Dorset

Countryside

No 179 February - April 2017

Volunteers Reg Charity No 1071723 www.dcv.org.uk Who we are, what we do, where, why and how . .

DCV is . . . A DCV day lasts . . .

• A practical conservation group run by volunteers • 10.00a.m. – 5.00p.m. approximately including since 1972 doing practical work in the breaks for drinks (which are supplied) and lunch countryside that would not otherwise be done (please bring your own lunch) • Volunteers are male and female, from all walks of life and from all over the county FINDING DCV . . . • Work is seasonal, e.g. woodlands in winter -

hedgelaying, coppicing; in summer dry stone walling, clearing ponds, footpath work • Maps with the task programme (at the back of this newsletter) show the locations of task sites • Organisations we work for include: Wildlife Trust, Heritage Coast Project, Natural • DCV website dcv.org.uk England, Amphibian Reptile Conservation Trust • Facebook • We work at weekends throughout Dorset • Look for DCV’s yellow arrows near the worksite or the DCV information board may show an • No super-human strength or special skills needed, or attendance on every task or even for explanatory note the whole weekend - any time is a bonus for us • If unsure of the worksite try to arrive by 10.00 to and for you! meet other volunteers. The worksite may be some way off. Lost? give us a call on 07929 961532 DCV offers . . . (after 10.00 a.m.) ring longer than normal

FOOD & DRINK • Practical care for the environment • Opportunity to learn new skills - training given • Use of all necessary tools • Please bring your own lunch • Beautiful countryside, social events, fun & • DCV provides free hot/cold drinks and biscuits companionship during the day - bring your own mug if you wish • Occasionally DCV may hold a shared lunch or YOU should bring . . . supper (aka bring a dish) when it is usual for people to bring some food to share around

• Stout footwear (steel toecaps if possible)

• Old clothes (wear layers) Long trousers and • Note: If you have a medical condition or allergies sleeves are best of any sort, please carry a card and bring • Tough gloves (we have some to sell/lend) necessary medicines. If you wish, bring this to the • Waterproofs, sun block, sun hat, insect repellent attention of the task leader. Please complete the • Lunch and some water “in case of emergency” details at the end of the • Don’t forget an up to date tetanus jab newsletter, and bring on task. “In case of

emergency details” can be inserted into a small key Reaching a task . . . fob which can be attached to your rucksack. Key fobs are available from Richard Meatyard. • If you need, or can offer, a lift phone Richard Meatyard or Peter Warren 3 days before a task • All youngsters are welcome, but should be • Lifts from Wool station (toolstore is nearby) accompanied by a responsible adult. • Travel links: http://www.morebus.co.uk/ https://www.dorsetforyou.com/travel-dorset/rail EDITORIAL

With Christmas and New Year all over (didn’t it go quickly) the days are at last drawing out. It’s no warmer but it is lighter, as we’ve seen on task at the end of the day watching the bonfire burn down, we are no longer away at 4:30 but 5:15 or so. Some days even seem to have a spring-like quality . . .

This quarter sees the end of the cutting and burning season. Mid March will mark the change in the programme to more constructive tasks and other opportunities to share our skills with each other. From then onwards sap will be rising, birds will be nesting, so no more cutting. We hope to have a cookout/nosh up on the last bash and burn task. Depending on the weather, it may be an elaborate affair or a spud n cheese. We do want volunteers to enjoy task days, not just working outdoors but socialising as well, and sometimes as at Vitower we arrange a guided walk with the ranger. It’s these events that enhance our experience and mark that day as special. We’ve had some great days and special events on task this winter, wonderful views and worksites, lovely sunsets, starling murmuration - so here’ s looking forward to many more.

Membership fees are due again and still only £3 – what value for money - four newsletters plus annual report each year, access to the DCV email system, supporting the website. For those members unhappy with an e-copy this is the time to change your preference on the membership form enclosed. Paper copies have their use especially for the free car parking. Don’t delay - complete today!

DCV will be working in all corners of our county during the coming quarter, a great way to see the different landscapes in Dorset - woodlands of Purbeck, heathlands in the east, rolling downlands of the north, hidden valleys of the west, not forgetting the dramatic coastline. Some of these tasks might lend themselves to a communal lunchtime walk, but do always take the opportunity to have a look around for yourself while you are there.

So tasks for all tastes - come on out for whatever time you can spare. Co-ordinator’s report Richard Meatyard

