Wednesday 5th November 2025 - Turvills Field, Totland GG #1055

Mark's photos

The raked windrows of grass and bramble

The pile of cut willow

We were in West Wight today – Turvills Field, Totland, helping Gift to Nature Rangers with their management of this site.  The grass had been cut so the team set to work raking it up and creating habitat piles under the trees.  Removing the cut grass prevents the nutrients leaching into the soil, thereby encouraging wildflowers which flourish on poor soils.  While we were there the boundary hedge (on the southern side) was cut back as it was encroaching onto the field.  This material was also piled under the trees.

In the middle of the site there is a stand of willow.  Gift to Nature are going to run a wreath making workshop shortly so a small team was tasked with cutting all the willow to the ground and stacking it.  This will be removed from the site and kept in a dark, damp place until required. 

This lovely site is well worth a visit during the summer months when wildflowers are showing, particularly Southern Marsh Orchids.

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Mark discovered this dedication plaque.  The BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) was the instigator of Green Gyms nationally (now called TCV - The Conservation Volunteers).  

Green Gym - Outdoor Exercise That Makes A Difference With TCV

and where we are listed:

Green Gyms | The Conservation Volunteers

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Thanks to Mark for the photos and the information about TCV and to Bob for his kind donation of biscuits at breaktime.