BTCV BEDFORDSHIRE

New year, new skills

2012-01-25T02:25:00.000-08:00

The weather may be grey and cold, but there's always plenty to be getting on with on the community allotment. A few weeks ago, Katy shared her skills by giving the group a masterclass on pruning fruit trees. Here she is showing June how to tackle the slightly neglected apple trees.

Here is a close up showing Katy cutting back some of the growth. As she explained to us, first you need to take out any diseased or damaged wood. Then you can start looking at the general shape of the tree, and make sure none of the branches are crossing over each other.

We're hoping for a bumper crop of fruit this year! After tackling the fruit trees, we moved onto the soft fruit bushes. Here, through a tangle of gooseberry and blackcurrant bushes, Katy is showing Jayne how to maintain the bushes so that they are healthy and productive. There is an ulterior motive - Jayne is known as the queen of jam making on the community allotment, and we're looking forward to the next helping of scones with jam!

Raising the bar

2011-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Earlier on in the year, BTCV were asked by Bedford Borough Council to help build 3 raised beds (planters) and create a bog pond at Addison Howard Park in Kempston.

Above: Katherine saws the timber to length, Ed is helping hold the timber and Duncan is ...urm... supervising!

Above: Hazel, Katherine, John and Martin are preparing the ground so that the raised bed will sit level.

Above: John (left) and Martin (right) are fixing the timber together.

Above: Duncan shows that he's a cut above the rest when it comes to working with timber!

Above: Here is Duncan digging a hole for himself ... oops, I meant to say a hole for the bog pond!

Above: On Monday 24th October, members of the public were invited to take part in filling and planting the bog pond for Make a Difference Week. A number of adults and children took great pleasure in getting muddy and putting in plants that love boggy ground.

This took place alongside the completion of the raised bed constructions. And whilst some people were working hard... see Hazel, John and Martin below:

Other people took some time out to make a sand castle... see Katherine & Jill below:

Once the raised beds were built, we put a porous liner on the inside & base (it will help retain moisture but as it is porous it won't become too waterlogged).

Above: Martin spreads out the gravel (this aids water to seap away) at the bottom.

Above: John compacts the mixture of soil and compost used to fill the top 2/3rds of the planter. Natural compaction will occur anyway and this allowed us to top it up before leaving site.

Above: The finished planters. The two in the front of the picture are at a height and width suitable for disabled access.

Above: Behind the L shaped raised bed, from left to right, Ed C, Jill, Larissa, Katherine, Hazel, Martin, Duncan, John and Ed G (me).

Posing again!

2011-08-19T09:36:00.001-07:00

Not that Duncan is always keen to get himself on the blog - but he willingly posed behind the interpretation board that the Weekday Conservation Team put up in Luton recently - at least, I think it's him judging by the hat...

Hazel has also been known to pose occasionally.... here she is showing off a new use for the knee pads. Her career as an American Football player is just starting to take off...

Himalayan Balsam

2011-08-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Weekday Conservation Team has spent quite a few days tackling Himalayan Balsam. This plant is very invasive, and crowds out native plants as it colonises huge areas, usually along river banks. Luckily for us, it's fairly easy to pull up as it's an annual plant - so it doesn't have time to get a huge root system going. Unluckily for us, there are usually masses of plants to pull up, often mixed in with nettles, often in really muddy/wet/squelchy locations.

Somewhere in that lot is a whole bunch of keen BTCV volunteers - you have to get right down to pull the plants up from the base, as otherwise they tend to snap off leaving the roots in the ground to potentially keep growing.

Below - the offending plant - it's quite pretty, and is a hit with bees - but it crowds out so many native species that it's got to go!

Below - the obligatory shot of Duncan sitting about while everyone else is hard at work! Not really - Duncan and Martin did plenty of work that day, honest!

Layed Hedge in Spring

2011-07-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

When spring arrived we started to see the fruits of our labour. The hedge laying in Luton that took place over winter looks great now that it is finished.

Above: Layed hedge complete with stakes and binders.

Above: in places along the hedge we left a few trees as standards. Here you can see a Field Maple (Acer campestre).

Finished!

2011-05-18T05:00:00.001-07:00

Sorting out my photos recently I came across a few favourites which all fit rather nicely under the theme of "Finished!" - and how nice it is to see a project come together.

Above - back in spring 2010, the weekday conservation spent an enjoyable, if at times challenging, few days building this decking at Emberton Park. Duncs is clearly overjoyed to be so close to finishing - as John does all the hard work.

Below - Trevor from Luton Council surveys the very-nearly-finished slow-worm hibernaculum back in summer 2010 - and below that, a photo of the guard we placed on duty to keep watch over the finished product!

Below - Ed putting the finishing touches to the marathon hedgelaying project that the weekday conservation team undertook over the winter of 2010/11. This was a huge project and it was great to get it all finished at last!

And finally (sorry - I know, that's not at all funny. I must have spent too long with BTCV Bedford...) the weekday conservation team have spent many, many, MANY days at Great Stukeley SSSI over the years, cutting the grass to maintain the unimproved grassland habitat and also putting up and repairing fencing. The aim was to make areas stockproof so that sheep could do the work that we'd been doing in keeping the grass short. And here is one of those sheep, finally in place, who was very happy to keep posing for me!

Footpath improvements in Luton

2011-04-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Green Corridors project is funded by Luton Borough Council and Chalk Arc. Some of this BTCV volunteers have carried out. The Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust are also involved.

At the Lancaster Avenue Recreation Ground, we were asked to construct a fence (sorry but I have no photographs), clear vegetation from either side of the footpath to improve access (again no photographs), plant trees (see previous post for more info & photographs) and construct a knee rail.

Above: The rail directs the public either side of the hedge row.

Above: Steve who helped in the construction started volunteering for BTCV and now 'moonlights' for The Wildlife Trust! Though he now volunteers for The Wildlife Trust more than he does for BTCV, at least on this occasion I could count him in BTCV volunteer statistics! And at his request, The Wildlife Trust have some free publicity!

Above: Another view.

Improvements to another footpath very close to Lancaster Avenue Rec Ground were carried out by BTCV including another knee rail, revetments and vegetation clearance.

Above: Looking towards the footpath that runs alongside Lancaster Avenue Rec Ground - vegetation was cleared here.

Above: Looking towards Warden Hill, as well as clearing vegetation, we installed this knee rail and put the revetment boards in. The wood chipping was added at a later date.

Hedge planting in Luton (and perhaps just a little bit of messing about in the playground)

2011-03-30T05:05:00.001-07:00

On Monday 28th March, the Weekday Conservation Team were in Luton to plant a hedge. We picked up 950 hawthorn plants and were met by our client from Luton Borough Council who had some more different plants as well to create a mixed hedge, so we had plenty to do. Sam jumped straight to work - here he is planting one of the trees. It seems that others in the group were more distracted by the play equipment though... Below, Martin and John are concentrating hard on their noughts and crosses tournament - apparently it ended in a draw. While Duncan just enjoyed the rocking horse!

And as if all the playing about wasn't enough, we also enjoyed cake - here Hazel is trying to figure out whether a billhook is the right implement for slicing it...

Luckily, even with all the distractions, we managed to concentrate on the task in hand for long enough to get the whole length of the hedge planted up and had a good day despite the heavy digging in places. I think Ed's grin (below) says it all!

