Had a walk round inbetween the showers. Birds singing quite happily. The Bluebells are coming through well - should be another good display this year. Paths still muddy, of course, due to weather.Ron is still working round there each day for a bit, keeping his channels clear, and making new ones. Water is running well, and you can see it flowing out of his pipes into the stream. He has had many people stop and thank him for all his hard work.
There is plenty of general litter about.
Sheila
Ron and I had a stroll part way round the copse. The pathway coming down the hill by Calder Close has a Stream still running - did not venture up this. Large gate in fence along pathway has been opened at sometime, and a load of garden rubbish etc has been dumped.
Top path- opposite school gate - shopping trolley dumped. Path O.K.
Teviot Road entrance - by Council Sign Post is a Child's Pushchair, and much general litter in dip.
Path down to bridge alright.
Now able to walk along path from Bran Close to Calder Close entrance.
Stream running very well.
Motor bikes and bikes going through woods regularly, tracks can be seen
in mud.
Sheila & Ron
Ron having fun in the woods
This morning I was in the copse on a small project of mine, when two men walk past me .They never spoke but I was sure I had seen one of them before. Seeing they seemed to be very interested in the state of the path, I went down and ask if they were represtatives of the council, they replied in the affirmative just surveying the situation.
Agreed something needed to be done. Maybe we will begin to see some progress.
By the way we have the ash tree disease in the woods.
Regards Ron
This morning I went to the woods and cut down the large bough which had fallen to five feet at the centre of the main path from entrance G to entrance F near the school gate. It had been reported in a rececent report. Branches were cut off and remain in the growth on the side of the school. The main bough was dropped and levered clear of the path on the side of the wood.
Regards Ron
The Birds are singing well and darting about. There seems to be more boggy areas, so wet around the copse.
The path after Aylesham/Dalton Close entrance is extremely muddy.
The stream is running well, and the Culvert is quite clear.
Going up the path by Calder Close - first part not too bad, but as you go up there is a stream running down, and deep mud. Worst I have ever seen. After turning at the top by Teviot Road sign, there is a thick tree branch overhanging the path, only about 5ft4" headroom- needs attention.
Coming down hill from Teviot Road area - near bridge lefthand side there is a child's carrycot thrown into the undergrowth, unable to reach it.
A lot of dog walkers have given up going right round the copse now, too muddy and older people do not want to take the risk of falling in mud.
Sheila
Dry and Sunny!! After all the recent rain I am sorry to say that the path after Aylesham/Dalton Close is very very muddy - area has lengthened. Stream running well.
Path going up the hill - first part where Wood Chips have been put "fine" Trouble half way up has got worse, and mud deeper and more slippery.
Rubbish once again at Teviot Road entrance - usual spot, but spread out.
As you go down the path there is a baby's seat in bushes right hand side, but unable to reach it from path.
Otherwise pleasant walk - very few berries on Holly bushes.
Sheila and Ron
The tree trunk across the path leading to the Bran Close entrance has been cleared by somebody.
Following the tree cutting I did yesterday close by the bridge, I returned there this afternoon and cut back the two large stumps to straighten the pathway. Now there is over six foot clearance with no overhead obstruction.
Ron
The path between Bran Close entrance and the bottom of the steps has a tree stump across the path below the level of the top of the steps. Too large for me to handle alone; but it is easy to step over.
Further along the same path as you approach the bridge; three branches two from the left and one from the right were interlocked supporting each other. A fresh split has occured at the junction of the right branch and its trunk allowing all the branches to lower. This left headroom below five feet eight inches.
I have cut the branches off to give a clear way through; but it requires two large stumps to be cut back further to straighten the path.
Ron
Dry and Sunny!! After all the recent rain I am sorry to say that the path after Aylesham/Dalton Close is very very muddy - area has lengthened.
Stream running well.
Path going up the hill - first part where Wood Chips have been put "fine"
Trouble half way up has got worse, and mud deeper and more slippery.
Rubbish once again at Teviot Road entrance - usual spot, but spread out.
