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IoW GG links

To look at the Isle of Wight Green Gym web page (contains details of sessions etc) please use the following link :- www.iwgreengym.org.uk.

The link to Twitter is https://twitter.com/iwgreengym

If you would like to leave us any comments then please use this link iwgreengym@gmail.com

Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Wednesday 9th July 2025 - Merstone Stream, Blackwater GG #1038

 Terry's photos










Dryad's saddle fungus (polyporus squamosus)

We returned this week to the Merstone Stream in Blackwater.  We found a lot of Himalayan Balsam despite having had three sessions in this vicinity over recent weeks.  The HB is now a lot taller and a large proportion of it is now in flower – making it more visible.  Unfortunately, a lot of the HB is now in areas that are difficult to access.  The nettles and brambles are also much taller, making the steep banks of the stream harder to see.  As on our last visit a couple of the team donned waders and worked from the stream itself.  We may well have to have a ‘mopping up’ session in a few weeks’ time.

Thank you to Terry for the photos.





Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Wednesday 2nd July 2025 - Stone Farm, Blackwater GG #1037

 Terry's photos













Broad-leaved Helleborine

We returned this week to Stone Farm in Blackwater to continue our efforts pulling Himalayan Balsam.  The rough land between the farm and the cycle path was re-visited.  The undergrowth was very lush, and it was hard work to reach the stands of HB.  Underneath all the greenery were piles of cut wood through which the HB was happily growing, thereby making it difficult to reach.  HB is now flowering and beginning to set seed.  A couple of GG-ers donned waders and worked along the Merstone Stream and made good progress. 

A highlight was the sight of a hare running across the field parallel to Birchmore Lane.  A return visit to the Merstone Stream and surrounding area will be scheduled shortly.

Thank you to Terry for the photos.