Hill Rise LNR

2011-03-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

On Monday 28th February, the Weekday Conservation Team visited Hill Rise Local Nature Reserve in Bedford. This site had once been built on, but when the buildings were demolished, local people stepped in to save it and it has been a local nature reserve for the past twenty years.

Below - a before photo for once! Actually it's a "half way through" photo as I forgot to take a before one again, but it's something! We were there to clear back the vegetation along the paths in order to keep the pathways open for people to get round, and to thin some of the trees so that there will be more light for wildflowers.

Below - Even in February, the site already has some flowers - there are plenty of aconites (shown in the photo) and violets flowering, and a small number of snowdrops.

Below, Duncan is teaching Martin everything he knows. In the first photo, he is showing Martin how to check that the forks and rakes aren't made out of rubber, and in the second one he is demonstrating how to check that the fence is sturdy enough! You can just make out John in the second photo, hard at work as usual! Either that or he was hiding from me in the undergrowth.

I have to point out that Martin and Duncs did do plenty of work during the day, honest! I just happened to catch these two moments!

And an after photo, showing how much more clear the pathways are. This will keep them open to allow local people to enjoy the site.

Hedgelaying whatever the weather

2011-02-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Bedford BTCV Weekday Conservation Team are a hardy bunch, out in all weathers to make a difference. Here are some photos from the last few months showing volunteers out enjoying themselves whilst experiencing the best of the British winter!

Above - you can just make out Sam as he carries a bundle of stakes to the hedge on a foggy day back in December

Above - on a rather sunnier day in January, Christian and Josh get to grips with binding.

Above - a nice frosty view down the hedge we're still laying, and below - Hazel and Ed show just how to keep warm on a day like this.

Luton Green Corridor project

2010-12-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

We've been working at The Slipe, Warden Hill (Luton) laying a hedge on and off in the last month. We have 540 metres of hedge to lay!

The Green Corridors project is funded by Luton Borough Council and Chalk Arc and includes other types of work such as knee rail and revetment installation, step construction, path reinstatement. Some of this BTCV volunteers have carried out, whilst other contractors/volunteers (including Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust and BRCC) have or will be doing some of the work.

At the end of the project, the green corridors around Warden Hill / Bushmead / Bradgers Hill area of Luton will be nicer, safer for the public and better for wildlife.

Above: A before photograph of part of the hedge we are/will be laying (on the left).

Above: Steve getting to grips with a Billhook!

Above: This stand of Hazel (centre) and hawthorn (either side) has been layed.

Above: An example of a pleacher (the cut portion of the tree) which is still attached to the tree and will therefore survive and send out new shoots of growth come spring.

Above: Christian is banging in a stake here. Stakes are used to keep the layed hedge in place, to give it strength. Christian is learning that when you cut stakes, you don't want to leave them too long or else you won't be able to reach the top to bang it into the ground!

Above: After the stakes go in but before the binders (they'll go on later).

Slow Worms

2010-06-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

900 slow worms were relocated last year to a Wildlife Trust site and 100 to Dallow Downs in Luton. The local Wildlife Trust conducted a survey here and found that some had survived the winter. It was decided they could do with a helping hand so BTCV were asked by Luton Borough Council to construct Hibernaculum's (places for slow worms to hibernate).

Naturally we were very interested, as many of us (including me) had never seen one before let alone constructed a hibernaculum for them. So, by the end of the day I'd seen a slow worm and we'd learnt how to dig a hole and fill it again ...
... sorry, I meant to mention that we did it in a fashion suited to slow worms!

Above: John Anderson digging a 2 ft deep hole, in a one and a half metres square. There are many different designs so precision on measurements was not an issue.

Above: The underlying deposits are chalk on this site and as digging goes, it was relatively easy - apart from the heat. The idea was to keep the larger bits of chalk (not the small & dusty bits) to go back into the hole (you'll see in a bit).

Above: Time to admire the flora of the area. A common spotted orchid (there are thousands on this site).

Above: John Anderson is always at the centre of everything. Here he is filling the hole with logs and rubble.

To help save the environment, we did not buy or have any materials delivered to the site, we used natural materials (logs) and rubble that had been fly tipped on the site. Slow worms like to hibernate in crevices so throwing in layers of rubble and logs creates plenty of crevices for them to worm their way into.

Above: When the logs and rubble were in the hole(and John Anderson was out ... hopefully), we put the bits of chalk carefully saved from the digging, back on top.

Above: The only evidence left is some chalk on top of the grass where it was underneath at the beginning of the day!

Above: At the end of the day, I finally saw a slow worm. Unfortunately, it was dead. Maybe something had started eating it - but that is nature for you. After all, early birds do catch worms!

Carbon Army

2010-06-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Growing your own food at home or down at the allotment helps reduce food miles. By this, we mean the miles travelled by food from the field via the shops and then onto your plate. This travelling requires vehicles & the adding of carbon to our atmosphere. BTCV is all about practical action and the Carbon Army is based around what action we can take to reduce our carbon footprint.

Above: 'Jill and co.' surrounded by all sorts of vegetables that won't be travelling across the country to make a brief appearance on your plate (very very brief if it were my plate)!

Growing your own food and taking on an allotment plot can be a very rewarding and ultimately satisfying passtime. Peace and quiet, exercise and social opportunities can all be found at the allotments as well as tasty vegetables (all the tastier for they are nurtured by you!).

If you want to join in our allotment projects in Bedford and learn more about it, call Jill on 07740 899634.

Ratty!

2010-03-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

As the wind was blowing through the willows yesterday (22/03/10) at Cowslip Meadow, a small mammal was spotted by John and Katherine. Was it a rat or a water vole? I was called in to adjudicate and as I once helped release Water Voles on a nature reserve near Gloucester I was able to confirm it was Ratty (i.e. the Water Vole from Wind in the Willows by A A Milne!). Mole was not far away judging from the evidence, toad must have been nearby (I didn't see toad hall though), only Badger was missing (he must have been at home in the wild wood in Bramingham!!).

Thanks to Katherine for the loan of her Camera and to John for taking the photo.

Random wildlife encounters are always a great pleasure, and Cowslip Meadow in Luton has some ideal habitat for these creatures. They are actually in great decline across the country due to mink predation, unsensitive habitat management & habitat fragmentation so it is nice to know they are still present in Luton.

Emberton Country Park

2010-03-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

One of the things (amongst many) BTCV volunteers can do is construct decking. Here, you can see volunteers constructing the frame for an area of decking adjacent to the (currently under rennovation) visitor centre at Emberton Country Park, Olney.

Above: Hard at work (or in some cases in deep discussion about) constructing the frame - when constructing we spend quite some time measuring and discussing what we are doing as we wouldn't want to make any mistakes! This structure is made from sleepers.

Above: Shov-holers (left) and trencing spades (right) are the right tools for the job. Luckily, this area is covered in sand making digging holes a doddle.

If you have volunteered for BTCV for any length of time, you WILL have dug a few holes in your time! BTCV's all time hole digging record must be astronomical and BTCV Bedfordshire have dug more than their fair share of these in the (nearly) 20 years they have been improving the environment and/or peoples access to it.

Above & Below: The play areas in Milton Keynes are full of interesting designs (ordinary sand pits just don't cut the mustard). Here you can see kids (aka BTCV Volunteers) move gravel around the play area and one of the volunteers using the digger to dig his sand pit!

