Dorset
Countryside
No 178 November 2016 - January 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: Dorset 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
We’re writing this in glorious sunshine - what a great autumn so far, magnificent tree colour, warm sunny days. Let’s hope it continues, especially as Richard has indicated that bad weather forecasts result in poorer turnout on task.
Enclosed you will find the annual report showing the state of the group. Included is a comprehensive breakdown of the work carried out and statistics involved in running DCV. You can also see the financial report, publicity details and minutes of the AGM. Thank you to all who have contributed to that, and to Richard for putting it all together, no mean feat.
Also in this newsletter, you can find a report and photographs following the autumn beach clean at Abbotsbury, where we had good weather and a great turnout. The group that runs that event, Litter Free Coast and Sea - litterfreecoastandsea.co.uk - also have a Facebook page with photographs from this event and others run throughout Dorset - do take a look.
Once again, the joint task with Association Orchis from Normandy was a huge success, both the task and social side. See Terry’s report in this newsletter, together with lots of photos.
The AGM was very enjoyable, lots of good food and chat (priorities in order). We then heard from two excellent speakers - first, our President Kevin Cook regarding the decline of wildlife, and then James Sharpe of South Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty who explained their purpose and raised many interesting points. We’ve all noticed fewer butterflies and birds this year - is it just an odd year or a continuation of the decline in our wildlife? What have you noticed whilst out and about?
There may have been some confusion in the last newsletter with post codes on the maps, they are not a very accurate way for a SatNav system that could take one to within a few meters of the destination. We put the nearest code we could find but this can still cover a large area in less inhabited countryside. This time if the code is not near the meeting place we will not put it, but just the OS map grid reference. Where needed Richard will put the Lat/Long on the maps on the website. Let us know how you use the maps and tell us of any problems.
For many years Rangers have been using herbicides on scrub that has been cut, to stop the re- growth. In the past this is not something DCV has been happy to do, however this year we’ve been asked a couple of times to cut and spray straight away - using a normal garden weedkiller. We can see the reason for this because it is difficult to re-find stumps of small cut scrub in order to spray, so more logical to do it as we go. There is more information within this newsletter, please read it and then let us know what you think - are you happy doing this?
DCV has a mailservice open to all paid up members, though currently only used by a few. It has been set up for everyone to use, to exchange information of interest to the whole group. You can tell us of local events to do with wildlife or countryside, wildlife sightings, things to do with conservation, even arty events. The email address for this mailservice is [email protected] (yes confusing, but it does go to the whole group). Large emails and attachments will be held for approval by Richard. Bring your chit chat out on task! There is also the DCV Facebook page, (on public setting) courtesy of Tony Hogwood, for posting pictures, videos, messages etc. One doesn’t have to join the group page to view the messages or videos just have a Facebook account.
See you out in the glorious Dorset countryside soon! Co-ordinator’s report Richard Meatyard
This quarter brought us to the impressive volume of bags for enjoyed making further inroads Autumn transition between the collection at the end of the day. into the gorse bank on the slopes Summer tasks and the Winter above the DWT reserve. This Honour for the first bonfire of the slash and burn season with the time at the opposite end where Winter season goes to the first bonfire of the Autumn and islands of scrub were starting to coppicing task in Warren Wood. the two pond clearing tasks of break up the grassland. This is a On Saturday we were joined by the year. site to which we will be returning our Orchis friends from France, at least one more time during the The first of these was at more of which later in the winter along with further visits to Tyneham. This year, this was a newsletter, so by comparison Hod and Hambledon. fairly low key effort in the pond Sunday seemed a rather itself as our previous efforts have subdued day although there was The odd task out of this quarter started to get this under control. plenty of work completed. There was our annual toolstore task. However, as always with was no bonfire on Sunday as on On this occasion in addition to Tyneham there was plenty of Saturday the fire site proved to preparing the tools for the Winter other work to keep everyone be too close to a rather season the trailer was stripped to busy and on Saturday there was flammable tree, giving the NT bare bones so that the rotting the annual after task BBQ. Rangers an opportunity to base could be replaced. While practice with their fire tender. this was done the opportunity Our second pond task was an was taken to give its annual altogether more challenging Having taken over ownership of service and to clean and rot affair. The medieval fishpond at Hambledon Hill the National proof the wooden side panels. the aptly named Fishponds Trust (West Dorset) have been Bottom was in need of its annual providing us with plenty of work As bonfires will be a central Crasula clearance. Large on their sites in the North of feature throughout the next two quantities, several tons, of this