Rain at last - and AGM
WilderDE4 AGM 2025
After weeks of unseasonably dry weather, it was great to have a good dollop of rain. Perfect timing for our outdoor AGM, held jointly with the other groups under the WilderDE4 ‘umbrella’ - pun untended! A wet, but extremely positive event.
Thanks to everyone who came out for a drenching… and to everyone who brought such magnificent cakes.
‘Best AGM ever!’
Two years on since the purchase of Wild Maple Field, and totally undaunted by the weather, we held another very productive work party, planting more wildflowers, strimming areas of grass and continuing to excavate the dew pond back to its original cobbled base. In addition, work has started on building a short section of dry stone wall using the rough stone found in the pond material - brilliant to have experienced wallers, James and Steph, on this job.
Elsewhere, Jane and Kevin were adding fortifications to the Bat Cave. Wild Maple Field has a number of disused mine shafts on the wild side of the hedge. One of them has been opened up to give access to bats that might be looking for a new residence. We’re adding fencing to ensure small mammals don’t accidentally fall into the ‘cave’.
Our expert ecologist, Ellie, meantime, introduced younger members to the wonders of small mammal tracks - they made brilliant mammal tunnels out of cardboard, insulating tape and a charcoal and oil mix to ‘trap’ the footprints of any mammals looking for a tasty treat in the bait tray.
Another expert volunteer, Richard Matthewman, carried out an invertebrate survey during March and discovered the most amazing array of characters making homes underfoot. We are extremely grateful for sharing his knowledge. His report is linked on hte Nature Notes page. Martin Bennett also joined us from the Ramblers and added official footpath markers to our WMF posts to show visitors the way as the grass lengthens.
Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers that help make Wild Maple Field such a special place!
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