Methinks a bigger bucket is needed!

Coppicing

2010-03-01T05:41:00.000-08:00

We are limited to other types of work during the spring/summer due to nesting birds, hence coppicing is a traditional winter task.

Above: In this conservation area near Milton Keynes, we coppiced an area of willow. This will let in more light and allow orchids (such as the Bee Orchid) to grow through later on in the year.

Occasionally, people don't realise that coppicing does not kill a tree, it mearly encourages it to regrow. Therefore, by rotating the areas we coppice each year, we effectively create an area with lots of different ages of regrowth and this is good for biodiversity.

Above & Below: John is creating habitat piles (also good for biodiversity) with the willow he coppiced.

You may notice from the pictures, that we have chosen to coppice areas of varying sizes and shapes. We left certain trees/coppice stools, created 'scallops' (curved edges) and created small glades (cleared circular areas). This is also good for biodiversity as it creates a variety of micro-climates to which some insects/butterflies/plants are adapted to.

Above: Another view of the work area. Thanks to Susanne for all the pictures.

Join the Carbon Army

2009-11-25T15:27:00.001-08:00

BTCV have today launched their pledge to carry out 3000 days of practical action to help tackle climate change (one day for each of 3000 delegates attending the UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen, December).

Visit http://www.btcv.org/carbonarmy to find out what this is about and to make your own pledge!

Follow the Carbon Army on
our blog http://carbonarmy.blogspot.com/
on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/btcv
and Facebook http://apps.facebook.com/causes/217781

Help spread the word ...

Hedgelaying in the Marston Vale I

2009-11-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

From Friday 13th November, volunteers from all over the country joined local residential leaders on a Natural Break. Basically, they paid for their food and accomodation, stayed the weekend and did some hedgelaying for us. Some of them know BTCV well, either through volunteering or Natural Breaks, whilst others were new to BTCV.

Also joining us on the project were local volunteers who went to home sweet home after helping out.

The Forest of Marston Vale are the landowners and are creating a community forest within the Marston Vale. Rectory Farm is also covered in ancient (pre-enclosure) and species rich hedgerows.

In September of last year, BTCV applied to GrantScape for some funding to deliver a hedgelaying project at Rectory Farm to improve biodiversty and were sucessful. GrantScape are funding BTCV to lay a total of 430 metres of hedge on two different hedges on the site.

Above: Kelly Kettles (or storm kettles) are essential bits of the kit. Volunteers soon complain if there isn't any hot water for tea or coffee! Here they are trying out new kettles (complete with cork). Please note that whilst boiling the kettle, you should leave the cork out! Pressure is created when the cork is left in causing it to shoot out along with plenty of hot/scolding water and you don't want to be near the kettle when that happens!

Above: Phil (right) is a former volunteer, Volunteer Officer, Leader, a current client and Residential Leader. Hedgelaying being one of his skills, Phil shows volunteers how to lay a hedge. A fine example of a layed tree is at his feet.

Above: Clearly proud of their achievements!

Above: The group together posing in front of their newly layed hedge.

Above: Teamwork. Sometimes you need strength as well as a delicate touch whilst hedgelaying.

Above: Well maintained and sharp tools are a necessity. Repetitive chopping with a billhook means it will need to be sharpened every so often. Here, a handily placed waymarker is providing a solid place where the tool can be sharpened safely.

Above: After horrendous weather on the Saturday, Sunday was a nice day and you can see here where the layed hedge is kept in place by stakes (verticals) and binders (horizontal & weaved in and out of the stakes).

All in all, on this weekend, 18 volunteers were involved. Many thanks to all involved.

Well, sometimes I get them to work!

2009-11-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

I'm not such a softie that I let the volunteers sit around not doing anything all day! I work them hard!

Above: Scrub clearance at Warden Hill SSSI. This site is good for wildflowers & grasses that like nutrient poor soils. We are removing scrub, for Luton Borough Council, here to reduce nutrient levels in the soil. Other conservation groups are involved in this site such as Beds Wildlife Trust, Luton & Dunstable Conservation Volunteers and BRCC to name some.

Above: Colin feeds the fire. It has been known for the fire service to turn up on site, so we make sure they are aware we are having a controlled burn and we keep the fire as small as possible to do the job.

Above: Jim and Sam are good friends and can often be seen working together, and heard .... they do like their banter!

Well, sometimes I let them rest!

2009-11-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

I'm not such a bad person that I don't let the volunteers sit down for a while, from time to time, for a breather and to refuel.

Above: Karl taking life horizontally, John A with his lunch, and Bill showing us how white his legs are. Put them away Bill!

Above: They found this little crawley creeping around.

Above: More recently we planted this hedge at Brickhill Allotments. 625 trees were planted including Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, Holly, Guelder Rose and Crab Apple.

New Bradwell Park

2009-09-02T02:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday 27th August 2009 saw the Weekday Conservation Team hay raking at New Bradwell Park in Milton Keynes. Wild flowers thrive in nutrient poor soils, therefore the grass needs cutting and removing (normally once or twice a year) in order to remove nutrients. The Council took away the hay to be recycled at their composting facility.

Above (from left to right): Karl (Leader), Jim, Julia, Katherine, Simon (MK Council), Duncs & Sean, with Andy kneeling in prayer to the hay god!

Permaculture course

2009-07-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

BTCV together with the Borough Council (Bedford in Bloom) ran a Permaculture course at Mile Road allotments. Participants learnt about harnessing natures natural resources and how we can become more efficient and productive at the allotment but also in every day life. The course was led by Hannah Thorogood in July. Feedback from participants suggested that the course was extremely interesting and they have picked up some valuable tips.

Lots of fun was had by all.

Leighton Buzzard Narrow Guage Railway

2009-06-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

Were you at Leighton Buzzard Narrow Guage Railway(LBNGR) when BTCV helped clear a section next to the railway and plant wildflowers? Do you remember just how WET it was?

It wouldn't be surprised if this was the only time a BTCV volunteer group has ever loaded scrub/brash onto a train!

Above: LBNGR & BTCV volunteers at the 'vandyke curve'

Above & Below: Some of the wildlflowers we planted, including ox eye daisy, hedge woundwort & corncockle are now showing. More work will be carried out each year to make sure nutrient levels in the soil remain low.

For more about Leighton Buzzard Narrow Guage Railway Society visit www.buzzrail.co.uk

Bath Ponds

2009-06-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

At Bath Ponds on the Shuttleworth Estate, students from the college planted over 100 wildflower bulbs (a mixture of hedgerow and meadow species) including ox eye daisy and cowslips.

Above: Hedgerow wildflower species were planted alongside this recently planted hedge. Wildflowers like nutrient poor soils, so before planting, some of the vegetation was removed, exposing the ground for planting. The hedge will also benefit from the lack of competition for light with the removed vegetation.

Above: Using a dibber (usually a tool used by vegetable growers) a hole is put in the ground, the plug is inserted and the soil is then firmed up.

This project was made possible by funding from GreenPrints. For more information visit www.sitatrust.org.uk/greenprints

Princes Trust in the Park

2009-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

A group of young people from The Princes Trust joined me at Priory Country Park recently to clear paths, birdwatching/fishing platforms and net rides.

Above: The team including (in no particular order) Carlie, Joe, Lizzie, Keith, Reuben, Liam, Lorna, Joseph and Jason.

