Each month the conservation volunteers work in the woods according to the time of year and needs of each habitat, as scheduled by Patrick Burke our conservation lead.

In Pond Meadow, we mow the meadow after the wildflowers have set seed, clearing the mowings to keep the soil from augmenting its fertility, which would make it more difficult for many wildflowers to grow the following year.

We also have to clear the pond edges, to stop too much overgrowth as these ponds were created to help prevent flooding by storm overflow water, for example after heavy rain. At times this may mean we have to remove willow and alder saplings on the banks around the ponds, however, cutting saplings is not our usual practice, we always work to protect the trees and other habitats found within the woods.

On the other side of the pond, we have created areas for ground nesting bees who need access to the bare soil to make their homes. We hope this explanation reassures anyone who saw us working in Pond Meadow this month. 💚