Wednesday 2nd September 2026 - The Duver & Priory Bay, St Helens GG #1095

Terry's photos 

Autumn Squill (scilla autumnalis)

Wild chamomile

Kangaroo apple (Solanum laciniatum) above and below

We returned to the Duver and Priory Bay this week, visited both in April and July of this year.  This is the 3^rd session funded by the Baywatch on the Beach café.  We started by walking the Duver and litter picking.  After tea break, as on previous occasions, a survey of the litter found over 100m stretch of the beach was undertaken.  The litter was identified and recorded; the resulting information will be sent to the Marine Conservation Society.  GG-ers not involved in the MCS survey walked along to Priory Bay to complete the litter pick.   At the end of the session, it was estimated we collected 100kgs of rubbish. 

Thank you to Terry for the photos, Mark for the cakes and Brighstone Landscaping for the rubbish collection.

Wednesday 26th August 2026 - Newclose Cricket Ground, Blackwater GG #1094

Terry's photos

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in the foreground

Mature seedpods of the HB

The fruits of our labour

We returned to Newclose Cricket Ground this week to continue with our efforts to control the spread of Himalayan Balsam along our waterways.  We are gradually working our way northwards within the site, and sadly there is still a vast amount to clear.  We are collecting the seedpods as we go but they are now ripe and pinging around us so we will definitely be returning next year….

In an attempt to lighten the mood, the internet advises me that the nickname for HB is kiss-me-on-the-mountain and in its country of origin its range is from 2000 to 2500m above sea level.    The Latin name is Impatiens glandulifera.  HB is edible but should be eaten in moderation as it contains oxalates - all we need now is a few tasty recipes and all our HB problems will be solved!

Thank you to Terry for the photos.

 

Wednesday 19th August 2026 - Bugle Stream, Brading GG #1093

 Terry's photos

Sharon with sustenance for the troops

Well, we had quite the GG session today.  A new venue, the first rain for months and a lot of new people! 

We had been approached by Brading Town Council to help them manage the vegetation growing both in and along the Bugle Stream.  During winter months the stream floods and backs up into local properties.  Clearing the vegetation will allow BTC to assess the stream and consider their next steps.  

The stream runs downstream alongside a public footpath accessed from the back of the Bugle pub car park.  Upstream the water comes through a pipe that runs under Brading main road and underneath the pub.  It’s been the source of a lot of problems and when explored we weren’t surprised.  The culvert was completely covered by brambles and the stream itself was full of sedges.  Mature trees had been allowed to grow along the (very narrow) bank, and the stream was barely visible. 

The GG team set to work with mattocks, loppers and shears and by the end of the session a huge amount of clearance had been accomplished.  The team was augmented by volunteers from BTC including two councillors, two visitors and a returning GG-er!  A stellar team!

At the start of the session we also enjoyed the first rain we have had for quite some time – it eased off just in time for our tea break.

Thank you to Terry for the photos and to Sharon for spoiling us with very generous refreshment at tea break.

Wednesday 10th August 2026 - Newclose Cricket Ground, Blackwater GG #1092

 Terry's photos

The collected seedheads

Oak Bracket Fungus

Volunteers, hot 'n humid were we,

Balsam, some strong, some wilting, like me and thee;

17 in number,

That's us not the plant,

We'd pulled 1000s, but mustn't rant.

Back here on the 26th, final session;

On the riverbank,

Downstream is our aim,

There will be less next year when we are back again!

Thank you to Terry for the photos and to Mark for our first poetic (!) editorial.