Giving Back Days on Saturday 8th November and Saturday 25th October

We've had wonderful teamwork to start restoring the top path. In addition to the work parties, Sophie and several helpers have continued to clear the vegetation that had grown over the path. We now have a path that's back to the original width. Some holes have been filled with the grey MOT No. 1, and the intention is to see how the fill settles with footfall. 

The large clumps of the invasive Carex pendula have been removed. This is a UK native plant, common name Pendulous Sedge. It does well in wet, clay soils, but its ability to spread and its tough roots mean it can be a problem on our site.

All along the path, brambles were growing over and into the tarmac. It's taken a lot of effort, but much of the dense bramble root mass has been removed. The border that remains will be narrower, but the native seed bank will still be in the soil.

As well as working on the path, the cafe garden long bed was prepared for winter and next spring. 

Meanwhile, the café team brought a big spread of cakes, biscuits and savouries, and served tea and coffee to helpers.

Photos from both days are below.