The Rise Of Rowland
Over the weekend (12th/13th February) another army of volunteers descended on the new BC reserve at Rowland Wood, continuing its rapid metamorphosis into a paradise for woodland butterflies. Marie Buss, Sherie New, Susan Suleski, Dave Mitchell, Keith Alexander, Colin Knight, Nigel Kemp, Peter Atkinson, Peter Coyston, David Bradford, Jim Barrett, Bob Foreman, Richard Roebuck, Dave Harris, Crispin Holloway, Colin Brinkhurst, Roger Carter, Tim Duffield, Alan Dengate and, of course, Reserve Manager Michael Blencowe, all laboured hard to supplement the recent clearance work performed by contractors.
Dave Mitchell - pyromaniac (and probably the greatest single contributor to the upkeep of the Park Corner Heath/Rowland Wood area over several decades). Image by Michael Blencowe
A network of sunny, open rides and clearings is fast developing. It's not difficult to envisage these areas being carpeted with violets and bluebells in the future. The transformation from a dark, oppressive forest dominated by non-native conifers has occurred within a very short timeframe.
Recently cleared Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary habitat
Helping out on Sunday were Marie Buss and new volunteer Jack, who did a great job of moving some of the heavier timber through the woods, without cutting up the surface.
Marie Buss, Richard Roebuck and Jack. Image by Michael Blencowe