Dorset. The first of these on Hod quarters it is perhaps appropriate extremely invasive escapee, Hill was snip and spray rather to give a reminder about basic from ornamental ponds, have to than our usual slash and burn bonfire etiquette: be dragged out of this pond but the aim was the same to One person is in charge of the every year. In total this task clear (small) invasive scrub from fire. takes about three volunteer days the grassland. The following day with DCV making a flying start on we moved a little further north to Only add material directly to the the work for the National Trust. Fontmell Down where we were fire with their permission and working on the slopes above the as instructed. Not quite a pond task but reserve managed by DWT. This another opportunity to get wet an Otherwise: time we were back to DCV’s muddy was the stream clearance forte of cut (slash) and burn Arisings should be dragged to in Upton Wood. On Saturday the working our way into a well within a safe distance of the effort was on clearing excess establish bank of gorse that has fire and placed in orderly vegetation from the stream been steadily expanding across stacks with butts towards the through the mire and on Sunday the Down. fire. The exception being removing rubbish from the hawthorn & blackthorn which stream through the wood itself. The following week, although the should be laid in rows with task scheduled was to be small Bringing the watery theme to a butts towards the fire. Ash on the steep western slope close was Autumn beach clean of Melbury Beacon there was a In addition to the photo diary on at Abbotsbury where additional change of plan. Instead we the DCV website you can find help from the public lifted returned to the previous week’s videos from some of the tasks on volunteer numbers into the low site on Fontmell Down where the DCV Facebook page. 30s and produced and two gloriously sunny days were What have we done to our countryside Kevin Cook (DCV President)
Nigel Spring’s introduction in distances when we were in or the few that do survive are Butterfly Conservation’s Dorset our early teens, to Aust to find eaten by birds. Yes I do see Branch 2015 Butterfly Report fossils, 26 miles, to Priddy crows and white butterflies, has a quotation from Michael Pool in the Mendips to find generalists that are strong McCarthy’s Book Moth underwater spiders, 46 miles, survivors, but the less usual Snowstorm where he refers to and Brean Down for plants stuff such as wintering snipe the ‘great thinning’. This is the and grassland fungi, a and redshank on the wet fields, loss of half of the biodiversity of whopping 60 miles. Most of the marsh and willow tits, the UK in less than half a this was unknown to our nightingales, the flycatchers, century reflected in the loss of parents and we had to be the fritillary butterflies, red moth numbers, the almost total back by 4 o’clock to do our underwing moths, large disappearance of hayfields, the paper rounds, where did we emerald moths, glow-worms, loss of swallows, martins and get the energy from? But in bloody-nosed beetles, orchids bats as a result of the crash in the 60’s there were still lots of and other meadow plants and the abundance of dungflies and nooks and crannies to grassland fungi, all companions dungbeetles since the explore, abandoned fields, of my youth, are more introduction of avermectins for field margins, marshes and occasional now and largely worming farm animals. In fact ponds everywhere; the worst confined to protected areas and losses are across the board of the destruction was yet to even suffer declines there. and it is only in nature reserves come. It is these protected areas that where we can now get a I now live in north Dorset. DCV members often work on. glimpse of what the UK’s Very pretty with its hedged Incredibly important work countryside would have felt like fields and small villages but because these small reserves before the Second World War. this is only a veneer. The are largely all we have left for My childhood was in the late natural wildlife has largely good wildlife in our intensively 50’s and 60’s. All the time we gone. For the most part the managed countryside. We must found caterpillars, beetles, fertile pastures have no expect further declines in butterflies, reptiles and interesting wild flowers, the lowland Britain and probably amphibians. When we lived in ditches and streams are less support from the Pill in Somerset there was nutrified by manure and Government so your support by wildlife on our doorstep - our fertilisers so are no good for working out in the wider local stream (now culverted small fish, amphibians and countryside is crucial now and over) yielded eels and aquatic insects, adders and even more in the future. The minnows, and adders were common lizards have general public seems totally frequently seen, their habitats vanished from the general unaware of the losses and most now destroyed by housing and countryside and most wet do not care but to visit a intensive farming. Later, my fields and downlands have reserve like Alners Gorse in brother and I cycled huge been drained or ploughed up north Dorset and see the wealth distances from our Bristol home and fertilised. I can walk all of butterflies there is a to find new wildlife experiences. morning and not find a wonderful boost for a naturalist. On our old fashioned jumble caterpillar, presumably most We must keep up the fight and sale bikes we cycled huge are destroyed by insecticides not lose faith! A reminder to be safe on the work site Especially after a couple on incidents this year
The cutting season is upon us and with it, the possibility of a few accidents. Some of these are genuine accidents that just happen and seem unavoidable, whilst 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 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.
