Invasive Plants 2011
April 30th, 2011Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed Himalayan Balsam, and Ragwort
(in that order)
Giant Hogweed
To form, so far the amount removed is less than last year. There are two anomalies however: a) 3 in the flood plain and b) 5 in the far western ditch.
Updated 11th June
Two more in flood plain. That's 3 in the northern field and 2 in the southern.
Japanese Knotweed
In the first two years I dug out the roots, since then I only pull up as much as comes easy, apart from any obvious root rhizomes/crowns. Looking a lot better over the years. Updated: 14th July 2011
Himalayan Balsam 2011
Unless otherwise stated all plants are pulled by hand.Sites 3 and 6
26th/27th June: Cleared sites 3 and 6. Total of 5 bags of weed.
Removal is working well as the seeds are only viable for a year or two. Once an area is cleared well, even by slashing, the next year pulling by hand maybe sufficient.
See Page 2 for updates.
Site 1
This is the updated map from last year which includes the area slashed (G)
Japanese Knotweed 2008
April 20th, 2008Another bummer. The very high tides came over the bund and washed away six bags of rhizomes. I knew the bund wasn't high enough in some places on very high tides, but in the heat of working on the patch I didn't think about it.
I have found them and will have to keep an eye open for any growths over the whole fields, some 11 acres or more. :'(
In future all rhizomes will be moved to the garden and burnt.
May 14th. First big burn with the help of Steve
May 18th. Hope to complete the 'first'knotweed pull today. DONE Intend to check in a few weeks. -:- 11.55 Posted details on main site.
June 18th. Second complete pull done today.
Landscaping
April 5th, 2008As intended most of the land is for wildlife, and benefiting the organic food growing, which reduces the need to maintain much of the land.
The largest field, some seven acres has been mowed every other year to keep some open space and provide compost material.
Other fields get biannual management to varying degrees.
There is considerable work being done on removing Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, and Himalayan Balsam with payment from Natural England in support.
Ragwort had always been removed due to neighbours having grazing animals.
I spend a up to six days a year working on the common right of way to the land which is owned by the Kings at Kerensa Gardens.
A major new job is in the 'Compost Field' where the mostly hazel hedgerows are being cut back. This is largely due to adjacent fruit trees but this feild is due for a limited makeover.





























