Cattle have got through the access gate into Hawkyard Copse on two occasions recently, and unfortunately damaged some of the young trees planted there. Pending a permanent solution which will not allow livestock to enter, the gate was temporarily locked. The problem has now been resolved and the Copse is freely accessible – but for cattle, no longer!
We realise that there may be people who would like to join Green Gym or at least try it out, but cannot attend on a Wednesday, typically for work reasons. We are therefore trialling work sessions on a Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 pm, with a break at 11.30.
The next two sessions will take place on Saturday 5th July at the Community Orchard, led by Heather Leonard, and on Saturday 2nd August at another site in Chipping Norton, location to be confirmed. The leader for this will be Clive Rand. Details for both sessions will appear on the July/August programme.
The tasks will be set out by the leader for the session and tools will be provided. If you have your own gloves, then please bring them – although there will be some available should you not have any. Otherwise, as you might imagine, sturdy shoes and clothing are advisable.
We really hope you would like to come along and give Green Gym a try. The work is very rewarding as well as the good company and companionship. If you would like to come to a session or sessions, please let Membership Secretary Rachel know, so she can let the session leader know to expect you. Of course, if you have any questions, she will be happy to answer them.
We look forward to meeting you!
Since its appearance in the U.K. in the late 1960s, the now infamous Dutch elm disease has killed millions of elm trees here over the last 50 years. It has changed parts of our landscape forever and is still spreading north. However, thanks to the painstaking breeding of hybrids, there now exist varieties with noted similarity to the lost English elms (ulmus procera) but which are, it is claimed, completely resistant to the disease.
Although there still exist surviving mature elm trees in Britain, they have all vanished from Chipping Norton, and are remembered only in the local name Elmsfield. Now, Green Gym have planted a small number of elm saplings alongside the drive to Elmsfield Farm, which also leads to the Community Orchard. It is hoped that at some time in the future, they will resemble those in this photograph and recreate a glorious scene from the past.
The annual Blossom Day festival will take place on Sunday May 11th, from 12 to 3, at the Chipping Norton Community Orchard. Admission is free and all are welcome. Parking space is limited – please come on foot if at all possible. For details on how to get there, parking, and a map of the location, see here.
