If you go down to the woods today you'll be sure of a big surprise

Hot morning at the Lodge

Early start , for me not Mike, so we could crack on with mowing & strimming at Lodge Park. Couldn't avoid the red hot weather so by the end of the morning we were suitably drenched but not by rain for a change! Prior to the lunch break Mike prepared me for the afternoon which I have to confess I had some reservations , ok some big ones.

Dentastic

The afternoon featured a premier for Mike for hosting a den building session hosting a large number of young children each accompanied by one of their parents. The starting point was Northfield Barn car park Sherborne with a short {long for short legged people} to Clarks Close wood where Mike had previously prepared some material for building the dens. I waited for Mike to lead the large group to the wood and I followed with the 4x4 Ford Ranger with tools and water supplies if required. Mike gave a quick talk on safety along with some tips about building a den. The group then split up into smaller teams to build 7 dens! Any thoughts about having a relaxing afternoon disappeared as our offer to help cut up some of the larger 'material' was taken up with gusto. The really impressive part of the event was the total participation of all the adults and the involvement & enthusiasm of the children. It would be fair to say each of the 7 dens were unique with different strengths in their construction & design. It was pleasing to see my reservations unfounded and it was a tired but happy group that walked back to the car park leaving some interesting habitat for the local wildlife. It was also good that everyone had a chance to see all the dens constructed with the children taking central stage and naming their masterpieces. A special mention goes to young George who decided to build a den on his own, aptly named 'den of George'. We also had some 'professionals' who built the 'Ash Cabin' which was seriously engineered. But all of the dens as I have said were something to be proud of, so all in all a satisfying day for all.