Archives for February 2020

Report of Working Parties – Thursday 20th February 2020

20th February 2020 By John Roper Leave a Comment

We had a good turn out of 14 volunteers working on the Nature Reserve, and in the Fernery.

The weather forecast was just about right, and we managed to undertake some good work in cold and gusty conditions before the rains came down at 11 a.m. just as we started to make our exodus.

Work Party No 1 – Local Nature Reserve – Leader Andrew Beattie

Andrew led a team planting 100x primrose plugs along the banks of the Ancient Track, from the kissing gate at the Codicote Road end up to the steps.

Branches and debris that had been brought down by the recent storms were cleared away from the track, and bramble trailers cut back to reveal the daffodils and blue bells which are showing.

Clock Meadow

Time and resources did not allow any work in this area.

Work Party No 2 – Fernery Garden – Leader Harry Ward

Conditions

We are paying the price for not managing to complete the job of clearing all of the leaf drop before the storms and rains came, and the paths are muddied as a result. We need a few dry and warm(er) days to bring the leaf blower back into effective action.

But happily the winds seem not to have done any lasting damage to the trees and shrubs. The two new hollies are surviving despite the immediate attention given them by the resident rabbits.

Planting

The Fernery Garden team focused on planting the 100x primrose plugs supplied by WHBC and the 90x cowslips cultivated by Jenny.

The expected large delivery of bulbs did not materialise; they are now due on 24th February. If the weather conditions are suitable we might well arrange an extra work party to get these planted.

Garden Maintenance

We fixed protective tubes around the new hollies, both of which were showing signs of rabbit chew.

The team continued the arduous task of raking up wet, heavy and muddy leaf drop, and weeding the main flower beds.

Plant report

Despite the grey February conditions, the Fernery looks amazingly attractive, with its promise of more colour and interest to come.

Ferns, bulbs and perennials are recovering around the Fernery, and snow drops are beginning to show their heads on the South Bank. We have not yet managed to count the 10,000 snowdrops that we planted last year.

Notice of Working Party – Thursday 20th February 2020

18th February 2020 By John Roper Leave a Comment

Dependant as we are on the constraints of the weather, and the number of volunteers on site, we are planning to operate two Work Parties on the 20th February:

Local Nature Reserve – Leader Andrew Beattie
The Fernery – Leader Harry Ward

Weather Forecast- long range

Gusty winds and hail showers!

If we have to call the meeting off this week, then we will publish another date as soon as we can. But please keep Thursday 27th February clear if we do choose to drop by one week.

Work Party No 1 – Local Nature Reserve – Leader Andrew Beattie

Volunteers for the Local Nature Reserve Working Parties should collect the spare First Aid Kit, bow saws, loppers and springy wire rakes from the Fernery shed before moving to the allocated work site.

Park Field – Ghylls Hill – The Ancient Track – Primrose Planting

We have now received a pack of 100x primrose plugs from the Borough Council, to be planted. If resources permit, then we will also continue the work of recent months continuing the clearance of the Ancient Track on the Park Field, and other tasks to be scheduled.

The work area is reasonably sheltered and whatever the weather we look forward to a good turnout of non-gardening scrub-bashing volunteers.

Clock Meadow

The Leader will decide on the day, depending on the resources available and weather conditions, if the Nature Reserve Work Party can be split to allow tasks to allocated in the Clock Meadow on the Fernery Field.

Work Party No 2 – Fernery Garden – Leader Harry Ward

Garden Maintenance Tasks

Last month the Work Party completed many, if not all, of the scheduled tasks, including the planting of 2x Holly Trees.

A few days later, whilst photographing some of the spring flowers which are showing beautifully, we witnessed Alan who had, on his own volition, returned to the site to reinforce the stakes supporting the new Holly Trees to keep them secure in the forthcoming storms. We don’t thank Dennis, but we do thank Alan.

We have taken delivery of a pack of 100x Primroses from the Borough Council which are ready to be planted – whatever the weather!

But we are still awaiting the delivery of thousands of new bulbs which are on order from Lubbe of Lisse, Spalding. We are advised that they should now arrive next week and, if the weather forces us to cancel this week’s Work Party, then we are likely to re-arrange the meeting for the following week, when the ground should be nice and ‘moist’, and just ready for bulb planting.

Soft Landscaping tasks – specified by Harry Ward

Harry will be specifying tasks, which will follow the recent mix of maintenance and soft landscaping.

Meeting Place – both Work Parties

All volunteers should meet at the Fernery at 9.30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start, where the leaders will allocate tasks and distribute tools as appropriate for the working parties. Before arriving, volunteers are asked to consider which of the two working parties they would prefer to join, i.e. the Nature Reserve, or the Fernery, as this helps team organisation.

How to find the Fernery

If you have not visited us before you will be made very welcome. Please read the directions to find us.

Bring a hot drink and refreshments with you, and wear strong boots or shoes and good quality gardening gloves. All tools will be provided.

On your first visit the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (the Owners) require that you complete a Personal Details Form which will be retained by them for Public Liability Insurance purposes only.