Dorset

Countryside

No 163 February 2013 - May 2013 Reg Charity No 1071723 Volunteers www.dcv.org.uk Who we are, what we do, where, why and how . .

DCV is . . . • Lifts from Wool station (toolstore is nearby)

• A practical conservation group run by volunteers A DCV day lasts . . . since 1972 doing practical work in the

countryside that would not otherwise be done • 10.00a.m. – 5.00p.m. approximately • Volunteers are male and female, from all walks • Breaks for lunch and drinks are included of life and from all over the county • Work is seasonal, e.g. woodlands in winter - hedgelaying, coppicing; in summer dry stone FINDING DCV . . . walling, clearing ponds, footpath work • Organisations we work for include: Dorset • Maps with the task programme (at the back of this Wildlife Trust, Heritage Coast Project, Natural newsletter) show the locations of task sites England, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation • Look for DCV’s yellow arrows near the worksite or • We work at weekends throughout Dorset red and white tape or the DCV information board • No super-human strength or special skills may show an explanatory note needed, or attendance on every task or even for • If unsure of the worksite try to arrive by 10.00 to the whole weekend - any time is a bonus meet other volunteers. The worksite may be some way off. Lost? give us a call on 07929 961532 DCV offers . . . • Practical care for the environment FOOD, DRINK & ACCOMMODATION • Opportunity to learn new skills - training given • Use of all necessary tools plus training • Occasionally, we hire a village hall, cook supper, • Accommodation on weekend tasks visit the local pub and sleep overnight - karrimats • Beautiful countryside, social events, fun & available! N.B. Book with Peter a week in advance companionship • The charge for a weekend, including Saturday evening meal, lunch Saturday and Sunday, YOU should bring . . . breakfast on Sunday and accommodation, £3.00 • DCV provides free hot/cold drinks and biscuits • Stout footwear (steel toecaps if you have them) during the day - bring your own mug if you wish • Old clothes (wear layers) • On residentials, all volunteers are welcome to come • Tough gloves (we have some to sell/lend) for the evening meal and pub whether working both • Waterproofs, sun block, sun hat, insect repellent days or just one • Lunch • Halls offered by DCV provide separate male and • If staying overnight – a change of clothes, female toilet/washing and changing facilities sleeping bag (air bed/camp bed if you wish) • Up to date tetanus jab • Note: If you have a medical condition or allergies of any sort, please carry a card and bring Reaching a task . . . necessary medicines. If you wish, bring this to the • If you need / can offer a lift, phone Peter Warren attention of the task leader. Please complete the 3 days before a task “in case of emergency” details at the end of the newsletter, and bring on task.

• All youngsters are welcome, but should be EDITORIAL

SPRING is nearly here - the signs are out there in the countryside. Days are drawing out, tree buds are swelling, birds are looking for mates and nest sites, bees and even butterflies are becoming active. Anyone seen wild primroses yet or perhaps frog spawn?

This quarter sees a transition in our work - the end of the traditional winter bash and burn tasks and the start of the ‘summer’ construction work, giving birds and reptiles a chance to breed in peace. A transition also in the skills that we use. We all have different skills and abilities but by working together on task we can learn from each other, share our knowledge and develop the group even more.

Task numbers are down this winter, as Richard has said in his report. This could be due to adverse weather, or do you think we are having too many double day tasks? Let’s hear what you think, it’s important. In any case, it’s time for all hibernating volunteers to make an appearance - we would like to see you - besides which, every time you come out on task the client pays DCV a small amount of money, per volunteer, per day. If you’d like to know what happens to this money, take a look at the flow chart below. You may notice it is heavily balanced in favour of coming out on task!

Talking about money, it’s time to renew your membership - yes subscription fees are now due and you will find a membership form enclosed. This fee, although small (a bargain at still only £3 - and what else do you get for that?) provides you with four excellent and informative newsletters a year, a comprehensive annual report and also supports our wonderful web site. So don’t delay, rejoin today!

Some of you may notice a repetition of articles in this newsletter. No apologies for that - they describe DCV’s current work and we feel it important enough to repeat these so that everyone understands the value of the tasks. Enjoy the Spring programme . . . . .

YOU

Don’t come out on task Come out on task

You benefit - healthwise, DCV wins x 2 socially, learn new skills, You miss out, feelings of achievement DCV loses out, and satisfaction Dorset’s habitats lose out Your time = more Client pays DCV £3 valuable work per volunteer per day achieved. for your work. Your company This goes towards results in tools, insurance, a more diverse trailer costs, running group. of chainsaws, safety A wider pool of skills equipment and knowledge. Coordinator’s Report

