Saturday the 7^th December was planned as the second Woodland Clean-up. The weather was overcast when a handful of dedicated volunteers appeared at Birch Drive near the community woodland. Under the supervision of a woodland expert who has experience of this type of clean-up, the volunteers collected a range of tools to start work clearing the brush and tangled vegetation along the woodland track that runs parallel to Birch Drive.

After some initial training and making sure everyone was supplied with safety equipment, the clean-up started. As work began, the weather improved. Whins (Gorse) and Broom bushes were the main plants cleared from the sides of the track to open it up for better access, particularly for less mobile members of our community. The group also tackled saplings, pruned overhanging branches and hawthorn trees to let in more light that helps both people and wildlife. We also removed non-native saplings to benefit native plants and tree growth. Future plans once funding is available will be to resurface the track itself, making it easier to navigate for everyone.

The job was completed when the vegetation and bushes removed were stacked in piles within the woodland. These piles will allow the plants to die back and the nutrients to be released back into the soil. While the nutrients will encourage fresh growth of native plant species, the dead woody material will provide habitats for many woodland species, including invertebrates, small mammals and birds.

Once again, the handful of volunteers gave up their Saturday morning to help with the clean-up, and the Community Woodland Group is very thankful for all their help. While the group cleared around a hundred meters of path in only two hours, there is plenty more to work through. Woodland clean-ups occur on the first Saturday of every month, so please come along to help if you can.