Every fourth Sunday of the month, our community comes together for a rewarding afternoon of practical conservation and gardening along the river rea. This month’s session was a perfect example of what makes these days so special: meaningful work, fresh air, shared purpose, and visible progress across the landscape.
A Productive Afternoon in Top Meadow
Top Meadow Garden sits within the wider Ten Acres site, a space that continues to evolve through careful stewardship and community involvement. With the seasons gradually shifting, volunteers arrived ready to roll up their sleeves and focus on three key tasks: planting hazel trees to establish a new foraging hedge, tackling persistent weeds, and carrying out essential maintenance across the garden.
After a warm welcome and brief tool talk, the group divided into teams and got straight to work.
Planting Hazel for a Future Foraging Hedge
One of the most exciting projects of the day was the planting of young hazel trees to form the foundation of a new foraging hedge. Hazel is a fantastic native species, valued for its ecological benefits, resilience, and productivity. Over time, this hedge will provide:
- Edible hazelnuts for people and wildlife
- Early-season pollen for bees
- Shelter and nesting habitat for birds
- Natural wind protection and living boundaries
Volunteers carefully measured spacing to allow each tree room to establish strong root systems while ensuring the hedge will eventually knit together into a dense, thriving corridor. Each sapling was planted with care—roots spread properly, soil firmed gently, and a natural blend of mycorrhizal additive.
Though small now, these trees represent a long-term investment in biodiversity and sustainable food production. In the years ahead, the hedge will not only define the edge of the meadow but also become a valuable community foraging feature.
Weeding: Small Task, Big Impact
Alongside tree planting, another team focused on weeding established beds and pathways throughout Top Meadow Garden. While often overlooked, regular weeding plays a crucial role in maintaining plant health and reducing competition for nutrients, light, and water.
By clearing invasive and fast-spreading weeds:
- Existing plants gain better access to soil nutrients
- Young trees and shrubs establish more successfully
- Air circulation improves
- The garden remains tidy and manageable
Volunteers worked methodically, ensuring roots were removed wherever possible to prevent regrowth. The transformation was immediately noticeable—beds looked refreshed, pathways more defined, and planting areas ready to flourish.
Ongoing Maintenance and Care
Essential maintenance work was also carried out across the site, helping to keep Ten Acres welcoming and functional for everyone. Tasks included:
- General tidying and debris removal
- Checking and adjusting tree guards
- Light pruning where necessary
- Clearing pathways for safe access
These regular efforts are vital to the long-term health and sustainability of the meadow. Consistent care ensures the space continues to develop into a thriving, biodiverse environment for both people and wildlife.
Join Us
We welcome new volunteers of all ages and abilities. No previous experience is needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.
Join us every 4th Sunday of the month, 2pm–4pm.
Meet at the Ten Acres noticeboard on Cartland Rd.
Whether you can stay for the full session or drop in for part of the afternoon, every pair of hands makes a real difference. Together, we’re growing more than a garden—we’re building community, resilience, and a richer natural environment for the future.
