March work party report
It was a beautiful early spring morning on Sunday 9th March, chilly but bright, and the sun was dappling through the trees. It was a pleasure to be in Nightingale Valley. The primary focus of the work party was bramble bashing. A group of us set about tackling the brambles that have taken hold near the electricity pylon at Packhorse Bridge. It’s amazing what you find in the hidden space beneath the brambles. One of us unearthed half a pair of false teeth! The question is, how did they get there? Did someone trip over causing their dentures to catapult out? Or, was it the result of a coughing fit? I guess we’ll never know. We also found a curler. Whoever goes out wearing their curlers? Very Hilda Ogden.
We successfully cleared much of the bramble on that site, in preparation for tree planting in November. Bristol City Council has planted a few alder trees there, which we’ll coppice at the same time. It’s not advisable to plant trees that can reach ninety feet in maturity beneath an electricity pylon. We were pleased with the progress we had made with that designated tree planting site.
The lovely Leah cleared debris, earth and decomposing leaves from the wooden steps that lead down to Packhorse Bridge, assisted by fluffy butt, Flo. The steps are now more accessible. Later in the year, we aim to install new wooden rails to replace those that were thrown in the brook.
A few of our volunteers cleared litter that had collected amongst the trees and from Brislington Brook itself. Thank you to everyone who came along to help maintain the harmonious environment in Nightingale Valley.
Our next work party is taking place in St Anne’s Wood on Sunday 12th April, meeting at 10am at Co-op car park, Wyatt’s View. We hope to see you there!
Jackie Friel
Vice Chair