How to keep your feet dry this winter
We all know that wellington boots will keep your feet dry where it is very wet but sometimes may be uncomfortable to wear on a hill or tramping over heathland. We sometimes prefer to wear our old boots and maybe get wet feet. Here are some solutions for you. If your boots leak like mine and they need waterproofing every task then the cheaper use of sunflower oil might be the answer instead of dubbin. From my experiences walking through wet grass or damp heath they both do the job reasonably well but will rub off after a days use. An alternative or addition is to wear a thin plastic bag over the sock, not something one would want to do for a days walk but standing or kneeling and cutting all day is ok. The feet will sweat but no more than in a welly. If you have any tips please share them. ASSOCIATION ORCHIS - DCV EXCHANGE 2016
On Friday evening the 25th our work with clear guidance them being very familiar with September we welcomed 10 as to what should be cut, the effects of the war and members of Association saved or burnt. Unfortunately landings in Normandy. Orchis to our shores. They the fire site was quite close to had enjoyed a good journey an old pine tree which had a Saturday evening saw us to us on the Brittany Ferries large, broken, dead branch enjoying a meal prepared and ship Barfleur. Our visitors pointing in the direction of the cooked by our ladies led by were quickly whisked off to fire. Over a period of time we Helen and amused with jigsaws the homes of DCV members watched a small glow at the and colouring sheets provided for a chat, bite to eat, drink end of this branch gradually by Viv. After the meal we tried and good nights sleep. increase to a larger glow and our hand at darts. It finished all then burst into flame. This square Ladies 1, Gents 1, only
was too much for the NT the step ladder which held the Saturday morning found Rangers who called up dartboard showed the ill effects several of us gathered in the reinforcements and with their of the darts! car park at Studland. We set fire tender they hosed the off in small groups to find branch and then cut it off. The On a lovely Sunday morning Warren Wood and start excitement was over and we met at Hengistbury Head coppicing work for the unfortunately we were no and enjoyed coffee and cake National Trust. Unfortunately longer able to enjoy a before being taken on a guided the group I was in became so bonfire. walk led by Chris around the engrossed in conversation Head. Although some of us had and enjoyment of the views However we were able to see visited several times previously we missed the distinctive a demonstration of some of Chris took us down some yellow DCV sign and found the traditional uses of the interesting paths we had never ourselves almost at Old hazel wood and the tools and come across before including a Harry. We felt sure we were techniques used. It was also stretch of water with lovely at the correct location so interesting to see the adjacent water lilies. spent some time trying to find plot which had been coppiced a way into Studland Wood the previous year and was We enjoyed another before phoning for help and showing very healthy new wholesome picnic whilst needing a search party from growth. We enjoyed a very watching starlings pick food the work site to find us and pleasant lunch before from drums and various string show us where we should be continuing our work. instruments which sounds were working. Not a very good then amplified to produce not start! At the end of the day’s work quite music! After lunch Val
we paid a short visit to Fort took us on a tour of the Visitor This part of Warren Wood is Henry. It was interesting for Centre and showed us round quite overgrown and very our visitors to see some of the the garden which they have much in need of being worked preparation work which took been developing for a couple of upon. On a lovely day place in Dorset during the war years. everyone eagerly set about for the D Day landings, with ASSOCIATION ORCHIS - DCV EXCHANGE 2016 cont’d . . .
Whilst walking round in the different locations in the sand activity energy levels clearly morning we were intrigued by dunes singing which sounds needed to be replenished. All various structures on the Head were to represent migrating too soon it was time for an although aware that in the birds. early night in anticipation of afternoon Insideout.co.uk were the early start next morning. producing what was described It was all certainly different, as 'a festival of outdoor art and interesting and quite Monday morning 7.30a.m. performance'. Later in the fascinating and much enjoyed saw us meeting at the Poole afternoon we were able to by us all although it was not Ferry Terminal to wave our experience more of the always easy to fully visitors off on their return to 'festival', appreciate the art involved. Cherbourg and hoping they However on a lovely day it enjoyed a pleasant journey We saw outdoor actors, a long was certainly a visit which will home. string of feathers connected to be long remembered by all a tent, mermaids on the beach involved. The date for our next visit to and about 20 models of sticks Association Orchis in St and feathers tied as propellers Sunday evening saw visitors Vaast, Normandy has been generating power for lights and and hosts descend on Jean's definitely agreed as Friday bird sounds. Our last home where food and drink 19th May 2017, so if you are experience on the Head was to etc appeared as though by interested in joining us please walk very slowly, individually, in magic. However tables put this date into your a line along the boardwalk,10 overflowing with food were diary. metres away from anyone else soon changed into empty past 15 individuals who were all bowls and dirty crockery. After Terry Gillott dressed alike standing at two days of fresh air and
For more information on people and places mentioned above, check out . . . .