Above: Along 'the spit' we cleared vegetation back so that bird ringers can put nets up to catch birds. This is done under license for scientific purposes. You can find out more about birds caught and ringed at Priory Country Park at http://www.ivelringinggroup.blogspot.com/

The vegetation on the bird watching/fishing platforms were also cleared of overhanging vegetation.

Above: This tree was given a trim!

The Cardington Walk footpath was opened up on an earlier task. For more about activities & wildlife at Priory Country Park visit http://www.priorycountrypark.blogspot.com/

This project was made possible by funding from GreenPrints. For more information visit www.sitatrust.org.uk/greenprints

A Sticky Business!

2009-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, Karl and I set about cleaning the mini-bus and on Thursday, got stuck in emblazoning the BTCV logo, slogan, web site and our phone number on there.

I Dig Doug

2009-04-17T02:22:00.001-07:00

Doug went to the allotments on Mile Road. Here is what he had to say:

Rotting food and grass, it's ace,
So why the long face?

Squeezing amongst the willow I creep,
Happily playing hide and seek.

Said Doug to spud - Is it lonely down there?
Said Spud to Doug - Dunno, I don't really care!

Look at Mum, she's the tallest,
But look at me, I'm not the smallest.

A happy day was had by all,
Community Allotment - Give it a call.

For more information about the community Allotments call Jill on 01234 327300 or 07740 899633.

For more of Doug's adventures, you can follow him at http://www.btcv-i-dig-doug.blogspot.com/

Completed Hedgelaying Projects

2009-04-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Of late, the Weekday Conservation Team has completed a couple of hedgelaying projects.

Above: Andy Thompson cutting off the tops of the stakes after finishing the binding at Cowslip Meadow, Luton.

Above: More of the layed hedge at Cowslip Meadow.

Above: In the winter of 07/08 we layed 100m of hedge at Dray's Ditches, this last winter (08/09) another 100m. Will there be another 100m next winter?

Above: The layed hedge at Dray's Ditches.

Another work party in the park

2009-03-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

Another GreenPrints funded task this time with The Princes Trust at Priory Country Park. These are pictures from the 3rd and 4th days that The Princes Trust have been involved with in the last 6 months. We are hoping to make this a regular fixture with 3 x 2 day events throughout the year.

Above & below: After felling an ash tree, volunteers process it ready for the bonfire/dead hedge.

Above: Proof that you can still be stylish whilst working outdoors!

Above: The group sitting on the steps at one entrance to the Woodland Path.

A day in the park

2009-03-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

Another project funded by GreenPrints, again for involving 16-25 year olds in volunteering. This time volunteers from Autism Bedfordshire along with volunteers from Samuel Whitbread and Mark Rutherford schools came to Priory Country Park and cleared scrub/small trees from the woodland to let in more light to the ground and therefore help improve biodiversity and make the woodland walk nicer to walk through.

Nick from Autism Bedfordshire said: "Altogether a good day was had by all, we worked well as a team and we learnt a lot about conservation and our environment. This is another example of the Adult Skills group volunteering to help the community."

Above: Ben (from Mark Rutherford School) with a tangle of trees!

Above: Nathan (from Mark Rutherford School) is dead hedging - this creates a type of habitat pile - good for insects and therefore birds!

Above: Nathan felling a small tree.

Above: Luke and Tom P moving the arisings to the dead hedge. It's definitely looking a lot lighter in there already.

Above (from left to right): Luke, Sally, Sam, Nathan, Chris, Tom B, Nikki, Tom P, Julie, Dawn, Nick (kneeling), Ben and David.

A special thanks to everybody who participated with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. You all did brilliantly. Thank you to Sally from Autism Bedfordshire, Nikki from Connexions and Julie and Dawn from Samuel Whitbread and Mark Rutherford Schools for helping organise the day and helping it to run smoothly!

Cranfield University and community volunteers

2009-03-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Volunteers from Cranfield University and the local community joined together on 2 Sundays at the beginning of March to lay a hedge. This project is funded by GreenPrints (a project with a government scheme called V and Sita Trust landfill tax) to involve 16 - 25 year olds in volunteering.

Above: A pleached & layed tree

Above: The hedge after clearing all the brambles and ivy!

Above: A cranfield university volunteer

Above: A local volunteer knocking in the stakes.

Above: Proud volunteers who layed 10 metres of hedge and cleared a lot of bramble! Pippa the dog, wouldn't look round for the camera!

Hedge Your Bets

2009-03-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

A BTCV Natural Break (Residential working holiday) ran over the valentines weekend in February this year. The participants layed a section of hedge at Dray's Ditches. This is a continuation of a hedgelaying project that started last year by laying 100metres. This year another 100metres is to be layed.

Above: A warm (despite the snow) welcome back to Jane (an ex-volunteer officer who went on to be a park ranger at Priory Country Park). A co-leader on this break, Jane is playing with high stakes!

Above: The task ahead!

Above: Another ex Volunteer Officer, Phil, can't see the hedge for all the trees!

Above: Getting into the swing of things!

Above: A job well done team! Thank you.

A new recruit!

2009-02-05T03:12:00.001-08:00

Above: Our new recruit is here to help with our hedgelaying project at Cowslip meadows.

Above: Showing allegiance to BTCVby wearing my BTCV badge and borrowing my hat.

Above: Can you see the sun over there, well, it's the suns job to deny you your existence, so make the most of it while you can!

Nothing stops BTCV Bedford volunteers!

2009-02-05T02:32:00.000-08:00

A County Wildlife Site at Thurleigh Airfield needed some scrub removal to help the grassland recover, thus protecting the habitat for wildflowers such as wild orchids. The worst winter in Bedfordshire for years didn't stop BTCV volunteers.

Above: Jill plays a dangerous game! There are several people just waiting to get their own back!

Above: What a drag this weather is!

Above: Malcolm in a British Blizzard!

Above: It took a fair while to get going, but it kept us warm!

Above: We created a corridor between to areas of open grassland. This was the scene later in the day when most of the scrub had been cleared.

Marston Moretaine Sports Field

2009-02-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

120 metres of hedgelaying at Marston Moretaine Sports Field was completed in January.

Above: A close up view along the line of the hedge

Above: Some of the pleachers are visible in this photograph.

Above: Ash trees have been left as standards.

New Bradwell Park Part 1

2009-02-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

In New Bradwell Park, Milton Keynes, the Weekday Conservation Team were there to construct a fence around a small orchard & willow coppice.

Above: Next to where we were constructing the fence, there was a basketball court. With a football, Rob is attempting to shoot a basket from 'downtown'.

Above: Joe removing the soil from the post hole.

Above: Rob hammering in a nail.

The Hanson Environmental Education Centre

2009-02-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

Milton Keynes County Council asked the BTCV Bedfordshire Weekday Conservation Team to create a raised pond for them.

Above: After digging the footings in, John fills the gaps with leftover turf and soil.

Above: We use sand for 2 reasons, firstly to protect the liner from being punctured by sharp objects and secondly to mould a shape (or in this case a shelf).

Above: Rob shifting the sand.

Above: Horse play! There is a reasonable explaination for me hiding beneath the underlay but you wouldn't believe me anyway!

Above: Finishing in the dark! Andy and Rob put the finishing touches to the raised pond that has already begun filling up with leaves!