The nature of this report is straightforward gorse cut and thankfully was kinder to us and a such that I have to look back burn. further section of the hedge was over what DCV has been up to cleared out. during the last few months. It is The next weekend promised to then that I realise how rapidly be something different with 500 The first weekend of December tasks have, with the odd bluebell bulbs to plant and the we should have been at Warren exception, faded in my memory, prospect of some hedgelaying at Wood on Studland but due to the this is especially true when, as Upton Wood. In the event the poor ground conditions caused now, we have slipped into the bulbs had been planted by tea by the ongoing wet weather the New Year. break, the hedge cleared out by client cancelled the task at rather lunchtime and with nothing in it short notice. Fortunately, it was The new newsletter brings us to worth laying we adjourned to the possible to arrange a return visit the halfway point in our Winter mire for our regular activity there, to the previous week’s task. Very programme which has so far an afternoon of bramble bashing. much needed as there was still a been a busy one with a higher great deal of clearing out to be number than usual of full The following weekend we were done. Not surprisingly given the weekends. As always in the back at Upton but this time the sudden change of venue turnout Winter the main focus of our Country Park, a new site to us. was low both days. However, the activity has been scrub bashing This time there was a choice of back of the clearing out has now in all its various guises. activities. Either willow coppicing been broken so hopefully the alongside the lake or laying the next visit, in February, will be As always before reporting on hedge alongside a track. With a mostly dedicated to actually the tasks from the last quarter I small initial turnout the Saturday laying the hedge. need to quickly mention a couple was dedicated to the willow of tasks that didn’t make it into coppicing. With higher numbers The following weekend was the my last report. The first of these on Sunday there was an annual Christmas Tree task, a was a weekend making a large opportunity for those that fancied week earlier than usual, at but still imperceptible dent in a some hedgelaying to make a Newton Gully. There was dense forest of gorse on start on laying the rather sparse certainly no shortage of suitable Studland for the National Trust. hedge while the rest of the group trees, however a fairly low turn No doubt we will be back continued with the willow out both days meant that most of sometime to continue with this. coppicing. what was cut was consigned to Then the following weekend at the large and very smoky Ryewater Farm, what should The last weekend of November bonfire, which triggered a call have been a scrub bash became saw the first of several visits to a from fire services late in the a day of fencing repairs as the hedgerow alongside Stoners afternoon, after someone in cows has recently made a Common at Kingcombe. The Bournemouth reported that successful bid for freedom due to weather on Saturday was truly Rempstone was on fire! the poor state of some sections dreadful with only 3 of us mad of the boundary fence. enough to turn up and make a The weekend of the DCV start on clearing out the hedge. Christmas Dinner found us at Well the first task of the The prospect of flooded roads Tadnoll continuing the Birch programme, East Gore, initially also raised the prospect of clearance we had started earlier proved something of a challenge, having to cancel the 40th in the year. On Saturday the hot as it wasn’t clear just where the Anniversary event planned at the fire provided a welcome respite meet point was. Thankfully after Kingcombe Centre. However, from the cold wet weather. a bit of to and fro along the road this did go ahead although Thankfully Sunday treated us to we met up with the ARC warden getting home later that evening cold but sunny winter’s day. Also and were able to follow him up proved a challenge for many of thanks to Doug for providing a the long track to the work site. those that attended. Sunday plentiful lunch both days. After this the task itself was a Coordinator’s Report cont’d. . .

Due to Christmas falling mid- Our second weekend of the year I may be wrong but I have the week there wasn’t the usual nearly didn’t happen. Powerstock impression that, with one or two break in the programme. On Common is a remote site exceptions, turnout on tasks so Sunday the 23rd we were tackling accessed by small hilly rural far this Winter is down a large stand of very leggy gorse roads so the heavy snowfall on significantly on previous Winters. adjoining the road and the the Friday forced the decision to It is fair to say we have had a entrance to the DWT reserve at cancel the task on the Saturday. fairly grotty year weather wise Winfrith. With an unusually large As a result of the thaw on and weather forecasts many turnout, for a rather dull day, we Saturday and following a recce’ weekends have been less than soon had a large and rather to site the task went ahead on promising so I don’t know if this smoky fire going. Unfortunately Sunday. Somewhat to my has been a factor or whether we the wind was drifting the smoke surprise, 7 people eventually, have been scheduling too many over to the local business park after various adventures, arrived 2 days tasks. and this combined with the misty to help with the long barrow push Richard conditions made it look like there through the snow to the work was a large heath fire. So we site, which was under some 6 had several calls from fire control inches of snow. The scrub we and a visit from the police to were clearing was a mixture of DCV check our fire was indeed firmly dense matted privet, thorn and under control. bramble all liberally coated with a SWEATSHIRTS firmly attached layer of snow The Sunday after Christmas saw which promptly thawed into the with DCV logo available to a select group on Kingcombe fire doing its best to put it out. As purchase: meadows to deal with a small a result the fire couldn’t keep up Cost - £16.50 area of invading scrub having with the rate of cutting and most if collected on task hauled the barrows through a of the afternoon had to be or plus £2.50 for p & p. series of very muddy gateways. dedicated to burning up what Sizes and colours - various A nasty mix of gorse, bramble had been cut earlier in the day. and thorn made for slow, prickly Send cheque payable to work and lack of wind also meant Mid January saw a return to Dorset countryside Volunteers a rather sulky fire which took a Lions Hill. Given the fairly to long time to burn down resulting unrelenting rain we had a Brian Thompson, 32 Cowleaze in a late finish. surprisingly good turnout for a Martinstown, Dorchester, very wet Saturday and after a Dorset, DT2 9TD The DCV New Year started with shaky start with the fire, gas a bit of a whimper. Whether it stove assistance required, by was the dire weather forecast lunchtime a DCV proportion fire and/or the thick mist that was blazing vigorously and prevailed, I don’t know but it was keeping pace with the rapidly IN CASE OF very much a case of Peter, disappearing gorse. On Sunday, Richard and? Oh no one else, strangely, given the bright sunny EMERGENCY well not from DCV anyway only if chilly weather, there were less the NT ranger. Perhaps it was a people so we didn’t quite clear FREE key fobs available result of the lack of chatter but the whole area of gorse but it to hold an “in case of between the three of us we was a near thing. cleared a fairly impressive area emergency” of leggy gorse interwoven with Newsletter deadlines mean that name and phone number. bramble. Thankfully, for the reports of our return visit to Attach the fob to your reputation of DCV, the turnout, Upton Country Park and Newton rucksack on a near perfect Winter Sunday, Gully will have to wait until next so it’s to hand should an was more like normal figures and time. incident occur. the cleared area greatly Available from Richard extended. The Quarr http://quarrlocalnaturereserve.org/

