VIP Wednesday, 12th February 2020

Many followers will know that Wednesday has become our traditional volunteering day, so today I was joined by one of our VIP's, (volunteer in parks) another Paul.

The volunteers have a project to refurbish the entrance to Pembrey Country Park complimenting the soon to be installed new entrance sign, and in doing so improve the ground flora to benefit pollinators.

The area either side of the barrier has looked neglected for sometime so it was with some determination that the two of us set about tackling the "easy" right hand side.

The idea is to open up the approaching vista, get more light to the ground under the mature trees and generally just make the entrance more welcoming. 

Armed with our new tools funded by Welsh Government via the Local Nature Partnership we set about making light work of the task !!!!

Before

VIP Paul in action

We soon discovered that the majority of the saplings were already dead, with the remainder suffering from natural dieback. In around three hours we had cleared all the saplings achieving part one of the plan. We are left with three piles of timber which will either be chipped or used as a  "dead hedge" elsewhere in the park; a dead hedge is exactly what it says a hedge made up of dead timber through which other vegetation can grow forming a useful barrier.

Part two of the plan will see the area in front of the low wall covered with topsoil and chipped bark ready for planting with pollinator plants- which brings me to another point, as this is a volunteer project would any readers like to volunteer some plants to be used in this area? if you are feeling generous then get in touch....

After!

The slate sign will be repainted and the slate oiled

Compare the first photograph and see that

Stage 1 is completed, next landscaping then plants

If anyone fancies some banter and physical exercise or perhaps is good with an artists paint brush get in touch, always room for one or two more.

The left hand side of the entrance will be seeing the same work with the addition of the removal of the wooden fence, but that's for another day!