Working Party Update 7/3/2026

Today’s session concentrated on the further clearing of ‘The Glade’, an area leading from the pond to one side of the Ghyll with firs and other strategically planted trees. The working party started in the area earlier in the season with a view that it would be a ‘quick job’, well how wrong we were!

One island later - bordered by the Ghyll splitting it in two - one waterfall, and several tonnes of Laurel and Rhododendron having been removed, the changes are apparent. What was a dark dank area is slowly being transformed into a lovely bright ride with the signs of spring visible. Areas previously covered by invasive species are now waking up with significant bluebell sprouting already coming through!

Today's working party saw us starting to tackle the LHS of the glade as viewed from the pond, several artefacts were discovered including kitchen pots, kettles, cooker (stove) parts and lots of glass (all now removed).

Mike’s bonfires reached new heights and some charcoal burning was attempted. The wet conditions have somewhat dampened this of late, but by mid afternoon the white smoke from the retort had subsided and the charcoal process left to its own devices.

Boggy conditions made movement somewhat difficult in places. With all the recent rainfall still having not dried off, there are some difficult areas to negotiate. Our next working party on March 21st will see us hopefully open the glade through to the top path and work back towards the pond.

We would always love new members to the working parties, why not join us? A day in the woods takes all the usual stresses away and is incredibly rewarding.