I used to know a commercial grower of roses in east Suffolk, and he had the remarkable ability to identify over 100 different varieties of rose, just from the bare winter stems. In the wild, everything is still there at this time of year, but it’s subtleties come to the fore. There’s still some interest to be found, and on a bright day, its very tempting to go out and discover what’s about.
We’re hoping for a bright day on Wednesday 11th January as we’re having a group walk – general public welcome - from 11.30am, in and around Sid’s Piece at the top of Upthorpe Road. We believe there are over a dozen woody species at our community wood including a couple of evergreens, and yes, a native rose or two as well. We’ll look to find these and see what wildlife activity there’s been in recent weeks. Once a year we have a professional come to the wood to carry out coppicing work, which has been essential in our early years, in order to keep at bay the freely growing Osier Willow, which would take over the plot given the chance. He’ll again be visiting this winter, so don’t be alarmed if you hear work being carried out. In winter, it’s easier to identify the many Oak saplings which no doubt many of you can recall planting at our inaugural opening, in 2007. It’s great to see a number of these are starting to emerge above the surrounding scrubby species.
In November, Linda Grixti, one of our leading volunteers decided to leave her role as trustee and Chair. Linda put in a lot of time and effort into helping with the development of Sid’s Piece and Stanton wildlife in general. For several years she organised the stallholders at our highly successful plant and craft fairs at Wyken, and we’ll miss her for sure. We’re very grateful for everything she did.
Although we’re a small band of volunteers, we’d rather there were more of us, and if you have any inclination to join us then you’ll be welcome on board. You don’t have to have any previous experience or particular knowledge, just a willingness to join in. Also one of the perks of volunteering is that you would have priority to take away a share of the coppiced logs!
We meet just a few times a year (often at Sid’s Piece) and are keen to do a bit for our local wildlife.
Dates for your diary:
Weds 11th January, 11.30am – a gentle ‘wildlife themed’ short walk at Sid’s Piece, all welcome.
Sunday 29th January, 10am onwards – conservation session at Sid’s Piece – all welcome.
We’re hoping for a bright day on Wednesday 11th January as we’re having a group walk – general public welcome - from 11.30am, in and around Sid’s Piece at the top of Upthorpe Road. We believe there are over a dozen woody species at our community wood including a couple of evergreens, and yes, a native rose or two as well. We’ll look to find these and see what wildlife activity there’s been in recent weeks. Once a year we have a professional come to the wood to carry out coppicing work, which has been essential in our early years, in order to keep at bay the freely growing Osier Willow, which would take over the plot given the chance. He’ll again be visiting this winter, so don’t be alarmed if you hear work being carried out. In winter, it’s easier to identify the many Oak saplings which no doubt many of you can recall planting at our inaugural opening, in 2007. It’s great to see a number of these are starting to emerge above the surrounding scrubby species.
In November, Linda Grixti, one of our leading volunteers decided to leave her role as trustee and Chair. Linda put in a lot of time and effort into helping with the development of Sid’s Piece and Stanton wildlife in general. For several years she organised the stallholders at our highly successful plant and craft fairs at Wyken, and we’ll miss her for sure. We’re very grateful for everything she did.
Although we’re a small band of volunteers, we’d rather there were more of us, and if you have any inclination to join us then you’ll be welcome on board. You don’t have to have any previous experience or particular knowledge, just a willingness to join in. Also one of the perks of volunteering is that you would have priority to take away a share of the coppiced logs!
We meet just a few times a year (often at Sid’s Piece) and are keen to do a bit for our local wildlife.
Dates for your diary:
Weds 11th January, 11.30am – a gentle ‘wildlife themed’ short walk at Sid’s Piece, all welcome.
Sunday 29th January, 10am onwards – conservation session at Sid’s Piece – all welcome.