Hinksey Heights Nature Trail - 20th April 2024
Blog by Eleanor, photos by Sally There was plenty of work to do on the Hinksey Heights Nature Trail, though, sadly, only eight Green Gymmers were able to come. We met in the car park in chilly, but sunny weather and set off along the track with the tools loaded into the wheelbarrow. We set up base by the pond, and Sally took us on a recce along the trail. We were glad to see that the pond has a fence now and a notice asking walkers to keep dogs under control, as dogs running into the water can contaminate it with flea powder, which can kill aquatic life. The tasks were to cut back bramble from the edge of the trail, to scythe rushes by the pond, avoiding any orchids and twayblades, to scythe in the dell, avoiding woolly thistle and to pull up grass around the young trees. As we set to work, some Hinksey Heights volunteers arrived to continue working on the board walk, which will make the trail passable in muddy conditions. We worked hard until tea break time and we appreciated having