We were accompanied by many Brimstone butterflies.
Welcome to news and views about the ancient fuel allotment of Shipton-on-Cherwell and Thrupp in Oxfordshire. Now a woodland and wildlife haven, it welcomes visitors and extra hands to continue a coppicing tradition dating back to mediaeval times.
Saturday, 26 March 2022
Saturday, 12 March 2022
Saturday, 12 February 2022
Saturday, 22 January 2022
Coppicing
We had a good session this morning and made good progress. The bird boxes were cleaned out, 7 had been used, in 2020 8 had been used but last year was poor due to the cold late spring. Progress was slow due to finding things of interest including Scarlet Elf Cup fungi!
A huge Bramble was cut back together with Blackthorn, the latter was put at the base of Ash trees which have been badly damaged by Badgers. Long branches of Hazel were cut and stacked ready for cutting into bean poles and pea-sticks.
Scarlet Elf Cup |
Common Tamarisk-moss |
Common Tamarisk-moss |
Common Tamarisk-moss |
Common Tamarisk-moss |
Saturday, 15 January 2022
Gates complete!
Despite a cold, foggy and damp morning we not only managed to keep warm but also completed the little gate. Both gates look amazing and we will always be indebted to David R for so kindly giving up his Saturday mornings to make them and instruct us at the same time.
Other activities included brush cutting, cutting off Old Man's Beard and digging it out and cutting off the lower branches of Ash, Oak and Cherry.