Fence removal and thistle thrashing at Lyme on Sunday 23rd June 2019

Today’s ‘main’ task was supposed to be removing some deer fencing from a plantation near the main drive, but when fourteen of us turned up, we split into two groups with one doing the fencing while another did some thistle thrashing.

The fencing involved removing the old mesh fence and posts, which were no longer needed as the trees on the plantation have now grown large enough to not be at risk of being eaten by the deer. New wooden tree guards were then put in around some of the trees.

The thistle thrashers spread out along the western side of the main drive armed with slashers to cut down any thistles before they could set seed. It was hot and humid work.

Mild excitement was provided by a tree that gave an almighty crack (but didn’t fall) on the other side of the wall to where we were working, the discovery of a skull (possibly a deer) and the discovery of lots of wild orchids among other wildflowers in the long grasses.

 

After lunch everyone moved onto thrashing, and we managed to clear a wide area either side of the drive between the information hut and the main car park.

Luckily the threatened thunderstorm didn’t materialise and we went home dry, as well as happy and tired.