November’s volunteer morning was one of the most attended for quite some time! Around 20 people were onsite, tackling many different small projects, all to create a better environment. One of the annual tasks is to dredge the pond. This year, the pond has been often below its water capacity.

This can create the environment for plants that normally live on the pond’s edges to take over the central areas. This has made the annual event even more important so that the grasses don’t choke up our precious water resource. We were fortunate, once again to have Lieve Reckers to volunteer her time and to put on the waders and gloves. As the photos show, the water level is quite low, but this helped Lieve’s task of removing the vegetation that’s quickly growing in the centre of the pond.

Another ongoing project is the creation of some steps in the interior of the woodland. The steep slopes have previously made access difficult for tree maintenance. Under the supervision of committee member Don Albrecht, more progress can be seen.

The wood has been previously donated. It’s great to see this being put to good use.

As ever, weeding, notably of aggressive bramble plants took place. The soil and open environment seem to create perfect conditions for the plant, with stems growing so thick that even secateurs can’t cut these plants back. We were very fortunate in having several volunteers from the local “Good Gym” onsite to help with this.

According to one of the Good Gym regular volunteers, Marta Campos, it’s been 4 years since the first Good Gym visit, quite a milestone!