Time has flown by since the last issue and few projects have been completed. We had an interesting winter, with ice and snow for most of January 2010. This meant that most outside jobs were halted, we couldn’t transplant trees, dig trenches for rabbit fencing for the heathland planting or even get to Gorse Hill with all the ice on the minor roads!
Before Christmas there was no hint of what was to come, so we started planting heathers on The Outcrop and putting tube and net guards around them. The Christ Church Beavers and Scouts came up in mid- December for their last task afternoon and helped with the planting and
Planting and guarding heathers on The Outcrop
guarding.
On 23rd December a dedicated group of volunteers started clearing a fence covered with bracken and bramble so that a trench could be dug ready for rabbit netting. By this time there had been a number of severe frosts and there was snow on the ground. The trenching was easy once the ground was cleared of the bracken that had protected it. We made good progress
because we knew Ree was busy in the cabin preparing the hotpot Christmas lunch. We decorated the table and had crackers, mince pies and other goodies. After lunch progress was somewhat slower but we completed the task digging a trench right along the eastern side of The Outcrop.
Little did we know that this was just a taste of what was to come in early January. It was a long time since we had such a cold and snowy winter, so the camera’s were out in force. Dennis took some good images as you will see later and I spent the two snowy days snapping away whilst topping up the bird feeders. In the cold, icy weather over January and early February we were careful to keep the feeders topped up as the snow-covered ground meant there was little chance for birds to feed properly.
Some particularly keen volunteers were around on 5th and 6th January when we had the heavy snowfalls. There were only a few hardy teenagers around on the 5th so the morning was spent sorting out the feeders. By the afternoon the snow was quite thick and we couldn’t resist 
Nick, Rachael, James and John – the building team
making large snowballs on the 12Acre. They duly became a seven-foot snowman! The Hebridean sheep were very interested in the new addition to their field and spent many hours checking him out.
The next day produced blue skies and a cold sun but the overnight frost meant the snow was too
The Hebridean sheep were very inquisitive powdery to stick together. We had used the only opportunity to build a snowman – a rare event.
During the ice and frosty weather progress continued in the barn with re-arranging the tools in the new tool stores – quite a mammoth task! At the same time new power sockets and strip lights were fitted over the newly positioned workbenches.
In February as the snow and ice gradually loosened its grip we were able to start catching up on the long list of outside jobs. The last of the hay crop was sold, making more room in the barn and we were able to plant out a further twelve old variety apple trees in the developing orchard in the 12Acre.
We also re-organised the entrance into Cabin Wood away from the steep banking next to the new barn. Relatively large oaks and rowans that were growing underneath the power lines were transplanted and fencing with a personnel gate erected to control access into Cabin Wood. We have an increasing number of visitors and it is important that their dogs are not allowed free access to disturb the wildlife.
Time was also spent digging up self-seeded hawthorn, blackthorn and holly in the woodlands and using them to plant new hedging along the entrance fences in Cabin Wood and the 12Acre.
We also spent a day digging out small alder, oak and hundreds of self seeded ash seedlings that would have shaded out an area containing hundreds of early purple orchids. It is amazing how quickly woodland takes over in woodland clearings if left alone with no intervention.
Volunteers digging out ash seedlings
On one of the first warm-(ish!) dry days in February the Moss Lea Tuesday group filled in and levelled off the tractor ruts on The Outcrop. The tracks were made when moving the spoil from the barn construction last year. The group worked really well, levelling off the humps and hollows. We can now let the areas grass over on their own. We will be grateful for this work when the time comes to hay-making in the summer. Running across uneven ground with a tedder and baler is far from ideal.
The wintery weather also delayed the annual reed clearing in Bluebell Wood Pond. This was a big job last year and we needed to clear the re-growth before the mallards started nesting in earnest. “Enter the younger volunteers”, thank goodness! They weren’t about to let freezing
Rachael, Stephen, Sam and James pulling reed
February water and air temperatures get in the way of “messing about in waders.” Fortunately, the task only took a few hours and they could warm up again by the fire over lunch.
We are very grateful for a number of new families and volunteers who have joined us over the past few months. Their enthusiasm (and muscles!) have been greatly appreciated. We replaced fifty four trees in Margaret’s Meadow because some escapee sheep severely chewed them
The Moss Lea group replacing trees
during the snowy period.
It is now the end of February and winter shows no signs of easing its grip. I was asked the other day “when was it going to get warmer?” by Paul (one of the Moss Lea group). It has certainly been an interesting winter and quite a shock following a long run of mild winters. Perhaps this summer will follow this trend, we haven’t had a decent summer for a few years – here’s hoping!
Jonathan Atkins