Shuttleworth Hedgelaying

2009-02-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

With GreenPrints money (Government [V Involved] and Landfill Tax [Sita Trust]) BTCV were able to provide hedgelaying training to Shuttleworth College students.

Above: Shuttleworth Students contemplate just how do you lay a tree that has been flailed many times and has a metal fence through the middle of some trees? And the fence had to stay!

Above: Even with the fence, some trees could be layed.

The Big Tidy Up

2008-12-19T00:34:00.000-08:00

On 11th December 2008, the BTCV Weekday Conservation Team in Bedfordshire went to Dallow Downs in Luton for two reasons. Firstly, to carry out some scrub clearance & help restore grassland & wildflowers to the area, and secondly, to take part in The Big Tidy Up campaign sponsered by Encams.

Above: Clearing scrub & burning the brash to help restore the grassland & wildflowers.

Above: Just some of the litter we collected (tyre, bicycle frame, frame of an old push chair, numerous cans, bottles etc.

Above: Debbie collecting litter

Above: Sam collecting litter

Luton on Sunday came out and took some photographs and an article was in their paper on Sunday 14 December 08 highlighting the our efforts in The Big Tidy Up campaign.

Christmas Party at Shortmead House

2008-12-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

Ian and Marilyn from Shortmead House in Biggleswade very kindly put on a Christmas party for BTCV volunteers & staff. For early arrivals Ian gave a tour of the house - an interesting experience as it is full of character.

Above: The scene of the party.

Above: I can brush up when I need to - just about.

Above: Does anybody else remember Baldricks 'slug balancing' bit from Blackadder IV?

Above: How many beers was that you had Joe?

Above: High on the agenda (at least for me) the food - and curry!

Christmas Party at Shortmead House Continued

2008-12-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

Above: The party in progress - this is just before the food was served and just after the traditional bad jokes from the crakers.

Above: Jane showed her ruthless during the musical chairs game.

Above: Ruthless Jane with her musical chairs first prize!

Above: Somebody cheating in the baloon game. T0 the more eagle eyed of you, you will notice that this photo is on its side! It would be too much of a faff to change now!

Above: The most dashing gent 1st prize winner Sam (left with expensive aftershave) and 2nd prize winner Rob (right with clip that makes cat sounds when you open it).

Hexton Chalk Pits

2008-12-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hexton Chalk Pits is a small unimproved grassland site (good for wildflowers) just over the border in Hertfordshire. The views on this site are stunning.

Above: I was hoping to see a red kite but got this flying hunk of metal instead.

Above: You should be able to tell from the profile who this is (Ed - me). John Anderson took this photo.

Above: a couple of the views from the chalk pits. In the photograph below, we were removing some of the scrub from the grassland.

Above: From Hertfordshire you can view Bedfordshire (distant on the top right of the photo).

Flitton Moor

2008-12-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

Flitton Moor is a site that the Weekday Conservation Team visits a couple of times each winter to help out with the ongoing management by the 'friends of' group.

On the first of December 2008, the WCT carried out several tasks.

Above: A very reflective Sam carries vegetation we have cleared from the ditch.

Above: Robins are always the first birds to take advantage of the human disturbance (apparently we are the modern version of the wild boar kicking up all the insects that the Robins then feed on). There were several Robins feeding heartily on the insects including the one in the above photograph.

Above: The ditch we were clearing.

Above: The view from the behind the dipping platform. We also cleared some invasive weeds from the pond edge.

Above: While Rob and Duncs planted some trees, others used logs to edge the paths, cut down overhanging branches and opened up the view.

Marston Moretaine Sports Field

2008-12-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

As part of improvements to the area for safety (the public will be able to see over the hedge), BTCV have been asked to lay a hawthorn hedge between the Sports field and Bedford Road in Marston Moretaine. Please see earlier post where the BTCV directors visited this project!

BTCV have been visiting this site every Wednesday since the beginning of November (and a couple of Saturday tasks) - we are now one task away from completing the project which means there may be more photographs to follow.

Above: Rob is concentrating intensely on laying the hedge, creating and tidying up the pleachers.

Above: The moment of the strike! Note how the hand is slightly blurred compared to the rest of the picture - that means it is authentic! I can't believe I managed to get the shot I wanted at all, let alone the first time!

Above: The first section is complete.

BTCV England Directors on project

2008-11-25T08:10:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday 19th November, BTCV England Directors (Neil Canham, Sasha Newman, Kate Mackenzie, Kevin Jones, Mark Gibson and Tony Newby) came to Marston Moretaine Sports Field to help with a hedgelaying project. Working as a team and with the Weekday Conservation Team, they helped lay and clear sections of the hedge.

Above: Mark Gibson (Yorkshire & East Midlands Director) using the billhook teaming up with Neil Canham (England Director). Rob (regular volunteer) is playing hide and seek (or is that where's waldo?).

Above: Sasha Newman (South West & West Midlands Director) swinging the billhook, creating a pleacher.

Above: Kate Mackenzie (Eastern, London & South East Director) helps Kevin Jones (Northern Director) with the laying process.

The parish council have asked us to lay this hedge to help make the area safer. When the project is finished, residents will be able to walk along the path and see what is happening on the other side of the hedge. Wildlife will also benefit - for example, in the long term, there will be more nesting opportunities for birds and they will be safer from predators.

Leighton Buzzard Narrow Guage Railway

2008-11-14T04:52:00.003-08:00

Our work on Monday 10th November got some local press http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=dE05K19g0kY2&PBID=45e6ca32-5ad8-40bd-8a24-b63d3bff3bd5&skip= (see page 9).

An extra photograph, taken by William Shelford.

Above: John Anderson using the power scythe.

Rectory Farm 08/11/08

2008-11-11T04:48:00.001-08:00

BTCV, with funding from GreenPrints (a government and landfill tax scheme aimed at involving 16-25 yr olds) ran a project day at Rectory Farm (a Forest of Marston Vale site) following on from earlier projects (see previous post for Rectory Farm 25/10/08).

Volunteers from Cranfield University, The Forest of Marston Vale, the local community and BTCV combined to finish clearing scrub from an old pond. We also broadcast some wildflower seeds (bluebell, ramsons, wood avens, dogs mercury and primrose) in the glades we created on 25/10/08.

Above: It is the time of year for bonfires.

Above: Laura processing the brash before placing it on the bonfire.

Above: The cleared area (the main pond is on the left but will be excavated and extended to include this area).

Above: A tired and happy team.

A first for BTCV Bedfordshire

2008-11-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

Leigton Buzzard Narrow Guage Railway Society has a patch of land next to the railway at Vandyke Curve. This area has huge potential to be wildlife friendly. On 10/11/08 the Weekday Conservation Team went to help them out.

Above: The view before starting. Thanks to Jane Beverland for the photograph.

Above: Miserable weather, but we got on with it anyway! Thanks to Jane Beverland for the photograph.

Above: After all the clearing we planted wildflower plugs and broadcast some wildflower seed and grass to create a spring meadow. Passengers on the trains will be able to enjoy this meadow in years to come as it establishes. Thanks to Jane Beverland for the photograph.

Above: A first for Weekday Conservation Team volunteers (an achievement considering all that they have done over the years) - the arisings were piled onto the train to be taken away and burnt at a later date.

Above: The Weekday Conservation Team and Leighton Buzzard Narrow Guage Railway Society volunteers stood in front of the train.

