Woodland Conservation (SHWWP)
Oxleas Wood - Stream Bed Clearance
Saturday, 12 September 2026
Saturday was a mild and sunny day, so it was ideal for working on the stream-bed – without water, of course!
Thirteen volunteers attended, including the Explorer Scout Leader and five of his Scouts. We also had another very welcome addition – someone on holiday from Ireland, visiting his daughter, one of our weekend volunteers!
What a wonderful way to spend time together and, what’s more, he thoroughly enjoyed the session and hopes to join us again the next time he’s over.
The channel itself was already filling up with dried leaves and dead branches, some of which had fallen or blown in.
Clearing the bed of these materials is an occasional task, important to prevent them rotting down and turning into the thick sludge we often have to shovel out – much heavier and messier work than when it is dry.
Other, larger branches had been moved into the channels by people enjoying the woodlands throughout the summer months.
By the end of the session, we had managed to clear the bed from the area we call ‘Piccadilly Circus’ all the way up to the dead hedge by the bridle path.
Thanks to all our volunteers.
