On a fine summer day in July (Wednesday 16th), a great team of volunteers (employees of T-Mobile UK Ltd) generously donated their time to help out with some environmental action in Bedfordshire. 32 people worked very hard in 3 groups to a) clear an overgrown culvert, b) clear a woodland area of invasive (and unwanted) cow parsley and c) to create a section of woodland path. The site was Shortmead House in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire – a wonderful c.15th century house & grounds. The grounds are currently being managed for the benefit of the local community and wildlife and it is hoped that it will become a hub of community activity (leisure, events, education) in the future.
All photographs are courtesy of Kay Chesterman (one of the volunteers). Thank you Kay, some great shots!
Above: A few laughs – the team was in high spirits in anticipation of the day ahead.
Above: The ‘Culvert Crew’. The clearance of overgrown scrub from this culvert was essential to allow the flow of water through in times of high water! Apart from the natural ground water levels, this is the only way the water level of the pond rises. It is important that there is water in the pond as it is home to the protected Great Crested Newt. Several volunteers were particularly delighted to be able to have a bonfire!
Above: I was impressed by the level of thought that these volunteers put into the design of certain parts of the woodland path. Everybody worked hard. Some people cleared the weeds & roots from the ground and leveled the ground, others laid down the weed suppressing mat. Logs were put at the side of the path as edging and woodchip was placed on top as the finishing touch.
The woodland path will eventually be open to the public and will allow the community to enjoy the wildlife. Educational visits by children will eventually be allowed and the woodland path will help facilitate this too.
Above: Elsewhere on site, the third group of volunteers tackled the weeds – cow parsley and nettles. This was the toughest job as it required serious motivation and the volunteers coped extremely well. The removal of these invasive and unwanted weeds was to allow the planting of native wildflower bulbs (e.g. snowdrops and bluebells) in the winter and to reduce the competition they will face from the weeds in the spring.
Above: A barbeque was laid on for lunch time and I hope everybody enjoyed it (I know I did!!).
Everybody involved with this project can be proud of their contribution to benefitting the environment and the community. Thank you to all those who turned up and worked so hard. I know the clients were impressed with the work you all put in and are extremely pleased with the outcomes.
BTCV’s slogan is ‘inspiring people, improving places’. I hope that you were all inspired and we certainly improved a place!