Gardening Group

Castle Wood Rose Garden

Sunday 15th June, 2025

Our garden volunteering session began in an unexpected and concerning way — with a call to the fire brigade.

Volunteers arriving that morning discovered a smouldering ground fire in the wooded area below the garden. The fire crew responded quickly and worked hard to douse the flames, but due to the nature of woodland fires and the way they can smoulder underground, it wasn’t possible to fully extinguish it on the day.

This incident is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our ancient woodlands are to fire. Fires can be started by disposable barbecues heating the ground below, cigarettes, campfires or discarded litter such as glass bottles — fires often become large and long-lasting. Dry leaf litter, dead wood, and root systems can allow fire to travel unseen beneath the surface.

We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that fires and barbecues are strictly not allowed anywhere in Oxleas Woodlands. The damage they cause to wildlife, habitats, and the woodland’s rich ecology can be devastating and long-lasting.

Once the area was made safe, our volunteers continued with the session — weeding around the flower beds and deadheading in Castle Wood Garden. Despite the dramatic start, the garden is looking lovely for summer, and we’re grateful as always for our volunteers’ calm response and cheerful dedication.

Please help us protect the woods by spreading the word: no fires, no barbecues — ever.

Two volunteers trimming the grass edges around the rose beds