Tools will be brought to site by JP and MG (thanks both!)

As last week (depending on numbers) we'll work on:

Grassland mosaic cutting: We have pretty much reached our goal to cut, rake and remove 50% of our precious “Lowland Acid Grassland” (LAG) habitat - but exceeding it, and/or re-raking cut areas is even better! - giving those all-important niches for wildflower seedlings to grow - and we are hoping for our re-introductions, such as Wild Carrot and Red Bartsia this year! 

Bramble Reduction: With bird-nesting season in progress we are only taking back last year’s straggly, trailing stems along the edges of patches, and alongside paths - to prevent spread. Where these take root, the root can (ideally) be pulled or dug out to prevent spread. Work is planned in the "Little Heath" between the David Lloyd site and Staines Road.

Litter-picking: As always! 

Practice Range Pond - Coppicing: Achieving a more balanced age-structure to the willows, and opening up the pond margins to some sunlight. After first checking trees and shrubs for nesting birds) continue light coppicing of the mid-sized willows. Volunteers involved last year or with conservation experience to lead and supervise… Remember, everyone volunteers entirely at their own risk, and when it comes to tree works, we only do “light” work: coppicing (cutting near ground level) “manageable-sized” stems, and “thinning” and “lifting” the tree crowns to allow in more light. The banks down to the pond itself are steep and the water is a safety issue, especially to anyone with impaired mobility or balance… so at the risk of sounding like “elf’n'safety gorn mad”: 

strictly no solo working

strictly no risky “reaching out” across the water

and strictly no felling of large trunks or limbs which could cause injury when falling, or starting a cut which can’t be finished!

WHEN: From 10am SATURDAY 13th APRIL until around midday. Over to David Lloyd for free tea/coffee at around 12.

WHERE: Meet at the goalpost, rear of David Lloyd as usual.

WHO: Anyone and everyone is welcome. As always, please bring your own protective gloves, sensible footwear, drinking water etc. and under 18s must be accompanied.

WHAT: We can provide litter-pickers/bags, hedge trimmer, strimmer, rakes - but the brush cutter may be out of action, due to a missing bolt. If you have your own secateurs, rake, strimmer or hedge-trimmer(battery), please do bring them along.

Don’t forget, you can subscribe to the Hampton Heath Friends calendar for up to date information in your Outlook or Calendar app. and we have further information on our website.