A community woodland site of 3.21 hectares of local geological importance

Location - Quarr Lane, Sherborne Ownership - Sherborne Town Council

Grid Reference: ST636175 The site was declared on 01/08/2004

Site Description The area is an old landfill site and before that was a quarry from which the town’s building stone was extracted. Low exposed Jurassic limestone cliffs, with many small fossils visible, are a reminder of its ancient past. The quarry face is a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS). chosen for its scientific, educational and historical value by local geologists. Tree planting started on the north end of the site in 1986 thanks to the efforts of the Sherborne Society. A community woodland was established on the site in 1998 and planted with 1500 trees - oak, ash, beech, birch, holly, hawthorn and other native species and was maintained by the Dorset County Council Conservation Field Team until the end of the project in 2002. Today the woodland area attracts a wealth of bird life. The unmistakeable song of the skylark, which rises above the nearby fields, is heard all over the Quarr. The mixture of open grassland, quarry face and significant tree cover means the site is very varied with a wide range of common butterflies and wildflowers and birds recorded. Melanargia galathea serena Marbled white butterfly was recorded on the site over 10 years ago, and the already established Friends Group would like to manage the grassland to encourage the return of the Marbled White. The Friends of Quarr have also actioned an annual hay cut in one area to create a meadow habitat and this will be continued as part of a more detailed mowing regime for the site. There is considerable potential for improving both the diversity and wildlife value of the site as the woodland develops and the grassland is managed appropriately and for demonstrating the geological importance of the site. It is a site which is very valuable for informal recreation, for quiet enjoyment to pick blackberries and walk the dog but could be equally important for formal education particularly geology and restoration ecology. The Friends Group is very active in managing and wardening the reserve.

DCV’s first task here was established and we shall be described in the relevant task assisting them in getting to grips programme: with the management. There’s some coppicing and tree thinning, Our next task at this site is Sunday 13 November 2005 : bramble bashing and a few scheduled for 2 & 3 March . . . The Quarr, Sherborne wooden steps and rails to construct on the quarry slopes. So We shall be helping the local This new task site takes us to we shall be spoilt for choice on Friends group with some scrub what is, for DCV, a bit of a what to do. cutting and a bit of hedgelaying. forgotten part of Dorset. As the It will also be interesting to see name suggests, the site is a The Co-ordinator reported in how the wooden steps and rails former quarry. After the quarry February 2006 newsletter: we constructed on the quarry closed part was used for a slopes have fared over the rubbish dump and, although then Our first task at The Quarr was a years. landscaped, for many years the mixture of woodland thinning, site was rather undervalued as a bramble clearance and installing a greenspace for Sherborne. flight of steps. We received So, a good opportunity to visit, or Recently the site was declared a nothing but appreciative revisit if you were on the original Local Nature Reserve, protecting comments from walkers, task, what has become a its importance for wildlife habitats particularly from elderly locals who successful greenspace for the and for the Jurassic geology used to have difficulty negotiating people of Sherborne. exposed on the remaining quarry the slope where the new steps faces. A Friends group has been went in. F I R E!

As we’re still in the cutting season, we’re repeating these timely tips . . . . Conservation work in winter often involves cutting something that’s growing where it shouldn’t, in order to protect the habitat that is already there, i.e. grassland or heathland. On the whole our clients want us to burn all or most cut material in order to prevent the nutrients from entering the soil, enriching it and changing the habitat.

Siting Fires Advise fire control Once the fire starts gradually increase the size of wood, still Things to think about when • who we are, where we are, using dry pieces, until there is looking for the best position include grid reference, our a good hot ash base. for the fire: phone number and what we are doing Feeding the fire

• downhill of the work where • Have fire beaters to hand possible for easier Stack cut branches butt end dragging Fire lighting towards the fire for ease of loading.

• where the smoke won’t One experienced person blow across the work site When the fire is going, feed it should be in charge of lighting with branches cut so that they • where the flora is of least the fire and loading it at least lie flat on the fire – see value, e.g. on an old fire until it is burning well. diagram below. site, a broad path or newly

cleared area You will need Make sure branches are cut • dry paper or cardboard, • watch for overhanging up and will lay flat because trees or trees downwind • firelighters are useful the wood will only burn if in which may get scorched • thin, dry, straight wood contact with other burning

• on wet sites choose the wood. Some wind or breeze is driest place possible, but needed to help draught at the on peat sites be careful A fire can burn out under a base of the fire. that the peat is not too dry tangle of ill-cut branches. If

as it can smoulder away the fire is dying, you may Build a raised fire on logs to and suddenly catch fire have to pull it apart and start help the draught at the base weeks later again.

• fires and smoke can be Remember - the closer Lay branches on the fire with dangerous near to roads together the wood lies on the their butt ends to the wind – fire – providing air can get in – this allows a free flow of air the better it will burn into the heart of the fire and helps the branches pack down better.

Decide what size the fire should be, don’t keep piling wood on so that the fire becomes too big and out of control.

Allow plenty of time for the fire to burn down so it’s safe to leave.

