Trees for the future
Autumn frosts have been late arriving this year and trees have displayed a wonderful range of reds and yellows during recent weeks as green chlorophyll slowly drains from the leaves.
With National Tree Week about to start, the Borough of Broxbourne and the Countryside Management Service are teaming up with local volunteers to offer a choice of opportunities to plant the trees of tomorrow on Sunday 26th November.
One of these takes place at Top Field and Cozens Grove off Baas Hill in Broxbourne. As part of a five year plan for the site, Cozens Grove woodland is being enlarged to provide better habitat for dormice. Hazel is the bush they prefer and along with oak and hornbeam, it will feature among the 200 native trees and shrubs that need planting. Volunteers also carried out the first stage two years ago and trees established then now need weeding and mulching.
Anyone living nearby is welcome to help the Friends of Wormley Open Spaces and Wormley 1st Scouts and Cubs who will be at the top end of Cozens Grove from 10.30 am until 2.30 pm. The site was designated a Local Nature Reserve earlier this year by the Borough of Broxbourne.
The other opportunity is at Cheshunt Park, located on the northwest side of Cheshunt. Originally a 17th Century private estate owned by Richard Cromwell, the park is now a popular public open space and golf course. Recently the site was awarded Green Flag status which recognises that local people help to look after it.
Part of the site is designated as a County Wildlife Site and contains woodland, ancient hedgerows, ponds and roosts for bats. On 26 November, the Friends group will be replanting a hedge along Candlestick Lane which is an ancient track running through the site. If you want to help at Cheshunt Park, please meet in the main car park, just off Park Lane, between 9.50 and 10.00am.
Further information about both sites is available from the Countryside Management Service on 01462 459395.
