Weekly update, 6th June

What a busy week it's been!

Thank you to everyone that has been out with us over Volunteers' Week so far. There's been lots going on and we couldn't be more pleased with how it's all gone.

Thanks also to all who came out to the BBQ on Sunday, it was lovely to see so many of you despite the great British weather! We know we say this a lot but we really couldn't operate as we do without the help of you wonderful folk!

What the volunteers have been up to...

Wildlife Wednesday, 31st May

This school holiday's Wildlife Wednesday was at Abbey Fishponds in Abingdon, and we had a lovely afternoon helping families explore the reserve and have fun outdoors. One of the volunteers who came along to help was one of our Trustees, Chris. The next Wildlife Wednesday is in the summer holidays and will be at Thrupp Lake (26th July).

Thursday Group (Abingdon), 1st June

It was all about weeds for the conservation groups this week! Lucy and the team were pulling ragwort and thistles from some of the grassland at Radley Lakes. They were rewarded with some great finds, including bee orchids and common spotted orchids. The next session is Thursday 15th June.

Friday Group (Little Wittenham), 2nd June

George and the Friday volunteers were also pulling thistles; they were working in one of the wildflower meadows off Sires Hill. The next session is Friday 9th June.

Saturday Group (Abbey Fishponds, Abingdon), 3rd June

This month the group were replacing old footpath boards, pulling invasive Himalayan balsam from the reedbeds and removing cleaver from the path edges before it goes to seed. Cleaver grows rapidly in warm weather and can quickly smother other plants so it's important to remove it before the seeds spread. The next session is on 1st July.

The Big Dig! 5th June

The weather did try to scupper our plans, but thanks to a couple of intrepid volunteers who were willing to brave the blustery, wet conditions, the community allotment is well underway! For more information about getting involved with this project please get in touch.

 

Coming up...

Craft evening, 7th June

Don't forget it's the first Summer Picnic Craft Evening tomorrow 7pm-9pm! We'll be in the Learning Barn (the building directly opposite the office front door) and we can't wait to get making and caking... Drop us a line to let us know you're coming.

Final Volunteers' Week taster session, 9th June

Volunteers' Week might officially end tomorrow (7th June) but if you'd like a taste of conservation volunteering you can come and join the Friday Group this week. The session will focus on repairing deer fencing in Little Wittenham Wood. Get in touch if you'd like to join us.