Dear Volunteers
Our contractor will be cutting the grass in the Heritage Orchard next week. As you know we are fortunate that a cut and collect machine is now used. This collects the arisings as well as mowing. This is important in areas where wildflowers are being encouraged as it reduces the soil fertility which otherwise mainly benefits the more vigorous grasses.
There are a few areas in the Orchard where the collect machine can’t get between the trees, so as usual, we will be using grass rakes and wheelbarrows to move the arisings manually with your help.
Those of you who have helped with this task before will know that although it is quite hard work, it is also really rewarding to be able to spend time outdoors in this lovely setting engaging in this centuries-old human activity.
Our four raking sessions next week will be:
Thursday 14th September 10.00 – 12.00
Thursday 14th September 13.00 – 15.00
Friday 15th September 10.00 – 12.00
Friday 15th September 13.00 – 15.00
These sessions will be lead by Stephen Witchell, our Estates and Facilities Manager.
You are welcome to just turn up to any sessions, but it is helpful to know in advance how many volunteers we can expect not least because Stephen can notify you if we need to cancel at short notice due to heavy rain (as we did last year!)
If you able to stay for both sessions in a day you are welcome to bring a packed lunch with you.
As usual please remember to bring gardening gloves, water and sun hats, sun cream etc. If you have a grass rake to bring, that is useful, though we do have some available to borrow.
I look forward to hearing from you.
