Volunteer Session

Sunday 21 January 2024

Even in the face of Storm Isha, volunteers turned up and continued caring for our woodland. 
Todays' task set by The Greensand Trust was to work on the laurel around Area 2 before it engulfed our newly planted trees. 

There's much to do with many parts of the wood overgrown, some are beyond the ability of the volunteers to tackle with hand-tools so we have to make the best of the short time available. Like rhododendron, laurel was an ornamental brought home by Victorians, and it can thrive in wet and dry conditions. 

The team of 8 made a marvellous difference, which you can see from the before and after photos. You'll notice no ground flora in the cleared patch, the laurel blocked all the light for any other understorey, limiting biodiversity. 

Lopping and sawing the laurel is only part of the job though, it is incessant so the roots will easily regrow without further action. We'd need an excavator to get the roots out which simply isn't possible; so our ranger, who has the appropriate certificate and gloves for safety, treated the stumps with a blue coloured mix of Round Up. Minimal use with local application only.

Meanwhile one long-time volunteer tended to Area 1 and another volunteer who had an injury leaving them unable to take part in the woodland management activity, led a litterpick with friends and children. Amongst the discarded dog poo bags was found 2 more of the legendary vodka bottles and a glass Lucozade bottle from the 90s. All metal and glass was taken home for a rinse before being put in the recycling collection as these precious materials can be recycled forever and used again and again.

Volunteer Session

Sunday 26 November 2023

We are so happy to consider our newer joiners now solid members of the Knolls Wood crew. Barbara, Jonah and Lisa thank you very much for your commitment, we really need you and we really enjoy your company.

On our last FoKW Volunteer Session of the year we tackled a giant rhododendron together; it felt great to work as one, having chance to chat whilst lopping and sawing to allow some trees space to survive. Rhododendron is another plant, like the Monkey Puzzles, brought in from overseas by the Victorians. It has pretty flowers for a couple months around springtime but the plant is invasive and smothers the natural understory, blocking out the sun and preventing anything else from growing. You may know that our Monkey Puzzle trees were planted in an avenue, showing the path to the family home (now The Knolls Care Home). The planting was well planned with the trees at perfect spacing, but you may notice some gaps bigger than others, that's where the trees have come to an end sometime over the 180 years since. Saplings have been planted in the recent past and you can see from the photos how this particular tree was swamped by the shrubbery beforehand. 

It was a chilly day but you never feel it when you get going and Pierre, our Greensand Trust ranger, brought the Kelly kettles so we had a welcome hot brew at break! (and Christmas themed Popdots from the Co-op)

Volunteer Session

Sunday 24 September 2023

Do you know how holly grows when it’s let loose? Well take a walk down the south end at the moment and you will see. It’s been 2 years since we last gave our attention to the overwhelming competitor and other species are starting to struggle. They all need their fair share of sunlight and nutrients from the soil to thrive. So, the volunteer team formed up eager and energised, armed with loppers and bow saws to tackle the wood for the sake of the trees.

The holly is not wasted, we made habitat piles which means, in the first instance, the bug life and small woodland animals can use the cuttings for homes. Over time the process of decomposition means the material rots down back into the earth, continuing the cycle of energy through the ecosystem. Whilst we might not whistle as we work, we have plenty of chit chat. It was great to get to know Jonah who came back for his second time, and newcomers Lisa and Josh, plus Barbara returned again!  The group has really developed in the last year and we’re feeling rejuvenated for looking after our special patch for years to come. 

Volunteer Session

Sunday 25 June 2023

The blazing heat of the summer Sunday was already belting down on the townsfolk by the time eager beavers (also known as woodland volunteers) arrived at Sandy Lane, greeted by our new and passionate Greensand Trust ranger, Pierre. The cool of the shade and the mist of transpiration provided by our old friends, the trees, was so much relief from what we now know was the hottest June on record. 

Pierre had in advance mowed the verges so raking the cuttings was a priority.  The luscious green of the grass border along Monkey Puzzle Avenue is a dry dusty passage at the moment but the reward for the sweaty task will come later in the year when the rain returns and the colours along the bygone carriageway bloom.  After a well needed rest and rehydration a little trimming of the pathways was next. Wandering in wonder under the lush leafy canopy can be faintly tainted by a poke in the eye from low-hanging limbs and spiky shrubberies. 

It was another successful action day looking after the extraordinary wood and welcoming more new faces to the team, Chad, Mick and Jonah. Thank you as well to Anthony and Steve for coming back!

Volunteer Session

Sunday 22 January 2023

After another week of freezing temperatures, we were delighted to welcome more, new faces to our first public action day of the year! Welcome Anthony and Michael 😊 and thanks for coming back Nick and Nigel, plus we had an exclusive appearance from Greensand Trust ranger Nick while we wait for our permanent new chief.

