The picture on the front of this website shows a big working party of local people helping to plant hundreds of saplings in the South West quarter of the Field. This was the start of Jean Argles’ Wood………pre-Covid!

Those of you who walk on the Field regularly will have been pleased to see how well most of the saplings have taken root.. They are now breaking into leaf for the new growing season. Unfortunately the rampant rough grass on the Field is interfering with their growth and in some case is even threatening to kill the young trees despite the weed-suppressant mats we installed when we planted the young trees. 

This dense grass and dead vegetation around the base of the trees needs to be removed to expose those mats that are still in place. This is best done by simply hand pulling the grass – preferably wearing gloves. We have been advised that:

• No digging should take place as it will damage the shallow roots
• No scything or strimming due to the risk of damaging the stems or even cutting the saplings down completely!
• Don’t remove the mats – they will degrade over time. Simply clear the grass and reposition the mats if necessary.
• Any plastic protective tubes and canes which are still in place can remain to give support. They can easily be removed and recycled later
• Do not remove saplings that appear dead or dying – some may still recover.
• Note that newly planted trees and existing trees will be regularly monitored and managed to encourage diversity. 

What we really need is a big Volunteer Day, just like we had when we planted the wood together. Unfortunately we are still not allowed to organise such an event, although we shall do so as soon as it is permitted. In the meantime the young trees really need a helping hand, so if any of you could help by organising your own mini-working party of family or ‘bubble’ members, then this would be a great help. Photographs are very welcome.

There’s a lot of work here, so please help if you can.