Work Party 28th December

The Christmas work party will be held on Wednesday 28th December 10am - 3pm (or whenever you've had enough!)

We will be working along the drainage ditch that runs from the houses on Hazel Drive to the end of the boardwalk (Kingfisher Creek). If unsure where this is, from the West Moors Road entrance whichever path you take will take you near to where we are working. We will be having a bonfire to clear scrub already felled along the ditch.

A word of warning... those of you that have had dealings with this ditch in the past will already know that it is suprisingly deep, steep sided and somewhat smelly (although not polluted). Please make sure on the day that you are always working with someone nearby and if bringing along any children please keep a close eye on them. Wellies a good idea. Christmas leftovers an even better idea!

Work on site

Work on site has included the removal of dead and dangerous trees or limbs next to footpaths. Where possible Dorset Countryside will leave standing dead trees for insects, fungi and all who feed on them - nature's takeaway restaurant for species such as the Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Where dead trees and branches pose an obvious hazard to people using the Reserve, they have to be removed. Contractors will be doing more branch pruning over coming weeks so please comply with all signage.

Woodland management work on the edge of Hazel Wood is also ongoing. This work will encourage regeneration of a greater diversity of trees and shrubs in place of the dominant pines being felled Increased light levels will encourage wild flowers.

Other work undertaken include mowing and pruning footpaths and ongoing invasive/exotic plant control