May Tidy

Bang on nine, Trevor directed us to all points of the Sustead cluster, including the Roadside Nature Reserves, which got a trim and tidy from Alan and Andrew G. Simon G and Jan scythed and raked the Spurrell’s Wood paths, while Nick and Fran tackled docks on the Surveyor’s Allotment; James Q and Peter M carried out tree care on the Common, the RNR and in Spurrell’s Wood; and Val, Jake and Simon W cleared paths of intruding vegetation and tidied the Doughnut on the Surveyor’s Allotment

Norfolk Comfrey

Val thought that the rare Norfolk Comfrey beside the parking layby had spread to both sides of the ditch within Spurrell’s Wood – but we await confirmation by our expert botanist. And she and Simon W found a small frog at the far end of the wood.

Frog

After the break, Simon G, Fran, Nick and Val peeled off to East Beckham Common, armed with scythes, rakes and loppers. The site was looking resplendent, with the paths lined by a mass of Bluebells, but my!, how the nettles had grown on the ‘grassland’ by the pond! However, Simon and Nick made short work of it, with their blades sweeping through the lush growth, leaving large heaps for Fran and Val to rake up. A quick trim along the paths and the job was done. 

Fran at East Beckham

Meanwhile, at Brinton Nine Holes – a site primarily looked after by local residents, including our very own Andrew S and ex-Brinton-resident Sean, cleared a tree that had fallen across the perimeter path. Thye then chopped up the wood and made bug piles.

All in all, a very fruitful May tidy!

Our next work party is on Thursday May 21^st – venue yet to be announced.

Peter Maingay May 7^th 2026