Last Sunday’s Autumn Open Day event was yet another incredibly busy event.  Certainly one of the most memorable items was that the temperature was more like a mid-Summer’s day, rather than the start of October. Perhaps this helped bring out the high numbers of visitors, both regulars and those who had never been here before. There was story telling by Richard Sylvester who kept children and adults entertained under a tent.

Although the apple trees produced a good crop this year, unfortunately this was 2 or 3 weeks ago, which meant there were none available.  However some of the Bramley apples made a delicious home-made cake which was available to buy on the refreshments stall.

It was noted (see the accompanying photos) that one of the apple trees had apple blossom! Definitely not what you’d expect in October!

Continuing with the apple theme, committee member Henry Medlam organised apple bobbing activities.

With donations at the gate entrance and sales of refreshments and books, almost £200 was raised in funds, which all goes towards the general upkeep and maintenance of Westcombe Woodlands.

This morning’s volunteer session was well attended with a lot of energy and focus for tomorrow afternoon’s Open Day event. This morning saw tidying up of the paths, removal of overhanging ivy and branches.

More work was completed to clear the area around one or so the more disease resistant elm trees which was planted several years ago.

The above photo shows one of our “bee experts”, Jeremy Rosie doing some pruning in The Glade area.

As part of the preparations for our Autumn Afternoon Open Day, repairing the steps is an on-going task, as general wear and tear requires constand maintenance for the safety of all in the woodland. The below photo shows good, new steps that lead towards the upper levels.

Of course, one of the joys this time of year is the constantly changing plants. Below are 2 photos of vibrant red fruits from a holly tree and a rose.

But of course, one of the joys of being in the woodlands is to just enjoy the calmness and tranquility that is possible!

Last Sunday, the 10th of September, committee member Donald Albrecht had a tour of the woodland to look at possible future maintenance projects, as well as to enjoy the woodland’s tranquility.

Future maintenance projects are to repair some steps and to remove a large fallen branch.

Potential plant projects are to remove ivy from trees along the southern boundaries, to do coppicing projects of elder and dogwood shrubs and to remove robinia suckers.

But we have healthy growing oak trees, a large poplar tree near The Glade, the mulberry tree is growing strongly.

This year we have had quite a good crop of Bramley apples.

Earlier today saw a good turn-out for the September volunteer morning. After last month’s dreadful weather, today was the opposite, very warm, gentle breeze and lots of sunshine, a perfect day! However, after several weeks of only minimal activity in the woodlands, it was time to get on with some serious weeding. The generally cool and wet weather of the last few weeks have seen brambles, ivy and nettles run rampant, so lots of activity – see the accompanying photos – was here to remove these to keep the more delicate ground flora happy.

The apples have had quite a good few weeks, with a lot of Bramleys on the floor and on the trees, but clearly the local birds have been enjoying this free source of food too.

Last year, several small cyclamen flowers were seen in the Woodland glade, it was nice to see that these have spread to 3 small clumps, their delicate pink / mauve flowers are a welcome site at ground level.

The photo below is our pond, which has seen its water level drop and surrounding vegetation take over. Work will be needed in the next few weeks to remove the encroaching vegetation in advance of our early Autumn Open Day.

Although the ivy at this time of year can look very pretty with its flowers – and it’s a good source of food for insects – although the photo below shows some flowers in their glory, we do need to keep it in check because of its very invasive nature.

Finally, today was very warm with lots of sunshine. You wouldn’t think that banana plants could be found in th elocal area, but as you can see, the photo of a neighbour’s garden show them thriving! A real treat to those who work in the woodland!

Calling Youth and Community groups.
Would you like to spend some time in nature?
Try out some creative woodcraft projects?

Book a visit to our woodland in East Greenwich, near Maze Hill station.

Friends of Westcombe Woodlands.
Contact Rich Sylvester / westcombewoodlands@hotmail.co.uk / text 07833 538 143 / www.westcombewoodlands.uk

Plan a Visit for your group.
A chance to explore and connect with nature.
The site is a nature reserve with 340 trees, diverse plants, birds, insects, bees, a pond and a meadow.
We regret the site is not wheelchair accessible.

Some Ideas.
Film making.
Pond dipping.
Picnicking.
Making bird boxes.
Leaf printing.
Storytelling.