A Lazy Wind and Lots More Water

You know a lazy wind? It can’t be bothered to go round you so it goes straight through you instead. This dreich February morning felt colder than the two degrees our party of 10 had been promised as the wind took its shortcut. Nevertheless, a real treat to be at Hindolveston, a beautiful watery site with shelter amongst the trees.

The main task was opening up the pond on the north west corner by some judicious willow management. The two Simons dealt quickly with the pre-job of hammering studs into the little footbridge, giving better grip underfoot - essential to the safety and success of the rest of the work. It was a small operating area, so ten of us had to coordinate carefully to avoid damaging each other or the primroses which were starting to push out their leaves.

Ed our tree surgeon was at the pointy end, taking down overcrowded willow branches which have been blocking light from the pond. Val, the Simons and Peter R cleared the cut branches from the island and across the footbridge, where Elizabeth, John, David B, Peter M and Bev ferried them away down the narrow path, cut them up further, and separated the pieces into ‘useful for another day’, and brash for shelter.

After a quick but spectacular pause to watch Ed fell an Ash which had become unsafe because of a rotting base, we were off down the road to Wood Norton for a bit more willow management, and some whip planting along the new boundary fence. Goat Willow, Crab Apple, Rowan, Hazel, and Small-leaved Lime went in, with bramble roots left intact around them in the hope that an understorey of bramble will grow up underneath the new hedging and provide even more shelter and habitat. Something the toad we disturbed would have been quite grateful for.

We also took the chance to dig out some opportunistic Alexanders which had crept in when nobody was looking. The highlight of the morning was seeing the new boardwalk now fully demonstrating its value, with the wonderful meandering Wood Norton pond network back to reassuringly normal water levels. The next work party is at Stow Heath on Thursday 19th February.

Bev Taylor

5th February 2026