Our second quarter of winter that thankfully provided plenty of time to coppice some of the tasks spanned Christmas and the shelter from the rather inclement overstood stools. As this was one New Year. While scrub clearance wind and the forecast heavy rain of the few really cold weekends of in all its varied forms was the fortunately had gone through the Winter, so far, the sheltered order of the day there was some overnight. location and large hot fire were welcome variation in the form of a most welcome. November included the only two woodland task, visits to three new tasks of the quarter for Dorset The period on the run up to sites and the return to one that Wildlife Trust. Christmas and into the New Year we haven’t visited for many years, was dedicated to pine, birch and October 2007! The first at Michael’s Peace, a gorse clearance on a number of pocket handkerchief of a reserve We made return visits to a ARC sites. which we haven’t visited for many couple of the National Trust hill years, near the hamlet of Toller At Clouds Hill there was an forts in the north of Dorset, Hod & Whelme. Here we made a start opportunity to seek out an early Hambledon where we continued on clearing a bank of scrub that Christmas Tree. On Saturday the our efforts removing the small has grown up alongside the task was followed by the DCV scrub that has been encroaching roadside hedge. Christmas Dinner in Winfrith over the years. With the sites Village Hall, one of the best having been temporarily removed The second was Powerstock attended in recent years. The from organic schemes it is now common which is one of our more following weekend was the official possible to treat the cut stumps to regular DWT sites. After many Christmas Tree task and while prevent re-growth. Hopefully this years, it appears the plan to there were plenty of suitable trees means our efforts will be reopen the old track bed as a to choose from the majority of rewarded by not having to return trailway is starting to make what was cut and burnt was birch to repeat the work on the same progress. We were there to help as we continued to open up the area in a few years as has been continue the work, started by wet heathland. the case in the past. DWT volunteers, of pushing back the growth alongside the track to As Christmas fell on a weekend We also had return visits to two increase the width and to reduce we had a break this year but work other National Trust sites: the shading of the glades resumed with our traditional New Coney’s Castle in the far west alongside the track. Year’s Day task. This was where we continued the another new site, Green Pool, The first weekend in December clearance work on the top of the although there seemed to be a was a break from scrub clearance fort that we started last winter forest of gorse between us and and a visit to the first of our new which aims to restore the top of the pool so only the more sites, Langton West Wood in the Castle to open grassland. adventurous ventured into the site South Purbeck, owned by the Here to protect the archaeology to see the pool. Despite a rather National Trust. Here they are we had a fire in a skip on foreboding weather forecast there working on a project to restore supports which prevents the heat was a good turnout, possibly manageable coppice woodland. of the fire disturbing tempted by the offer of baked The first coupe was done a magnetometry results but also potatoes for lunch. Soon after the couple of years ago and work has made the fire rather sluggish both rain set in and as it got heavier now started on the second. On days. and heavier an early finish Saturday we were joined by seemed the sensible option. And more recently to Fontmell National Trust volunteers and Down, where we were working in were able to watch Toby and As I write this I am wondering an area at the foot of the down on Fleur demonstrate traditional what awaits us at our third new the north side that we haven’t timber removal by horse. After site, Vitower (near Wytch Farm) visited previously. The long trek in clearing previously cut brash piles where once again we will be was rewarded by a secret glade with the aid of the bonfire we had working for ARC. A reminder to be safe on the work site Especially after a couple on incidents last year

With the cutting season there is the possibility of a few accidents. Some of these are genuine accidents that just happen and seem unavoidable, others are just waiting to happen but could be avoided.

First of all, it is the responsibility of everyone out on task to think about safety - their own and that of others around them. That said, here are some important tips and advice to help us all have an accident free winter . . .

◊ Wear stout boots or shoes, gloves and a protective jacket to prevent injuries to your feet, hands and body.

◊ Wear protective goggles (ask task leader) to avoid a poke in the eye.

◊ Wear non flammable clothing especially when working near to the fire. Many new volunteers are now wearing fleece jackets and leaving the site with burn holes in them. Waxed jackets are available at reasonable prices from markets and some outdoor shops.

◊ Wear a hat when working on or near the fire. Its quite easy for sparks to land in your hair and singe it.

◊ Cut stumps of gorse, young pine and scrub as low to the ground as possible. This will prevent others from tripping and doing themselves a nasty injury.

◊ Carry and use tools safely as instructed.

◊ Do not over exert yourself.

◊ Always be aware of what is going on around you, are trees about to come down and are others working too close to you, or you to close to them. When felling trees, let other volunteers know before your tree is falling, then shout out “Timber”.

◊ Be aware of the terrain, is it slippery or uneven. Never rush, you may trip.

Herbicide use by DCV on task

Over the years DCV have been cutting scrub and generally letting it re-grow or hoping the re-growth will be grazed by cattle or sheep. The world has moved on and there is more scrub than volunteers can cope with. Now on certain tasks we are being asked to use a small spray bottle of diluted “Roundup” with a dye to show we have sprayed the cut stump. Recently we have been asked to spray on Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill. We are only asked to spot spray the cut stem. Other clients will use herbicides in the control of birch and rhododendron and this usually administered by the Rangers themselves.

“Roundup” is a trade name for glyphosate, a chemical that kills plants. It is the same as the weedkiller from the garden centre. The diluted mixture should be enough to kill the roots of a young plant and not damage the surrounding environment. Safety is a big question both for volunteers and the environment and so the rangers we work with will have been on the full week long chemical training course and as such are able to supervise us volunteers and provide safety glasses and gloves.

Some of you will say “aren’t we being hypocritical, calling ourselves a conservation group and using herbicides” and the answer is probably YES. So we will leave it up to your own conscience, the way you stand morally on this question. DCV won’t insist that you use the spray and we will be very accommodating on those who won’t. Don’t be afraid to tell us on task how you stand. If need be we can work in pairs and it isn’t the end of the world if some cut stems aren’t treated.

We will provide the MSDS (material safety data sheet) to be kept in the trailer and taken out by task leaders. This shows what precautions need to be taken and any hazards to our health and the environment. Chilblains What are they and how to treat them

Chilblains are small, itchy swellings on the skin that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures. They most often affect the body's extremities, such as toes, fingers, heels, ears and nose. Chilblains can be uncomfortable but rarely cause any permanent damage. They normally heal within a few weeks if further exposure to the cold is avoided. Chilblains usually develop several hours after exposure to the cold. They typically cause a burning and itching sensation in the affected areas, which can become more intense if you go into a warm room. The affected skin may also swell and turn red or dark blue. In severe cases, the surface of the skin may break and sores or blisters can develop. It's important not to scratch the skin as it can break easily and become infected. When the skin is cold, blood vessels near its surface get narrower. If the skin is then exposed to heat, the blood vessels become wider. If this happens too quickly, blood vessels near the surface of the skin can't always handle the increased blood flow. This can cause blood to leak into the surrounding tissue, which may cause the swelling and itchiness associated with chilblains. Chilblains often get better on their own without treatment after a week or two. It may help to use a soothing lotion, such as calamine or witch hazel, to relieve itching. Your pharmacist may also be able to recommend a suitable product. If your chilblains are severe and keep returning, speak to your GP. They may recommend taking a daily tablet or capsule of a medication called nifedipine. This works by relaxing the blood vessels, improving your circulation. Nifedipine can be used to help existing chilblains heal or can be taken during the winter to stop them developing.

Bake a batch of your most scrumptious Chocolate brownies and bring them along for tasting and judging at this inaugural event Open to all . . . Have a go Sunday 2nd April Join in the fun . . .

