Wednesday 22nd July 2026 - Stone Farm, Blackwater GG #1089

 Terry's photos

Climbing over a wire fence is often precarious!

Some mighty specimens... (of HB)

Editorial to be uploaded shortly

Wednesday 15th July 2026 - Stone Farm, Blackwater GG #1088

 Terry's photos

Tea break in some very welcome shade

The collected seed heads

We returned to Stone Farm in Blackwater this week to continue with the perennial task of pulling Himalayan Balsam.  GG-ers split into several groups to target different areas where HB had been spotted.  The original plan had been that we would move onto Southbank (the area below Mole Country Store) after tea break…… but no such luck!  Substantial areas of HB were found – most of them not easy to access.  To add to the pressure a lot of the HB is now flowering and going to seed – so for the first time this year we were collecting the seeds into our seed collecting pouches. 

Due to the hot weather conditions our session started and finished earlier than usual. 

Thanks to Terry for the photos and to Stone Farm for the parking and the brief loan of a mounting block (to enable us to get over a barbed wire fence safely).

Wednesday 8th July 2026 - The Duver & Priory Bay, St Helens GG #1087

 Terry's photos

Mark's photo

Lead weight and line

We returned to the Duver and Priory Bay this week, last visited in April.  We started off with a litter pick across the Duver – looking very dry and brown due to the hot weather we have been experiencing.  Fortunately, we did enjoy a bit of a breeze, but it was hot, hot, hot…..

After tea break the team split into two groups.  One group stayed on the beach in front of the café to complete a survey of litter found within a 100m stretch.  The results will be sent to the Marine Conservation Society.  The other group moved on further down the beach and into Priory Bay.  At the end of the session, it was estimated that we had collected 40 – 45 kgs of litter.  The usual suspects were found – plenty of plastic pieces and fishing nets/line, along with random items of clothing.   

A lead weight on a line was discovered.  A quick internet search informs me that the use of lead weights is strictly regulated due to its toxicity.  Weights must be either 0.06g (or less) or more than 28.35g (1oz).  There are non-toxic alternatives available, the most popular of which are tungsten or tin and brass.

Thank you to Terry for the photos.

Wednesday 1st July 2026 - Naturezones, Blackwater GG #1086

 Terry's photos

The combination of cooler temperatures and a shady venue this week ensured that GG service has resumed.  We returned to Naturezones (see link) in Blackwater, which is a small nature reserve and a field study centre.  Control of the old railway line area has now passed to Naturezones and the remit was to clear the brambles and nettles from a pathway that runs parallel to the stream.  Evidence of water voles (see link) has been discovered so to further encourage them the areas opened up will then be mown and sown with grass seed.  Further mowing will hopefully encourage the grass and deter the brambles and nettles which should help to improve their habitat.  A large tree had fallen over the pathway and this was also cleared.

At the end of the pathway (facing the cycle track) a dead hedge was created as a barrier to deter any opportunistic cyclist/walker. 

Naturezones Isle of Wight Official Web Site

Water vole | The Wildlife Trusts

Thank you to Angela at Naturezones for the cakes at breaktime and to Terry for the photos.