As you go down the path there is a baby's seat in bushes right hand side, but unable to reach it from path.
Otherwise pleasant walk - very few berries on Holly bushes.
Sheila and Ron
Cut back the stump to give greater clearance from the path near the bend leading to the stile. The ash fallen from the field on the path leading to the Teviot Road
entrance I have cut it back quite severely. Job done!!!!
Regards Ron.
This afternoon I went round Blundell's Copse and cut two boughes which were low along the top path. The first was along from the Teviot entrance, a tree
which had fallen from the field side. The second was a much bigger job, the one approaching the bend towards the stile. This was the first cut at this site a second
will be necessary, the severed part is left hanging from the tree in which it fell. The second cut is needed to give the path better clearance from the stump.
The weather will decide if I can do this before Saturday.
Regards RON
A quiet morning stroll around the copse.
Bran Close entrance - The Motor Bike sign has been destroyed. We have tried in the past Nails, Screws, Glue and even Glue and screws, but someone is determined to destroy all signs.
There is an 8ft long piece of Guttering by the second seat, looks quite new. After the first patch of Wood Chippings there is still a very muddy patch, Could do with some more, if available. The wood chips are very nice to walk on, and dog walkers have appreciated this addition.
Garden Waste by stream, few yards in from culvert.
Teviot Road, once again loads of general rubbish.
Roller still in stream.
Sheila and Ron
It's a dry afternoon, so off to the woods I go. I enter at Bramble Crescent entrance. Motor Bike sign still there!! When I reach the bottom of the steps I notice that the sides of paths have been cut back, giving a much better clearer view. This has been done all round the paths, making it feel so much safer if you are walking alone.Council have done a good job. Mum's should have no trouble now when walking their children to school next week.
Stream is very low, in spite of all the recent rain, but is running through the Culvert O.K.
Seat at the top of hill is usuable again, stinging nettles have been cut back.
It seemed very quiet round the woods, very little bird song. Blackberries are very tiny.
Regret to report Teviot Road entrance - Litter, black bags etc. Few yards down path towards bridge left handside, garden and general rubbish.
Garden roller still in stream, right hand side of bridge.
The Globe "litter pickers" have been busy during the summer break.
First people I met was when I was leaving by Thicket Road gate.
Regards Sheila
Dry and sunny at last. Bran Close entrance - replaced "No Motor Bike" sign once again. Will it last 48 hours? Motor bikes are going through copse, you can see their tracks in the muddy paths.
Few yards in copse, right hand side "Get Reading" newspapers, about a dozen very wet and soggy. Dated 7th June? Same side a few further yards in garden rubbish and then a few further paces on a large green canvas.
Paths very muddy after Aylesham/Dalton Close - you need a good pair of boots or wellingtons on.
Stream is fast flowing. Lots of rubbish tipped at Culvert - 2" plastic corrugated sheets, bucket and black bag ? contents.
Going up the hill there is fast flowing water, so much rain lately. Thanks for cutting tree back from path further up. Top seat unusable due to many nettles overhanging it.
Top path - ferns and nettles very tall (you need good protective clothing on). Tree over hanging path near sty, needs attention, can just get under it. Many bushes overhanging pathway - no clear view now.
Going down path towards bridge - lefthand side Concrete bits, Paint tray and several rollers, bits of flooring and carpet, tree stump and general waste. Further down same side plastic bucket. Further on righthand side, Garden roller.
Have replaced "No Motor Bike" sign at Thicket Road entrance.
Ron and Sheila
Having to send this from the Library as we have problems with our computer.
Sunny and dry!! Entering Copse - Bran Close entrance. Bird song still a delight and Squirrells very busy. Bluebells still going strong. Look taller this year (due to so much rain?)
Pathway very muddy after Aylesham/Dalton Close area - water actually running across path.
Stream flowing really well, and Culvert clear.
Pathway half way up hill (by Bridle Path) extremely muddy, not seen it so bad before, also running water.
