Saturday 18th July 2026

Graham lead a team of 5 today and upon arrival we found the usual access at the end of the site was fenced off but the lady in the end home allowed us to gain access through  her garden.  This worked out well and Graham brushcut an area gaining us entry over the dich which  we found to be  totally dry.  The whole area has grown tremendously over the last year but because of last years valiant effort we were able to cut a passage alongside the ditch about 2 metres wide.

Graham set off in front clearing a path and the first patch of knotweed was soon uncovered.  The remainder of the team reset last years fencing  to make the area ready for the weedkilling team in the week.  The second area of knotweed proved more difficult to find as it was much smaller in area but having found it, it was duly fenced off with blue netting .The final job was to cut a pathway up to the trackbed for access.

Weather conditions were vey hot and energy sapping so upon reaching the second patch of knotweed the team were dangerously void of energy so called it a day.
On a humorous note, the lady in the second home heard us say we had found the STAKES but was alarmed as she thought we said we had found some SNAKES as she was busy weeding her garden just a short distance away.

On the natural side of things the team spotted a fox, rabbit, what appeared to be a hare and finally a young deer but because of the nature of the task we had no alternative but to press on with the task ensuring that we did not unduly disturb the wildlife.  A common lizard was also spotted

This embankment will need cutting within 12 months preferably by the robocut machine as the vegetation growth has been quite excessive.

Well done team
Brummie Dave

  




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