Objectives
We will again be operating two work parties this Thursday.
Because Maydencroft are scheduled to be on site in the Fernery to undertake final heavy equipment work for 2019, we must limit the number of volunteers working in the Fernery this Thursday, for health and safety reasons.
We therefore encourage Gardening volunteers to work on the Local Nature Reserve with Andrew Beattie’s work party.
Long Range Weather Forecast
Sunny with light winds.
Nature Reserve Work Party – Leader Andrew Beattie
As stated many times before, scrub-bashing work on the Nature Reserve is less likely to disturb wildlife, in particular nesting birds, from September round to March/April each year,
From now until Spring 2020 we therefore encourage volunteers to join Andrew’s scrub-bashing Work Party.
Regular tasks can be expected to include path clearance of overhanging brambles, nettles and tree shoots and runners.
Work on special projects will be agreed in advance between Andrew and Chris James and are likely to include continuation of ancient track clearance down to the Codicote Road, hedge layering, and the clearance and burning of brash left laying around from earlier work parties. Some basic tree pruning might also be on the agenda.
An interesting new Project proposed by Chris James is to develop an area on the South East corner of the Fernery Field into a wildlife study area. The area (outside the cattle fence) owned by the WHBC behind the rear of houses in St John’s Close and the Clockhouse Gardens development and Old Roman Road was cleared by Maydencroft during the year
These are all good seasonal fun tasks for colder Autumn and Winter days as the work of the Fernery Gardening Group falls off.
Fernery Work Party – Leader Harry Ward
Because Maydencroft are on site, we need only a limited number of volunteers to be in the Fernery. Apart from undertaking light tasks, these volunteers will in part supervise Maydencroft’s work in the absence of hands-on WHBC management.
Maydencroft will be:
- Mechanically digging out the zigzag bed at the North End and moving soil and turves to other parts of the site
- Lifting, moving and installing the three very heavy hollow Oak logs from the North end to the East end.
- Excavating the steep South Bank to uncover hidden Anthony Parsons beds.
Scheduled tasks for the few volunteers will include:
- Fencing the northern slope where we’ve planted wild flowers and where we’ll plant herbaceous shrubs in October. (Alan and Harry)
- Weeding the North Bank wild flower beds (Jenny +1)
- Moving last years leaf mulch from the front enclosure to the back one, thus allowing this Autumn’s leaf fall to go into an empty enclosure (Colin + John)
- Working with Maydencroft on the zigzag bed, testing the soils for ancient fern spores, and re-positioning the turf. (Colin + !)
More demanding seasonal work such as leaf collection, strimming, grass cutting and general tidying will wait for the October Work Party.
Meeting Place – both Work Parties
All volunteers should meet at the Fernery at 9.30 am where the leaders will allocate tasks and distribute tools as appropriate for the two working parties. Volunteers are asked to decide before arriving which of the two working parties they would like to join, as this helps the 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.