Seat at top of path - stinging nettles behind need cutting back. Nettles are really high by sign post Teviot Road/Calder Close.
Pathway down from Teviot Road - At the two stumps in middle of path a barrier has been built (tree stumps and branches) making it difficult for pushchairs. There is no way a mobility scooter or wheelchair could pass with safety. Trees have been cut back from pathway making the rest of it nice and wide.
Foam cushion in stream by bridge.
We left the copse by way of Thicket Road entrance. Nice new gate - but already two spars missing by side of gate. Motor bike sign has gone again. Will replace.
Must add that all the paths were "Litter free". Well done to our volunteer "Litter Pickers".
Sheila and Ron.
Ron and I had a very pleasant stroll around the woods this morning. The Boggy areas are
still nice and wet in spite of us being in a "Drought" area.
The whole area is coming to life, trees and bushes have young leaves, spring wild flowers
are out and bluebells. Ron had a go at destroying the "Spanish" bluebells at several areas.
The steam is running slowly and there are many birds and squirrells about. The Bird Song
was a delight to hear. The pathways were extremely clean (litter free), we must thank our
special "Globe Litter Pickers" for this, they are doing an excellent job.
Sheila and Ron.
I strolled round yesterday and found papper litter around the area of the
steps, the path were very muddy, two areas in particular. On the slope
up from Calder Close near the top there are two branches that should
be cut as you have to duck under them. Plenty of new litter has been
dumped in the area of Teviot Road enterance and at the back of the
houses.
Was a lone as Sheila is bed resting after being discharged from
Royal Berkshire Hospital on Sunday, after a very serious haemorrhage.
Best reguards Ron.
Just to confirm that the paths at the top have been widend. I forgot to mention that there was rubbish behind the first house of Teviot Way,looks like some parts of furniture, a broken drawer, and wooden
panels. Received your E-Mail at home O.K but again in Library to send
this.
Sheila
We have been round woods but having trouble with our computer at
home, doing this from the library. Paths were slightly muddy. The
tree had had the branches cut down at the house which the council had
talked about. Also the branch overhanging the pathway going up the
hill has been cut off. There is a car tyre half way down the path on the
left hand side when you are walking down towards the bridge. Sorry its
so brief but doing this from memory,had the walk last Friday 9th
December.
Sheila
A real Autumn scene, leaves falling, and making a pretty carpet, Squirrells very busy. The stream was running well, and the Culvert nice and clear. Tyre on lefthand side of pathway coming down from Teviot Road, otherwise just odd bits of litter about. Paths were a bit muddy in places, but passable.
Sheila and Ron.
Very pleasant afternoon, the Air seems so nicer round the woods.
Now the "bad news" - The first seat has been Vandalised. One of the legs has been set fire to. The seat is on the ground, but appears to be O.K.
Second seat O.K.
"Good News" - Third Seat has been replaced. Very good job - strong and solid looking with really good bolts.
Top Seat O.K.
There appears to be a seat top in the stream.
We found a Large "ASDA" trolley when we were coming down the path from Teviot Road, we have taken it to the entrance at Thicket Road. (it is in very good condition) Visible from the road.
Ron has cut down a Hazel Nut branch that was just above head height near the stream. A dog walker congratulated Ron on his efforts.
Sheila and Ron.
Ron has spent over two hours this morning working around Copse. The following is a report of what he has done. I went round with him this afternoon to see:-
On entering at Bran Close entrance, you will see a White Plastic bag handing from a tree left hand side. Looks like rubbish, but not sure. There are signs of Motor Bikes going through, you can see the tyre marks.
A large bundle of "Reading Post" has been chucked over wire fence (right hand side - not on Council land) Further along in the boggy area, there is another pile of Newspapers. Could not make out title.
Ron has as promised, cut down overhanging branches bottom of steps. also cut Brambles as well. Continued to cut brambles back along path.
There was a large branch down by the second seat, which blocked the path; this has been cleared.
