Sunday 6 July 2014

Rhodi Bashing at Hare Hill on Sunday 6th July 2014


Six volunteers meet up with the ranger Julia in the car park at Hare Hill this week. The first task was the removal and burning of rhododendron abutting the fence surrounding the pistol pond area ready for the replacement of the mesh netting at the fences base used to stop rabbits getting in. Don’t worry there’s plenty of grass in the fields for them to munch on without them getting at the good stuff in the garden. 
 

The second task was the removal of old wrought iron. Originally part of the old fence it had been left in the soil when the new fence was put in place and consisted of a rusted razor sharp spike on top of horse shoe arrangement buried in the earth with the spike sticking a few inches out of the ground. To emphasise the obvious danger of these spikes to the unwary walker one of the volunteers accidently stepped on one which easily penetrated the sole of her footwear narrowly missing her foot and ruining her wellies to boot. Unfortunately Tim the leader this week had a serious case of man flu but still managed to turn out and do a good days work, indeed Julia was heard to say that in her opinion he deserved a medal. 
 

Karin provided smashing rice crispy and dark chocolate squares as Tim was far too ill to bake.  The weather was fine all day until the heavens opened about 2.30pm when we decided to call it a day.

In total we cleared and burnt about 20 meters of rhododendron and dug up about 15 of the treacherous spikes.
 

Thank to Julia for organising a fun work day and staying with us all day.

No comments: