First Impressions

All visitors to the reserve arrive by the main access track. Alongside this road were many young diseased Ash trees (Ash Dieback has arrived in North Yorkshire). The disease is caused by a fungus named Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (H. fraxineus), which is of eastern Asian origin. More information about the disease can be found on the Forestry Commission's website. On Christmas Eve, several volunteers were eager to help out by removing some of  the dying trees to make space for new species. 

Fortunately, most of the affected Ash were small and could be cut down with pruning saws and bow saws.

Rain wasn't forecast, however, there was constant drizzle! 

The trailer was loaded up over and over again with brash and there was a familiar face back on the reserve to lend a hand!

To avoid spreading disease spores, the wood was burned on a bonfire. 

Although this all seems very destructive, this was only part of the story; in the afternoon, new saplings were planted to replace the Ash. Specimens were chosen that will look pretty on the drive in such as Spindle, Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry and Wayfaring tree. All from the ones that were recently donated by Bettys Tearooms.

Bird feeders were filled and boardwalks were repaired too. Another job was to rod the drains that go underneath the main driveway. Ian got well and truly stuck in and as a result the pipes are flowing well again to avoid any water from pouring over the road surface.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who gave up a soggy Christmas Eve to assist with these important tasks. The reserve is open as usual from now until the New Year. The Field Centre will be closed on New Years Day however, there will be a guided walk on the 1st January from 11.00am - 1.00pm. Booking is essential as places are limited and this event is free to Friends of Foxglove and Volunteers. Further details can be found on the events page.