There is a large Tree Trunk down (rotten) by the pathway leading to bridge. Some of the trunk has been put in stream - needs moving. The main trunk is too heavy for one person to move.
The paths are more boggier than our last walk round.
Going up the hill Ron has cut back (on left handside) overhanging branches. Also cut brambles back which were over path.
The Stinging Nettles around top Seat have been cut down, you can sit on it now.
As you walk along top path, overhanging branches have been cut down
At style - heavy pruning has taken place, also along that part of the path.
As Ron got near to the bridge he found quite a few large branches across pathway.
He cut back these on the left hand side. Righthand side also cleared. (branches had been brought down by weight of Ivy).
On our walk this afternoon we found a lot of the branches had been put across path again. We pushed these back into undergrown once more.
Sheila & Ron.
Bran Close entrance - no repairs to fence or a new gate.
Just a few yards in from entrance left hand side is a Cream Wash Hand Basin.
Undergrowth has been slashed back to the steps, but actual steps are the same (Stinging Nettles).
1st Seat O.K. - Plenty of general rubbish about, mainly cigarette packets and cans.
2nd seat O.K
3rd seat Wrecked
Culvert cleared and running well.
Going up the hill, the tree that we reported on the 24/7/2011 has dropped down even more, only about 4ft 6" clearance. You need to really duck down well.
Top seat - Stinging nettles around it.
Teviot Road entrance - Rubbish has gone which we reported on last time.
Walking down the hill to the bridge we were disgusted with the vandalism that has occurred, the complete left hand
side hand rail has been destroyed.
The paths are getting very narrow now due to vegetation, and would NOT allow Wheelchair access, also lots of tree roots are now above the surface.
Sheila and Ron.
Entrance at Bran Close - NOTHING DONE
Steps - NOTHING DONE They have got worse.
Seats First - Still O.K
" Second - Still O.K
" Third - COLLAPSED
" Fourth - COLLAPSED
" Five Top path O.K
More Garden Rubbish at Calder Close entrance. This plus stinging nettles as well, makes the entrance rather narrow.
Culvert needs clearing.
As you go up the hill there is a very thick branch overhanging the path, and this has got lower, and you need to duck under it now, NEEDS ATTENTION.
Top Path - It is now getting difficult to walk through in places due to nettles, ferns and brambles. It is so overgrown there is " no line of sight now". You need to wear Trousers and something covering your arms.
Bridge O.K
Only work done is where Ron cleared the main path from the bridge to Teviot entrance.
It is now no longer a joy to go round there, and if wet rather difficult to get round all paths, due to folliage.
Sheila and Ron
I'm afraid to say that the Gate and fencing at Bramble Cresent entrance has still not been replaced. First reported 6th May and again on 25th May.
Steps are becoming more difficult to use, stinging nettles and brambles, also Ash tree overhanging at bottom of steps.
First and second seat are O.K. 3rd seat has collapsed completely - needs replacing. 4th seat showing signs of rotting. Seat at top of hill O.K.
Massive heap of garden rubbish over wall at back garden - House No 8 Calder Close.
Garden rubbish also tipped at entrance (Calder Close).
Walking up the hill there is an overhanging tree which is getting lower, and you have to duck under it.
Paths are getting very narrow in places with stinging nettles and vegetation.
Bird song was very nice, and stream running well.
Sheila
We are sorry to say that once again the Gate and one section of fencing has been taken down at Bran Close entrance, also our Motor Bike sign has been destro like house work...yed too.
Stinging Nettles are coming up on the steps, in spite of their being no rain.
Generally Nettles and all brambles are growing well, and in some places need to be cut back off of path.
There is still signs of dampness on the footpath going up the hill at the Calder Close end. There were a few bits of litter around, but the main dumping was over the Metal Fence at Aylsham Close - three plastic bags.
Sheila & Ron.
Ron and I had two lovely surprises on our walk - First there was hardly any litter, cleanist we have seen it for a long time. Second - we were so pleased to see that the "No Motor Bike" signs that Ron put up earlier in the year are still there.
