Summer 2022 - work parties on Inkberrow Millennium Green
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Cranesbill Marbled white butterfly
Dates for summer Sunday work parties:
April 10 April 24 May 08 May 22 June 12 June 26
July 10 July 24 August 14 August 28 Sept 11 Sept 25
We meet at the entrance at 10am and work parties last about two hours.
The summer work plan has to be more flexible than the winter one as it is more dependent on the weather and rate of growth of grassland and nettles, docks etc. and also when the various areas of grass are cut or strimmed and need raking up.
We regularly check the site for litter and keep the notices cleaned, and the seats, steps and boardwalks in good repair. Debris is removed from the ponds and moat as required.
In April we will re- strim paths up both sides of the small stream which flows down towards the moat into the drain under the track. This is an excellent site for wetland flowers which attract butterflies. We also begin the ongoing task of controlling invasive species such as thistles.
In May we cut and pull nettles, docks, cleavers and hogweed as and where needed - always round S and E of the moat banks. Some thistles and nettles will be sprayed this year in the second field as they are becoming too invasive in some areas of the best wildflower grassland which we are contracted to manage and improve. There may be grass to rake up from the main paths in the first field which are cut by contractor. The areas round picnic tables, seats and notice boards in the first field are regularly strimmed.
In June further cutting/pulling and the board walks will be kept clear. The grass on the west and north moat bank will be cut / strimmed in late June or July. We expect to have a number of school visits during the week in May and June so pond dipping sites and other areas will be made safely accessible. We also require dogs to be kept on leads in the first field when the school is visiting.
Throughout the summer the battle against nettles, thistles and other invasive species continues. We aim to keep the grassland clear of these species but they have their place round the edges as they are very good plants for butterflies and other insects.
The hay should be cut in the second half of July or early August – this always leaves some raking up to do. Before cutting we will collect some grass and flower seed for spreading elsewhere to improve the less diverse grassland.
In late August or early September strimming of the upper grassland is done and the cut grass needs raking up. We may spread some of the cut grass on poorer grassland to spread wildflower seeds.
The sheep will return to the second field where they are our main grassland management ' tool'.
April 10 April 24 May 08 May 22 June 12 June 26
July 10 July 24 August 14 August 28 Sept 11 Sept 25
We meet at the entrance at 10am and work parties last about two hours.
The summer work plan has to be more flexible than the winter one as it is more dependent on the weather and rate of growth of grassland and nettles, docks etc. and also when the various areas of grass are cut or strimmed and need raking up.
We regularly check the site for litter and keep the notices cleaned, and the seats, steps and boardwalks in good repair. Debris is removed from the ponds and moat as required.
In April we will re- strim paths up both sides of the small stream which flows down towards the moat into the drain under the track. This is an excellent site for wetland flowers which attract butterflies. We also begin the ongoing task of controlling invasive species such as thistles.
In May we cut and pull nettles, docks, cleavers and hogweed as and where needed - always round S and E of the moat banks. Some thistles and nettles will be sprayed this year in the second field as they are becoming too invasive in some areas of the best wildflower grassland which we are contracted to manage and improve. There may be grass to rake up from the main paths in the first field which are cut by contractor. The areas round picnic tables, seats and notice boards in the first field are regularly strimmed.
In June further cutting/pulling and the board walks will be kept clear. The grass on the west and north moat bank will be cut / strimmed in late June or July. We expect to have a number of school visits during the week in May and June so pond dipping sites and other areas will be made safely accessible. We also require dogs to be kept on leads in the first field when the school is visiting.
Throughout the summer the battle against nettles, thistles and other invasive species continues. We aim to keep the grassland clear of these species but they have their place round the edges as they are very good plants for butterflies and other insects.
The hay should be cut in the second half of July or early August – this always leaves some raking up to do. Before cutting we will collect some grass and flower seed for spreading elsewhere to improve the less diverse grassland.
In late August or early September strimming of the upper grassland is done and the cut grass needs raking up. We may spread some of the cut grass on poorer grassland to spread wildflower seeds.
The sheep will return to the second field where they are our main grassland management ' tool'.
Ladys bedstraw in flower
We also hope to contiue to enjoy the wildflower grassland, butterflies and bird song in the sunshine.
If you can help, even occasionally, or would be prepared to help with the extra
work parties during the week please contact
Tim Patrickson: timpatrickson@hotmail.co.uk
Wendy Johnson: wendy.johnson@care4free.net
Visit our web site: inkberrowmilgreen.co.uk
Or just turn up one Sunday morning
If you can help, even occasionally, or would be prepared to help with the extra
work parties during the week please contact
Tim Patrickson: timpatrickson@hotmail.co.uk
Wendy Johnson: wendy.johnson@care4free.net
Visit our web site: inkberrowmilgreen.co.uk
Or just turn up one Sunday morning