Today we were helping build a Wildlife Garden in Gryffe High School, Renfrewshire. We had a full van and high spirits for the days project. The tasks we were completing today were a combination of work started by the previous days mid-week group and green gym. It was a dry day which made it much easier for eveyone – we were not quite ready for the rain after three days of nice sunshine. We split up into teams taking on various tasks: Drystone dyking; hawthorn hedge and alder tree planting; and grey wind dust laying.
We were laying down grey wind dust in three square plots for benches and tables – a very simple task for the volunteers but still enjoyable in the cool weather.
Wooden edges with grey wind dust on to of type 1 gravel. Areas for benches and tables.
We had two teams building two separate drystone dykes to an equal level and then added turf on to the top of them for stability and habitat for wildlife. One wall had soil at the back of the wall for extra stability and bugs.
Finished result of the 1st drystone dyke. Started the day before by the mid-week group and green gym.
Finished result of the 1st drystone dyke. Started the day before by the mid-week group and green gym.
Started from scratch a new wall.
Started from scratch a new wall.
Once built we added the turf on to the top of them.
Turf added to the top of the wall for stability and wildlife habitat.
Turf added to the top of the wall for stability and wildlife habitat.
Turf added on top and soil from behind this adds stability and wildlife habitat.
Turf added on top and soil from behind this adds stability and wildlife habitat.
The last two tasks of the day were the planting of a hawthorn hedge and alder trees. These increase the equilibrium for the ecosystem of the wildlife garden and also create extra habitat for animals.
After we had finished removing unused materials and packed up the van we dropped off some very cheery and satisfied volunteers that seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time on the project – which of course is very encouraging.