VOLUNTEER  PROGRAMME

NEWS

 

We have successfully gained funding from the Northern Station Adoption Fund to replace two of the large planters on platform 1 at Bare Lane.  They are badly rotting after 10 years of service.

 

The flower meadow at Thurnham has done really well this year compared to 2024.  Flowers are now seeding of their own accord, including Ragged Robin which we did not plant!

 

The Bee and Butterfly Garden in Silverdale has also been quite stunning this year, with a wide range of butterflies recorded, including Peacock, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Painted Lady, Common Blue and Brimstone.

 

The ‘damson orchards’ were once a common feature around Bare Lane Station, and this year the surviving trees have been laden with the fruit.  We have supplied Bare Butchers with some, as well as having them for passengers to collect from the station.  Earlier, peas and beans were quite prolific from the Great Wood School planter.

 

Our ‘planter train’ display, poster and bunting on platform 2 are a celebration of 200 years of passenger train operation in the UK on 27th September.

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TASKS  

 

September 7th - Mossgate school am​

The pond needs thinning.  Plants have done so well but are threatening to engulf the open water, so we will scoop out some of the more enthusiastic culprits.  Also, if the rain has returned we would like to complete the bog garden. 

Penhale, Heysham pm

We haven’t visited the woodland site since spring, so plenty of maintenance work needed around the paths and young trees.

 

September 28th - Thurnham meadows

A final cut for the meadows as most of the plants should have completed their cycle by now.  Another chance to practise using a scythe, with a little help from Pete!

 

October 5th - Bare Lane Station

Construction workday.  We are replacing two of the larger planters on Platform 1, as the wood has now rotted.  Saws, drills, tape measures and set squares.  Should be an interesting day and we should be able to complete the re-planting the same day.

 

October 19th - Great Wood

Woodland management day.  We need to check the young trees and hedges, work around the pond and do some work in the wood following our management plan. 

Something for everyone.

 

November 2nd - Hazelwood Farm, Silverdale

A final round up of the bee and butterfly garden before the winter.  Some pruning and cutting back ensuring there is still plenty of cover for hibernating insects.

 

November 16th - Mossgate School, Heysham

We will be doing some woodland thinning around the boundary of the school,

particularly where there is encroachment onto the pavement.  Everything we cut will need to be stacked into habitat piles and dead hedges.