Friends of Purley Beeches Work Party Notice
SATURDAY APRIL 17TH 2021
Rule of Six, that will be the order of the day for this work party, which is very useful as the first thing on the ‘Things to do’ list is to remove the large, black, three-seater settee that has been dumped in the middle of the Beeches. It needs to be carried down to the Purley Oaks entrance for collection by the Council and I think it will require the joint efforts of six of the strongest to get it there.
The main task scheduled for April was to clear around the saplings that were planted last October, however the area is still so popular with parents and children building dens that it has kept the ground free of undergrowth. Almost without exception the saplings are doing really well with many of them already in leaf.
Other tasks for this Saturday. I have lengths of re-bar that needs to be hammered into the ground around the paving slabs that were positioned last month in readiness for our storage unit. These rods will ensure that the slabs can’t move, so club/lump hammers are required for this job and if anyone has a battery powered angle grinder for cutting off excess rod that would be wonderful.
All of the Cherry Laurel in the Beeches has now been plotted and a concentrated effort to dig out where possible or to cut down is another task. Long sleeves and gloves are essential for this one as the sap is nasty and the plant is very poisonous if ingested. I expect this job will take several work parties to complete, just like collecting the fallen wood.
There is masses of wood to collect to try and keep the Beeches looking relatively tidy. Some of the larger pieces need to be cut first, like the big branch just inside the Beech Avenue entrance. Also tidying up around this entrance would be good. So much to do!
As last month, please wear a mask and use your own hand tools if possible, FoPB tools will also be available. Hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial wipes and first aid kit, will be at our usual base camp, the bonfire site. Signs will be posted from the Beech Avenue entrance. Before using and when finished with your own, or a FoPB tool, wipe it thoroughly and sanitise your hands, we must do everything to remain safe and as always wear appropriate clothes, shoes and gloves.
Please come at any time to suit between 10am to 1pm and don’t forget your elevenses, it’s not all about work you know!
Don’t forget to check out our new website:
www.friendsofpurleybeeches.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