The challenge

2008-10-28T11:05:00.001-07:00

Back when I started this Blog, I challenged my volunteers to take photographs that make me look silly or embarass me. I have had no submissions under this category & have therefore taken the matter into my own hands, as evidenced below.

This blog wouldn't be here (nor indeed would I) if it weren't for the volunteers and all the wonderful work and effort that they put in. It is only fair that I let them take the mick out of me!

Rectory Farm 25/10/08

2008-10-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

A Forest of Marston Vale (FOMV) site, Rectory farm has a variety of habitats in varying stages of development (the FOMV are planting woodlands). Some woods are newly planted, others are well established. On Saturday 25th October, volunteers from BTCV and Cranfield University got together to create glades in an area of wood alongside the cycle route 51 at the bottom of Rectory Lane in Cranfield.

Above: Felling a small tree

Above: Yes, you guessed it "TIIIIIMMMMMMBBBBBEEEEEERRRR." That's not what Bruce actually said, but he is clearly enjoying the experience.

Above: Jane helping Guy saw up the logs.

Above: One of the habitat piles we created with the leftover branches. These piles are good for insects & therfore birds.

Above: One of the glades after the trees had been felled

Priory Country Park

2008-10-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of October, the BTCV Weekday Conservation Team spent a few days in the park Willow Spiling (along the far side main lake to the visitor centre) and coppicing (in 'the rough').

Above: Jill, one of our beloved project leaders!

Above & Below: Coppicing/Pollarding

Dallow Downs 29/09/08

2008-10-05T14:56:00.001-07:00

Another regular site for us - Dallow Downs in Luton. Another of those 'unimproved grassland' sites, but in this case, areas have been overcome by scrub. Work continues to remove this scrub so that wildflowers (including the common spotted orchid) can thrive.

Above: Jane and John clearing the scrub

Above: A controlled burn

Above: Volunteers take a well earned rest at the end of the day while we wait for the fire to die down safely.

Felmersham Gravel Pits

2008-10-05T14:42:00.001-07:00

Our annual trip to Felmersham gravel pits - an area of unimproved grassland ideal for rare wildflowers such as orchids.

Above: John Parker raking the cut grass. We remove the grass so that the soil remains nutrient poor - ideal conditions for orchids.

Above: I have no idea what Ray is laughing about!

Above: Elly (left), Jim (centre) and Jill (right) raking more grass!

Willow Spiling update

2008-09-10T07:07:00.001-07:00

Last winter, the Weekday Conservation Team did some willow spiling next to 'the beach' at Priory Country Park. You can see a video of the willow spiling construction on the right hand side of the page.

Above: How the willow spiling looks now. The willow has clearly put on some grown.

Below: No, not high tide! With all the rain we have had recently, the water levels on the main lake are up!

Mile Road Allotment Project 28/08/08

2008-09-02T03:43:00.001-07:00

BTCV Bedfordshire run an a community allotment project at the Mile Road allotments. This is run once a week from 10am to 1pm every Thursday. There are communal plots (crops are shared) and individual plots (grow & harvest your own crops).

Above: Volunteers hard at work weeding, tending and sowing while others tend a bonfire. The polytunnel provides shelter in poor weather as well as acting as a greenhouse.

Above: At the front of the picture is Rob Campbell who has run the allotments project for us for a number of years. "Too many plates spinning" says Rob, who has now left BTCV. This picture was taken on his last day (look closely on the table for the card and cake!). We all wish Rob the best of luck for the future.

Cowslip Meadow 21/08/08 Additional Photograph

2008-08-22T08:10:00.001-07:00

Below: Rob carefully pulling up willowherb,

Cowslip Meadow 21/08/08

2008-08-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Cowslip Meadow is a well hidden nature reserve of near SSSI quality. It is a fantastically diverse habitat and Great Crested Newts, Water Voles and Marsh Orchids are to be found there. The willowherb that we were there to remove, is invasive and outcompetes other, more valuable plants such as meadowsweet. We also removed some ragwort from the site.

Above: The plants with the pink flowers is willowherb.

Above: The area around the pond/stream/marsh was thick with willowherb. After a little work was done round the edges, you can begin to see the features and other plants.

Above: In the foreground, the yellow flowers are Ragwort which the team removed. In the background is where, earlier on in the year, Marsh Orchids are to be seen.

Above: The willowherb root system!!

Above: Other parts of the site are chalk grassland.

Work Party and BBQ at Shortmead House

2008-08-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

On 07/08/08 (a Thursday) the Weekday Conservation Team went to Shortmead House in Biggleswade where we did several tasks.

Above and Below: Ash and Cinders (the resident feline siblings) took a keen interest in taking our attention away from the work and giving it to them (in the form of hugs and tummy rubs).

We did get manage to get some work done!!!

Above: John Anderson clearing the episcopal growth from around the base of the lime trees.

After the work, there was a chance of some fun and games. John A and Rob played chess on the outdoor knee high chess set! Then there was an outdoor large sized Jenga game that John A and Rob contested. After a really good BBQ (generously supplied by Shortmead Hospitality - Thank you Marilyn and Ian), boules was the name of the game. I (Ed Green) was storming away with the lead but John A sneaked up & stole the win 10-9 right at the death.

Above: Is that Duncan strutting on the dance floor with Marilyn? Maybe Duncan could pair up with a celebrity on Strictly Come Dancing?!?

Above: (from right to left) Bill, John A, Duncs, Ed, Hazel, Rob, Elly and Ian (of shortmead house). John P and Malcolm also attended the BBQ - thanks to John P for taking Malcolm home so that he could go to his regular Thursday night soiree!

Livingstone Lower School Task

2008-08-21T04:56:00.000-07:00

On 04/08/08 the Weekday Conservation Team went to Livingstone Lower School in Bedford to a) build a fence & gate to protect an area of grass that is going to be planted/sown as a wildflower meadow and b) to construct some benches for an 'outdoor classroom.' We also improved the access around the pond area & made a habitat pile from the cuttings and with some left over timber, we constructed a raised bed.

Above: John A (kneeling), Tony P (standing in front) and John P (almost entirely hidden) are erecting the fence. We used half round posts (they're cheaper, we use less materials and they were sufficient for their expected use).

Above: The kelly kettles in action!

Above: John A constructing the raised bed. We used the leftover rails (we always slightly over order on timber in case calculations are wrong or somebody cuts the timber in the wrong place & it therefore becomes unusable) and some offcuts to hold the structure together.

Above: A view of the finished fence & gate. Because we had so many volunteers (a record equalling 18 of us in total during my (Ed Green) time with BTCV - just over 2 years) we dug over some of the ground in preparation for wildflower plug plants/seeds.

Above: A view of the benches we made. We used offcuts of unused/spare boards found in the school shed for the seat. Logs obtained for free by a teacher from trees (that had already been cut down for good conservation reasons!) were used to provide the support. The closer bench is higher than (and seperate to) the others because it is for the teachers - the smaller ones obviously being for the children. We constructed these benches under the trees deliberately so that they would be in shade for most of the day.

Birdwatching/Fishing Platforms & steps

2008-07-30T05:07:00.001-07:00

'The spit' (a piece of land jutting out between two conservation lakes) at Priory Country Park got the BTCV treatment in June. A couple of the platforms & assoicated steps were reconstructed on 16th June by myself and 4 leaders (after the cancellation by a volunteer group). You can see photographs (courtesy of Jane Moore) of this day here.

