Monthly Sightings – May
Bluebell
Buttercup, creeping
Buttercup, meadow
Cleavers
Cuckoo flower
Cow parsley
Cowslip
Daisy
Dandelion
Dock (broadleaf)
Greater stitchwort
Ground ivy
Groundsel
Hairy bittercress
Herb Bennet
Herb Robert
Lords and ladies
Navelwort, also known as pennywort
Primrose
Ragged robin
Red campion
Ribwort plantain
Speedwell
Hawthorn
Elder
Spindle
Apple
Gelder Rose
18th May
This has been a busy two weeks in the swales area. In the last few months the hedge between the wood and the swales area was laid, leading to a large amount of cuttings or “brash”. It is now being utilised to create dead hedges round the swales, with coppiced hazel for the posts. Dead hedges are loved by wild life, with hiding places for many creatures, nesting for birds, homes for many insects and food. They are sustainable providing nutrients as they rot down. It is hoped that these hedges will provide greater safety for the wildlife in the swales and encourage greater diversity.
The new hedge is growing well, with very few saplings dying. The trees are now being helped further with a biodegradable weed membrane. This should last three years giving the trees time to lay down roots without competing with the nettles that have been thriving in the area. Wood chippings are gradually being laid on top and as these rot down they will provide additional nutrients.
If you would like to help finish this or the hedge, just come along on a Wednesday evening at 6 pm.
In the wood there are so many interesting things to see at the moment. The spindles have gone from bud to flower. It is amazing that the rather insipid flower can become such a beautiful seed pod in the autumn. The wild flower meadows are starting to spring into life, though the cowslips and celandines have been and gone. But there are still some primroses to be found and the lungwort is showing in the gate into Back Lane. Unfortunately, docks are thriving and it is difficult to keep up with removing the flower heads before the seeds fall. Kevin has acquired an ancient dock remover and has been digging them up but it is slow work.
We still have plenty of charcoal for sale. You can buy it in the village shop. Remember, it is free of pollutants, and burns cleanly. The sales help to support the on-going work.
Quarry Wood Update – May 2025
As part of our celebration of the 20th anniversary of the planting of the wood, we arranged an illustrated talk on the history, wildlife and management of Devon’s hedges and small woods. About 70 people heard Dr Robert Wolton, Chairman of the Devon Hedge Group, give a marvellous account of how hedges came into being and their value to both farmers and wildlife. He also told us how hedges should be managed to maximise these benefits, based on his long experience as an ecologist with Natural England and from working on his own farm hedges.
Forthcoming Activities
For early risers, on 4th May (International Dawn Chorus Day) we will be holding our own Dawn Chorus Walk in the wood. Meet at the Community Centre at 6.00am for a conducted tour of the wood, help with identifying birdsong, and refreshments around the campfire at the end.
Work Parties
Work parties are held on the second Saturday of each month (or Sunday if Saturday is wet!) starting at 9.30am. From Easter we will be meeting on Wednesday evening, starting at 6.30pm. If you are interested in joining in, please contact us first to confirm that the event is going ahead. All volunteers are welcome; no previous experience is necessary.
Further information from David Venner (tel: 560417, email davidvenner@live.co.uk)
Organised events in the wood need to be booked through the Community Centre (tel: 561387, email: sally@highbickington.org)
Quarry Wood Update – April 2025
REMINDER: Book now for “Devon’s Wonderful Hedges” – Friday 4th April, 7.00pm for 7.30pm at the Community Centre, High Bickington. £5 adults, £2.50 students.
As part of our celebration of the 20th anniversary of the planting of the wood, we have arranged an illustrated talk on the history, wildlife and management of Devon’s hedges and small woods, by Dr Robert Wolton, ecologist, farmer and Chairman of the Devon Hedge Group.
You can book your place by scanning the QR code on the poster opposite, or via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1234519524129?aff=oddtdtcreator. If you prefer to just come along and pay at the door, that’s fine but please let us know in advance so that we can ensure that we have enough seating and refreshments. Please phone or email David Venner – see contact details below.
Other Forthcoming Activities
There will once again be an Easter Egg Hunt around the wood, from 18th to 21st April. Look out for posters advertising extra activities in the wood on the Saturday! And on 4th May (International Dawn Chorus Day) we will be holding our own Dawn Chorus Walk in the wood. Meet at the Community Centre at 6.00am.
Hedge Planting, Hedgelaying and Thinning
In early March we completed the planting of a new hedge alongside the school grounds. Thanks to the volunteers who braved a cold morning to carry out this planting. A section of the tall hedge between Quarry Wood and an adjoining field was laid to encourage new, denser growth, and the nearby gateway has been stone-faced. Thanks to David and Kevin for carrying out this work, and to Neil who has completed this winter’s thinning operations.
Website
We now have some web pages on the High Bickington Community Centre website: https://highbickingtoncommunitycentre.co.uk. Under the Quarry Wood tab you will find items such as ‘history of the wood’, ‘volunteering’, ‘20th anniversary events’, and a photo gallery. Thanks to Sally and Gail for setting this up.
Work Parties
Work parties are held on the second Saturday of each month (or Sunday if Saturday is wet!) starting at 9.30am. From April we will also have some midweek evening work parties, starting at 6.30pm. If you are interested in joining in, please contact us first to confirm that the event is going ahead. All volunteers are welcome; no previous experience is necessary.
Further information from David Venner (tel: 560417, email davidvenner@live.co.uk)
Organised events in the wood need to be booked through the Community Centre (tel: 561387, email: sally@highbickington.org)
Quarry Wood Update – March 2025
REMINDER: Book now for “Devon’s Wonderful Hedges” – Friday 4th April, 7.00pm at the Community Centre, High Bickington. £5 adults, £2.50 students.
As part of our celebration of the 20th anniversary of the planting of the wood, we have arranged an illustrated talk on the history, wildlife and management of Devon’s hedges and small woods, by Dr Robert Wolton, ecologist, farmer and Chairman of the Devon Hedge Group.
You can book your place by scanning the QR code on the poster opposite, or via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1234519524129?aff=oddtdtcreator. If you prefer to just come along and pay at the door, that’s fine but please let us know in advance so that we can ensure that we have enough seating and refreshments. Please phone or email David Venner – see contact details below.
Other Forthcoming Activities
There will once again be an Easter Egg Hunt around the wood, from 18th to 21st April. Look out for posters advertising extra activities in the wood on the Saturday! And on 4th May (International Dawn Chorus Day) we will be holding our own Dawn Chorus Walk in the wood. Meet at the Community Centre at 6.00am.
Hedge Planting and Hedgelaying
In early March we completed the planting of a new hedge alongside the school grounds. Thanks to the volunteers who braved a cold morning to carry out this planting. A section of the tall hedge between Quarry Wood and the swales field was laid to encourage new, denser growth, and the nearby gateway has been stone faced. Thanks to David and Kevin for carrying out this work.
Website
We now have some web pages on the High Bickington Community Centre website: https://highbickingtoncommunitycentre.co.uk. Under the Quarry Wood tab you will find items such as ‘history of the wood’, ‘volunteering’, ‘20th anniversary events’, and a photo gallery.
Work Parties
Work parties are held on the second Saturday of each month (or Sunday if Saturday is wet!) starting at 9.30am. From April we will also have some midweek evening work parties, starting at 6.30pm. If you are interested in joining in, please contact us first to confirm that the event is going ahead. All volunteers are welcome; no previous experience is necessary.
Further information from David Venner (tel: 560417, email davidvenner@live.co.uk)
Organised events in the wood need to be booked through the Community Centre (tel: 561387, email: sally@highbickington.org)