FoPV Work Morning Roundup - Tuesday 26th May 2026

Lyndon
4 days ago
3 min read

Hello Conservation Volunteers

Due to storms and high winds, we've already had to call off two work mornings already this year, so with the forecast of temperatures around 30C the last thing we needed was to call off another due to too much sun! Fortunately, we had planned this session in the valley bottom surrounded by the dappled shade of trees and cooling water near Forge Dam - and how pleasant it was....

Our main tasks for this session were to repair the dead hedge on the bridle path which had been damaged by people climbing over it and block some desire lines which were appearing.

The first desire line to tackle was on the NW corner of Forge Dam where we had previously planted hazel whips and created brash piles of holly and logs, and where a bare earth path had appeared around it, saving a grand total of 5 seconds walking. The holly cutters were soon off the mark, bringing good lengths of holly which were woven together to create a blocking barrage at both ends. Hopefully, with the growth of the wild plants plus blocking the desire line might just persuade those who insist on walking through here to stick to the path.

Elsewhere, the rest of the group had made their way to the dead hedge to start collecting logs and more holly and were later joined by the desire line group. Some trees had been felled further up the path which provided ideal timber to add to the hedge. It's not usual to add holly into a dead hedge but due to continued damage and the need to protect the hawthorn whips behind it, Ranger Matt had agreed adding holly would be a good idea provided it didn't stick out onto the bridleway itself. It's quite a structure now! The only downside was for those working on the bridle path side of the hedge where there was no shade and a little hot!

Just a little further up the bridleway, another desire line had appeared where the railings were missing and where hawthorn whips had been planted a couple of years ago, with the whips being trampled on as people squeezed through the gap. More holly and logs required!

And with all that being completed we called it a day and headed back to the cafe for a coffee! Many thanks to everybody who came along for an enjoyable session, and also to Mandy for sending Hugh down with the flapjack, which although was delicious it was a little soggy in the heat!

One notable point to note, as we walked to the dead head the wildflower meadow below it is full of ragged robin. Uncommon elsewhere so must really like it in this spot.

The next work morning is on Thursday 11th June. An email will be sent out nearer the time with details.

Lyndon

A Selection of photos from the work morning

The desire line on the NW corner to be blocked. Hazel whips on the right