Phone fire control to tell them the fire is safe and that you are leaving the site. All About Ash Trees

Many of you will have heard the news stories about the terrible sh trees (Fraxinus excelsior) A disease affecting Ash trees. Here are the facts. are one of the most common trees in Britain and their mythology Ash die back disease (Chalara fraxinea) is a fungal infection that reaches back to pre Christian causes leaf loss and crown die-back eventually leading to death. times as a protector and healer. Originating in Asia, this infection seems to cause no harm to the local Newborn babies were given a trees there. In 1992 the disease was first spotted in Europe in the teaspoon of ash sap to protect forests of Poland. Since then it has worked its way across the them. In many parts of Britain continent, reaching Britain in 2012. Now seen in most counties it still children were encouraged to take remains more widespread in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Kent. It an Ash twig to school on Ash probably arrived on imported saplings. As of January 2013 it has Wednesday. been sighted in 18 nurseries, 167 recently planted sites and in 167 established woodlands.

Ash wood is very strong and was used as axels for carts and coaches. Other uses were rowing oars, tool handles, spear shafts and also bows and arrows when yew wasn’t available. Ash was also a very good fuel for fires. Coppiced Ash trees are said to be able to live for a thousand years.

The name Ash is also one of the most commonly used in place names such as Ashmore in Dorset and Ashwater, Ashhurst, Ashley, Ashburton, and Ashton to name a few.

The pictures above show the symptons after the attack. If you are sure you can identify this disease you can report it to: Chalara helpline: 08459 33 55 77 (open 8am - 6pm every day) or [email protected]

Government scientists have set out the most up-to-date understanding of the disease. Their assessment agreed with the earlier Pest Risk Analysis carried out in August, and concluded that: • the spores are unlikely to survive for more than a few days; • spore dispersal on the wind is possible from mainland Europe; Ash trees can grow to 100 feet in • trees need a high dose of spores to become infected; height, have pale grey bark with a • the spores are produced from infected dead leaves during fine pattern of ridges and the months of June to September; distinctive black buds in winter, • there is a low probability of dispersal on clothing or animals which burst open to reveal the and birds; dense clusters of small purple • the disease will attack any species of ash; flowers in spring. From these are • the disease becomes obvious in trees within months rather formed the seeds which hang in than years; dense clusters. These are called • wood products would not spread the disease if treated Ash keys but also sometimes properly; called spinners as they spin when • once infected, trees can’t be cured; they fall, (see drawings on front • not all trees die of the infection, and some are likely to have cover). genetic resistance. Chilli Apple Chutney – a recipe from Doug Kite

On our Christmas task, way back last year, we had loads of turkey leftovers from our evening feast. Not wishing to waste anything the turkey was put to good use filling our lunchtime sandwiches the next day. My homemade chutney, spread liberally over the turkey, was particularly popular. A jar full was almost cleared out. Here’s the recipe for those wishing to make some for themselves. It comes from a friend who now farms in Australia. Since she sent it to me I’ve made a vat full every autumn when cooking apples are fresh and in abundance. The ingredients below will fill 4 jam jars, the 1lb size.

1 hot red chilli, fresh or dried, chopped finely (remove the seeds unless you like your chilli lip tingling hot). 5 large fresh cooking apples such as Bramley apples (about 1kg when prepared), cored, peeled and chopped coarsely 1 clove garlic, crushed and chopped small 200g raisins, chopped coarsely 2 teaspoons ground ginger (optional) 500g brown sugar 500ml white vinegar ½ tablespoon coarse salt ½ tablespoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon five-spice powder (or allspice powder) ½ tablespoon ground turmeric 1 bay leaf

Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan, preferably the non-stick type. Thoroughly stir the apples as they are cut into the vinegar to stop them browning.

Stir with a large wooden spoon over a low heat, without boiling, until all the sugar has dissolved (test by feeling for any sugar grains on the back of the spoon).

Then simmer gently, uncovered, until the mixture thickens. Stir occasionally, more frequently towards the end of cooking period, to prevent the mixture sticking to the pan bottom and to remix surface liquid. This will take about 2 hours. The chutney is ready when, after stirring, a spoon can be drawn across the surface and the furrow does not immediately fill up with liquid. You may wish to close the kitchen door, and keep it shut, to prevent your entire home having the scent of spicy vinegar for the next several days!

Discard the bay leaf.

Spoon the hot chutney into hot sterilised jars. I find it best to pour the chutney into a hot glassware measuring jug and then pour into the jars. It’s quicker and less messy. While hot seal each jar with a transparent jam disc cover and the jar lid. The transparent disc helps prevent the vinegar vapours corroding the jar lid if you wish to store the chutney for a long time, a year or more.

The chutney is best stored in a cool dark place and left for at least 2-3 months to allow the flavour to develop. Any spare scrappings from the saucepan can be tasted much sooner!

Make a note of how much chilli you used so that you can vary the hotness of a future batch by adding less or more. Then come and enjoy your hot apple chilli in sandwiches on DCV tasks through the winter.

