Despite being initially cancelled because of a dire weather warning, the task actually proceeded in the gap before the storm reached us. We were a selective group of 3. We made an early start and finished at 11.45, just ahead of the torrential rain, so we achieved a productive half days work.
In company with the Site Warden we managed to plant 20 odd saplings, collect dozens of old tree guards and a bag full of litter.
The Warden was happy with our efforts and we had a short but sweet mornings work
On 9th February 2025, Gloucester Vale volunteers visited Tim and Nola Lea at their farm in Elmley Castle. Tim and Nola over several years have transformed their farm to benefit wildlife – replanting hedgerows, establishing orchards and restoring woodlands.
Like many areas of the country, the farms woodlands have been affected by Ash Die back meaning some areas have been cleared and replanted. The new young mixed woodlands trees are planted by hand and need careful attention to maximise chances of success.
Working on steep banks overlooking the Evesham valley (well in the mist) the group cleared bramble from around the young trees and replaced trees that had died.
As normal Tim and Nola’s hospitality was brilliant. They joined the group for the task and provided a lovely lunch.
Insert new woodland hereSam embracing the task at handTrisha enjoying the task and ignoring the cold Tim with one of his many many many treesJon surrounded by newly planted trees Candy winning against the rocky ground Tim’s doggy who seems to revel in the task and constantly wanted a stick to chase
Thanks to the crew that braved the ice today to clear two ponds at Churchdown. The new pond at Rest Haven has benefited from its plant delivery as well 🙂
Part 4 of a four part task at Netheridge, (1 Dec 2024, 15 Dec 2024, 29 Dec 2025 and 26 Jan 2025) coppicing a stand of hazel including stacking the usable timber and burning the brash.
The weather was very much against us, as is often the case, but we soldiered on regardless.
Part 3 of a four part task at Netheridge, (1 Dec 2024, 15 Dec 2024, 29 Dec 2025 and 26 Jan 2025) coppicing a stand of hazel including stacking the usable timber and burning the brash.
Being the last task of the year we marked the occasion with potatoes baked in the embers and cake.
Part 2 of a four part task at Netheridge, (1 Dec 2024, 15 Dec 2024, 29 Dec 2025 and 26 Jan 2025) coppicing a stand of hazel including stacking the usable timber and burning the brash.
Part 1 of a four part task at Netheridge, (1 Dec 2024, 15 Dec 2024, 29 Dec 2025 and 26 Jan 2025) coppicing a stand of hazel including stacking the usable timber and burning the brash.
The 42-acre nature reserve is a mix of lake, marsh and heathland habitats. The group spent two days helping to clear former plantation trees and saplings from the heathland.
The group were surprised to find the heard from long horn cows encountered on at last years residential at Tidenham nature reserve has now been moved to Woorgreens. Fortunately these gentle giants were good company and didn’t prevent the work progressing.
The group stayed for two nights in a nice local pub and enjoyed live music and a community raffle on the Saturday night.
Arriving onsite on Friday the healthland looked more like a woodland Richard gets to work clearing Sapling hunting Work progresses in the autumn sunshineThe long horn cows joining us for lunch around the fire Heathland post clearance and providing an important habitat for a range of species including common lizards, slow worms, grass snakes and adders.Loads of cheesy grins ….
GVCV many years ago agreed that a Christmas Party in January was a nice to look forward to after the festive season and provided a good opportunity to regift that unwanted present.
This year the GVCV social took place on a cold Thursday evening in Stroud. The group enjoyed warming pre-drinks in the Ale House followed by a great Italian meal at Sorrentos. Sorrento even provided Christmas crackers despite it being January.
The entertainment for the evening included some ‘interesting’ secret santas, end of year awards for GVCV members and a particularly good poetry recital from Richard.
On Sunday 12th January 2025, six volunteers from GVCV braved the cold conditions to clear the two of the ponds in the Chruchdown pocket park wildlife area. These ponds are part of an urban drainage system but also an important habitat for Great Crested Newts. The clearance of the ponds annually helps maintain the summer habitat for this protected species.
After breaking through the ice, the group cracked on with clearing the ponds with ditch rakes.
Ponds ‘before’
The group also did a spot of bramble clearance and enjoyed post-Christmas biscuits to the energy levels up.
GVCV in progress and burning off all those biscuits Pond example ‘after’ – hard work but helps maintain an important habitat enjoyed by nature and visitors alike