The ranger’s time is funded by Central Beds Council, but we recognise that the GST team can travel for up to an hour to get to our site and that travel time isn’t included in their working hours, nor is the cost of the fuel! So, it shows the nature of these individuals that they turn up early and enthusiastic no matter the weather or chore and we are very grateful for their guidance, passion and commitment. Under their watchful eye, and with the help of our former ranger John who still comes along as a volunteer, we continued with the development of the living hedgerow today.

We’ve been hedge laying for the last 3 sessions and with different tasks to undertake everyone has had a good chance at each. Those who hadn’t sharpened stakes before got to work with bare hands on the billhooks (hands kept surprisingly warm from the work!) while others wove hazel binders across the hedge top to hold it all together neatly. Thanks to Linslade Wood for providing the hazel.

Volunteer Session

Sunday 27 November 2022

The hedge laying we started in September continued today at great speed due to the outstanding turnout of volunteers. We were so happy to see recent joiners return for another action day, great to see you again Barbara and Charlie, plus 2 other newbies to boot. All these hands made light work and a jolly breaktime. We met at 10am and after a safety briefing and instruction from our Greensand Trust ranger Jenn, we got to work.

Then the Kelly Kettles were put on for a hot brew and a biccy at break. There’s something quite enjoyable about the sight and smell of the fire in the base of the kettle, surrounded by the crisp morning air and the natural scenery. Some people had to go home after break and some people carried on, revitalised. It is really satisfying to put your hand to something different and see the hedge form in front of your own eyes, going from a gappy, undefined edge of the lane to a living boundary providing picturesque appeal, interest and numerous environmental benefits.

Volunteer Session

Sunday 25 September 2022

Sunday 25th was a bright day with an autumnal feel as The Friends of Knollswood met and welcomed four new volunteers to the woodland management session at 10:00.  After a briefing from our Greensand Trust rangers, the group split into two, one clearing the excess Holly and the second building a hedge in the wake. 

Hedge laying is an age-old craft which involves cutting and laying small trees, but crucially not cutting them down entirely so the plant continues to grow and the hedgerow lives, creating not just a barrier for livestock (and people!) but also a safe corridor for wildlife and birds to nest and rest. Our hedge will protect the area where we will be planting new trees on our next action day in November.

Volunteer Session

Sunday 17 July 2022

This was the first work party of the year, as up to now, Covid restrictions have limited what could be done. A group of 11 raked the verges along Monkey Puzzle avenue, which had previously been mown by our GST ranger Jen. We haven’t been able to do this for a couple of years because of the restrictions so they had become overgrown by nettles and brambles. It’s all looking tidier now and the grass will soon regrow. As it was such a hot day, it was decided to finish after an hour, but with the help of our volunteers the job was completed, so many thanks to all who turned out.

The Friends have applied for a grant in order to plant new trees in Knolls Wood as many have been lost recently because of age and storms, and likely places for planting have been identified. We would welcome help with preparing the sites later on this year, so please look out for messages on our noticeboards and social media.

Volunteer Session

Sunday 23 January 2022

The task for this session was to cut back some of the shrubs that had begun to encroach on Monkey Puzzle avenue, mainly laurel and rhododendrons. Despite a smaller group of volunteers than usual, much was achieved and the path has been widened along most of its length. People who walk in Knolls Wood regularly will have noticed the two areas that have been cleared: one to the north, next to Sandy Lane, and the other where the ground slopes away on the east side. In both these places some trees had come down in storms and others were diseased.
The Friends have received a grant from Central Bedfordshire Council for the purchase of new trees, and these have now been ordered. Following advice from the Council’s tree expert, they include limes, turkey oaks, rowans and silver birches. Some thickets will also be created, with dogwood, hawthorn and hazel, to provide habitat for small birds. In preparation for this, John used the brushcutter to clear brambles from the area on the east side. Most of the new trees will come as small whips, which are fairly easy to plant, and once they have arrived, we will be looking for volunteers to lend a hand with this very satisfying task. 

Volunteer Session

Sunday 28 November 2021

The object of the session was to begin laying a hedge along the border with Sandy Lane, where the old fencing fell into disrepair long ago. The nine volunteers started by removing the many holly shoots that have spread both in Knolls Wood and Sandy Lane and piling them up to form a barrier beside the area that has recently been cleared for tree planting. It is hoped this will perhaps discourage walkers from straying on to it from the established paths. The remaining mature holly trees along the border were then used to create the new hedge.

Our GST ranger, John, demonstrated the method, sawing part-way through the trunks until the saplings could be pushed over towards the ground (see photos). Obviously, it was important not to cut right through them. Eventually, there will be stakes along the hedge and hazel stems used as binders to attach the holly to them, but that will be for another session.

Thanks to John for bringing the Kelly kettles and chocolate biscuits, much appreciated.

We were lucky to have a sunny morning and everyone was pleased with what was achieved.

Volunteer Session

Sunday 22 November 2020

Volunteers worked hard on Sunday clearing the woods. All social distancing guidelines respected.

Well done on your hard work.

