A Spring Tidy Up Work Party at West Beckham Old Allotments, East Beckham Common and West Beckham Green

It was a great morning to be out on a work party - bright sun and not a hint of an overcast sky or rain - the norm over the last few months. It really felt as if spring was definitely on its way. A Felbeck Trust record breaking day today -19 able and willing volunteers!

It’s so heartening to know that we must be doing something right to have so many volunteers come week after week and to have a steady stream of new volunteers arriving too.

We were quickly divided up into smaller work parties to work at the different sites so that the jobs could be accomplished more effectively. At East Beckham our task was to trim back any protruding branches on the main pathway through and scythe and rake the top part where the pond is situated. I had the opportunity to spend time doing my favourite task of tree care, and I was very pleased to observe that the trees we’d planted two years ago had taken and were indeed flourishing. That’s around 40 of them with only one that hadn’t made it! A very positive success rate.

Interestingly, the pond water was completely clear with tiny microscopic invertebrates grazing the pond liner at the bottom. More typically the water in ponds and lakes would be browny green at this time of year, which is the spring growth of diatoms.

The party at East Beckham Common were also tasked with a general tidy-up, enjoying the song of a Firecrest while they worked.

Back at West Beckham Old Allotments there was a hive of activity. The turtle dove supplementary feed arrived in order to encourage our special visitors; there was a continuation of ivy removal from the established trees and hedge boundary; and the main path had its first cut of the season. The roof on the shed had a much-needed roof repair to stop leaks; and road planings were used to fill in holes on the approach road and on the path to the bird hide. Bird feeders were removed and taken home to receive a scrub and then be returned to be filled.

Second largest pond adding turf

And After

By the second largest pond on the site, turf was removed from the meadow area to protect the edges of the pond liner. By removing turf from the meadow area it is hoped that this will expose a different seed bed where different plants may grow. It will be interesting to see how this area develops over the year.

Overall, an excellent morning’s work: all volunteers gainfully employed in the improvement of the three sites while enjoying each others’ company!

Our next work party is on Thursday March 19th in Sustead

Elizabeth Shadbolt

March 5th 2026