Impartial judging Farm Blind tasting

Find That Task Site All about using Lat/Long

Ever since DCV first started putting maps into the newsletter we have been using the Ordnance Survey grid reference. The country is broken down into a letter and number code. To use this system one needs to have the OS maps and be able to map read but it is accurate. On the Langton Wood map our meeting place at Acton is SY 988 787. When Sat Navs came along they used the less accurate post codes, these areas differ in size, town codes can be just a street but country codes can be miles wide. Often the post code comes with final instructions, so for the Langton meeting place BH19 3JN it might say take the narrow lane first right after the Worth turning if coming from Kingston. Most accurate would be the planet wide Latitude and Longitude co-ordinates, commonly referred to as LatLong. Some SatNavs will use post codes and LatLong. All these systems have some failings and even the most travelled volunteers still gets lost. There are applications on the internet to help convert OS grid ref to LatLong or LatLong to post code. Here is one of them. Here are the LatLong codes for this quarter’s tasks, give it a try and let me know. Or just copy and paste into any search engine and a map will come up.

Langton West Wood: 50.607552, -2.0171499 Upton Wood: 50.738152, -2.019311 Compton Down: 50.967708, -2.163605 Great Ovens and East Gore: 50.713066, -2.110118 Overfill car park 50.718170, -2.112505 Town Common: 50.777567, -1.806127 West Milton: 50.763972, -2.702756 Higher Hyde Heath: 50.708898, -2.207673 Tyneham: 50.621214, -2.168286 Beach: 50.659333, -2.623328 Swyre: 50.692120, -2.6697528

http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/

Type in Grid Ref here, press go and the blue pin will mark that spot.

Type in Lat and Long, press go and the blue pin will mark that spot Invertebrates of the Month – March Two insects commonly found on Gorse

It’s really easy to get a bit sniffy result of this part of its life-cycle humbug-coloured eggs which about gorse Ulex sp., and land it is recognised as a bio-control are laid in double rows on seed managers can spend large method for gorse and has been pods in the spring. amounts of money constantly introduced to various countries battling it on sites of around the world where gorse conservation importance, but like is non-native for this purpose many potential problem plant including Australia and New species gorse has its own array Zealand. of fabulous insect and invertebrate species associated with it. Do look out for these insects I’ve chosen to focus on two of next time you visit a heathland or them, the gorse shieldbug moorland with a sheltered, sunny Piezodorus lituratus (Fabricius, patch of gorse. 1794) and one of the weevils found on gorse, the gorse seed Pete Boardman – Natural weevil Exapion (Ulapion) ulicis England Field Unit (Forster, 1771), both visible in The gorse shieldbug can be March. really difficult to spot against Tetranychus lintearius is a the background of gorse species of spider mite known as flowers and seed pods. In the the gorse spider mite. spring it manifests as a pale The adult mite is half a millimeter olive green insect with yellow long and bright red. It lives in edges offering great colonies in a shelter of spun silk camouflage against its spanning many branch tips. background, whereas in the Infested plants are easily emerging summer generation identifiable by these cobweb-like the colour darkens significantly sheets of silk, which can grow with hints of brown and purple quite large. The female lays one that reflect the coming season to four eggs per day during her

and prepare the insect for three to four week adult lifespan. In common with many other hibernation. In passing it can The tiny nymph is small enough weevils this species has a long sometimes be mistaken for the to disperse on the wind during its curved rostrum that enables this green shieldbug Palomena first stage. Those that stay group of insects to feed upon prasina Linnaeus, 1761, but the behind populate the colony as it plant material including hard gorse shieldbug has brighter expands. seeds. In this case the adult red antennae and is more This is (1.8mm – 2.5mm) mines the yellowy-green in colour, as well the stems of the gorse plant whilst as the yellow border around the insect we the larvae develop and feed abdomen. saw inside the seed pods for up to recently two months, then pupate for Sometimes the best way of at about the same period of time finding the presence of the Vitower, that I was mistakenly before emerging as adults. As a insect is to search for the told to be the funnel web spider. DCV Clothing available to order

Clothing has the DCV logo and "Dorset Countryside Volunteers" embroidered on. So far there have been lots of sales of hats, T shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies.

NB. The wording beneath the logo has changed from "Working for Conservation" to "Dorset Countryside Volunteers" and our version of the logo without words is then used. The logo is a little larger.

Adult sizes:

Sweatshirt (crew neck, unisex S to XXL) £16.50, Sweatshirt (crew neck, ladies, slightly lighter weight material, sizes 8 to 18) £16.50, Hooded Sweatshirt (unisex S to XXL with kangaroo pocket) £17.95, Zip Hooded Sweatshirt (unisex S to XXL with side pockets) £21.00, Polo Shirt (men S to XXL, ladies size 8 to 24) £12.50, T-shirt (unisex S to XXL) £8.50, Soft-shell jacket (unisex S to XXL) £45, Sleeveless soft-shell jacket (unisex S to XXL) £36.

Child sizes: Child sizes are by age: 2yrs, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9,10, 11/12, 13.

Sweatshirt (crew neck) £10.50, Hooded Sweatshirts £13.50, Zip Hooded Sweatshirt £15.50, Polo Shirt £9.50, T-shirt £6.50.

Hats and caps: Hats have "DORSET COUNTRYSIDE VOLUNTEERS" in a contrasting colour (typically white) but not the logo.

Baseball caps £7.50 (adult or child). Fleece hat (with turn-up band) £7.50 (adult or child). Note that these are polyester so should be kept away from fire.

If you are interested in ordering hats/caps let Gareth know, but you may have to wait a while for him to receive sufficient interest to place an order as there is a minimum order quantity of 4.

Typical examples of colours are: Black, Navy Blue, Bottle Green, Burgundy, Royal Blue, Light Grey, Purple, and Red although hats have a more limited colour range.

Please note that there may be slight variations in details dependant on the stock that our supplier can obtain at the time.

