Sun, soup, and smiles celebrated a superb turnout for the Alners Gorse workparty on February 17th February.

18 volunteers and two dogs turned out in the sunshine to open up a new glade through the north west corner of the block of scrub favoured by the Nightingales and Brown Hairstreak butterflies. Conifers, old blackthorn and some planted oaks were felled to link the track along the edge of the wood with another sunny clearing, helping to create the mosaic of bushes, trees and grassland which we hope to maintain on this reserve. Two of the participants brought cakes for tea and another contributed a delicious soup which was heated up on the fire to accompany the baked potatoes for lunch. The next date for Alners Gorse is Thursday March 7th.