The Commons Conservators have some creative plans for conserving the treescape on Nettlebed Common whilst improving public access and encouraging play areas for younger people. Half of a Green Gym team of 19 on 31st October thus set about clearing a new footpath near the current one which is a muddy switchback and difficult going for those less nimble or pushing buggies. The path leads to a glade with a magnificent oak at its centre. We cleared small trees around this to bring in more light and encourage wild flowers, finding some birch trunks with interesting twists caused by binding with wild honeysuckle.
The other half of the group worked in a large patch by the side of the main road where snowdrops abound in late winter. We cleared away the dead bracken and grass to let light get to the first snowdrop leaves already peeping through. At coffee break by the cricket pavilion we demolished 2 cakes brought by Sue.
Julia 3/11/2013