Orders take up to 30 days to complete. Payment in advance is by cheque payable to Dorset Countryside Volunteers. Either collect the clothing on task, or contact Gareth for alternative arrangements.

Gareth will bring a sample out on future tasks.

Gareth Morgan [email protected] 07923 498760 (text or voicemail) Why does DCV Tea taste so great

Have you ever wondered why DCV tea but not coffee tastes so good in Winter when the kettle is boiled over a Pine or Gorse fire? How Do We Smell More odour is given off by coffee and so we don’t notice the change in taste. Tea gives off less The sense of smell developed in mankind to warn odour and so we notice the difference in taste. us, a kind of early warning system to keep us alive. We respond very quickly when we smell smoke or Of course we all taste and smell things differently, we are all individual but there are some rotten food or poisons. We are more relaxed when similarities. we smell sweet or savoury food or even flowers and Tea made with water boiled over a Pine tree fire may have a resin, smokey taste and smell similar to perfumes. Earl Grey. Whilst a tea made over Gorse may taste stronger, more smokey and acidic, similar to a Receptors in our nose are linked to a nearby part of Lapsang souchong. the brain.

What makes a good cup of tea?

We all have the five basic senses. Square Pyramid Round Smell The very cheapest does taste cheap Taste but all the rest should be all right, and I have not found that the shape matters. Sight Firstly we need water boiled over a How Do We Taste Hearing pine tree or gorse fire. Tea made with We taste through sensory organs called Taste Buds. Touch not quite boiling water can produce a These are mostly on the tongue but others are in the throat and scum on top and taste foul. If the kettle around the mouth. (Did you know that by our early twenties we has boiled and no one is ready to drink have lost half our taste buds, which might explain how we can eat yet then leave it near the fire to pop sprouts and broccoli when we are older but not when we are back on at the last minute. The tea is young). Different parts of the tongue taste things differently, one Why do things smell? important. It may be builders or part is best for sweet another for sour. The throat tastes differently Most things smell of something because they give off breakfast tea but DCV uses teabags for too. vapours of organic compounds. These smells are convenience. Let the tea steep for a Flavour is a combination of taste and smell. We can taste used to attract insects to pollinate plants or to be minute then a dash of milk. Stewed tea something acidic or sweet but the nose helps us determine what it eaten and spread seeds. Some trees give off is too bitter and milky tea masks the full is we are eating. Someone with a really bad cold and blocked chemicals to stop their leaves being eaten. All the aroma of the gorse or pine. Let it cool nose may often use more salt, pepper or sauce just to get some smells in nature have a reason. Man made objects for a minute and enjoy. flavour. such as plastics can give off vapours we can smell and some of these can be dangerous for our health. Very few things have no smell at all, maybe glass and metal objects. Our noses are very complex and designed to help us survive in the wild. Our eyes are Do you remember the smells of the countryside and not just the pungent now used to gather most information backed up by silage or manure. The fallen leaves give off a memorable odour when they hearing and then smell. We are one of the worst start to decay especially when they are wet. Some woods smell of rich tannin smellers on the planet. Most animals have a great whilst others smell of sweet grass. sense of smell. Dogs can track people and most hunters can smell their prey. Spotlight on Higher Hyde Heath Nature Reserve

Nestled within one of the best with Common heather, Bell species, including ground nesting areas of the country to see all heather and Gorse throughout, birds, may occur throughout. The six native British reptiles, this is with Sundew, Bog asphodel, ground is generally rough and an internationally important Sphagnum mosses and Pale uneven away from the paths, and heathland site, with wet, dry and butterwort in the wetter heath. several ponds and wet areas are humid heaths, a selection of There is an information board at present on site. peaty pools and ponds, mire the car park entrance with a map Ponies are used to graze a large and wet woodland. of the site, and a surfaced path part of the site all year. Please to a hide with viewing area Many of the rare heathland keep your distance, and observe overlooking a pond. This path species can be found here. In any signs. Adders and ticks are continues around the pond from addition to the reptile interest, also present. the hide and leads out over a including Smooth snake and Sand stile onto the heath. DCV are working here helping to lizard, birds include the ground A path also leads down into the build a new fence around the nesting Nightjar, Dartford warbler, wood before reaching the hide, heath extension to allow grazing Woodlark and Tree pipit. this also follows out onto the animals to control the scrub. Many interesting dragon and open heath through a pedestrian damselflies live in the wetter gate. All un-surfaced paths may Task dates areas, whilst Grayling and Silver- be wet and uneven in places. Sunday 26th March studded blue butterflies can be Although the site is Open 8th & 9th April found on the open heath. Flowers Access please be aware that include typical heathland species, sensitive heathland DCV - ASSOCIATION ORCHIS EXCHANGE

We are due to Visit St Vaast in Normandy, France again in May to help Association Orchis carry out further conservation work. The members who joined us last year will well remember the enjoyable day we had working in the overgrown biological gardens overlooking Cherbourg.

Provided the ferry times do not change we will leave Poole at 08.30 on Friday 19th May and return to Poole on Sunday 21st arriving home at 22.15. The cost of the ferry for the last couple of years has been £22 although I have not as yet been provided with our special rate for this year but will contact Brittany Ferries closer to the time.

However since DCV are members of Dorset Twinning we do receive a 10% discount from Brittany Ferries on most crossings from Poole/Portsmouth to France. I enclose a copy of the letter I have received from Brittany Ferries which sets out details of the offer. Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this offer for any other appropriate journeys you may wish to make. I have always found Nikki very helpful in making any arrangements.

I will be in touch closer to the time of our visit to Orchis but meanwhile if you are interested in joining us please put these dates in your diary and if you would like any further information don't hesitate to contact me.