Why does tea taste so good on task

Have you ever wondered why our drinks taste different out on task? Well for one thing our senses are heightened when we are outside. It’s our primitive instincts that keep us aware and in that heightened sense. So the food we eat tastes better and so do the drinks. It’s also the way we make those drinks. A pine bonfire makes the tea smokey, a reminiscence of Lapsang souchong. Tea made on a gorse fire can have a strong bitter taste and tea made on a thorn, hazel or ash fire can have a taste similar to Assam. Of course all this is very subjective and one person’s Assam maybe another person’s Darjeeling. Whatever the differences you can be sure of a fine brew when out on a DCV task. Hedgelaying

We have two more hedgelaying tasks in this programme so repeat this short guide to the ancient art.

be cut and laid turned out - Pleachers carefully - to one side so they are Staking available to fill the gap left when Pleachers are the stems that are the last pleachers of the adjacent Stakes should be about 1.5in cut and laid. section are laid. (4cm) diameter and long enough to be knocked about 18in (50cm) Cut out all dead wood and Prior to cutting, ensure the into the ground, and still project a excess live wood, if out of line pleacher you are about to lay is few inches (about 10cm) above with the hedge, but be sure to not tangled in the rest of the the top of the hedge keep sufficient spare pleachers hedge. until you are certain they are not Put the stakes in as you go so needed. Cut so that the pleacher will that the bushy tops of the bend at between 1in and 4in (3- pleachers can be woven in Elder does not lay successfully, it 10cm) above the ground. If you between the stakes as you lay grows vigorously and are forced to cut higher, cut a them. suppresses other plants, so notch in the stump to encourage ideally should be cut out. low resprouting. However, that said, if there is nothing else to fill the gap, you’ll Cut through far enough that the have to lay it! pleacher will lower into place without forcing, but leave Whenever there is a choice sufficient bark and sapwood between young and old uncut to allow the pleacher to pleachers, lay the young ones survive. because they re-sprout better. Cut cleanly, split stems die. Try to use relatively evenly Cut or trim just above a bud spaced pleachers. when possible to encourage

resprouting. Lay pleachers from different Billhooks. Used for rootstocks to increase chance of The pleacher must slope up hedgelaying, coppicing snedding success. away from the stump or the sap - cleaning up felled timber.

won’t flow. Lay all pleachers to They are normally used one Trim excess brush from the near- the same angle if possible. handed but the longer Yorkshire side of the hedge, stacking this billhook can be used with both neatly, butt ends towards the fire hands. Never wear a glove on for easy dragging and a few feet the billhook hand. There is less away from the hedge to keep grip and it may slip. Keep the your workspace clear. billhook sharp, little and often. A

blunt blade can bounce off the wood. Keep a safe working distance from other volunteers.

Laying the pleachers Cut with the grain and not across. Hedges should be laid uphill to ensure that nutrients continue to Never leave a billhook stuck in a flow along the cut stems. stump, someone may trip and fall Pleachers are cut on the top on it. Lay it flat on the ground side, leaving an uninterrupted The stump may be trimmed with near to where you are working. hinge of bark on the underside. a saw.

The first group of pleachers cannot be laid into the standing We will be hedgelaying: hedge alongside, so they should 9/10 February Kingcombe Meadows 2/3 March The Quarr, Sherborne We do an awful lot of it, so just Why do we bash and burn?

Its always difficult explaining confined to steep slopes, difficult standards, for centuries provided to people why we cut down to plough. many of the needs of man - and burn so much in the nothing would be wasted, even the The demise of the rabbit put paid smallest twigs bundled into countryside when we are to many sites not being grazed by faggots to be burnt. conservation volunteers. sheep, with nothing to arrest the It’s something DCV has been invasion of scrub (small trees and Traditionally all of the cut material doing the same way for the shrubs that occur as a phase in would have been taken away to be past 40 years, but why? the development of woodland used in some form or other, from open habitat) comprising leaving the floor of the wood Heathland hawthorn, blackthorn and ash. “clean” and incidentally This results in grass being maintaining the correct nutrient Heaths are not a stable shaded out and soil being level for the native flora. We now environment soon returning to enriched. The unique flora and have to burn some of the cut wood woodland being taken over by pine, fauna that have taken thousands that we can’t give away. gorse, birch, even rhododendron, of years to adapt and establish To the conservationist today, it is shading out the sun loving heather could be lost. Neglect of these the wildlife “spin off”, the rich flora resulting in loss of habitat for sites for as little as ten years can and fauna, that is the main reason reptiles, insects and loss of see the loss of a wonderful and for maintaining an uneconomic biodiversity. diverse habitat - to reverse it with the diversity of plant and animal and labour intensive management Management begins with removing life may take three times as long. process today. Coppicing gives a invasive species such as pine and wood an immense variety of gorse. The latter is cut on rotation This is why we cut selected areas structure, encouraging species to maintain it as a valuable habitat of scrub whilst carefully once restricted to rides or the for birds and insects. Once tall and maintaining a good age structure woodland edge. All stages in leggy it looses its usefulness. to ensure habitats for creatures of growth are present, from the newly Gorse will re-grow but pine trees different species. felled area to the closed canopy of will not. Some larger trees are left young trees. Chalk downland and heathland as perches for birds of prey and are rich in species that have Method some dead trees are left for adapted to the nutrient poor soils. The approved technique for woodpeckers and insects. All of the cut wood needs to be dealing with all of the above All the cut wood is usually burnt so burnt or removed from these sites mentioned ‘scrub’ is to cut it down as not to enrich the nutrient poor because if left to rot down it at ground level. That may mean soil. Some contractors will remove enriches the soil too much and having to clear away an inch or the larger trees and shred and different plants can invade, two of ‘litter’ at the foot of the plant remove the branches to be used upsetting the delicate balance to cut as low as possible. It is vital for garden mulch. This is why we have big bonfires to cut pine trees below their lowest Pine seedlings (possibly self sown when we are scrub and pine branches, otherwise these will from nearby plantations) and birch bashing - the site for the fire continue to grow. need to be pulled out and bracken being carefully selected to needs to be controlled. This was Conclusion minimise damage. done by spraying but now is often The main reason for scrub bashing done by mowing, scything, is to maintain a variety of habitats, Coppice flattening or grazing with cattle. without which we would lose Coppicing - cutting back trees or

