Wintery Work Party at West Beckham Old Allotments

Seven hardy volunteers braved the wild winds and sleet at West Beckham Old Allotments on December 2nd.

The first target was to complete the planting of the remaining trees donated by North Norfolk District Council, extending the new copse that was started by the corporate volunteers from Marsh Insurance. The team made short work of the task, and were soon able to stop for a tea break, a chat, and of course, doughnuts.

Whilst the tree planting had been underway, Trevor had been busy dismantling a couple of old pallets and constructing a platform for winter feeding finches. We hope that the presence of these finches might help to attract Turtle Doves in the spring. After the tea break, a couple of strong volunteers carried the platform to the feeding area on the far side of the site, and the first seed of the winter was scattered.

Finally, a group of volunteers fought their way through the nettles, brambles and thistles on the bank on the northern side of the old allotments. Once they had reached the top, they dug holes through the stony soil to plant Holly bushes along the perimeter. The Holly roots were treated with mycorrhizal fungi to encourage good root formation.

Despite the inclement weather, everyone went home warm from the hard work and with a sense of satisfaction at the progress made.