Wednesday 29th October 2025 - Millennium Green, Ryde GG #1054

 Alison's photos

What a difference a week makes!  Last Wednesday was a beautiful autumnal day – today was a complete contrast with persistent rain.  We continued the work started last week with putting cut wood into dead hedges around the site.  More of the meadow area was cleared so further raking was undertaken.  Work was also started on the steps leading to the stream (these used to be a boardwalk).  The undergrowth to the sides of the steps was cut back and the steps were topped up with limestone chippings.  Stands of bay around the site were cut back as were the edges of the paths.

Update - please see photo below sent by Anita, the Ranger at Fort Victoria, that shows one of the ponds we worked on (8th Oct) now filling up with water.

Wednesday 22nd October 2025 - Millennium Green, Ryde GG #1053

 Terry's photos

Bracket fungus

This week we were back in Ryde at Play Lane Millennium Green assisting the Trustees with management of this site.  There was some tree felling in progress so one of our tasks was to collect the brash and build up the dead hedge at the north end of the site.  The butterfly meadow had been strimmed prior to our arrival.  The team set-to and raked  the cut material which was then moved onto the boundary of the meadow.  Brambles were cut or pulled up as they are very persistent in this area. 

On a previous visit to this site work had been undertaken attempting to channel the water coming onto the site from the eastern boundary.  Today the channels were cleared and culverts checked to help with the water flow over the coming months.

Along the southern boundary, parallel to the bridleway to Dame Anthony’s Common, another dead hedge was created from previously cut material.  It was a busy morning with lots of tasks achieved. 

Thank you to Terry for the photos and to PLMG Trustees for the sweet treats at breaktime. 

 

Wednesday 15th October 2025 - St Helen's Church, Nettlestone GG # 1052

 Terry's photos

Honey fungus

Today we were at a new venue – St Helen’s Churchyard, located between St Helen’s and Nettlestone.  We were assisting the Church volunteers with their maintenance of the graveyard.  They follow the advice of Caring for God’s Acre, a charity that promotes the conservation of burial sites and supports the people who look after and maintain them – see link  

Caring For God's Acre – the conservation charity for burial grounds across the UK – Protecting Wildlife, Preserving Heritage, Involving People 

The grass had been cut so the main task was to rake the cut grass.  This was then added to the compost heap.  Removing the cut material reduces the nutrients in the soil, thus encouraging wildflowers to flourish.  Throughout the site were stands of willow, bramble and sycamore. These were cut down to the ground to keep the site as open as possible.

Thank you to Terry for the photos and to the church volunteer team for the refreshments and delicious cakes.

Wednesday 8th October 2025 - Fort Victoria, Yarmouth GG #1051

 Terry's photos

Alison's photos

Artist's Bracket Fungus (Ganoderma applanatum)

This week we all went west – to Fort Victoria, Norton, near Yarmouth.  We were assisting Anita, the Ranger, in managing this lovely site.  There are two seasonal pools next to the main path.  We were asked to cut back the undergrowth surrounding the first pool.  Its original sign designating it as the Newt Pond was discovered under the plant material.  At the second pool, similarly, undergrowth was reduced and some of the silt at the bottom removed.  The second pool has a defined perimeter.  After tea break, we then all moved along to the far end of the site to the viewpoint.  Again, we had a good tidy up and removed any undergrowth that might impede the wonderful view across to Hurst Castle.

Thank you to Terry for the photos.