The problem was highlighted when Claire was thinning along the edge of the hardwood plantation. The gorse patch was leggy and about 10ft (3.1m or so) high, and needed some sort of pruning.

We don't like to be vandals in what we regard as our wood, and any shrub, which in this case seems to flower on and off throughout the year, is kept if possible to try to enhance the colour in the reserve. So what to do? In the end Claire and I hedged our bets and cut the gorse down to different heights. I was not too happy about the shorter lengths because a few years ago a former colleague (only two of us in those days) and, I cut some plants down to about a foot (30cm.) They promptly died!

So - help. A note to the editor [or web master if you are reading this on-line] will find me if you know about these things.

Now the best news is that last week we had nine people working with us in the morning! It was a record unequalled in my time here! We ran out of tools, so two of us walked round the reserve to check that there was nothing untoward on the paths following the rain and gales. Oozy mud, but no fallen trees, thank goodness.

We returned to a coffee-time discussion about conservation (as ever). Several of the younger people have such qualifications - or are studying conservation. That is partly why they work in the reserve. They need to get their hands on some extra practical experience.

More power to their elbows, I say.

John Hall © 2005