Making the best of the soggy ground

Volunteers extending the scrape in Spurrell's Wood - to keep wet for summer insects

It was one of our regular work-parties yesterday. Thirteen loyal volunteers turned out to do some excellent 'Spring-cleaning' at Sustead Common. The whole of the Roadside Nature Reserve, Surveyor's Allotment and Spurrell's Wood grassland had a trim and rake to provide optimal conditions for early flowering plants. The leavings from earlier Hazel coppicing was put to good use by completing the length of dry hedge along the northern boundary of the ride in Spurrell’s Wood and, taking advantage of the soggy ground, we extended the scrape in the south west corner of the wood - hoping to retain some moisture through the summer.