Toby Hoad, Greenwood worker - greenwoodworkshop.co.uk
Fort Henry - wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Henry_(bunker)
Hengistbury Head - visithengistburyhead.co.uk
Inside Out Festival - insideoutdorset.co.uk
Activate Performing Arts - activateperformingarts.org.uk/
Association Orchis - orchis-nature.com ORCHIS TRIP PHOTOS Photos thanks to Anne-Marie Lepetit, Guillaume Villeneuve, Val & Don Simcock
Book Reviews From the interesting talk by Kevin Cook came a resurgence in the ideas of why we do what we do and how that effects us all.
The Moth Snowstorm by Michael McCarthy 2015
A story of how mankind first modified the environment, to today, and the changes that have happened in his lifetime. The extinctions and “the great thinning” of wildlife, where now we see just a few birds or moths or butterflies, whereas once we would have seen hundreds or even thousands. How we have in just a few generations become capable of killing off not just all pests but all life.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson 1962
How we in the West woke up to the idea that we were poisoning the land, water and air with pesticides. The notion that a “silent spring” may not be for one year or a few but forever as we killed off our birds on an industrial scale. No more bird song. Birds need insects to live and feed their young. Insects need even smaller organisms to survive. Mankind needs them all.
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. DCV Clothing available to order
Clothing has the DCV logo and "Dorset Countryside Volunteers" embroidered on.
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) Spotlight on Powerstock Nature Reserve
DCV have been working at this The old name of “Poorwood” was This has benefited nature reserve on and off for over 30 a royal forest under King John in immensely with the return of a years, clearing scrub from the old 1208 and common land for many greater diversity of wildlife. railway embankment and open centuries, where locals had the There are many trails and tracks to fields and digging out overgrown right to graze their livestock and follow around the reserve, ponds. However our biggest take fallen branches. The land was discover ponds, hazel coppice, involvement was the restoration of enclosed in 1867 and they lost open grassland, ancient oaks and the brick kiln. We were given the those rights. woodland. There is also the old task of clearing out the Major changes came in WW1 railway track and cutting with its overhanging trees and providing when some of the ancient oaks own unique wildlife from plants drainage to empty out what had were felled and transported on the such as orchids and cowslips, to become a stagnant pond. Then we railway for timber, much of what butterflies such as the Marbled cleaned the ovens, climbing inside was left was made into charcoal. white, Grizzled and Large skipper. them, rebuilt some walling and re- In the late 1960s the Forestry This is where DCV come in, pointed the brickwork. Dorset Commission replanted the area clearing some of the invasive Wildlife Trust (DWT) then put in a with fast growing Spruce and scrub and returning it to grassland. notice board. What state do you Scots Pine, which have since been think it is in today? Let’s go and removed after the purchase by the find out on one of the task days in DWT. Fences have now been November. removed and the area returned to DCV are working here on the open pasture and woodland with 12th & 13th November 2016 cattle and sheep grazing from November to May. AUTUMN BEACH CLEAN - Abbotsbury Beach Sunday 18th September 2016
A quick run down of the recent beach clean on a lovely sunny day . . . . were you there?
• 33 volunteers in total. 17 were not DCV and all of these received leaflets and/or newsletters from us.
• 15 bags for landfill, 3 of plastic bottles, 5 of cans/metals, 1 of glass.
• Nothing really big or odd this time: 6 unbroken eggs in their carton, prescription spectacles (that worked for John M so he has them now), 3 non-disposable BBQs, nice beach ball (taken by the children), a car wheel trim, 2 folding seats, fishing rods.
• We spotted 3 dead sea birds, and Bob collected the remains of a dead fox/dog. That quickly went in a wheelie bin and he was reminded not to collect animal remains.
• We found a tiny (AA battery sized) item that said it contained explosives. I assume some sort of detonator. We followed the instructions on it and soaked it in water most of the day! As it's been outside it's probably been well soaked already.
• And finally a funny story: Someone came up to us before lunch and asked if we might have collected a treasure hunt clue. It was a bright star stuck to a post. John M spotted it in one of our clear bags and the person was very grateful as it directed her to the next clue at Maiden Castle. It was a hunt set up for her 40th birthday by a friend and we almost mucked it up but then saved the day so she was happy!
