Wednesday 19th February 2025 - Merstone Stream, Blackwater GG #1018

 Terry's photos

This week we were at a venue normally visited in the summer – the Merstone Stream in Blackwater.  This is a prime site for Himalayan Balsam and our work today was to aid our efforts in the summer.  We worked along the banks of the stream cutting back brambles and this will enable access to the HB later in the year.  Three of our team braved the stream itself (one discovering his wellies weren’t quite as waterproof as expected!)  and cut the brambles growing at water level and arching over the stream.  All cut material was piled on the verge of the cycle track where there was more space and it will eventually break down.  Finally, the cycle track was swept clear of any debris.

Thanks to Terry for the photos and to Trevor for the cakes.

Wednesday 12th February 2025 - Little Appley Wood, Appley, Ryde GG #1017

 Terry's photos

This week we were working in Little Appley Wood assisting Tony, the IWC Tree Officer with maintenance of this woodland.  This is an area on the south east corner of Appley Park.  This woodland has remnants of ancient woodland within it and has several mature oak trees.  Sadly these woods have been neglected for quite a while and become overgrown with bay and cherry laurel.  Tony and his colleague set to with the chain saw and our job was to process the unwanted trees and shrubs.  By the end of the session a mighty dead hedge had been created and the area opened up.

See link for further information regarding Appley Park - The history of Appley Park – Friends of Appley

Thank you to Terry for the photos.

Wednesday 5th February 2025 - Munsley Bog GG #1016

 Terry's photos

This week we were at a favourite winter site – Munsley Bog.  This is managed by Gift to Nature who have, over the last year or so, done a lot of work on this interesting site.  The willow has been eradicated and the site opened out.  It is now a much boggier site, doing its job and living up to its name.  Three of the team sank into boggy ground unintentionally! 

We were raking and collecting the cut bracken and grasses and piling them onto a dead hedge created along the western boundary.  Jon, the Ranger, was working within the trees and the felled wood formed the base of the dead hedge.  This site is worth visiting during the summer months to see the plant and insect life and the lizards basking on the boardwalk.

See link - Munsley Bog - Gift To Nature

Thanks to Terry for the photos.

Wednesday 29th January 2025 - All Saints Church, Freshwater GG #1015

 Terry's photos

A large earthworm compared with a size 7 welly

The West Wight beckoned us again this week!  We were at All Saints Church in Freshwater working in the grounds.  As can be seen from Terry’s photos the spring bulbs are just beginning to show.  In a few weeks’ time there will be a lovely display.  We were last here in April 2023 clearing bramble and today we re-visited this area.  We cut back the regrowth and then worked on the area behind it.  A huge amount was cut back and then moved to the bonfire area.

Thanks to the ladies of the church for looking after us with refreshments at our tea break – this may account for todays’ high turnout!

For further information on this lovely church see link -

Freshwater - All Saints - A Church Near You

Thanks to Terry for the photos.