- Cutting Hawthorn in Gypsum Scrub
Autumn is coming and on all good nature reserves they are starting to think about what needs doing over the autumn and winter months. Unlike with gardening most nature conservation work takes place in the winter. Rushcliffe is fortunate as it has a network of nature reserves with volunteer work parties and all of them would welcome additional help.
What sort of things might they be doing? Well for example at Bunny Wood it might be coppicing sections of woodland to allow light back in to encourage the ground flora, whilst at Wilford Claypits the warden might be looking at de-silting a pond and at Bingham Linear Park clearing scrub to reopen grassland areas. All you need to bring along is old clothes, sensible shoes and gardening gloves. If you enjoy being in the open air and getting your hands dirty then why not look on Rushcliffe’s Nature Conservation web site www.southnottswildlife.org under the reserves section for a list of sites looking for extra help or email gordon.dyne@gmail for a list.
NB – Wilwell Farm Cutting Nature Reserve is a 20 acre site on the edge of Ruddington found on the B680 (Wilford Road) between Ruddington and Wilford. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is best known for its wide variety of wildflowers. It is part of the route of the Great Central Railway Line that used to go to Nottingham Victoria and is open for public access at all times. Volunteers for the Reserve working party are always welcome. Contact Gordon Dyne on 0115 984 3934.