Updates from 2008

16 November 2008 - Autumn Working Party

Despite the drizzly weather, several volunteers turned up to clear paths and plant trees for the last work day in the woods for 2008, led as usual by John Creasey of the Greensand Trust. The team mowed the length of the grass verge in Monkey Puzzle Avenue and raked away the cuttings. Then, in line with the Trust’s plan to replace old trees that have died (the plantation now being some 160 years old), they planted four new monkey puzzles.These were kindly donated to FKW by Mr John Halstead. An inspection of saplings planted over the past year or so showed that most have survived, particularly the larger ones. We probably have two successive wet summers to thank for that. Just a few of the ‘whips’ (i.e. very young saplings) have died. A litter pick filled just two refuse bags, mostly with drink cans and crisp packets. Generally, Knolls Wood is kept fairly clean and tidy, and FKW are very grateful to those people who walk through regularly and pick up litter on their way.

Photos by Jack Owens

22 June 2008 - Summer Working Party

Volunteers met in Redwood Glade at the north eastern entrance to Knolls Wood for our summer work party. The Greensand Trust were on hand to oversee matters and with equipment available for us to use in addition to the implements that volunteers brought. Scythes and shears made inroads into the undergrowth that had encroached on the fringes of the main thoroughfare of Monkey Puzzle walk and the heavy duty rakes were put to good effect in clearing the resulting vegetation debris. We do not take this debris away, rather we roll it into a suitable area fringing the paths where it can settle naturally and provide both habitat and nutrients in the process. Another good day's work by all - thanks to everyone who helped.