Terry Gillott [email protected] COPPICING

In times gone by nothing from the where all stages of growth are Langton West Wood, DCV will visit woodland would have been present in an immense variety of in December and February. Here wasted; the smallest twigs structure from newly felled Toby cuts wood to make his own bundled into fagots for the fire, areas to the closed canopy of charcoal, greenwood furniture charcoal production, fencing - young trees. A flush of and logs, extracting the cut wood stakes or hurdles - wattle for woodland flowers promoted by with the aid of his two horses, wattle and daub, bark for tanning increased light; butterflies, Fleur and recently acquired leather, thatching spars, hop insects; different bird species Celine. The wood that we coppice poles, much more besides. attracted by varying stages of will be used by Toby to support growth. his business and we will therefore The decline in coppicing resulted be required to cut wood to in many woodlands becoming Recent decades have seen a specific lengths. The area that we neglected and over stood, a tangle revival in coppicing and desire coppice will, when finished, be of fallen branches, dark dense for coppiced products, charcoal, deer fenced whereas previously, places that light does not greenwood furniture, eco cut material has - on our clients’ penetrate - DCV has worked in building. A local example of this instructions - been cut up and such places, bereft of wildlife, is found in Purbeck where Toby scattered, woven into dead birdsong, flowers. And that, for Hoad, woodsman and hedges or deer protection around the conservationist, is the wildlife greenwood worker, works two stools, or burned – much more spin off, the incredibly rich flora woods owned by the National satisfying that it should be and fauna present in coppiced Trust. One we have worked in, recycled for more suitable woodland worked in rotation, Warren Wood, the other, purpose. A brief, practical guide to coppicing

Remove dead wood, small twiggy growth and debris from stool Before cutting a stem: check which way it will fall; that there is no-one in the way; that the top is not impeded

Stems up to 3in (8cm) diameter can be cut straight through If necessary make an undercut on the opposite side Support weight of stem with one hand whilst sawing with the other Cut at a sloping angle away from the centre of the stool If treetop is tangled - hung up - lift the butt end and pull briskly away Never leave a tree hung up - it may be an accident waiting to happen After coppicing the whole stool, clear away cut material as directed by the client/task leader This spring and summer DCV are continuing the challenge of erecting a fence on a nature reserve at Higher Hyde heath near Wareham. This will be to allow grazing stock to keep the A short guide to Fencing scrub and grasses under control. It’s not about strength, but about team-work. Give it a try. It’s all about There are four main types of fencing: teamwork Strained fencing (we will be doing this sort) Post & rail fencing Panel fencing The wire is the bit that keeps the stock in and has to be of sufficient Electric fencing strength to be strained. Different grades are available and it is usually We will be putting up a three strand wire fence with the top one being barbed wire. steel wire galvanised to make it rust proof. Make sure when unwinding The wires are stretched between straining posts, which are dug into the ground with it not to get any kinks as these will weaken the fence and may break intermediate posts between. under tension. Use gloves when handling barbed wire.

Straining posts are dug into the ground up to 3ft (1m) Straining the wire can be done using a short fencing crow bar but deep in a hole just wider than the post, this provides this will only give a moderate strength to the fence, usually fencing or stability. If the soil is soft, the post will need to go in deeper. “monkey” strainers Use the iron bar to loosen the soil and the post hole digger are used. The wire is (shuv-holer) to get it out. Two people are needed to lift the attached to one end post into the hole. Pack soil and stones around the base and slid through a and firm down using a vice or grip, when tamper. All straining posts strained the chain will have 2 struts placed guide moves along along the line of the wire to the chain but will help strengthen the post only move one way. We can now tighten the wire to the desired when the wire is tensioned. Cut a slot in the strainer to take one strength then wrap the wire end around the straining post and using U end of the strut, the other is dug into the ground. shaped fencing staples hammer into the post. Don’t forget to use a spirit level to check all posts are vertical.

Intermediate posts hold the wire up and taught and depending on the type of stock and soil type there may Fencing pliers be a need for more posts. Roll out one strand of wire on the ground and attach lightly to the These special pliers are strainers, this marks the line where the posts must be put in. Use the iron bar to make a hole the multi tool of the and break up stones. Using a post hole drivall, two volunteers (with safety helmets on) can fencing trade as they easily bang in the posts. Don’t forget to mark the posts so they are all in at the same depth. can be used to cut and Alternatively one can use a fencing mell, a type of sledge hammer with a specially shaped twist the wire as well as head to bang in the posts but this operation still needs two people. One to hold the post and hammer in staples and check it’s vertical and the other to bang in the post. You may need a milk crate to stand on to hook them out. get sufficient height to swing the mell head onto the post top. SOCIALS

Unfortunately the cookout following the task at Powerstock was cancelled, due partly to the weather and partly ill health.

The Xmas meal at Winfrith was very well attended and all enjoyed the amenities of the refurbished village hall. There was the usual festive atmosphere the decorated Xmas tree, seasonal food and silly games to follow.

The meal at the Black Bear Wool was changed because Thursday night is curry night. Fourteen Volunteers went to the Halfway House, Norden for a nosh and a natter followed by one of Vivs games, guess the profession from a cryptic picture, not as easy as you might think.

28th February is Pancake Day please come to Peter’s at 7.30 with your pancake filling and drink of your choice. Please let Peter or Helen know if you would like to attend.

Thursday March 16th there will be a pub meal at The Silent Woman Wareham at 7.30. Please inform Helen if you would like to join us.

Bring a lunch time dish to the Tyneham task on Sunday 2nd April and share good food and chat. Another exciting event is also planned for this task - the inaugural Great DCV Chocolate Brownie Bake Off judging will take place . Bake a batch of brownies and bring along for blind tasting and judging!

Thursday 27th April Viv has suggested an evening of board games following a bowl of soup. Please inform Viv or Helen if you would like to attend.

Helen

Task Etiquette and other things we should all know about

Sometimes on task we have new volunteers. Can you remember being new once, how difficult it was to try and say the right thing, who to talk to and this is hard work. Well people haven’t changed so spare a thought for those new ones and talk, it’s not just up to the leader to speak to them. We all need to pace ourselves and stopping for a breather or some water is not a crime. Take a break when you need to or disguise it as a chat. Do take time to look at the site, the wildlife and views. We do get to some great sites.

