Winter Workout for Wildlife

Clearing an overgrown area of willow coppice was the task for yesterday's team of 'Winter Worky Day' volunteers. This work is part of a 10 year coppice management plan to benefit wildflowers and wildlife.

Most of the group worked with hand tools to cut down birch and willow.

Split into two sections, by lunchtime it was quite obvious where they had been!

Smoke from the fire seemed to follow people as they busied themselves with moving the brash to the fire.

Spirits were high in spite of the dreary Yorkshire weather!

As can be seen on the faces of Ken and Imogen!

Some volunteers had travelled quite a way to help out including Mark who had come all the way from Leeds. This is really appreciated!

After lunch (delicious chicken curry) and several of Elizabeth's homemade 'custard creams' and 'angel whispers' Sandra gave a quick brief and everyone set back to work!  Mick thought we were all mad!

A chainsaw was used to tackle some of the larger stools.

Lesley and Steve dragged themselves away from a carefully planned Christmas shopping extravaganza and cleared much of the brash that had been chain sawed.

Due to the large amount of wood removed there was a need for a fire although many long straight birch poles were kept for a local Forest School. In the afternoon over 400 willow whips were harvested for Wednesday's Christmas wreath making event. All in all a lot was achieved and it was a very productive day thanks to all who turned out in less than ideal weather conditions.