Wed 24th July - Brading Down. GG # 991.

 Terry's Photographs.

Alison's Editorial.

This week were back on Brading Down helping Gift to Nature with ragwort pulling.  We concentrated our efforts on a relatively small plot along the bridleway and by the end of the session we had made a visible difference.  Terry's excellent photos show the extent of the task.  There is plenty left for the insect life that depends on it!  Courtesy of the GG coffers we enjoyed the annual ice cream at break time.

Many thanks to Alison for her editorial and Terry for the photographs.

Wed 17th July 2024 -Newclose Cricket Ground, Shide. GG # 990.

 Terry's Photographs.

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were back at Newclose Cricket Ground working through the woodland pulling the Himalayan Balsam.  The southernmost part was checked through and we then concentrated on the northern part of the woodland where we found generous stands of mature plants (but not quite ready to seed).  It was wet underfoot due to the recent rain and there was a little incident where one of our GG-ers had to leave her wellies in the mud.  Teamwork rescued her and the wellies and all was well.  By the end of the session a huge amount of HB had been pulled.

Refreshments were kindly provided by the Cricket Club and Mark.

Many thanks to Alison for the editorial and Terry for the photographs.

Wed 10th July 2024 - Birchmore Pond Area. GG # 989..

 Terry's Photographs.

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were back at Birchmore pulling Himalayan Balsam along the verges of the cycle path and banks of the Merstone stream.   HB was relatively easy to spot as it is now in flower and very tall. There was plenty for us to do despite us being here just a few weeks ago.  The more intrepid GG-ers braved the steep banks and worked from the stream. 

 Next weeks venue is yet to be confirmed.

Many thanks to Alison for the editorial and Terry for the photographs.

Wed 3rd July 2024 Brading Down. GG € 988.

 Terry's Photographs.

Photo shows a kestrel we saw hovering and then swooping down to catch a small mammal.  

The kestrel then flew into the tree to eat its prey.

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were on Brading Down helping Gift to Nature with ragwort removal.  This is a slightly controversial task as although it is toxic to livestock should it get into their forage, it is the food plant for the cinnabar moth larvae.  (Wikipedia advises that the cinnabar moth has been introduced to Australasia and N America to help control ragwort!) We were asked to leave any plants that had caterpillars on them.  We all set to and then a rain cloud rolled in.  There was enough rain to make it worthwhile putting on waterproofs, but it didn't last long.  By the end of the session the back of Danny's truck was piled high with ragwort and another pile was created by the fence line for collection later.  

Many thanks to Alison for the editorial and Terry for the photographs.

Wed 25th June 2024 - Stone Farm, Blackwater. GG # 987.

 Terry's Photograph

Alison's Editorial.

We are now firmly back in the HB pulling season and this week we were at Stone Farm in Blackwater to continue this task.  Conditions were testing as not only was it a boiling hot day, but the vegetation was very dense and high.  HB was plentiful, but it was a challenge to get to it.  Due to the high temperature the session ended slightly earlier than usual.  Following the session the AGM was held at PC's Cafe, Watergate Road.

Next week's session is expected to be on Brading Down.  However, this is yet to be confirmed so please keep an eye on your emails.

Many thanks to Alison for her editorial and Terry for the photographs. 👍