shrubs to allow regrowth, Britain’s tremendous biodiversity. Chalk Downland providing a fresh crop of wood Flower rich, nutrient poor with thin We use fire as a tool to burn up that can be cut once more, soils, during the 18th and 19th unwanted waste. It’s efficient and renewing the cycle, providing a centuries chalk downlands quick. This is the preferred option renewable, self-sustaining were extensively grazed by sheep. for most user bodies as it removes resource. Today areas of unploughed both the shrubs shading the A coppiced woodland, downland have become smaller, ground and the dead wood, which traditionally hazel with oak increasingly isolated and more would enrich the ground. ASSOCIATION ORCHIS LINK

It's time to start planning for our next trip to France and exchange with the members of Association Orchis. We will be visiting them on Friday 10th May and returning on Sunday 12th May. The time of the sailings are shown as leaving Poole at 0830 on Friday arriving in Cherbourg at 1345, the return journey will leave Cherbourg on Sunday at 1845 and arrive in Poole at 2200.

The only cost to DCV members is the cost of the ferry crossing on which we hope to secure a discount from the advertised rate. Although the trip is some way off in view of the timing of the Newsletter I would like to start putting together a preliminary list of members interested in joining our party. In the circumstances if you would like to join us or would like more information please contact me.

These are always enjoyable weekends where we stay in the homes of our French colleagues, carry out conservation work and enjoy sightseeing as well as good food and drink!

I look forward to hearing from you. Terry Gillott

Socials

The 40th Anniversary event will it’s usual pattern of a tasty Chris Huggill is again go down as one of the most Christmas meal, followed by performing live, not once, but dramatic socials ever. Rain had secret Santa and fun and twice this year. Please contact fallen solidly for days, Jenny games including pass the Chris for tickets, preferably Moon the story teller had to parcel. There was a before the end of February as cancel as her village was celebratory flavour as old both these classic comedies flooded and she could not articles and a play were read. are likely to sell out very leave, torches and wellies were quickly. the most important items for This year’s socials will begin the evening. Despite all these with the traditional Pancake Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, minor problems the usual good Day evening with Doug on Mon 15th to Sat 20th April, food was enjoyed followed by a Tuesday 12th February from 7.45pm, Bounemouth Little very interesting discussion 7.00 onwards. Please inform Theatre Club, 11 Jameson Road, with Nick Tomlinson about the him or Helen if you would like Bournemouth BH9 2QD, work of The Kingcombe Centre. to attend and bring a pancake tickets £7.50. Thanks to Richard’s efforts filling and something to drink. Shakespeare's A Midsummer the evening concluded with a Night's Dream, five radio play. Happily everyone Pub meal at The Royal Oak, performances between July arrived home safely – Bere Regis on Thursday 21st 24th and August 2nd, eventually. March at 7.45. Please book 7.30pm, Brownsea Open Air with Helen if you would like to Theatre, tickets £21 including The Christmas social was far join us. return ferry and entrance to more traditional and followed the island. D C V DIARY February - May 2013 DATE TASK SITE CLIENT WORK 9 & 10 February Kingcombe Meadows, Dorset Wildlife Trust Hedgelaying West Dorset (DWT)

12 February Shrove Tuesday Doug’s 7:00pm onwards, bring a Tuesday Pancakes filling and a drink

17 February Holt Heath (South) Natural England (NE) Scrub cutting Sunday East Dorset

23 & 24 February East Holme, Purbeck Amphibian Reptile Rhododendron & birch Conservation (ARC) cutting

2 & 3 March The Quarr, Sherborne Friends of the Quarr Scrub clearing and hedgelaying

10 March Broadcroft Quarry, Butterfly Conservation Scrub cutting Sunday Portland

16 & 17 March Tyneham, Purbeck Ministry of Defence (MoD) Various tasks

21 March Pub meal Royal Oak Book with Helen 7:45pm Thursday Bere Regis

23 & 24 March Upton Wood, Poole Purbeck District Council Holly cutting (PDC)

30 & 31 March Easter Enjoy the break!

6 & 7 April Houns-tout Cliff, Purbeck Dorset County Council Step building (DCC)

11 April Planning meeting Doug’s 7:45pm Thursday

13 & 14 April Clouds Hill, Purbeck National Trust (NT) Rhododendron cutting

21 April Abbotsbury Beach, Dorset County Council Beach clean Sunday West Dorset (DCC)

27 & 28 April Task to be confirmed

4 & 5 May St Alban’s Head, Purbeck Dorset County Council Footpath railing & dry (DCC) stone walling

DCV mobile: 07929 961532 (task hours)

Remember to keep a note of the DCV mobile phone number, or check out the website - www.dcv.org.uk There could be occasions when tasks may have to be cancelled at the last minute, or may have to finish early, e.g. in adverse weather conditions. If you are coming out later in the day, it may be wise to phone to check the task is still running. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - May 2013