Cheers, Gareth 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 SOCIALS
Even August’s wild and windy weather (more barmy than balmy) could not stop DCV’s thank you from the client BBQ at Tyneham. Well attended as always, with the usual array of delicious and varied food plus added entertainment.
DCV’s AGM was again a lively and full evening. This was not just an opportunity to get together socially and to review the past year in DCV ‘s world. There were timely observations from our President Kevin Cook and our invited speaker James Sharpe treated us to a very informative overview of the workings of the South Dorset Ridgeway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Church Knowle village hall was the venue for a very enjoyable evening in the company of our friends from Association Orchis- more of this elsewhere.
There will be a cookout following the task at Powerstock Common on Saturday 12th November. Please inform Viv or Helen if you would like to attend.
This year the Xmas meal will be on Saturday 10th December at Winfrith village hall. Be prepared to enjoy the exchange of Xmas cards, a traditional meal followed by fun and games. Bring £5, a bottle of your choice and if you wish to participate in Secret Santa a wrapped gift (worth £2). Please inform Helen if you would like to attend.
Thursday 19th January there will be a pub meal at The Black Bear pub at Wool at 7.45. Please inform Helen if you would like to attend.
Dorset Countryside Volunteers
Invite YOU
to the Christmas dinner/ mid Winter feast
Winfrith village hall
Saturday 10th December 2016
Cost £5.00 Winfrith Newburgh Village Hall,
20 High Street, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, DT2 8JW D C V DIARY November 2016 - January 2017 Date Task Site Client Work 5/6 November Hambledon Hill, National Trust Grassland management North Dorset scrub cutting 12/13 November Powerstock Common, Dorset Wildlife Trust Scrub removal West Dorset 12 November Cookout following task DCV Social Book with Viv or Helen Saturday All welcome 19/20 November Hod Hill, National Trust Grassland management North Dorset scrub cutting 27 November Michael’s Peace, Toller Dorset Wildlife Trust Scrub cutting Sunday Whelme, West Dorset 3/4 December Langton West Wood, National Trust Hazel Coppicing Purbeck 10/11 December Cloud’s Hill Amphibian & Reptile Heathland management Purbeck Conservation Pine cutting 10 December DCV Christmas Dinner Winfrith Newburgh Booking essential with Saturday eve 6pm onwards village hall DT2 8JW Helen All welcome 17/18 December South West Hyde Amphibian & Reptile Pine & scrub cutting Nr Wareham, Purbeck Conservation 24/25 December Happy Christmas!! Enjoy the break
1 January 2017 Green Pool Amphibian & Reptile Gorse & tree scrub Sunday Nr Wareham, Purbeck Conservation removal 5 January, Planning meeting At Viv’s 7.45pm Thursday 7/8 January Coney’s Castle, National Trust Scrub cutting West Dorset 14 January Hod Hill National Trust Grassland management Saturday North Dorset scrub cutting 15 January Fontmell National Trust Grassland management Sunday North Dorset scrub cutting 19 January Pub meal - Black Bear, DCV Social 7:45pm Booking essential with Thursday eve Wool BH20 6BP All welcome Helen 22 January Vitower, Amphibian & Reptile Gorse & scrub cutting Sunday Purbeck Conservation 28/29 January Loscombe, Dorset Wildlife Trust Hedgelaying West Dorset Advance notice Langton West Wood, National Trust Hazel Coppicing 4/5 February 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 : November 2016 - January 2017
5 & 6 November: Hambledon Hill, Nr Blandford, North Dorset This is the first of several tasks this winter that take us to some of Hambledon Hill OS 194 Dorset’s magnificent hillforts. The incredibly steep slopes topped by these forts defied attempts at agricultural improvement and they have retained some of the finest chalk grasslands in Dorset. These support a great diversity of flowering plants and many species of butterfly. This site is so important that it has become a statutory National Nature Reserve. Sheep and cattle help maintain the turf. But the grassland is easily invaded by thorny scrub which can quickly grow into dense thickets. It must be cut back to maintain the grassland and its wildlife. That’s where DCV comes in with its ruthless use of bowsaws, loppers and a hot bonfire. The last boils our hot drinks and provides a focus to gather around to enjoy friendly banter. NB: Bring stout shoes for grip on the steep slopes. There is a steep, Park in lay-by invigorating walk from the car parking area to the task site. But ST 838123 or if dry park in field seeing the hillfort and views is well worth the effort. by Markstone This is where DCV had a guided Glow Worm walk in July. Our work Cottages will help to protect these wonderful endangered creatures. DT11 8ET
12 & 13 November: Powerstock Common, West Dorset Powerstock OS 194 Several tasks in this programme take us back to familiar sites where we have worked for decades. This weekend is no exception – we have held tasks at this reserve going back for almost as long as DCV has been in existence. During this time big changes have occurred on the reserve, the changes reflecting better understanding on the priorities in conserving threatened habitats and species. Its history extends back centuries to an old Royal Forest and then unenclosed common land where local villagers had rights to graze stock and gather wood. More recently parts were afforested with conifer plantations. Now with the land secured as a nature reserve it is being returned to its historic state as unenclosed rough pasture where cattle roam among scattered trees and native woods. The reserve includes a length of the old Park inside entrance Bridport railway, or rather its route. Part lies in a deep cutting SY 547974 or drive nearer if gates open where the slopes support a mix of species rich grassland and scrub. The scrub, however, keeps on growing, replacing the grassland. We shall be cutting back some of this scrub and creating a large bonfire. It will brew great teas and coffees and warm us up on a cold winter’s day. NB: On Saturday, if the weather is fine, the hot fire embers at the day’s end will cook a big nosh up to fill and warm our bellies. Please remember to book with Helen or Viv.
