Work and the nesting season

As featured in The Hovarian magazine, April 2025.

The nesting season is defined by Natural England, and is generally observed as the 1st March to the end of July. So, with impeccable timing the Friends of Three Cornered Copse held their latest workday, in the middle of February.

Blessed with a warm fine morning, we assembled as a team of nine volunteers plus our ranger, Paul, to tackle the overgrown vegetation around the commemorative silver birch grove at the foot of the green lawn. Neglected since before the lockdown days of 2020, the area had become thick with brambles and perennial weeds. The two lower paths had become completely inaccessible, and the commemoration stone itself was found underneath a thick growth.

After a short course in how to (safely) wield a scythe, we set to work, and after a few hours had made a considerable difference to the area. This was the first work day with ranger Paul, who had been our ranger briefly some 13 years ago, so it was pleasing to re-make his acquaintance. It was also the first of our recent work days to take place on a weekday, so some of our regular weekend helpers couldn’t attend which was a shame. We try to hold these sessions at the weekend, but the availability of the ranger before nesting meant this was the only convenient time.

The next piece of work is to keep the bridleway clear of obstructing growth. This is allowed in nesting season apparently, and is done with care to keep the thoroughfare open.

We may be augmented by the local Green Gym volunteers, to help, which will be most welcome. Check out our web page for more details when it becomes available.

n update on our unfortunate visitor, who was found sleeping out during the cold weather of January. The gentleman concerned was helped by the authorities, and we hope has found his way to a safer place where he recovers. Many thanks to ranger Paul again, who cleared away all the debris from his campsite, including the shopping trolley.

Meanwhile the copse is looking at its best. The snowdrops have given way to the daffodils, and the trees are in bud, waiting for the warmer weather to encourage the canopy growth. The mud has hardened, and the paths are passable once again. It’s well worth a visit to see and smell the cow parsley in full blossom.

Simon Baxendale