Wed 26th July 2023 - Brading Down. GG # 944.

Terry's Photographs. 

Above, Cinnabar moth caterpillars 

and below, the adult moth.

Geoff's Editorial.

Time for a change for Green Gymers this week. Instead of working in a hollow and down a ditch it was up High on Brading Down dealing with the other pesky plant, namely common ragwort. Quite an expanse of yellow faced us so we were soon bust loosening the roots and pulling the plants. They were then bagged up to be taken away. Common ragwort is poisonous to cattle and horses so needs to be removed. We tried to avoid pulling the similar Oxford ragwortthough the difference is not easy to spot. There was a very good turnout on a pleasant sunny and breezy day with the added attraction of a nearby ice cream van!

Next week is probably back to balsam on the Wroxall stream

Many thanks to Terry for his photographs and Geoff for the editorial. What glorious views 👏

Wed 19th July 2023 - Newclose Cricket Ground, Shide. GG # 943.

 Terry's Photographs.

Common Toad.

Gatekeeper Butterfly.

Many thanks to Terry for his excellent photographs and a big "well done" to all the GG Team who tackled the jungle. 👏

Wed 12th July 2023 - Stone Farm, Blackwater. GG # 942.

 Terry's Photographs.

Message from Mark.

This little wren nestling was unfortunately out of its nest, and chirping while jumping around on the path on Wednesday. I picked it up with my gloves and placed it in the undergrowth. 

This week the session was a continuation of last week's work, pulling Himalayan Balsam from along the riverbank at Stone Farm. The pictures above show just how high and prolific HB can grow if left unchecked....! 

Many thanks to Terry for the photographs.

Wed 5th July 2023 - Stone Farm, Blackwater. GG # 941.

 Terry's Photographs.

Geoff's Editorial.

Its very much "pulling the pesky plant season" now for Green Gym. Today we met at Stone Farm in Blackwater Hollow to tackle more invasive Himalayan balsam. As usual we had to overcome nettles and brambles to get at the large area of very tall balsam. By working from several different access points we managed to meet up in the middle having cleared most of the plants on the way. After yesterdays heavy rain the ground was soft so pulling up the roots was relatively easy.

There were less of us today but it was a bright breezy day so pleasant enough for working.

Next week looks like more of the same but working from the cricket ground. Check on Tuesday.

Many thanks to Geoff for the editorial and to Terry for the photographs 👍