Woodland Conservation - Friday Group

Hotel Field - Paths and Verges

Friday, 3rd July 2026

With another hot day forecast, it was important to find a shady spot where we could continue our woodland improvement work, and several paths and verges around the edge of Hotel Field offered some great opportunities for the day's session. Once again, we were delighted by the fantastic turnout — 22 volunteers!

Our morning got off to a slightly unexpected start when we discovered we couldn't access the shed where our tools were stored! Fortunately, that didn't dampen anyone's spirits. While a small group stayed behind at the Parks' Team Yard to sort out the key situation, the rest of us made our way to Hotel Field to get on with the job, enjoying a chat as we walked.

Now let's get that path cleared!!

With bags down, hats on, and sleeves rolled up, volunteers quickly got to work pulling weeds from the tarmac and clearing long trailing brambles. Soon, the others arrived with the tools to and begin uncovering the true edges of the path,

Our first task was in a deeply shaded area at the top of Hotel Field. You may remember that we began restoring this part of the woodland last year, and our efforts were rewarded this spring with a beautiful increase in Cuckoo Flower, along with a much greater diversity of woodland floor plants. As expected, the bracken had returned with its usual vigour. Removing it before it has the chance to produce spores is essential to prevent it spreading even further. Around half a dozen volunteers tackled this task and had cleared the area by our well-earned break.

Afterwards, they moved to the verge at the bottom of Hotel Field, where previous bracken removal had already resulted in a much more impressive display of Lesser Celandine this spring. This strange little bug in the photo below took a likening to us; we were careful to leave it where we found it.

Meanwhile, another group focused on the sun-dappled path along the far side of the meadow. At the junction with the path leading down to the Shooters Hill entrance, a dense wall of brambles had grown up, blocking sightlines from both directions and making the route feel less safe for walkers. The path itself had also become increasingly narrow, with long bramble stems reaching out to catch anyone passing by—something they've been particularly good at this year!

The transformation has been remarkable. What many of us assumed was simply a narrow woodland path has turned out to be an old driveway, complete with drains, hidden beneath years of encroaching vegetation. Although we're delighted with what we achieved, there's still more to do. We'll be returning to continue clearing the brambles, improving sightlines, and making this route a safer, more welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.

A great improvement but lots more encroachment to sort!

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered. Every session makes a real difference, and together we're helping Hotel Field become an even better place for wildlife and visitors alike.