Another year ends

decent shape to new hedge at Moors Copse

new hedge line looking good in fading light

Another year of volunteering came to and end this week with an afternoon at Sherborne followed the next day with a morning session at Greystones. The session at Sherborne was particular satisfying with hedge laying at Moors Copse. Attending were Mike and I with Maddie and Ollie along for the ride. Ollie had to be tethered as the hedge laying was next to the road and he didn't like it too much with a little too much whining for a 'special' ranger. Ollie's behaviour aside, the creation of a hedge using the existing hawthorn, field maple and hazel was very satisfying especially since I had the use of the Silki saw and Mike volunteered to work on the road side of the hedge line. Unfortunately the light and complaints from Ollie ended the session too soon leaving completion of this stretch of hedge for the new year. 

The work at Greystones with the Wildlife trust featured some serious shrub clearance over one of the water courses to allow it to be dredged next year to ensure efficient functioning in a flood protection context. A large turnout {~30 volunteers} marked the last session of the year, possibly influenced by a BBQ at Greystones which sadly I missed to ensure Ollie got his mid day feed. 

Overall another rewarding year on the volunteer front albeit with less opportunities due to weather and the arrival of Ollie. Look forward to next year with the possibility of a companion for Ollie and hopefully some more positive signs on the Conservation of nature & our countryside.