Wednesday 12th March 2025 - Old School Meadow, Gurnard GG #1021

Site map from Grow Gurnard

The dark green area is the SANG (see below) and the pale green area is Grow Gurnard

Terry's photos

Huge quantity of rotted woodchip

Rotted manure and more woodchip in the centre of the site

Alpaca fleece

Moving the form to the next area

Today we were helping the Grow Gurnard project in Cockleton Lane.  The site we were on is adjacent to Old School Meadow last visited a year ago.  Meadow View Park Development own the land and after building 400 homes nearby, they are obliged by planning to put in 2.5 km of permissive pathways and 6000 native trees as "rewilding".  Grow Gurnard is a community project that now manages part of this site, with the remainder designated a SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) - see link below.    

Over the last weekend, a large number of whips had been planted along the boundaries and one of our tasks was to put spiral tree guards around them.  Further to the north of the site, fruit trees had been planted and we were asked to surround each one with wire to protect against rabbits and the local dog population.

However, the main task of the day was to create vegetable plots.  A wooden form had been made which ensured that the beds were the same size.  A no-dig approach has been chosen, so initially a large quantity of cardboard was laid down on top of the grass.  Then layers of old, rotting woodchip, well rotted manure, alpaca fleece (all locally sourced) and then a further layer of woodchip were laid down within the form.  On completion of the bed, the form was then lifted and moved to the next spot and the process repeated.

What is a SANG? Q&A with Joe Heath - The Land Trust

Thank you to Terry for the photos and to Jane Popov, Project Leader, for the flapjacks.

Wednesday 5th March 2025 - Flowers Brook, Ventnor GG #1020

 Terry's photos

Mark's photos

Today we re-visited one of our most popular sites – Flowers Brook, Ventnor, working alongside the team from Ventnor Enhancement Fund.  We were last here in November working alongside the stream.  However, today we were all over the site.  There was a team clearing the Russian vine which grows on the bank next to the pool.  This is also known as ‘mile-a-minute’ which describes its vigour and invasive abilities.  A few GG-ers were removing the grass that had grown over the coastal path (known as quartering).  Further west along the coastal path a group was clearing bramble that was overhanging the path.  This had been pushing walkers onto the grass where a worn patch had developed.  Further west, towards Castle Cove, yet another group was cutting back the verge that was overgrowing the path.

When we arrived on site the sun was glinting off the sea and we hoped for a warm morning.  However, the fog rolled in and for quite a while we couldn’t see the sea at all and layers of clothing were put back on.  It wasn’t until the end of the session that the sun came out and the fog retreated.

Thank you to Terry and Mark for the photos.

Wednesday 26th February 2025 - Haseley Manor, Arreton GG #1019

 Terry's photos

There was a fabulous display of snowdrops

Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) 

We were working at Haseley Manor this week, cutting back the willows growing along the margins of the ponds on the site.  We worked firstly along the northern banks of the ponds to the west of the site and subsequently the southern bank of the eastern pond.  The willow was cut about a foot above ground level, so that the stumps can be treated.  The cut material was stacked into habitat piles. 

The ground was very wet and boggy and shortly after we started there was heavy rainfall.  After this initial downpour we all dried out only to receive another soaking!  Sloshing around in mud and on uneven ground was hard work!

Finally, an oldie but a goodie - the following clip gives us an idea on how to traverse the waterways at Haseley Manor on our next visit - turn the sound on and enjoy!

River Jump Fail - YouTube

Nature note - The unusual red fungi are Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) which are "bright red cups with short stems. It can be seen in late winter and early spring on fallen twigs and branches (often Hazel, Elm and Willow), usually buried under moss. It is reasonably widespread, but not very common. It is mostly found in damp, shady areas." 

www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/fungi/scarlet-elfcup

Thank you to Terry for the photos and to Sue for the nature note.

Wednesday 19th February 2025 - Merstone Stream, Blackwater GG #1018

 Terry's photos

This week we were at a venue normally visited in the summer – the Merstone Stream in Blackwater.  This is a prime site for Himalayan Balsam and our work today was to aid our efforts in the summer.  We worked along the banks of the stream cutting back brambles and this will enable access to the HB later in the year.  Three of our team braved the stream itself (one discovering his wellies weren’t quite as waterproof as expected!)  and cut the brambles growing at water level and arching over the stream.  All cut material was piled on the verge of the cycle track where there was more space and it will eventually break down.  Finally, the cycle track was swept clear of any debris.

Thanks to Terry for the photos and to Trevor for the cakes.