9 & 10 February: Kingcombe Meadows, West Dorset Kingcombe OS 194 This weekend we shall probably continue ‘laying’ a somewhat derelict hedge in a remote part of this nature reserve. The reserve covers farmland that has barely changed over the past century. One of the most striking features is the patchwork of small fields enclosed by tall, thick hedges. There are nearly 200 hedges, measuring about 11 miles in length. The occasional and seemingly rather destructive management of hedgelaying encourages a thick re-growth of the hedgerow shrubs. For a few years this also allows light into the hedge bank which benefits wild flowers. On previous tasks we cut out huge amounts of tall scrub that had suckered out from a hedge bank and into the fields on either side. Now we can concentrate on laying the stems of hazel and thorn on the bank, hopefully into something resembling a hedge. You don’t have to be an expert. We Meet & Park at work in pairs and there will be experienced volunteers on hand to show Kingcombe Meadows Farmyard how it’s done. So come along and enjoy some of Dorset’s finest SY 546 984 countryside and plenty of chat around the bonfire. NB: Park in Kingcombe Meadows farmyard, just uphill from Clift. There is a long walk in to the task site above a river valley. The ground can be wet and muddy so you may prefer to wear wellies.

Holt Heath South OS 195 Sunday 17 February: Holt Heath (south), East Dorset This National Nature Reserve is one of the largest remaining expanses of open heath in Dorset. This site provides a reminder of how the Meet & Park landscape must have looked over wide parts of south east Dorset at Near to the time Thomas Hardy was writing his famous novels. The reserve Police HQ supports many of the iconic and rare species known from the Dorset heaths: plants, reptiles, birds and insects. The heath is now grazed by hardy cattle in summer, rather like the New Forest, to help provide a varied heathy habitat. But the cattle can’t clear the scrub invasion. That’s where DCV comes in, wielding bowsaws, loppers and a pyromaniac tendency with bonfires. The birch, gorse and willow scrub stands no chance. Its final act will be to provide us with hot teas and coffees and warm us against the February chill. NB: Park along the access road to the police headquarters. There is a long walk down a track to the reserve and then across rough ground to the task site. Bring walking boots if you have them, or wellies may be a better if the weather has been wet.

23 & 24 February: East Holme, Purbeck We have made regular winter visits to this small heathland reserve for some years. Here a sea of birch is attempting a take over the East Holme OS 195 heathland to the detriment of its reptiles and other wildlife. The site borders the southern fringe of the Frome floodplain, alongside the old branch railway line to Swanage. Occasional freight trains trundle by serving the oil terminal in Purbeck. Next to the floodplain the reserve covers a mire – very wet and often flooded. Our task is not here! We shall be on a drier part. Our job is to remove and burn as many birch as possible so as to provide warm and sunny conditions for the little critters. NB: Bring wellies, just in case its wet.

Park at Track by Reserve Entrance SY 912 855 D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - May 2013

2 & 3 March: The Quarr, Sherborne, West Dorset The Quarr Sherborne OS 183 We visited this site nearly 10 years ago to help a local group with a variety of tasks on what was then a new Local Nature Reserve. Situated near the northern boundary of the county, this task takes us again to what is, for DCV, a bit of a forgotten part of Dorset. As the name suggests, the site is a former quarry. After the quarry closed part was used for a rubbish dump and, although then landscaped, for many years the site was rather undervalued as a local greenspace for Sherborne. Now the reserve is well established protecting its importance for wildlife habitats and for the Jurassic geology exposed on the remaining quarry faces. We shall be helping the local Friends group with some scrub cutting and a bit of hedgelaying. It will also be interesting to see how the Meet & Park at wooden steps and rails we constructed on the quarry slopes have The Quarr off fared over the years. Bristol Street ST 636 175

Broadcroft Quarry OS 194 Sunday 10 March: Broadcroft Quarry, Portland Our task this weekend takes us to lofty heights up on the Isle of Portland. Not that we shall have much of a view as our task is in one of the many quarries that pepper the landscape with holes and ravines. This quarry is now abandoned, the better and more easily won stone having been worked out. Vegetation has recolonised and in places developed to a plant rich limestone grassland and a refuge for butterflies. However, an invasion of scrub can soon follow: buddleia, sycamore and the much dreaded (by volunteers) cotoneaster. The scrub needs to be cut out to maintain sunny, warm conditions for the grassland plants and their butterflies. We shall be wielding bowsaws, loppers and maybe even mattocks to clear an area on the quarry floor. A bonfire is likely, the last of the season on which to enjoy our skilfully brewed teas and coffees with a hint of charcoal! Follow Signs From Reserve Entrance off Grove Terrace

March 16 & 17: Tyneham, Purbeck This will be our fifth year helping out with restoration work around the old Tyneham OS 194 & 195 Tyneham Farm on the Lulworth army ranges. The near-by village was requisitioned with surrounding farmland for training use by British forces in the 1940s. The villagers never returned. Now the area is a time capsule into the past where nature has slowly taken over. Several of the collapsing cottages have been kept from completely falling apart and now form a popular tourist destination. In recent years attention has focused on the former farm buildings and surrounding grounds. The buildings are now restored to demonstrate their farming history. We have carried out a wide range of tasks in the grounds, from walling to wildflower meadow creation. The exact nature of this task weekend had yet to be decided at the time of booking. It is likely to be varied, probably a mixture of vegetation management and stone work. The location provides a very tranquil task setting and there are even picnic tables for our tea breaks and lunch. NB: Park at the far end of the visitors car park (SY 882 802) at the end of the lane – the old farm lies beyond over the bridge and up valley to left. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - May 2013

March 23 & 24: Upton Wood, Purbeck-Poole border Upton Wood OS 195 This is our last cutting and chopping task of the season. Though, because of near-by houses and a busy road, we shall not be able to have a bonfire. Hopefully the weather will be nice enough for us not to miss the heat of a fire, and the less welcome smokey billows that go with it. We shall be cutting holly. This has become rather abundant under the tree canopy, suppressing plants on the woodland floor and creating dense thickets that visitors can find intimidating. Selective cutting will provide a more varied structure to the woodland and allow in other woodland plants and young trees. The area is well used by local people as a place to experience and enjoy a natural environment. So our tasks Meet & Park on here are much valued in helping to maintain and improve the mix of Pony Drive wildlife habitats. By late March we should see early growth of the hundreds of native bluebells that we have been planting over the last few years in areas cleared of holly. As usual there will be fresh brewed teas and coffees from our trusty stoves, served with lots of biscuits. And much friendly chatter all through the day.