Hod Hill OS 194 19 & 20 November: Hod Hill, Nr Blandford, North Dorset This Iron Age hillfort, like its loftier neighbour on Hambledon Hill, has an impressive series of earth ramparts. These now support a Park in village DT11 8TQ rich variety of chalkland plants, with an abundance of orchids. In Meet at North end of Village ST 861 097 places scrub has grown up, thorns and particularly hazel, squeezing out the grassland and potentially degrading the archaeology. We shall be cutting out areas of scrub, allowing chalk grassland to return. There is a steep, invigorating walk up from the village to the task site. But seeing the hillfort is well worth the effort. And there will be plenty of hot drinks and biscuits between the scrub cutting. There is another task day at this site later in the winter. NB: Please park away from the lane end which is narrow and easily congested by parked cars. Consider the local residents! If the weather is good we may have a walk to see the Roman Military Fort whose outline is visible on the north west corner of the hill fort. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : November 2016 - January 2017
Sunday 27 November: Michael’s Peace, Toller Whelme, West Dorset Michaels Peace OS 194 If you’ve not heard of this place then you’re probably among the vast majority of Dorset’s inhabitants. The hamlet lies snuggled deep within the head of the Hook valley overshadowed by high downs on almost all sides. The only gap is along a narrow lane that winds up the valley bottom. The hamlet possesses a church, two farms – simply East Farm and West Farm – and a nature reserve. The reserve covers a few small woods and fields with old fishing ponds and boggy places. We last visited this site nearly 10 years ago soon after it was acquired as a nature reserve. We were promised a hedgelaying task but found so much scrub that the hedge was barely accessible. Ten years on it will be interesting to see the change. Perhaps little as the focus of this task Park in field is…scrub cutting. Come along and enjoy a wonderfully secluded site ST 522 009 and, if our visits in the past are anything to go by, a cacophony of calling pheasants at dusk! NB: Some of this site is on wet ground, so bring your wellies for dry feet.
3 & 4 December: Langton West Wood, Nr Corfe Castle, Purbeck Langton Wood OS 195 A new month and a fantastic new task site for DCV. The task takes us to a large and ancient wood deep in the Swan valley west of Swanage. Here there are ancient gnarled oaks, ash coppice with veteran stumps (stools) possibly hundreds of years old, and much hazel coppice The woodland floor turns hazy blue in spring as a carpet of bluebells flower. There are less common plant species too and woodland butterflies which have not been faring well in many woods due to changing habitat conditions. Here woodland is still coppiced, the periodic cutting of the understorey and its re-growth Work Site providing a succession of sunlit and then shady conditions that provide suitable conditions for the diversity of woodland plants and wildlife. Our task will be to help out with the winter’s coppicing work. This is most likely to be cutting hazel, probably separating out long cut stems that can be put to good use as poles or for charcoal. As usual there will be ample breaks with steaming cups of tea and coffee, and plenty of biscuits, all to enjoy in a wonderful woodland setting. Meet at NT car NB: Meet at Acton car park. Look out for the DCV sign board and park SY 988 787 our distinctive yellow arrows showing the way across fields and down BH19 3JN into the valley and the task site. There may be a chance to learn some traditional woodland crafts.
