Whilst there aren’t any major tasks that need to be done or can be done at the moment there are a number of other smaller, individual maintenance and conservation tasks that need doing:-
There are still some overhanging branches and vegetation intruding onto pathways which can be cut back just using hand saws and loppers. For example, there is a leaning, ivy covered tree collapsing over the entrance to John’s (Picnic) Glade from the path to Northwood Avenue with several other branches nearby that require cutting back.
There is a dip / hollow in the top path which always gets flooded and very muddy in wet weather and the path is widening around it. While we have this prolonged dry spell now would be an ideal time to fill and level it using some of the limestone scalpings from the remaining heap located near the Woodland Way entrance.
There is a pile of logs stacked at the beginning of the middle path at the Sherwood Oaks Field end which needs moving to the Firewood Bagging Area using the big barrow. Anthony has suggested he might also be prepared to use the back of his car to move them.
There is a substantial Laurel tree in the ancient woodland strip leading up from the top path to Higher Drive running parallel to the Recreation Ground close to where the oak fell out of the wood into the Recreation Ground that needs to be grubbed out.
Time permitting soil testing holes in Sherwood Oaks Field still need to be dug and samples taken in the field. The testing is to establish the PH of the soil to see how Alkaline or Acid it is and Anthony has already received testing kits from The Royal Horticultural Society and these will be sent back to the RHS for testing once the samples have been taken.
The intention is to install another picnic table/benches next to the picnic table/benches which were “re-topped” on the last work day located along the top path opposite Sherwood Glade where Sherwood Oaks Field starts. Again time permitting it may be possible to install the legs for this next set ready for the top/seats to be fixed on the next work day.
It may also be possible to do some preparation work relating to the installation of the Interpretation Board relating to the Ancient Beech Path Diversion Project.
Although Covid regulations have now been relaxed please would you continue to bring your own gloves and tools (shears and loppers) if you have them but as usual a selection of FoF tools will be available for those who need them. Please would you also bring your own wipes and hand gel as well as your own refreshments. Please also remember to wear long trousers/jeans to avoid getting bitten by ticks but FoF’s First Aid kit does contain tick removers if needed.
ADVANCE NOTICE:
Prior to Covid Friends of Foxley used to have two get-togethers each year at the Wattenden Arms – one at Christmas and the other Mid-summer. As Covid restrictions have now been relaxed the Committee thought it would be a good idea to reinstate the tradition and hold a Mid-summer Get-together on the evening of Wednesday 29th June 2022. Please would you kindly let me know if you would be interested in coming to the event so I can firm up numbers with the pub – many thanks. I should also mention wives, husbands and partners are also welcome to come along.