The Bird song was delightful. King Cups, Marsh Marigold, White Wood Anemones, Feladines , Celandines were all out, making it a very pretty sight. The Bluebells are starting to come out.
Stream running slowly and culvert is clean.
Could not see any "Wild Flowers" in the patch we did.
Regards Sheila
Just returned from our trip round woods. Ron has once again replaced "No Motor Bike" signs. He has also had a go at some of the wide leafed Bluebells.
Teviot Road - We are pleased to say that all the Plastic Bags have gone plus Metals bits.
BUT - Sorry to report that the following has been dumped:-
Red/White large Umbrella
Mop and Squeegee.
The top of a domestic appliances plus side panel, plus an internal plastic piece.
Washing machine hose.
Otherwise just the odd bit of litter which we have disposed of.
Sheila and Ron.
Ron ands I were very pleased to see that the fence at the entrance at Bran Close had been repaired.
The "No Litter Sign" has not yet been replaced.
The Bird songs were delightful and there was plenty of activity with them.
You can see signs of the Bluebells appearing now.
The last bench on main path, which we mentioned last time regarding one of its supports rotting, now the second leg is showing early signs of rotting as well
There has been a good clearance on parts of the stream and its banks. The Culvert has been very well cleared and also the bank close to it.
Are there any particular plans for the section which has been cleared just by the Culvert, as you go up the path?
Teviott Road Entrance - We are sorry to say that there is more Household Rubbish which has been dumped in the dip near entrance.
The Wire Mesh on the Bridge is still in good condition, and has done a good job. The W.C. Cistern is still in the stream.
Regards Sheila
Well after all the rain we have had we finally made it to Blundells Copse. Were not surprised to find that the fencing had not been done, as the weather has been so horrible. It seemed to us that there was less litter on the main paths.
Everywhere was very boggy, and there were several ponds.
Stream running well. The last bench on the main path has one of its supports showing signs of rotting.
The W.C. Cistern which was near Teviott entrance, has moved to the stream besides the bridge.
Teviott Road entrance - "A Tip"!
Still plenty of rubbish behind houses.
Sheila and Ron
Fences and Gate still to be replaced at Bran Close entrance. Plenty of litter, including bottles and cans all through copse.
Culvert - Large area has been cut down and cleared (going up pathway on right hand side) .
Benches and Bridge are still O.K.
TEVIOTT ROAD ENTRANCE - A lot more litter and Household rubbish in bags. You can see some behind houses. Very messy area!
Sheila and Ron.
Ron and I had a walk round yesterday afternoon. Nothing much has changed.
The strong Metal Grid on the Bridge is fine. Doing a good job now that all the leaves are coming down.
Teviott Road - RUBBISH - Carpet plus a burnt out Car Seat. Going down the path towards bridge about 20/25 feet on the right hand side, in Nettles, - Household Rubbish Just slightly down on the left handside a W.C. Cistern.
The Motor Bike sign at Teviot also has once again disappeared!
Sheila and Ron..
Walked round this afternoon. Birds darting about and singing.
Bran Close entrance - Fencing still needs attention.
Nothing done to steps.
Some Cutting down/Coppicing has been done - righthand side of path near first seat.
Holly bushes cut near bridge,and by steps.
Top Path near sty some gravel has been put down.
Teviott Road entrance - more litter.
Rough stone mixture laid down near bridge.
Sheila and Ron
Sunday llth September report.
Entrance to Copse - Bran Close. -Gateway and fencing broken (was reported before in July) also the "No Tipping Sign" needs to be fixed again. Not very secure at present. "Motor Bike" sign has gone - will be replaced by Ron.
Stinging Nettles on steps still need attention.
All seats are O.K.
Bridge O.K.
Stream near bridge very unsightly, too many trees and branches in it. Flow slow.
Teviot Road entrance - Household and general litter. Motor Bike sign still there !!!
(put up in June).
Top Path from Teviot Road very narrow, ferns and nettles invading. A person can get through, but not a pushchair or disabled motorised chair. Also a few branches overhanging and you have to duck under them.
