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.
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