First Volunteer Session

Sunday 26th January 2020

At 10am, the volunteers gathered by the entrance at Sandy Lane. The bright winter sun glinting through the canopy and the smell of wet woodland, fresh from the morning rain meant we couldn’t wait to get started.

After John (Greensand Trust) gave us our instructions and made the work area safe we continued our battle against the invasive holly. Although it is quite fascinating to see a holly tree branch that has drooped into the ground, taken root and started growing out again as a bush, holly can grow rapidly, dominating the undergrowth of woodland and competing with the native plants for space, light and nutrients. So, to allow the special trees at Knollswood a fair chance, and to give walkers a clear path, we cut the holly back.

Some of the holly was put through the woodchipper and the output sprayed onto the wood floor for mulch, which decomposes and returns carbon to the soil. The mulch helps conserve soil moisture, and moderate soil temperature improving the fertility of the soil and it suppresses weed growth. The rest of the holly was used to create micro-habitats suitable for worms, woodlice, fungi and other organisms which help with decomposition. It has taken us a good few sessions to complete the whole wood but today we achieved just that!

Not to forget the other Very Important Part of the event, the tea break. John got his Kelly Kettle ready for about 11:00 and he brought a plentiful supply of biscuits, to enjoy with a good chat. We’re all very excited to see signs of what will soon be a beautiful carpet of bluebells. Also, today we welcomed our newest, youngest member – Elsie, daughter of Charlie, 9 years old.

After the break came an unexpected litter haul including 9 glass bottles and crisp packets dating back to 2006. A 14-year-old packet of crisps, in sadly good condition just looking a bit muddy! Crisp packets cannot go in your normal recycling but Terracycle is a company that will accept them, and for free! Check out their website and drop your collection to Willen Hospice shop in Leighton high street.

Last Volunteer Session

Sunday 24th November 2019

We were lucky with the weather for the last work party of the year and made good progress with clearing yet more holly saplings and opening up more of the lower path towards the north end of the wood.  Everyone enjoyed a mid-morning break for coffee and biscuits, the water heated in a Kelly Kettle, something most of us hadn’t come across before (see the photo). After that, we were all revived and ready for another stint, finishing around one o’clock.

Much has been achieved this year, especially with invasive plants being removed from around the plantation’s old trees, which were planted over a hundred years ago.

Volunteer Session

Sunday 29th September 2019

The weather wasn’t promising for our autumn work in the wood, but thankfully the rain petered out and ten people turned out to carry on with the task of removing holly saplings from the lower path. Much was achieved and a lot of holly was removed from around the mature trees. If we don’t do this regularly, the saplings eventually become strong holly trees and start to sap the life from the original specimens that have been here since Knolls Wood was first planted nearly 80 years ago. Regular walkers will notice that the path is now much wider.

There was a welcome break at half-time, for chocolate biscuits provided by John Creasey, our Greensand ranger, replacing Gary, who has been assigned to another area. Gary will still join our work sessions when he can.

Although we advertise the sessions as lasting two hours, from 10 to 12, people are welcome to come along for a shorter time if they’re busy. The more the merrier!

Volunteer Session

Sunday 18th November 2018

We had lovely weather for the last session of the year, and a good number of helpers came out. We continued with clearing holly trees from the lower path and are now roughly half way along. In a couple of hours we removed a lot of holly saplings and so opened up a grove on either side of the path. Occasionally someone asks why we cut down healthy trees, and the reason is that they are often sycamore or holly that seed themselves in clusters around the old trees of the original plantation. Removing them opens up the canopy and lets more light into the wood, and this is especially beneficial to the younger trees that we have planted in recent years.

As usual, Gary, Philip and the chipper disposed of everything in no time.

Volunteer Session

8th September 2018

Around a dozen Friends and volunteers turned out on Sunday 8th to continue the task of removing invasive holly trees, and there are many of these in Knolls Wood, often crowded around the mature trees. This time the team concentrated on two areas next to the lower path, creating two glades and thereby letting more light into the wood. It was a very productive morning with several largish hollies cut down and fed through the Greensand chipper. The pile of chippings will be put to use in the usual way in areas where footpaths tend to get boggy.

It’s pleasing to see that after the mowing and raking along Monkey Puzzle avenue carried out earlier this year grass is growing on the verges alongside the path and looking quite lush despite the dry summer.

As ever, we are grateful to Gary for leading the work and also for providing drinks.

Volunteer Session

Sunday 28th January 2018

Thank you to the volunteers who turned up on Sunday - and at the mid-week sessions - for their hard work. Lots of work was completed on the lower pathway and Monkey Puzzle Walk.

Thank you to Waitrose

A big thank you from the Friends of Knolls Wood to Waitrose for the £360 we have received after being chosen for your Community Matters scheme in November. Also thank you to everybody who donated their green tokens to us. Fundraising is not easy for a small group of volunteers like us and the money will be a very helpful contribution to our work programme for the next year.