Path down (by Bridle path) getting overrun by vegetation.
Fencing along Bridle Path -
two sections completely down, near top section, and three sections have lost one bar.
Regards Sheila and Ron
Walked around Copse Sunday afternoon 4th July.
Entrance at Bran Close - Sorry to report that once again fences have been attacked at entrance.The complete section on the right hand side of "No Tipping Sign" has been taken down, making easy access for bikes, no need to negotiate anything, just ride straight through. The fence on the left hand side of sign has been attacked as well. You can see signs of bikes near bridge on the pathway.
Wild Flower area - Still no signs of any Poppies like we had last year. Cow Parsley and Docks more than 6ft high in places. Stinging Nettles have taken over everywhere.
Stream is running very slowly. lots of tree branches and wood in it. It looks a right mess in places.
Best part of the Copse is the Bird life - the singing was beautiful.
Seats are still being used and still in good condition.
The pathways are getting narrower, as growth is spreading. especially the Stinging Nettles. In several places you need to lower your head to get through, due to overhead foliage.
Sheila and Ron.
Ron and I had a walk round on Sunday afternoon and Ron replaced, once again the "Motor Bike" sign at Teviot Road entrance.
Walking along on top path from Teviot Road we noticed how much everything had grown up, and some bushes and greenery need cutting back and odd branches from overhanging trees.
Re "The Wild Flower " area we cannot at the moment see any signs of the Poppies we had last year.
Walking down the path to Calder close entrance once again some bushes need cutting back
The Stinging Nettles are growing well at the steps.
Regards Sheila and Ron...
Ron and I had a walk round woods at 2.00p.m. on Saturday. Pleased to see that the "No Tipping Sign"was in place once again at entrance to woods.
There was a tree which had been uprooted lying across path. Roughly opposite the metal fence which is at Aylesham/Dalton Close entrance. You can walk under, but difficult for anyone with pushchair etc.,It is too big for us to saw through. Attention is needed.
Stream running well. Culvert has been nicely cleared.
All seats still in good condition. Paths very muddy, but passable. Plenty of Birds and Squirrels about.
Regards Sheila and Ron
I'm sorry to say the news is bad.
Bran Close entrance - "Crime Stoppers Notice" at entrance, also one from the Council re Litter and Garden Rubbish.
The Council sign "No Tipping" is still on the ground, now partly covered with nettles! Nothing done to fences.
Steps - Nettles etc, nothing done.
Seat has not been replaced, or repaired.
Near the bridge there are some tree branches which could do with cutting.
Bridge - There are FOUR Top Rails missing.
Teviot Road entrance - 4 Black Bags, and lots of loose garden rubbish. Off-cuts of Decking and 3 clear bags of rubbish. Near the Signpost there is a frame, looks like part of a table. Further along top path Black bag of rubbish, plus the usual bottles and cans, and general litter. Moving along path there is on the left hand side a large rusty Drum and rubbish.
Near sign Calder Close/Teviot Road - Tree branches across path.
Motor Bike signs attacked in several places.
Coming down to Calder Close entrance a lot more garden rubbish spread about.
Moving along to Aylesham Close entrance - Once again rubbish and more put over metal fence.
No seats anywhere have been replaced.
I met Jackie Ashcroft in village and she mentioned that she has regularly been picking up Glass bottles around the bridge area and in the stream . Also has collected Cans.
Regards Sheila and Ron
Good News - The Rubbish Bin at Bran Close entrance has been emptied!!!
Regards Sheila
I'll give you the good News first - The Wild Flower Section is a lovely bright spot Glorious Poppies on the newest section, and Daisies on the opposite side of the path. We have received several pleasant remarks on how lovely to see colour there.
Ron has been busy cutting down some overhanging branches on the pathways, and cut back some of the brambles which were invading the paths.
The new rubbish bin at Bran Close is full, mainly coloured plastic bottles.
There has been another Fire, good area burnt, near the School Fence by their gate leading into the woods.
