Wood Norton – Preparing for a New Year

A great turnout at Wood Norton of 14 hardy helpers, who were rewarded with a drier morning than forecast. Limited car parking space on site necessitates meeting up at the nearby Hindolveston site and car sharing across to Wood Norton, where we found a few early birds had already commenced work on one of the tasks for the day. Trevor gave the briefing and three highly skilled task forces were set up to tackle the morning’s tasks.

Boundary Creation

TF1, Boundary creation, constructing a post and rail fence along the entrance boundary adjacent to the lane, where the aforementioned early birds had already cleared some of the undergrowth and brambles.

TF2-A&B, Pond perimeter clearance, to tackle different areas of overgrown willow on the pond margins.

TF3, Building bridges, completed work on the 14m boardwalk across the currently largely boggy wetland.

The new post and rail fence by TF1 was started from scratch and completed by the end of the work party, which was a great effort. The wild and woolly bramble-weed patch is now a defined and much neater boundary fence to the shared lane, forming a public face to the Felbeck Trust’s ongoing stewardship of the site.

When FT first took on the site, most of it was difficult to access and the ponds were largely shaded by fallen trees and undergrowth, with re-rooted willows clogging up the margins and leaving little open water. This has been greatly improved in the interim and now the lower water levels are allowing further good clearing work to be done. TF2-A were tackling overgrown willow near the grandly named boat ramp, involving much hauling and groaning with the mud unwilling to release long dead roots and branches. But never fear, TF2-A were there, with new vistas to clear. I was informed by Bev that the team (force) graciously conceded to one stubborn root system, and thus was ‘Willow Island’ born, soon no doubt a much sought after destination for future sojourning waterfowl. Not to be outdone, F2-B were sawing, hauling and sweating over on the other side, creating open water (mud) vistas near the boardwalks. Increasing light and air movement to the ponds should help greatly with the water quality and the potential for all types of water associated life.

The boardwalk has been taking shape over two previous work parties, and TF3 were tasked with putting in the final touches: finishing the screwing down of the planking, and a handrail along one side, which will give some psychological comfort and support along the lengthy crossing of water! The water level here is on the rise as there is some water underneath the middle section, which was not there before. Overall, an impressive structure and a fun and rewarding build project.

As described in previous work party blogs the Wood Norton site is all about water, and all our efforts there seek to capitalise on and enhance the potential of the ponds. There was however some head-scratching going on during coffee break as to what is going on with the water levels on the site (and nearby at Hindolveson). They have not been rising with the recent wetter autumn weather, and in some instances seem to have dropped. The exceptionally dry spring and summer would mean replenishment of the ground water levels taking longer than usual. So, we can all await with some excitement the return of water to the all-new boardwalk-accessible and sunlight-bathed ponds, and many visits from new and varied forms of flora and fauna!

Andrew Stokes 05/12/2025