Woodland Conservation Group - Fridays

Jack Wood

Friday, 1st  May 2026

This session fell on a Bank Holiday weekend - a hot day too - but this did not prevent our team of 8 dedicated volunteers from continuing our work in Jack Wood, where the trees meet the path up to the cafe from the Rochester Way.

Ready for action!

Firstly, we found a space to place the cut Snowberry which was removed at the previous session.  Building a dead hedge within the shade of the tree-line, at the top margin of Oxleas Meadow, seemed like the ideal place as the material did not have to be moved far (perfect for wildlife) and was also discrete.

Clearing the snowberry to a discrete area.

Once finished, and after a well-deserved break, the group moved back onto the nearby pathway to continue clearing the brambles and other vegetation growing over the surface for at least 1 metre. Not only does this create a more comfortable, and safer, walking experience, but it also allows more light to reach the paths, helping them to dry up more quickly after rainfall, etc.

Once the path itself was reclaimed, it was back to work on the verges, clearing brambles completely for the first metre or so to provide space for other woodland vegetation to grow, and hopefully attracting more wildlife such as butterflies and moths.  Of course, brambles themselves provide good habitat and food sources too so, further back, they were cut down (as opposed to removed) and soon fresh, nectar-rich growth will return, followed, as usual by berries.

All tough work on a lovely, sunny day - but the anticipated rewards in increased biodiversity (as well as more spacious pathways) will be well worth the effort.

Thank you to all who give their time and to all those who support our endeavours.