Our friend Nigel Spring over at EuCAN has put together a series of varied and exciting volunteering opportunities for us. We’ve listed them below, but for more detailed information about them, and for more about EuCAN in general, visit their website.
http://www.eucan.org.uk/
Tuesday March 2nd Woodland work on the Somerset Levels near Langport.
Today we will be working in a wood at Wick managed by our friend (and powertools trainer) Guy Measures. It has the most stunning views looking north towards Oath and Aller and the Somerset Levels.
We will be repairing tree guards, reducing bramble and generally helping with the routine woodland management.
Meet at 9am in the area close to the barn at the end of the track.
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&hl=en&mid=1QCOg2y73Zm0iuxQEJhwoo8EIvFP3HyT2&ll=51.035751528817464%2C-2.8643202472906637&z=18
OS Map reference: ST400267 – on the very edge of the map!
Wednesday March 3rd Burning up at West Coker Fen
We have been installing a new fence along the south-western side of the reserve, and have finished the major job of coppicing the overstood hazel hedge that runs alongside it, processing the cut material into pea sticks, bean poles and logs to be sold. Today’s task will be to finish burning the brash piles – we hope to get as many people to work in separate groups on this as possible to try to finish the job!!
We will provide the tools for the work, but please bring your own mug and refreshments, your packed lunch and working gloves.
If you are a chainsaw user, you will need your own PPE and you should have attended a refresher course in the last five years. We need to know in advance if you are planning to attend this task, please let me know.
Park at the end of the track leading to the reserve at 9am. See map – https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1T3e_3qEhDq2cgMzLYJBO4yYZZ_4&ll=50.92143245843933%2C-2.707309066141168&z=17
Thursday March 4th
Lankham Bottom Butterfly Reserve, nr Cattistock
It looks as though the wind will be in the east so we will be safe to burn up the material cut last week without it affecting the A37. We have a bit more scrub regrowth left to clear and possibly burn after last week – we would welcome any extra help available. Last job before the nesting season starts so please try to join in. We are aiming for a 9am start.
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1-s2R9VHQDKgEjZLs9RgJEZy0cs0&ll=50.79675089538145%2C-2.5565597136848983&z=17
Friday March 5th Hedging at Lyons Gate Farm
Today we shall be continuing with the preparation work and laying of the hedge that we began two weeks ago.
Same requirements as above, 9am start.
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1ibt8ISfCB-NZqdeMDtV58tVN7jw&ll=50.85381813703411%2C-2.4861530432848644&z=16
Monday March 8th Scrub management on Alners Gorse Butterfly Reserve
We have a scrub cutting programme to complete – some bramble, thorn and willow regrowth which we will do with brushcutters, and some larger scrub which are going to take out to connect up two clearings. So there will be work for power tools operators and for bowsaws and loppers.
Same requirements as above – see map below – the carpark may still be too wet to use so please park on the road verge. We are aiming for 9am start. Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=16rqdzG3Wmlk0fbxxjMoOxUeVJBWr84p7&ll=50.88917908147813%2C-2.383199159189464&z=15
