Woodland Conservation Group - Fridays

Hotel Field and Middle Path Opening

Friday, 17th July 2026

What a wonderful group of volunteers we have here in the woodlands! Eighteen people attended the session and worked their socks off, shovelling, sweeping, chopping and pulling to improve the woodland for both wildlife and walkers.

Once again, our aim was to find as much shade as possible for our activities, so we split into two large groups and headed to different areas.

Those who enjoy path work returned to Hotel Field, wheelbarrows loaded with shovels, saws, brushes and loppers, to continue reclaiming the tarmac path at the far side of the meadow, parallel with Shooters Hill Road, which we started clearing last session. What a fantastic job they did too! The path has almost doubled in width, and many of the sprawling brambles have been removed, creating a much safer and more welcoming route for walkers.

The second group, made up of those who prefer pulling bracken and cutting back brambles, headed to the entrance to Middle Path, where the bracken was already tall and thriving. Although we would have preferred to tackle this area on a cooler, cloudier day, it was important to remove the bracken before it begins to spore, which won't be long now.

They first cleared the bluebell area, where isolated patches of bracken had appeared, preventing it from spreading back into the areas we've already restored. They then moved on to the sunny verges on either side of the path, where we know daffodils and bluebells grow, helping to give these woodland flowers the space and light they need to flourish.

Once again, everyone did a fantastic job. The paths are wider, the verges are clearer, and even branches from a fallen dead tree were put to good use, helping to protect a nearby area.

Bracken has been cleared from both verges and the protected bluebell area.

Every session makes a visible difference, and it's all thanks to the hard work, enthusiasm and teamwork of our brilliant volunteers.