Leader Rob N, ably assisted by Jeff W, Sandy S, Tim H & Keith M.
Coopers Hill, site of the world famous cheese rolling ceremony, was the venue for the first GVCV task of the new millennium. It was a beautiful cold and frosty day which gave added impetus to get the bonfire going. Matt Stanway, Seasonal Assistant Warden for Gloucestershire County Council gave an introduction to the historic and ecologically rich site. Following the obligatory tools talk work commenced.
The task involved cutting down scrub around the edge of a glade to stop the scrub encroaching on limestone grassland which is an increasingly rare type of habitat. Limestone grassland supports a wide variety of plants including a number of orchids. The woodland edge of the glade is a very good habitat for butterflies in the spring and summer months particularly if it is contoured or 'scollped'. The six of us soon made a noticeable impact on the area, with a consequent sizeable bonfire. Logs were set aside for use as firewood.
Top quality biscuits were provided at break time which always taste better standing around a fire chatting. The afternoon saw more of the same work.
By the time the final whistle was blown a large area of marauding scrub had been cleared and the attractive glade had been enlarged and opened up to receive some additional sunlight. Matt was very pleased with the quality and quantity of work done and hopefully we will carry on with the project next winter.
Rob N