Wednesday 13th November 2024 - Flowers Brook, Ventnor GG #1007

 We were so very pleased to see the sun after a period of cloudy weather which seemed to have lasted for weeks. You can see from terry's photos we had a good turn out this week for what is a lovely site, one we've helped maintain for many years. Ventnor Enhancement Fund, who were our hosts, hold each spring a fundraising duck race here, so some of what we were doing was in preparation. Look out for that next Easter!

Last spring we were planting bulbs here, by the hundred, so we hope to be able to see quite a show come this spring! Today it was a clearance operation as I say, but whatever we did would have been a pure joy in in this place, a real gem.  

Wednesday 6th November 2024 - Golden Hill Country Park, Freshwater GG #1006

 Terry's photos

Slow worm (Anguis fragilis)

Mark's photos

Before.......

and after

This week we were back with Gift to Nature supporting the archaeological site of the WWI ablution block at Golden Hill Fort.  We were here a year ago clearing the plant growth on the concrete structures and this has to be maintained as it could easily get out of hand.  Brambles and dogwood were targeted whereas annuals such as teasels were left alone.  The arisings were piled up into heaps for G2N rangers to dispose of at a later stage.

Mark's two photos show the smallest concrete structure before and after Team GG did their thing!

See link for further information - The story of Golden Hill Fort - Gift To Nature

Thank you to Terry and Mark for their photos.

Wednesday 30th October 2024 - West Medina Cement Mill, Dodnor GG #1005

 Terry's photos

Sarah's photos

This week we were working with Gift to Nature at West Medina Cement Mill, which is sited along the River Medina and accessed via the cycle track at the bottom of Stag Lane.  We last visited this site in January 2018.  We were asked to help clear the fence line of the ivy (and any other plants) so that the view from the track is clear into the site.  We also cut back some of the growth from the kilns and raked up the cut material that had been left on the ground.  A litter pick was undertaken.  All the arisings were stacked at the back of the site.

This site has quite a history - see link for further information - West Medina Mills - Gift To Nature

Thank you to Vestas for the use of their overflow car park and Gift to Nature for the refreshments.

Thank you to Terry and Sarah for the photos.

 

Wednesday 23rd October 2024 - Fort Victoria, Yarmouth GG #1004

 Terry's photos

This week we were in West Wight at Fort Victoria, working with the Park Ranger, Anita, to make small improvements.  Firstly, a small pile of limestone chippings was laid to improve the surface of a pathway.  We then cleared an area which had previously been used as a turning/parking area for vehicles.  This had become overgrown and once cleared our van was then parked onto it and off the main track.  We then moved further along the track to the viewpoint overlooking the Solent.  Again, we cleared undergrowth to help improve the view when seated on the benches.  We also worked on the upper part of the viewpoint and further along the path at the back.  It was a beautiful day and the view was stunning.

The downside to the session was the mosquitoes.  Loads of them!! We were all surrounded by a cloud of them and most of us sustained many bites despite spraying ourselves liberally with bug repellent.

GG Christmas meal – Viv has sent out menus via email.  When you have chosen what you would like, please write your name and your choices on an envelope and enclose your £5 deposit – please pass your envelope to Viv.

Thank you to Terry for the photos.