March 30 & 31 Easter break, no task this weekend

6 & 7 April: Houns-tout Cliff, Purbeck Houns Tout OS 195 Way back in the late 1990s DCV constructed a flight of over 150 stone steps up this precipitous part of the coast path. We later returned with our friends from Association Orchis to make repairs where the steps had slid and the path eroded. But the ground continues to move and the wear of people’s feet and especially all the rain last year has taken its toil. We shall be making good the damage by pulling out and re-positioning wonky steps and putting back a levelled path surface. There are lots of jobs which Meet at Car we share in pairs or threesomes, while admiring the views Park West of Kingston (absolutely spectacular) and catching up on the latest chat. And SY 954 795 you don’t need to have massive muscles to haul out the old steps. We have a few well trained volunteers to do that! NB: There is a long but scenic walk in from the car park at Kingston. Wear walking boots or stout working boots; also useful for grip on loose ground while replacing a step. The weather can change rapidly here, high above the sea. So bring waterproofs Work Site on Coast Path and warm clothes even if it’s a blue and sunny sky when you set SY 950 773 out.

Clouds Hill OS 194 13 &14 April: Clouds Hill, Purbeck Rather later than usual we have a ‘bowsaw and lopper’ task. This weekend takes us to Clouds Hill cottage in Moreton Forest where the National Trust has a small enclave surrounded by plantation pines. The cottage is where T E Lawrence, of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ fame, lived during the last years of his life. His final home along with its history is now safeguarded for the nation. Rather less safeguarded is the appearance of the surrounding land owing to an invasion of rhododendron. It was introduced to Britain years ago. On escaping Park at NT Car Park Overflow at Lay-by into the wild ‘rhody’ has become a thug of the plant world, choking out SY 826 905 native vegetation to form impenetrable thickets almost devoid of wildlife. On heathland, which once covered this area, none of the special wildlife can survive its advance. We shall be cutting back an area giving no mercy to the invader. NB: Park at NT car park for Clouds Hill and lookout for DCV’s distinctive yellow arrows showing the way to the task site. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : February - May 2013

Sunday 21 April: Abbotsbury Beach, West Dorset This weekend we have our annual trek along Chesil Beach helping with Abbotsbury Beach OS 194 the Great Dorset Beach Clean. This is Dorset’s biggest environmental volunteering event of the year, an organised mass litter clearance at beaches all along the Dorset coast. Chesil Beach is the biggest of all the beaches. But don’t despair, we shall not be doing all 16 miles, only our traditional stretch near Abbotsbury. Last year there was an abundance of plastic water bottles, snack wrappers and bottle tops, and discarded rubbish from sea angling. More interesting were the various strange remains, some natural and some probably from passing ships or maybe even from foreign shores. At the day’s end the beach was again clean and marvellous for the natural objects brought in by the sea for visitors to find and wonder - shells and bones, wood and seaweed, all Meet & Park at Beach Car Park washed up by earlier storms. This is a leisurely task. Come for all or part of the day. NB: Meet at Abbotsbury Beach car park - bring your programme to show attendant for free parking. Gloves provided if you don’t have any.

27 & 28 April: task to be confirmed The task this weekend had not been confirmed at the time of writing. We are likely to be in West Dorset continuing the repair of drystone walls at Swyre, or possibly carrying out footpath work on the coast. Look out for an update on our web site, or phone Richard, Peter or Doug nearer the time for details.

4 & 5 May: St Alban’s Head, Purbeck St Albans Head OS 195 This weekend we return to the headland overlooking Chapman’s Pool and across to Houns- tout cliff. Hopefully we shall be able to see a very fine flight of stone steps rising up the cliff side, newly restored by our endeavours early last month. We have been asked to do two different jobs over the weekend. On Saturday we shall be constructing a section of path railing. So if you want to polish up on you woodworking skills then this is the day for you. There may also be lots of hole digging for the railing posts. Then on Sunday we shall be continuing restoration work on the drystone wall alongside the coast path. Parts have collapsed into heaps of stone and other parts are leaning at crazy angles. We shall be clearing out a section of fallen and collapsing stones to a level that will provide a firm foundation. Often this means clearing right back down to ground level. The stones are sorted into different sizes - big ones for the foundations, little ones for infill and so on – and then we can start rebuilding. Progress can be slow at first but gradually the restored wall takes shape, often to admiring comments by passers-by on the coast path. Meet & Park at NB: The site is high and very exposed to winds and anything else the Car Park weather can deliver from the open sea. Fantastic views but do bring SY 964 775 suitable clothing for changeable conditions, and your sun cream just in case! DORSET COUNTRYSIDE VOLUNTEERS DORSET COUNTRYSIDE VOLUNTEERS MEMBERSHIP FORM - 2013 MEMBERSHIP FORM - 2013

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