Above: Before

Above: Helen & Elly take the old platform apart.

Above: Hazel is putting the timber frame together. I am holding the frame steady & making unhelpful comments (i.e. rather bad jokes).

Above: The new steps are being put back in. Here, Helen is using a sledge hammer to knock the stobs (stakes) into the ground while the metal bars are being used to hold the stob in the right place. Cue more unhelpful comments from me!!

Above: A team photo. From the left - Elly, Jane, Ed (me), Hazel and Helen. A marvelous job and a good time was had by all (especially Jane who was in her element - waders, water & mud).

Two more were subsequently refurbished by the Weekday Conservation Team at the end of June (while another team were reconstructing the weir - for this, please see other posts).

Moments in Time

2008-07-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Rob Scott for some photographs taken within the last year or so.

Above: As the heavens open at Furze Hills (South Cambridgeshire), John A uses a bin bag to stay dry!

Above: At Downs Barn in Milton Keynes, the volunteers look puzzled while trying to find their way around the living willow maze we had just made.

Above: Bill taking a well earned rest from hedgelaying at Drays Ditches in Luton.

Above: A brilliant photograph of John P at the top of Dallow Downs with a view of Luton.

Above: Every year we go to a pond in Westoning to remove invasive weeds. Rob had us all pose for this photo taken from just above water level.

News spreads

2008-07-30T01:52:00.000-07:00

The BTCV Bedford Weekday Conservation Team's fame spreads: http://www.goodiesruleok.com/news.php?cod=1082 picked up news of the Network Rail award!

An Employee Action Day at Shortmead House

2008-07-26T03:15:00.000-07:00

On a fine summer day in July (Wednesday 16th), a great team of volunteers (employees of T-Mobile UK Ltd) generously donated their time to help out with some environmental action in Bedfordshire. 32 people worked very hard in 3 groups to a) clear an overgrown culvert, b) clear a woodland area of invasive (and unwanted) cow parsley and c) to create a section of woodland path. The site was Shortmead House in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire - a wonderful c.15th century house & grounds. The grounds are currently being managed for the benefit of the local community and wildlife and it is hoped that it will become a hub of community activity (leisure, events, education) in the future.

All photographs are courtesy of Kay Chesterman (one of the volunteers). Thank you Kay, some great shots!

Above: A few laughs - the team was in high spirits in anticipation of the day ahead.

Above: The 'Culvert Crew'. The clearance of overgrown scrub from this culvert was essential to allow the flow of water through in times of high water! Apart from the natural ground water levels, this is the only way the water level of the pond rises. It is important that there is water in the pond as it is home to the protected Great Crested Newt. Several volunteers were particularly delighted to be able to have a bonfire!

Above: I was impressed by the level of thought that these volunteers put into the design of certain parts of the woodland path. Everybody worked hard. Some people cleared the weeds & roots from the ground and leveled the ground, others laid down the weed suppressing mat. Logs were put at the side of the path as edging and woodchip was placed on top as the finishing touch.

The woodland path will eventually be open to the public and will allow the community to enjoy the wildlife. Educational visits by children will eventually be allowed and the woodland path will help facilitate this too.

Above: Elsewhere on site, the third group of volunteers tackled the weeds - cow parsley and nettles. This was the toughest job as it required serious motivation and the volunteers coped extremely well. The removal of these invasive and unwanted weeds was to allow the planting of native wildflower bulbs (e.g. snowdrops and bluebells) in the winter and to reduce the competition they will face from the weeds in the spring.

Above: A barbeque was laid on for lunch time and I hope everybody enjoyed it (I know I did!!).

Everybody involved with this project can be proud of their contribution to benefitting the environment and the community. Thank you to all those who turned up and worked so hard. I know the clients were impressed with the work you all put in and are extremely pleased with the outcomes.

BTCV's slogan is 'inspiring people, improving places'. I hope that you were all inspired and we certainly improved a place!

Wigmore Park 24/07/08

2008-07-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

Wigmore Park is mainly a playing field near Luton Airport. However, at the very rear of the site there is a public footpath and an area of unimproved grassland. We started a path clearance job here last year (a very overgrown & in parts, unpassable path). Today (and again on Monday) we will continue with this job at the request of Luton Borough Council.

Above: This section of the path is now 'open for business' - no blockages.

Above: The client (centre) talks to Hazel & Jane - co-leaders for the day.

Above: Rob in prayer?

Downs Barn 21/07/08

2008-07-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

John 'wine gums' Keynes would be proud of our mathamatical abilities (awful joke - I know - Maynards make wine gums and Keynesian Econmics - John Maynard Keynes - if you didn't get it). It may have been simple maths, but none the less, it helped with our woodland path creation (and a bit of timber treating on the bridge).

Above: Matt and John Parker (I guess - I wasn't there). Unmistakable Joe - is walking away from the action. The team are putting in stakes & putting in screws to secure the logs from being 'pushed' around.

Above: An artist's impression of the Weekday Conservation Team (who did take this photo?).

Mowsbury Hill 17/07/08

2008-07-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

Mowsbury Hill in Bedford is somewhere the Weekday Conservation Volunteers have been many times before. Not for me. It is a very nice site - quite hidden unless you are familiar with the golf course & regularly shank balls into this Local Nature Reserve!! There is some good archialogical features on the site too. We were tasked to clear some paths, clear out detritus from the pond & clear some scrub to allow light into the pond.

A nice bonfire (small enough to do the job) can be seen in the background.

I personally wasn't there as Jane and Elly were leading the group. For those who know me I was gutted (you should have seen my face) to find out that there were Tawny Owls seen on the day!

The shirt that will never get washed again!

2008-07-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Above: The receiving of the award.

Above: The Bill Oddie speech. You may be able to make out John sat at the table with Tom Flood and the back of my head!!!

Above: The venue - it certainly looks stunning from this vantage point. You cannot see our table from here though - it was at the very far end in the middle.

Tom Flood joins our celebrations

2008-07-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

BTCV Chief executive, Tom Flood (below right), accompanied John Anderson (below middle) and myself (Ed Green - below left) to the Network Rail Environment Awards held at the Natural History Museum in London.

At this award ceremony, the BTCV Bedford Weekday Conservation Team (as part of the Great Stukeley SSSI Enhancement Project) was shortlisted under their Biodiversity Protection category. After a wonderfully amusing speech by Bill Oddie, the presentation ceremony started.

First up was our category where we were one of three, equally deserving, projects. John knew the result before the rest of us (from where he was sitting, he could read the autocue!!!). 20 seconds later we were accepting the award on behalf of all the volunteers involved with the project.

I would like to take this time recognise the volunteers who have made this possible. The volunteers are too numerous to mention by name, though John Anderson was a more than deserving representative. Hazel Watkins deserves a thank you for being the Project Officer at the start of the project. Ben Hammond has also helped with the project. Alan Marchant visited the project on a very important day. There are also volunteer officers who have worked hard behind the scenes, none more so than Jane Moore whose editing skills were useful before I sent in the submission.

All this support has been much appreciated and it has all been instrumental in achieving so much already. I would also like to thank Nigel Madge and Tony Newby for advancing our relationship with Network Rail so that others throughout the country can join in and protect the biodiversity to be found on Network Rail land (you would be amazed at how much land they do have that is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest or Nature Reserve).