The task leader is in charge that day and will coordinate the tools with the volunteers to achieve the clients wishes and goals. They will also tell you of any dangers specific to that site and what work objectives should be achieved that day. That doesn’t make them an ogre or any different to a normal volunteer. They have chosen to lead and with the group’s silent acknowledgement must organise the volunteers with the work.

It is generally accepted that whatever you cut you drag to the fire site. Don’t expect others to do it for you. The appointed fire person is in charge of the starting and getting going of the fire. Don’t put anything on the fire until it is going well and they have said it’s ok now. Book Reviews

Silent Spring Revisited by Connor Mark Jameson

After reading Rachel Carson “Silent Spring” published in 1962 I started to look for more up to date information and came across this book from 2012. The book starts in the 1960s and goes through to now, each chapter a decade charting the lows and highs of our attempts to increase food production, build more roads and infrastructure. There are wildlife highs and lows through deliberate destruction, unwitting destruction and changing weather patterns. There are also brave attempts to save what we have and connect fragmented habitats.

The Running Hare (The secret life of farmland) by John Lewis- Stempel

A year in the life of a field, transformed from an arable mono-culture with very little life to an abundance of wildlife in a flower rich wheat crop. One man’s dream of meeting the “corncrake”, once a common but enigmatic bird of farmland and now extinct in England and also his journey through life with our native “brown hare”. The farmer may be the custodian of our countryside but in many cases not of our wildlife.

Handbooks Updated Dorset place names

Tony has recently put on Langton Matravers: Meaning long farm or estate from the DCV Facebook page the old English lang and tun. Matravers added as a manorial or family name. details of the practical

guides sold to volunteers. Compton Abbas: Farm or estate in a valley from the old Do you remember the BTCV English cumb and tun. The manor belonged to Shaftesbury Abby and so added Abbas. handbooks on hedging, dry stone walling and habitats, Abbotsbury: Fortified house or manor belonging to the Abbott from the old English abbod and burh. they started in the 1970s and ran through until the 1990s. They were originally Swyre: Meaning a neck of land from the old English sweora. published and sold through the British Trust for Conservation volunteers who are now Hyde: As in Higher Hyde. A hide of land from the old called The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). English hid, originally an amount of land sufficient to support one free family and dependants. You can buy these wonderful guides at: http://www.tcv.org.uk/handbooks D C V DIARY February - April 2017

Date Task Site Client Work 4/5 February Langton West Wood, National Trust Hazel Coppicing Purbeck 11/12 February Upton Wood, Poole Council Hedge cutting & maintenance 19 February, Compton Down, North National Trust Scrub cutting Sunday Dorset 25/26 February Great Ovens Amphibian Reptile Pine cutting Nr Wareham Conservation 28 February, Pancake Day Bring a pancake filling and Book with Peter or Helen Tuesday 7:30pm at Peter’s drink of your choice 4/5 March Town Common (north), Amphibian Reptile Pine cutting Nr Christchurch Conservation

11/12 March West Milton, Wildlife Trust Gorse cutting Dorset 16 March, Pub Meal 7:30pm Silent Woman, Wareham Book with Helen Thursday

18/19 March East Gore Amphibian Reptile Pine & birch cutting poss Nr Wareham Conservation a cookout to celebrate last burn 26 March, Higher Hyde Heath Dorset Wildlife Trust Fencing Sunday Nr Wareham 30 March, DCV planning meeting At Viv’s 7:45pm Thursday 2 April Tyneham, Purbeck MOD/Tyneham Farm Various tasks Sunday Project 2 April, Tyneham Bring a dish shared lunch Sunday + brownie bake off! 8/9 April Higher Hyde Heath Dorset Wildlife Trust Fencing Nr Wareham 15/16 April Easter No task - enjoy the break

23 April, Abbotsbury Beach, Litter Free Coast & Sea Beach clean Sunday West Dorset 27 April, An evening of board 7.30 at Viv’s Book with Viv or Helen Thursday games + soup 30 April, Swyre, West Dorset Private Dry stone walling Sunday Advance notice , Worth Dorset Countryside Step maintenance 6/7 May Matravers, Purbeck

DCV mobile: 07929 961532 (task hours) ring longer than normal Please check DCV web site. Keep a note of the DCV mobile phone number - a task may have to be cancelled last minute, or finish early, e.g. adverse weather conditions. If coming out later in the day, phone to check the task is still running. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - April 2017

4 & 5 February: Langton West Wood, Purbeck Langton West Wood OS 195 Earlier in the winter we had an amazingly large volunteer turn- out to this new task site. It’s a woodland coppice of mostly hazel with a scatter of old oak standards rising above the coppice, and also ash and some other species. The coppice has not been cut for many years leaving the woodland floor in deep shade during the summer. This limits the abundance and diversity of woodland plants and low scrubby cover, which in turn limits opportunities for woodland birds, insects and other beasties. We shall be cutting the coppice to allow in more sunlight and re- start the coppice cycle of re-growth. The felled ‘poles’ require Work site cutting to length and are then taken away to be turned into charcoal. The brash we shall turn into our own type of ‘charcoal’ on a warming bonfire. The wood is very sheltered and a world apart from the car park on the open ridge. It’s a long walk down but well worth the effort. There is some chainsaw work, but other than this the sounds will be us cutting and chatting, maybe bird song and wind in the tree tops and the occasional passage Meet at NT of a steam train on the near-by railway. car park NB: Meet at the car park. Look out for the DCV sign board and SY 988 787 our distinctive yellow arrows showing the way across fields and BH19 3JN down into the valley and the task site.