We have been told by Dog walkers, that the Police know all about it, and even have someone for it.
Otherwise no maintenance has taken place, as far as we can tell.
The Seats are missed by quite a few people. There are signs that one of the remaining seats has been attacked by a saw, but they only made a small cut. Still O.K to sit on.
Very little water in the stream.
Sheila and Ron
Ron and I had our walk around this afternoon. Very sorry to notice and report that there is more garden rubbish right hand side of entrance at Bran Close. Also the NO TIPPING SIGN and plastic bottles are still on the ground.
The Stinging Nettles are growing fast by steps and on the steps.
We are very sad to report that as well as the first bench being destroyed vandals have now destroyed the bench by the bridge.
On reaching the top of the hill by the Wild Flower section, I was angry that the next bench had also been destroyed (one I usually have a rest on).
You would not know that there was a Wild Flower Area - as so many weeds etc have grown
Just to remind you that the bench near Teviot was also destroyed some time ago, so we only have two left!! I cannot understand what pleasure the Vandals get out of doing this.
Regards Sheila and Ron
Just to let you know that Ron and I had a stroll round the woods yesterday afternoon ( Friday) and we wish to report that the "No Tipping Sign" is still laying down on the ground, with the bottom waste bin which still has about 10 Plastic Cider bottles in it. We are pleased to say that the "orange" rubbish bag has gone.
Also pleased to say that the Five Car Wheels have also been collected.
Will check again in another 7/10 days time.
Regards Sheila
Started our walk at Bran Close entrance. First thing we noticed was garden rubbish, and the NO TIPPING SIGN which was attached to a Steel pole had been vandalised and was on the ground. Also close by was a "Reading Borough Council "Orange Bag" with rubbish.
Bluebells,, Celandine, and Wild Garlic was out. Plenty of Bird song - very nice.
Five car wheels with tyres were in the stream by the Bridge. Unfortunately Ron's effort of fixing the Environmental Berkshire Trust Sign has been in vein. It has disappeared completely. Eight teenagers (all under age) were Drinking on the bridge Time 4.30p.m.
At Calder Close entrance - bags of rubbish (Cans in one) by wall at first house.
Hedging - Only a couple or so have not taken. All others showing healthy signs of young leaves and buds. Two are dead looking (Beech?)
Wild Flower Section - We could see 7 Primrose plants flowering
Calder Close entrance near school. Our side of fence has been cleared a little, and Trees have been planted in School grounds.
Teviot Close - Motor Bike Sign has gone. Also the seat near this entrance on the way down the hill.
We were pleased to hear at the GLOBE meeting on Wednesday l8th February that the Council have plans to repair/replace the Fencing that needs attention.
We are pleased to say that all the "Keep out Motor Bike Signs" have been fitted at the main entrances, and are still there after a week. We will monitor these regularly.
The main Path (after Aylesham Close/Dalton Close) has deteriorated even more, real quagmire now. Also further along very very muddy.
Stream running well.
Usual litter, especially behind the gardens at Teviot Road area. There is the odd piece of metal and even a broken Car Number Plate.
Pathway from Teviot Road going down towards bridge, very uneven. At the moment no disabled person or wheelchair user could use the paths - far to dodgy.
English Bluebells now showing. Ron will have a go at the Spanish ones we have spotted in one place.
Regards Sheila and Ron
Tuesday January l3th,2009
It's milder at last, and even dry, so to the Woods we go.
Bramble Cresent Entrance - With all the wet weather we are sad to say even more fences appear to have rotted away on the right hand side, and will need to be replaced.
The Birds and Squirrells are all very busy, and the Bird Songs were a delight to listen to. We noticed that the Bluebells were starting to come through.
The Paths were all clear, only a few muddy spots, and at this time of year very clear vision. So you can see more of the litter about, the usual bottles,cans and plastic bits. Even a Helmet which you would have thought a Motor Cyclist would have worn. More rubbish thrown over the Metal Fence at Aylesham Close/Dalton Close.