Needless to say, the project will continue and I look forward to hearing about the success of other projects and the development of what has become a National Programme.

Weir Reconstruction at Priory Country Park

2008-07-04T08:58:00.001-07:00

On 30/06/08 and 03/07/08 the Weekday Conservation Team took on a few projects at Priory Country Park. One of which was the reconstruction of a weir.

Above: Duncs is lurking in the background with a drill. Rob, in the yellow t-shirt, is just ... well ... urm ... lurking!! And I (Ed), am using a socket set to tighten up the coach screws.

Above: Duncs (lurking in the front this time!) is drilling more holes for the coach screws. Jane is holding the timber in place whilst Rob and I are working at the far end.

Above: After the sluice is opened again to let in water from the River Great Ouse, the water level gradually creeps up to overflow point!

Above: Even closer, the first few drops are creeping over!

Above: Whooooosh! These photographs were taken on the Monday (30/06/08) task. Since then, modifications have been made and one last photograph will be published at a later date.

The Pightle, Eaton Socon

2008-07-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

3 of our long serving Weekday Conservation Team volunteers (see photographs) are working hard at raking the grass at The Pightle in Eaton Socon. This is another of our regular sites and one where wild flowers flourish in the nutrient poor soils (that is why the grass is cut and removed - to remove excess nutrients from the soil).

Above: John Anderson

Above: Joe Howell

Above: Malcolm Farr

Exciting additions to the Blog

2008-07-04T08:41:00.001-07:00

For those of you who are interested, I have recently added a video of the Weekday Conservation Team carrying out Willow Spiling at Priory Country Park in Bedford. The video was taken by Lenka Anstead who came all the way from Norfolk to help with the project and to learn a new skill. She has kindly consented for BTCV to show this video. You can view it via this blog, or click on the 'view full size' link to see it on You Tube.

I have also added in a link to BTCV TV that is hosted on You Tube.

Finally I have added a link to OneStat where readers of this blog can anonymously check out the viewing statistics.

Great Stukeley SSSI Enhancement Project

2008-07-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

On the 16th and 19th June 08, the Weekday Conservation Team (WCT) visited Great Stukeley (a Network Rail Site of Special Scientific Interest - SSSI). The land is strictly NO public access, so the only way to visit is with the WCT. The site is of special scientific interest for a number of reasons but mainly because the grassland found there is home to rare wild flowers such as orchids. All of the plants in the photographs were present at the time of this visit.

Above is the Pyramid Orchid

Above: The Common Spotted Orchid

Above: The Bee Orchid

To protect the biodiversity of the site (including the orchids) the grass must be cut and removed twice a year (ideally) for the wild flowers to flourish. This is because flowers such as Orchids survive in low nutrient soils. If the nutrients were left to build up over time, the flowers would get out competed by coarse grasses, then brambles and eventually hawthorn scrub.

Downs Barn 120608

2008-07-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

On a slightly wet afternoon at Downs Barn in Milton Keynes, I (Ed Green) appear to be going slightly mad. I assure you I am only posing for a photo! I am standing on the woodland path that we have created with the help of the local community on behalf of the council. Some of the work we did there was sponsored by the Spring Watch Action Team in partnership with the 3 Counties Radio Team.

The board was useful to keep the rain off my head though!

9th June 2008 Shortmead House

2008-06-10T02:18:00.000-07:00

In a welcome change to bridgebuilding (three in the last two weeks!) it was back to Shortmead House, a site popular with the volunteers because of the free ice creams (thanks Marilyn). A variety of tasks awaited us including building a woodland path (also our second in two weeks), repairing fences, weeding around hedges and general tidying up. A beautiful day, lovely surroundings and a good day's work done.

Spring Watch Action Teams

2008-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Saturday and Sunday BTCV ran a series of Spring Watch Action Team events in partnership with BBC 3 Counties Radio. One of these events was held at Downs Barn in Milton Keynes. Bridge construction and woodland path creation were the main tasks.

For more photo's of the work please use the following link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2008/06/09/swat_completed_feature.shtml

People as young as 3 years old (accompanied by an appropriate adult) were invoved in digging holes and creating minibeast habitats. A good time was had by all involved. Food and ice creams were generously provided by the 3 counties radio team who also joined in the work.

Above: A Bridge Over Troubled Water ...

A member of the Spring Watch Action Team (SWAT) squatting!

Above: Helen is preparing the ground for a weed suppressing mat, upon which woodchips are placed to create a nice path for people to traverse through the woodland. A path that is now accessable over the newly constructed bridge.

Thanks must go to BBC 3 Counties Radio and Ben Hammond (BTCV Staff) for organising these events. Special thanks to Helen, Hazel & Jane (BTCV Volunteer Leaders) who worked hard to ensure the day went smoothly and that everybody had a good time. Extra special thanks goes to all the volunteers who made it out.

Thursday 29th May 2008

2008-06-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Today we constructed a bridge behind Fenlake at Priory Country Park. This was a task that was washed out by the rain the last time we did it, so we were pleased to get it done, the design altered slightly so that it sat a bit further above the water level.

Above: NOOOOOOOO! That's not where the handrail goes!!!

Above: Measure twice, cut once. Good advice.

Above: One of the most important jobs is to hold the timer while its being cut. This allows the person cutting to concentrate on getting a straight cut and also means that the wood does not splinter. The holding can be done while concentrating on chattering to your friends!

Above: Jungle Rob

Above: The finished product.

Shortmead House 12/05/08 Part 2

2008-05-30T04:44:00.001-07:00

Below: Weeds were cleared from around the base of the tree, woodchip was placed there (to supress further weed growth) and the trees were watered.

Below: The woodland path (see Part 1 for volunteers working on this)

Below: A kissing gate erected by Weekday Conservation Team volunteers in 2006

Below: A passing place created next to the drive (mainly for pedestrians) by the Weekday Conservation Team in 2006.

Below: A section of panel fencing and woodland path created by WCT volunteers in 2007/2008.

Shortmead House 12/05/08 Part 1

2008-05-30T04:03:00.000-07:00

Below: Jane (Volunteer Officer) concentrating hard on the task in hand.

Below: Rob, Tony, John and Gabriel working on the new woodland path.

Below: Ed (Project Officer) & Helen (new Volunteer Officer) digging up the Spanish Bluebells (they will hybridise and outcompete the native bluebells).

Below: Soon to become a leader, Elly (left) and occasional leader (also former Volunteer Officer, Project Officer & many more job descriptions later ...) Hazel (right), currently working at part time at Shortmead House.

Below: Springing into Action Jill (Volunteer Officer) - the water she is putting into the buckets was used to water trees along the main drive (see part 2) but a lot of water was used to keep Jill cool in the heat (she had been working hard)!

Otter Holt Construction

2008-05-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

On Thursday 8th May 2008 the BTCV Bedfordshire Weekday Conservation Volunteers constructed an Otter Holt at Priory Country Park in Bedford.

The Otter Holt is going underground. Tony, John, Ray and Gabriel are doing all the hard work.

The view the otters would get if they could stand as tall as me & see over the reeds!

During a break, Rob shows us his latest idea for a sun hat!! A thinking hat for the pensive gardner perhaps?!?

The most desirable residence in Priory Country Park ... hopefully!

That sandwich must be really good!