11 & 12 February: Upton Wood, Purbeck-Poole border Upton Wood OS 195 The management of this natural greenspace on the urban fringe of Poole relies heavily on volunteers and especially DCV. Despite its location, bounded by the Upton by-pass and the residential edge of Upton, the site has a diverse mosaic of wildlife habitats. These range from mature woodland to relic heath and even a heathland mire. For local people the site provides an escape from the built environment, a readily accessible place for everyday contact with the natural world. Much of the management is low key, aimed at maintaining and improving the value of the various habitats. On this visit we have been asked to carry out some maintenance cutting along a hedge. We are unlikely Park & meet on to have a bonfire due to the risk of smoke drifting to the Pony Drive nearby roads and homes. But the site is in a very sheltered area not far from the innermost shore of Poole Harbour. Hopefully the weather will treat us kindly. And there will be lots of hot drinks from our trusty stove, to be enjoyed with liberal amounts of banter and the task leader’s choice of biscuits. NB: Please park sensibly allowing locals to access their driveways. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - April 2017

Sunday 19 February: Compton Down, North Dorset Compton Down OS 183 This task takes us to the high chalk downland in the north of the county. Here the downs drop dramatically to the Blackmore Vale far below. The chalkland in this area escaped the widespread arable conversion of land in the 20th century. It is still a landscape of rolling open grassland, rich in wildflowers, butterflies and other insect life. Traditional grazing with sheep and sometimes cattle maintains this character, but grazing alone is insufficient to keep the open grassland. Thorny scrub can naturally establish. Left alone it would grow into Meet at NT dense thickets and eventually develop to woodland. So it is cut, Car Park keeping some as shelter for insect life and birds. Our task is on the less visited northern downs where we had our first task only a couple of years ago. We shall be opening up an area of grassland, cutting out the unwanted scrub. The views are spectacular, to be enjoyed with our bonfire brewed teas and coffees, and an assortment of biscuits carefully selected by the task leader. NB: Meet at the NT car park and follow DCV sign board and arrows. Bring stout shoes for tramping over the steep ground.

25 & 26 February: Great Ovens, Wareham Forest, Purbeck Great Ovens OS 195 Not so long ago this heathland reserve on the border of Wareham Forest was a regular fixture in our task programme. Over the years we helped change the hillside part of the reserve from one of encroaching pine to the open heath of the past, though with a light scatter of retained pines. The rare reptiles are now doing just fine and there are also lots of Dartford warblers. But young pines are sneaking back among the heather. So, we’re back too. Our task is to cut these pines and turn them into a pile of wood ash by the day’s end. There’s no shortage of cutting to do. But with lots of us we can Meet at soon make an impression! Come along for all or just part of a Car Park day. It’s a chance to get into shape using our ever sharp SY 923 904 Work Site bowsaws, enjoy company and chatter around a hot bonfire and achieve something worthwhile for Dorset’s amazing heathlands. NB: The task site lies to the east of the road, on the slope toward the tall pine plantation – look out for DCV signs and also bonfire smoke if you’re late!

4 & 5 March: Town Common, Christchurch Our tasks rarely take us to the heathlands that lie in the far east of Town Common (North) OS 195 the county, bordering the Avon Valley. So this weekend is a bit unusual with a visit to an extensive heathland that extends almost unbroken from the urban edge of Christchurch to the rural landscape near Hurn. The southern part of the site is well visited, offering extensive views from St Catherine’s Hill. On the north side, the hill slopes sharply to a broad and almost treeless plain. While in landscape terms this area is rather featureless, it does provide an extensive heathland supporting many of the charismatic species that make the heaths so important for wildlife. Our task takes us to the far north of the plain - a long walk from the hill and an area that is rarely visited. This part is not treeless! There is an ongoing problem with young pine invasion and DCV has been invited to help sort the situation. We shall be tackling the pines with our newly sharpened Park at Track bowsaws. Their remains will provide us with hot teas and coffees to Entrance be enjoyed around the bonfire with biscuits and lots of chat. SZ 137 976 NB: Meet at the track entrance (was the old Christchurch railway) BH23 6AS opposite the slip road to the pub. There is some parking along the track closer to the task site. This lies on the west side towards the spur road. The area can be wet in parts so wellies are best, though waterproof boots might do with nifty footwork. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - April 2017

11 & 12 March: West Milton, West Dorset This task takes us to an area of secluded, steep sided valleys. We shall be working on part of a family farm that has come into West Milton OS 194 the ownership of the Dorset Wildlife Trust, securing a long standing arrangement whereby the land is farmed in ways to encourage the wildlife interest. The same family continues to farm the land with sheep and cattle. Grassland rich in wildflowers survives on the steep valley sides while below a winding fringe of woodland and fen along the streamside is important for rare insect life. We have helped out with the Park at Powerstock Farm management over many years: cutting back scrub from the SY 505 963 grassland, laying hedges, opening up a track through a holloway and repairing fences. In recent years the tasks have fallen off as the farming caught up on the backlog of jobs. But scrub, gorse in particular, has again grown up on some of the grassland and so we have been invited back to deal with it in our usual ruthless way. That is with loppers, bowsaws and a hot bonfire. No special skills are needed, just lots of energy and a taste for fire-brewed teas and coffees. What’s more this is one of the most picturesque of our task sites. In the past we were treated to tea and yummy cake back in the warmth of the farm at the day’s end. Hopefully our work this time will be appreciated in the same way.

18 & 19 March: East Gore, Wareham Forest, Purbeck With spring approaching fast and wildlife stirring into action, our season of cut and burn is coming to an end. This will be our very East Gore OS 195 last bonfire task until the days shorten once again. So if for you the essence of a task is being warmed (and maybe smoked) by the bonfire, watching and feeling the heat of the embers at the day’s end, then this is your last opportunity to enjoy the experience for another 6 months. The task is on a small heathland reserve hidden away behind tall pines on the eastern border of Wareham Forest. The pine plantation was established years ago across an extensive area of open heathland. Some parts with fewer trees were later acquired as refuge areas for rare reptiles, especially the charismatic sand lizard. Now heathland is valued and the former heath has been restored in various places throughout the plantation. The reserve is still important as a sanctuary for heathland beasties but suffers from invading pines, birch and other scrub. We shall be cutting out these unwanted Meet at Car Park Work Site visitors with our bowsaws and loppers and dragging them back to SY 923 904 the plantation. But some will feed the bonfire. Come for all or just part of the day and enjoy our fire brewed teas and coffees, accompanied by plenty of chat. NB: Parking is off the B3075 Morden Cross road on a track-like ride that leads east towards the reserve, or at a forestry parking area on the opposite side of the road. Look out for DCV signs on the roadside. There’s a long walk along the ride to the task site behind the plantation, DCVs distinctive yellow arrows mark the way. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - April 2017

