Dunham Massey, Deer, Woodchips and Fencelines 7 Feb 2010

Eight volunteers turned out to Dunham Massey, we "helped" feed the deer, and then moved into some of the woodland near the golf course. We spent the rest of the day clearing undergrowth from the edge of a path, and along fence line bordering the highway. A small team also spread wood chips to improve the surface of a footpath.

The brash was burnt with a small fire.

Pub night, Wilmslow 2 February

We had a good turn out at the Rectory tonight. I think it must have been the prospect of my quiz that did it! It was 'Guess the Sweet' from a series of clues. Here's one for those of you who were not there. Which sweet name can you get from this 'booze with what goes in it, many kinds'? We also discovered that there was a BOGOF offer on food so we had a very cheap tea too. As usual, we had lots of laughs. Having been a bit of a snow hermit, it was good for me to catch up with people I had not seen in a while.

Next month we're off to Rusholme's curry mile so hope to see you there!

Woodland work at Lyme Park 31 Jan 2010

Three of our vounteers turned out on a very cold day to Lyme park and worked with the staff and local volunteers there. The task for the day was planting ash, oak and pine in lantern wood, and also clearing birch.

Three volunteers had to cancel due to overnight snow.

Raisin in the Sun 27 January 2010

A select group of us enjoyed a tremendous performance of this historical Chicago-based drama. It was a play full of ideals, dreams, frustration and family values that totally engrossed us all on a rollercoaster of emotion. So much so that I for one was completely exhausted by the end of it. Definitely worth seeing if you read this in time!

Hedge laying at Alderly Edge 24 Jan 2010

This will be the first of a series of short entries as I've got behind, and I've also forgotten to take my camera out with me.....

Eleven volunteers turned out and spent the day laying 2 sections of hedge. It was wet and quite cold but we managed a useful amount done - finishing two stands that had been left upright by the previous group. It looked more sensible when we left than when we arrived, as the two sections we did were in the middle of a section that had already been done.

We got a fire going and cleared up all the brash.

Dunham Massey 17/1/10

Nine volunteers turned out on a clear sunny day - to cut down and burn more birch and some ash saplings from the land around the edge of the car park at Dunham massey. The fire started easily and consumed everything fed to it - some material was taken away on a trailer to avoid us having to drag it a significant distance to the fire. - I forgot my camera so no photos.
Sounds very distructive - but it opens up the landscape to re establish the more open "woodland pasture" effect and should allow the NT staff to get rid of Hymalayan Balsam that has invaded the area.

Quarry Bank mill 10/1/2010

Nine volunteers turned out in the snow and put in 2 hours clearing vegetation near the drive down to the Mill. There wasn't a great deal of work available as most of the planned work was under the snow.

We also had a brisk walk in the village before going home. We saw in passing this figure - which was two faced - thought the second face is not visible from this angle - and I believe female!