10 & 11 December: Clouds Hill, Nr Bovington, Purbeck This is DCVs big weekend of the season. On Saturday evening we Clouds Hill OS 194 have our Christmas meal and festivities at a local village hall. And for a task we have a wide choice of waiting-to-be-cut pines, maybe for an early Christmas tree. (There is another ‘Christmas tree task’ next weekend.) One large pine will be selected to decorate the village hall. Apart from selecting some prized Christmas trees, we will be cutting lots more to burn and enjoy their warmth around a huge bonfire (but do keep your prized trees safe from the same fate). At this reserve there are rare reptiles such as sand lizard and also a rather showy type of Meet at lay-by spider found only in Dorset. We shall be cutting and burning up the SY 826 905 pines to restore an open heath in which these and other heathland BH20 7NG beasties can continue to thrive. Our trusty kettles will be working hard in the bonfire, boiling water to give us charcoaled brewed drinks - to be taken with big helpings of seasonal fayre and plenty of chat. Come and enjoy, for all or maybe just part of a day. NB: Park at the lay-by overlooking the tank range a little further along the road toward Bovington from the National Trust Clouds Hill cottage. Look out for the white information board and then follow our distinctive Work site yellow arrows to the task site alongside the forestry plantation on opposite side of road. Another NB: See Newsletter for details of our Christmas festivities on Saturday evening. Do remember to book with Helen. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : November 2016 - January 2017
17 & 18 December: South West Hyde, Nr Wareham, Purbeck With Christmas fast approaching here’s an opportunity to get away from South West Hyde OS 194 the hassle and enjoy some time in the bracing fresh air of rural Dorset. You can also select your very own Christmas tree from a wide choice of young pines. Unlike the more popular Norway spruce which seem to drop needles everywhere as soon as they are brought indoors, these pines stay green with their needles on for weeks. At this heathland reserve invasion by pines and other scrub is a problem. In the distant past the heaths were immense, an open landscape almost devoid of trees. Heath fires, grazing animals and cutting kept the trees at bay, and gorse was prized for fuel and for animal fodder in winter. Today the heaths are different in character - smaller, fragmented and surrounded by plantations, farmland and modern development. They are more vulnerable to invasion from beyond their borders but the special wildlife can survive if the heath vegetation is maintained. We shall be cutting out pines and other scrub from two areas. As usual there will be a warming Park on track SY 869 912 bonfire (keep your prized Christmas tree safe from being burnt) and lots of BH20 7NX seasonal food. Come and enjoy, for all or maybe just part of a day. NB: If early rendezvous at the entrance to the forestry track. We then drive some way down the tracks for car parking near the task site. If late look out for the DCV sign board and our yellow arrows showing the way. The task site is just off the Hyde House track on the south side.
Green Pool OS 195 Sunday 1 January: Green Pool, Nr Wareham, Purbeck As a New Year’s treat we have a trip into the Purbeck countryside and a new task site. The nearby Blue Pool is well known and a popular destination. But this smaller pool, set within a heathland nature reserve, is barely known. Although a country lane and Meet & park track pass near-by, the pool is hidden from view by scrub and At track trees. Both pools are relics of the old mining industry that once SY 933 828 flourished in this area. We have been asked to open up a heathland area on the west side of the pool, cutting out tall gorse and tree scrub. The area is quite big so we need lots of help, even if you can only spare part of the day. There will be a big bonfire to warn off the January chill and seasonal fayre with hot, fire-brewed teas and coffees. And plenty of chat. NB: This site is not well supplied with parking space. There is some parking at the track end (shown on map) and also in places along the lane verge that skirts around the reserve. Look out for DCV signs.
