Last work session for the season - Woodpecker, Ravens, Primroses and Shaolin discipline

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I'm intrigued by the various users and uses people make of Centenary Woodland, sometimes the evidence is left behind, drinks cans, tissues, used condoms and so on, and the site is categorized by the Police as an area in which anti-social behaviour takes place.

I would suggest however that the ASB is declining based on a decreasing number of items found, such as those listed above.

This is partly due to the increasing usage from people carrying out socially acceptable practices, thereby deterring unsociable behaviour; one such practice being the beating of a tree with forearms as part of a Shaolin discipline. The guy carrying out this practice didn't want a photograph and was horrified at the suggestion, but declined in a gentle manner. I'll no doubt see him again and aim to further my understanding. I was satisfied however that no harm was done to any tree by this practice, it was more of a slow gentle pummeling rather than beating.

Woodpecker at Centenary Woodland
Out and About School

Not sure if the above title will stick, but it rather sums up a popular demand for 'Forest School' like activities with the home-schooling network.

Parents and children ventured to Centenary Wood to help with tree planting and wildflower plugging as part of the B&BCWT's NIA project to improve the wooded areas around Cannon Hill (see previous posts for details)
Paul from the Wildlife Trust giving a tree planting demo

The digging was tough but some of the older children managed OK

Primrose

Young people planting young trees


What a great day at Centenary Woodland

Trees planted included

  1. Hazel
  2. Rowan
  3. Oak
  4. Hawthorn
  5. ?

Wildflowers included
  1. Yellow pimpernel
  2. Primrose
  3. False brome grass
  4. Wood speedwell
  5. Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage

a nice variety of woodland plants grown at Eco Park

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