Summer 2019 - work parties on Inkberrow Millennium Green

Cranes bill and marbled white butterfly

Work parties take place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. We meet at the Millennium Green at 10am and finish with coffee and biscuits about noon.
People of all ages and abilities are welcome and we do need new volunteers to help to maintain the Green into the future for the benefit of village residents.

Dates for summer Sunday work parties:

April 14      April 28      May 12         May 26          June 19      June 23
July 14      July 28       August 11      August 25      Sept 8       Sept 22


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.
Also it depends on 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 hope to put new gravel at the entrance and on the steps in the second field. Also 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 cutting or pulling docks and nettles etc.

In May we cut and pull nettles, thistles, docks and cleavers as and where needed. Always round S and E of the moat banks.This year we will also have to remove some hogweed which is starting to become invasive in some areas of the wildflower grassland. 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.

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.

In late August or early September strimming of the upper grassland is done and the cut grass needs raking up. We spread some of the cut grass on poorer grassland to spread wildflower seeds.

Throughout the summer the battle against nettles and thistles etc 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 sheep will return to the second field probably in September where they are our main grassland management ' tool'.

We also hope 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