7 & 8 January: Coney’s Castle, West Dorset Coney’s Castle OS 193 Our early tasks in the New Year often take us to an isolated hill deep in the west of the county. A place with wonderful views, and we are often treated with surprisingly good weather. No promises on the weather but once again we have a hill top location. The task takes us Meet at back for a welcome visit to this magnificent hillfort close to the Devon Car park border. Here a hilly ridge gives commanding views south across SY 371 976 Marshwood Vale to Charmouth and Lyme Bay. During the Iron Age this and other high points were used by agricultural settlers to provide defensive hillforts against raiding warriors. We shall be working on or just below the hilltop ramparts clearing unwanted scrub. There will be a warming bonfire to gather around, eat and chat. But we also need to cut lots to keep the bonfire going and enjoy its hot, dying embers as dusk settles on the land at the task end. NB: Our client has advised that the task location may change, probably only to another West Dorset hilltop. Check for any update on our web site or phone Richard or Peter close to the date before setting out. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : November 2016 - January 2017
Saturday 14 January: Hod Hill, Nr Blandford, North Hod Hill OS 194 Dorset This weekend we have tasks at two magnificent chalkland sites in the north of the county. Our first task is a return visit
Park in village DT11 8TQ to this isolated hill top that rises steeply from the River Stour. Meet at North end of From the top there are views across a wide arc of the Village ST 861 097 Blackmore Vale. During the Iron Age this commanding position was exploited for a hillfort and later for a Roman fort. Many centuries on, the earth ramparts are still impressive and, having escaped agricultural improvement, they have become a refuge for orchids and other chalkland flowers. But scrub has insidiously invaded some of the slopes and even parts of the ramparts. Our task, like defenders of the past, is to repulse the invasion, though with the use of bowsaws and loppers and a hot bonfire. NB: Please park away from the lane end which is narrow and easily congested by parked cars. Please consider the local residents! There is a steep, invigorating walk up to the task site. Do bring your good gripping footwear.
Sunday 15 January: Fontmell Down, North Dorset Fontmell Down OS 183 The second part of this weekend takes us to another magnificent location with splendid views along the scarp slope of the north Dorset downs. Here we shall be continuing from earlier tasks this winter, cutting back dense gorse that has re-grown on the slopes overlooking the head of a chalkland valley. In summer the grassland slopes are dotted with delicate flowers attracting lots of bees and butterflies. Patches of young scrub provide Meet at Compton cover for birds and shelter against windy weather. But too car park much replaces the chalk grassland reducing the diversity of ST 886 187 plants and downland insects. So periodically cutting back the gorse and other scrub helps to maintain the rich variety of plant and animal life. We shall be consigning the cut gorse to a hot bonfire to warm us against the cold of a winter’s day and to brew our teas and coffees. NB: Meet at the NT car park and look out for the DCV sign board and our distinctive yellow arrows showing the way to the task site. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : November 2016 - January 2017
Sunday 22 January: Vitower, Nr Corfe Castle, Purbeck Vitower OS 195 This task takes us to a remote shore on the south side of Poole Harbour and a new site for DCV. Along this part of the harbour the shoreline is highly indented by bays and small estuaries, separated Meet before 10am lay-by at oil by peninsulas. Some of the peninsulas are forested, others are gathering station agricultural grassland. They were once heathland and areas still survive within the forestry and agricultural land. Our task is on a heathy area among fields. This is one of several such areas that formed a focus for re-introduction of the very rare natterjack toad. Ponds were dug and toads introduced. Our task is to open up one of Park on trackside the ponds which has dried and closed over with gorse and other SY 989 860 scrub. We shall be clearing as much of the scrub as possible. Hopefully, with a big turnout and our ruthless ways with bowsaws and loppers, little will be left to bother the toads! The area has lovely views of the harbour and shorline that you will probably not have seen before. And there will be a warming bonfire, hot drinks to enjoy and the task leaders choice of biscuits. NB: Access to this task site is not straightforward. Please meet early, DCV convoy will leave at 10.00am sharp from the lay-by at the oil station. We shall then travel to a trackside parking location on Vitower peninsula. The task lies across fields below a heathy slope on the west side (at end of dotted line on map). If late go to the oil station security for clearance through the gate (bring your DCV programme as identity) and follow DCV arrows.
28 & 29 January: Loscombe, West Dorset Loscombe OS 194 This reserve is aptly named, being tucked away in a deep valley that is perhaps largely unchanged since the days of Thomas Hardy. Even getting there is an adventure through winding, hedge-lined lanes and then down a steep sunken lane designed for the horse and Meet & park cart to the streamside hamlet in the valley bottom. At the In field reserve there are precipitously sloping pastures full of SY 502 979 anthills, a hay meadow and marshy grassland, all DT6 3TL bounded by hedgerows. A wooded stream along the bottom completes a valley of great scenic beauty and tranquillity. The task this weekend is to cut and lay a section of hazel hedge. There will be unwanted scrub to cut out, leaving the straighter hazel stems to lay in a traditional manner. Some experienced hedgelayers will be on hand and with a bit of practice laying a hedge is easily picked up. We work in pairs too. The excess brash we shall burn to give us hot fire-brewed drinks from our trusty kettles, and to warm us up on a cold winter’s day. NB: Please car share if you can as parking at the reserve or near-by is rather limited (look out for DCVs distinctive yellow arrows on the approach road to the reserve). And do bring your good gripping footwear.