Task Reports

Today we continued with the brash burning that we started last week. We managed to deal with all the remaining off-cuts from the hedge (the larger trunks will be used more constructively) and now the space is ready to work as a garden again.

There is still a lot of litter to remove but the increased light and space will aid the fruit and veg growing.

We will be getting creative next week when we install a couple of benches, make a start on constructing growing beds and work with the local primary school to plant some fruit.

Today we returned to the Parkside Centre to work on the food growing area. Essentially this meant clearing the brash generated from the hedgelaying at the end of last year. Any logs over 5cm diameter were taken away to be used more productively, but the twiggy bits were burnt. This occupied all us for most of the day and we made a good impact. 

Before we left we made use of the snow around the fire and from the car park to smother the fire. We will continue with this next week, but will also start some more constructive jobs. 

We always dedicate the first task of the year to tool maintenance and making a start on updating the inventory. 

The sharp edged tools were honed with files and stones in the workshops. Spades got new handles. Bowsaws were fixed and sharpened. Glenford and David had done an absolutely fabulous job of reorganising the sheds over the Christmas period. They continued with this today – it is going to make it so much easier to keep the tools organised and accessible, thank you.

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

Today a full minibus travelled to Otterburn to join Forest of Bradford with our tradition pre-Christmas tree planting. We joined the FoB volunteers in planting a hedge at the top of a ditch. The plants were mainly hawthorn, but also some hazel, holly and other things.

Those without hats regretted it during the hail showers, but we all enjoyed the vivid rainbows that guided us off the hillside and on to Naylor’s Brewery for a quick drink on the way home (thanks to them for opening up early). 

A team of eight had several tasks to carry out today. We were clearing pathways of leaves and mud, collecting timber to make benches for the Bowling Community Orchard, and a general tidy. We thinned out some willow and bramble and trees from the edge of the pathways. 

We were accompanied by several inquisitive robins which made members of the team smile. A local lad passing by said that he had seen lots of foxes in the vicinity.

Today eleven volunteers undertook a range of winter management tasks. We made a good start to the winter pruning, but still more to do. The privet hedge was cut to allow light into the orchard and some hazel shrubs were moved to give the Fortune tree room to expand. 

The Cornus and some willow was cut ready for a winter wreath making session at Bradford College. We continued to weed the patch near Belvedere, ready for planting next year. 

There still are apples in storage, let us know if you want some.

Hedge laying and litter clearing at the centre again. We are nearing the end of the task. 

We have been pleased by positive comments from the centre and local residents.