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Volunteer work has
continued in the Conservation Area, despite the
incessant rain in the early part of the summer. A
combination of very tall and very wet grass in the
orchard initially defeated the mower and baler, but
at last it's finished. Removing the cuttings - and
so keeping the fertility low - has encouraged wild
flowers in the orchard and meadow, including orchids
and a magnificent display of white Star of Bethlehem
flowers in May.
The annual visit by
Thornden School in June involved the whole of Year 8
in an ecology day. The young people were supervised
by PGCE students from the University and took part
in practical activities in the different habitats
within the Conservation Area. Thankfully the new
dipping platform in the lower pond stood up well to
the 300 or so visitors.
We have cleared a lot
of the bracken from Azalea Walk and are planning to
prune the shrubs to remove dead and diseased wood
while the leaves are still there to make identifying
live wood easier!
Large tasks such as
the clearance of trees around the lake are reserved
for the might of the Southampton University
Conservation Volunteers - a dedicated and energetic
band of young conservationists who don't mind
getting cold and wet providing they are fed and
watered (courtesy of Chilworth Manor Hotel). The
students have been booked again for this coming
autumn and winter to dig ditches, clear fallen wood
and tackle the ever present brambles. Whether
they're coming for the hard work or the food we
don't know - but in any event we look forward to
seeing them!
If you would like to
help us in the Conservation Area, please contact
Southampton Science Park on 023 8076 7420 or e-mail
enquiries@science-park.co.uk
Val and Allan
Welsh
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