BRANCHLINES and OLD SCHOOL WOOD
MEADOWS UPDATE. Following our main hay day in Orchard Meadow in August, the weather turned wet. I was eventually able to arrange a cut and rake on the old meadow early last month. Our dedicated volunteers first removed a large number of tree seedlings which had appeared and could have grown up to suppress the wild flowers. There have been quite a few summery things still out or about in the early autumn – butterflies such as red admiral and comma, flowers such as scabious and wild basil.
BERRY NICE. Autumn has brought a bounty of berries and nuts. Many birds and mammals hoard or feast at this time in preparation for the winter. Quite a few bird species come all the way from scandinavia and beyond to grab their share of fruit; redwings and fieldfares for example, or you may be lucky enough to see waxwings. Nuts tend to be hoarded as they keep well; squirrels are well known for this and they probably take most of the hazel nuts in Old School Wood. Birds like jays and nuthatches also hoard, while on a smaller scale are mice and voles. This year has seen the first few sweet chestnuts produced from trees that take longer to mature than hazel.
How many different sorts of nut or berry could you find in our wood? There were at least 10.
WORKING PARTY. Saturday 30th November. Meet 9.30am by the benches along the main track. Bring gloves and a drink. Come dressed for the weather on the day.
We move on from the meadows to work on trees and hedges as the leaves fall. 11am break for refreshments as usual.
David Taylor, chair of Branchlines.
ST. LAWRENCE CHURCHYARD
The churchyard is settling down for the winter season, but there is still plenty to do. I hope to refresh the route and markers for the war graves path in time for Remembrance Day. Some hedges will need a trim plus weeding and path levelling. Could you help? If so, come along to the…
WORKING PARTY. Saturday 9th November. Meet 9.30am in the churchyard. All tools provided but bring a drink and gloves.
David Taylor
FOOTPATHS and VILLAGE WALKS
I was lucky enough to do a few days walking the South Downs Way in October. I was dropped off at Winchester and walked to Amberley, where I caught the train back to Sudbury. It was 12 miles a day for 4 days, staying at B&B on the way. The weather was kind and the views exhilarating from the hill tops. I also had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with other walkers on the way. We don’t have quite the same hills and views here, but we can enjoy the fresh air and each other’s company on our group walks.
NOVEMBER WALK. Saturday 9th November. Meet at 2pm at the village pub, The White Horse, for one of our classic local walks via the moated medieval Chilton Hall and St Mary’s church, perhaps with a surprise extra loop. You’ll need good walking shoes.
Local Footpath Update. There is hopeful news that we may be able to improve the footpath from Folly Road corner to the church and the community woodland. This follows a productive on-site meeting between parish council delegates and a county council officer.
David L Taylor
