Another successful event at Broxbourne Woods!
Another successful event- that's the public's verdict on the Broxbourne Woods Open Day on 1 October.
A crowd of over 1,500 flocked to the wood despite the pessimistic weather forecast and were rewarded with a range of displays and activities.
As usual, Silent, the Clydesdale heavy horse, fascinated the family groups as he hauled tree trunks from the felling area to a mobile saw mill. Peter Oakenfull's cute Hebridean sheep also drew much attention as they grazed one of the glades, preparing it for next year's crop of wildflowers. The RSPB had a stand where children were able to mix up nuts, seeds and fats to make feedblocks for their feathered friends to fatten up in preparation for the winter. Also popular were the storytellers and the sculpture made from over 100 pieces of wood which children cut to shape.
Staff from the Countryside Management Service and thirty volunteers ran the event, which was supported by the Woodland Trust, the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Hertfordshire County Council. Many of the volunteers helped youngsters make 149 bird boxes which they took away to erect in gardens across the County. The money raised from this- over £400- will buy binoculars for use by schoolchildren visiting the RSPB's Rye Meads nature reserve in the Lea Valley.
'It was a real fun day out in the countryside for us. I took my wife, son, daughter in-law and our twin three and a half year old granddaughters with me,' said Hertfordshire County Councillor Dave Hewitt. 'There was plenty for the twins to do. They liked making bird boxes, bird cakes and wooden musical instruments. The twins have hung up the robin boxes they made on the day but have not yet found any tenants for them. However, the bird cake vanished in a couple of days! With lots of information and interesting demonstrations going on the whole day, the grown ups enjoyed it as well. I offer my congratulations to all the voluntary bodies who help make this event such a success!'
Councillor Hewitt added, 'Since I discovered the paths in Broxbourne Woods during a visit to properties on the County Council's Rural Estate, we visit it frequently. This trail has become a firm favourite with the family and we often go there for a bit of exercise after Sunday dinner! Because of the special path construction materials, even when the weather is unkind, it still allows the girls a chance to get out in the fresh air without getting covered in mud!'