Sunday 26th March the clocks change at 02:00am clocks go forward 1 hour

Sunday 26 March: Higher Hyde Heath, Purbeck We begin our season of ‘constructive’ tasks with a return visit to this area Higher Hyde Heath OS 194 of heathland overlooking the Piddle valley. The ridge above was dug for sand, then used for landfill and finally capped with sand to re-establish a heathy environment. Down slope the original heathland remains and is managed as a nature reserve. Most is wet heath with purple moor-grass. The moor-grass can dominate, squeezing out other heathy plants with its Meet at DWT robust growth. Extensive grazing, as in the New Forest, reduces its Car park SY 855 900 dominance, encouraging a greater diversity of heathland plants and hence other wildlife. To establish this type of grazing management, the reserve needs to be fenced. And that’s where DCV comes in. We are constructing over a kilometre of strand wire fence winding along the foot of the old landfill area with the reserve. On this task we will need to set up a new ‘base camp’ for the task materials and then continue the fence Work site from where we left off last year. There are holes to dig, more smaller posts to bang in, wire to strain and lots of staples to bang to hold the wire in place. So all sorts of jobs; some requiring muscles, others skill with spade or hammer. As usual there will be plenty of breaks for hot teas and coffees, and to enjoy the tranquillity of the heathland countryside. NB: In places the terrain is rough and can be very wet. Bring wellies or be prepared to dodge around the wet bits with a pair of waterproof boots.

Sunday 2 April: Tyneham, Purbeck Tyneham OS 194 & 195 Visits to this abandoned village are now regular in our programme. The village and surrounding land was requisitioned in 1943 for use by British forces. Peace came but the army stayed. The area is now part of the Lulworth firing ranges. The ruined cottages have been partially restored giving, on days when the ranges are open, a glimpse into the past - of everyday village life before the changes brought by the second half of the 20th century. This visit is likely to involve various maintenance tasks in several different places: at the old farmyard and possibly in the village. Work may include repairs to stonework and preparing the meadow areas for their summer display of wild flowers. The barn can provide shelter if we need it and we have the luxury of picnic tables at which to socialise during our breaks for hot drinks and for our planned bring-a-dish shared lunch. Car park NB: Park in the main car park and look out for the DCV notice board. Our task is likely to be based at the old farmyard – follow the track at the end of the car park across the bridge and then turn left. Do remember to bring one or two of your favourite dishes (savoury or sweet) to share around for lunch. Our trusty stoves will do the drink - hot teas and coffees.

8 & 9 April: Higher Hyde Heath, Purbeck Higher Hyde Heath OS 194 This weekend we continue our fencing project on heathland overlooking the Piddle valley, see details from 26 March. Here we are erecting over a kilometre of wire fence to enable the reserve to be grazed by free-roaming ponies and cattle, New Forest style. The Meet at DWT fenceline runs through rough terrain along the edge of the reserve Car park SY 855 900 below an old landfill site – now restored with a capping of sand to a heathy scrubland of pines and gorse. There will be the mix of getting fencing materials to where they are wanted, digging post holes, banging in intermediate posts, stringing the wire and then banging lots of staples to hold it in place. We work in small groups at various Work site places along the fenceline, sharing experience and chat, and enjoying the tranquillity of the heathland. There are regular returns to our ‘base camp’ for hot teas and coffees and even more chat! NB: In places the terrain is rough and can be very wet. Bring wellies or be prepared to dodge around the wet bits with a good pair of waterproof boots. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - April 2017

15 & 16 April Easter No task this weekend organise a walk or a visit, enjoy yourselves

Abbotsbury Beach OS 194 Sunday 23 April: Abbotsbury Beach, West Dorset This task takes us into the wild beauty of . Stretching some 16 miles from the and Sub tropical along the shore to West Bay, it is a fossil relic of a huge gardens pebble ridge that was rolled forward by the sea as it rose to fill the English Channel after the last ice age. Today we shall be giving a boost to the Great Dorset Beach Clean. But don’t despair we shall not be covering the whole length of the beach. Usually we scavenge litter off the section that runs east from the car park to the edge of the Fleet lagoon. It’s a bit of a hike with lovely views along a remote Beach car park coast. On a windy day there can be spectacular waves crashing along the beach’s seaward side but our main focus will be along the sheltered landward side where the litter collects. There’ll be the expected fishing net and line, bottle tops and plastic, and stranger items to ponder over. NB: Gloves provided if you forget. Meet at Abbotsbury Beach car park – display newsletter for free parking

Sunday 30 April: Swyre, West Dorset For the Bank Holiday we are returning to the tranquil Swyre OS 194 setting in a valley behind this village. Even on the busiest of days the sounds of sheep, and swallows overhead, are all that is likely to disturb the peace and quiet. Over several years we have been steadily restoring the drystone walls that set out a patchwork of field boundaries across the valley and create a landscape distinctive to limestone country. Having completed restoration of the walls immediately behind the village – hopefully no more of the Park in village old walls collapsed over the winter - we have moved up Opposite church valley to a new area. Here the walls are in poor shape, with scrub hiding collapsed sections. We shall be carrying on from last year, sorting the stone, re-laying foundations and jig-sawing the fallen stone layer by layer. The ‘art’ of drystone walling is easily picked up and can become quite addictive fitting rough stones into neat layers, one atop the other. We all work together, with more experienced DCV wallers on hand to provide guidance. NB: Park in Swyre village, just off the main road, near the telephone box (SY 528 883) or alongside a wall opposite the church. Look out for our distinctive yellow arrows marking the way into the farm yard and onward into the valley and the task site.