The Stream has had a good clean up at Calder Close end.
We looked at the Wild Flower planting area - rather difficult to spot our plants, but everything there is growing, and no disturbance to any of the ground.
The entrance to the School Gate had been cleared.
Now the weather is milder Ron hopes to get the new Motor Bike signs up shortly.
Overall it was a very pleasant walk.
Sheila and Ron.
Ron and I had an afternoon walk round woods today.
Bramble Crescent Entrance - Fence down right hand side of entrance - 3rd section. Could not see anything dumped there or Motor bike tracks.
Paths - the main path (after Aylesham Close/Dalton Close) has deteriorated even more, extremely boggy. Otherwise paths as described last month.
Wild Flower planting area O.K.
Stream running O.K.
Sheila and Ron
Ron and I walked round yesterday (Wednesday l2th November). Autumn has really come now, lots of leaves down.
Regarding Paths - The main path (after Aylesham Close/Dalton Close) is in poor condition, due to all the rain water running over it, very muddy and wet. Definitely needs making up with heavier gravel. Following on the path to where the tree is with seat cut out, again same trouble. When the network of paths were done in 1994 they were surfaced with "hoggin"
a mixture of stones and clay. (Details taken from Friends of Blundell's Copse Newsletter Winter l994)
We could still pick out a few of the Wild-flowers which were planted on Saturday l8th October.
Pathway down from Teviot Road very badly affected by rain water again Deep gulleys on right hand side Also seat at top of hill has been vandalised.
Fences and seat reported before still to be repaired.
Regards Sheila and Ron.
I had a very pleasant walk around copse this afternoon. Leaves are starting to fall, plenty of Bird and Squirrel activity. School children and parents, plus dog walkers making the most of a sunny afternoon.
I started off at Bramble Crescent entrance. A few yards in path could do with some support on right hand side (maybe some old tree parts).
Steps have been tidied up, nettles cut down and grass cleared at path edges.
First seat still needs a top.
Tree branch across path has been cut.
Stream flowing well, and has been cleaned out at Calder Close end.
All paths have had their edges cut, but grass is gradually taking over along pathway at top of copse between "G" and "F". Still wide enough for one person, and it is in good condition.
Odd bits of litter about, but not bad overall.
Regards Sheila
Hi there,
We had a very pleasant walk around the Woods this afternoon and wish to submit our report:-
We started off at Bramble Crescent entrance A" Motor Bike signed destroyed (they seem a waste of time really, as they get vandalised within a few days). Two bars missing at entrance, also one bar missing on next panel. Grass cuttings just inside, has happened before.
As you walk along path in a couple of places
the mesh fencing on right hand side has collapsed due to tress falling on it in the past. Who is responsible for this?
STEPS - Weeds are coming up on the actual steps, could Weed Killer be put down? Also a Hand Rail would be nice as a couple of the steps are rather steep.
First Bench - actual seat still missing. Behind this bench there has suddenly appeared two bags of Rubbish.
Aylsham Close entrance - Chrome Chair Frame just inside gate. General Rubbish and Black Bags thrown over railings by garages. Pathway needs attention.
Calder Close entrance - A little bit of garden rubbish. Several fences need repairing along Calder Close (Moors pathway) "G"
Pathway (near where we dug the Bluebells) still requires some maintenance (more gravel) Underlay sheet can be seen.
Pathway down from Teviot Road "F" needs some more making up, this will be an ongoing thing, as the rain washes the top gravel away.
Stream could do with a clean out right hand side of bridge (when walking down the hill)
Overall we thought the Paths were in good condition, and the Council had done a good job opening them up by cutting the grass and nettles each side.
Hope this will be of some use to you.
Regards Sheila.
The path between Bran close enterance and the bottom of the steps is obstructed by fallen tree approximately three quarters of the
way in. A further fallen tree obstructs the path a short distance from the steps enterance towards Thichet Road enterance.
Will phone the council parks depatment in the morning.
Regards RON
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