Josie and the new culvert at Grafton Wood
As I enter my final month as a conservation trainee with the Trust, I am still discovering new challenges and learning opportunities. One of our recent projects took us to Grafton Wood, where we spent a week extending culverts to accommodate larger forestry machinery — a task I had heard about from Jack, Jess and Derren from the previous year.
Josie and the new culvert at Grafton Wood
I began by putting my felling knowledge to effective use, with the help of Sam dragging brash, widening the track so Andy could manoeuvre the digger through. Meanwhile, the rest of the team installed new gateposts for a wider set of gates. We then began constructing the culvert by connecting the existing pipe to a new one. Using hessian bags filled with soil Andy had dug out, we built what looked like a trench wall. Day two was especially satisfying as Owen and I developed a perfect system for filling the bags. We packed soil behind and over the pipe, compacted it as best we could and used two branches to hold the wall in place.
Another rewarding task has been the hay cut at Big Meadow in The Knapp and Papermill nature reserve. Due to erosion on the access track, the usual mower could not be used this year. But it's still really important to mow the meadow so, not to be beaten by the situation, Dom decided we could brushcut sections of the meadow. This task was tedious but surprisingly satisfying. The goal was to cut as much as possible to encourage the wildflowers to return in full bloom next year.
Barbecue for roving volunteers by Josie Affleck
To top it all off, we hosted the a barbecue for the roving volunteers as a big thank you to them for supporting and taking part in the reserve management throughout the year. The trainees took on the role of chefs and I am pleased to report zero cases of food poisoning! It was a very enjoyable day.
On my final day, I’ll be heading back to Eades Meadow with the rovers to finish raking up after the haycut — a full-circle moment, since it was also the site of my very first roving party last September.
Haymaking break
Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to improve my CV as well as my confidence and capabilities in the field. From earning my power tool tickets to a whole bunch of knowledge of land management and maintenance skills, it has been a whirlwind of hands-on learning and practical experience.
One of the highlights must be our time spent felling trees at Chaddesley Woods. There is something deeply satisfying about working in the woods, surrounded by nature and getting a felling cut perfect. The cake and breakfast at Rowberrys Nursery played a small part in making those days extra enjoyable.
A new experience was newt surveying. It was fascinating to learn about the distinct species and seeing them in person was extra special, even more so when Owen and I found two smooth Newts at Upton Warren the day after.
Overall, it has been a year packed with new skills, muddy boots and moments that reminded me why I love working outdoors in conservation and cannot wait to continue doing so.
Josie
As this is my final blog I would like to thank Jack, Jess and Derren for showing me the ropes and making even the miserable, rainy months so much fun. Thank you and good luck to the new trainees. I hope this veteran could impart some wisdom onto you all and I am excited to see where the traineeship takes you all. Finally, thank you Andy Bucklitch for teaching me so many new skills and putting up with me for an entire year. Bet the cake and ice cream made up for it! See you all at Rowberrys soon 😊
With a degree in forestry and conservation, Josie hopes to pursue a career in the sector. She joined the Trust as a trainee to further develop her practical skills.
