed hoops
John demonstrating the one legged bend, stretch and hop!
Jago, Chris, Les, Steve and Matt installing a revetment
A before and after of one of the blocked drain
Phi, Peter, Dave M rodding and clearing blocked drains and pipes
