Green 2014: West Hendon Playing Fields with TCV

Continuing on from the previous post, I also returned this week to TCV's Barnet Green Gym project. I stepped in to provide cover for the volunteering session on Wednesday 8th January, as an experienced volunteer leader with first aid training, but this also helped me to contribute to my New Year's resolution for 2014 of continuing to volunteer in nature conservation. It was fantastic to reunite with the volunteer team there, and I always enjoy seeing the site at West Hendon Playing Fields as it is a large green space with so much potential for wildlife. The weather was also ideal for some outdoor work, remaining clear and dry for the session (unlike the previous day!).

Volunteers at the Barnet Green Gym enjoy the fine weather and make a difference for wildlife!

This was the first Green Gym session back at the site after Christmas and New Year, and the volunteers and leaders stood amazed upon their arrival as the recent volumes of rainfall had turned part of the Playing Fields into a lake. Luckily there was enough room to squeeze past the flooding and safely make our way to the tool shed. The task for the day was to prepare the fence-line beside the bowling green for planting of a native species hedgerow; this involved weeding and clearing dead vegetation from the area, and then digging and turning the soil. There were a few saplings hidden away in the vegetation that can form part of the new hedgerow, so this was a very positive result. The team managed to clear and prepare over 60 metres of hedgerow too which was an excellent achievement! Once this area has been planted up with native saplings, it will form a natural barrier that can be used by wildlife for food and shelter. Hedges can also allow some of the more shy species of animal to travel across the landscape, for example small mammals that might be wary of crossing open ground. Wildlife that might nest or feed in a hedge include bank voles and hedgehogs, whilst familiar faces such as the great tit and blue tit could also be found along a mature hedge.

 1: floodwaters completely obscure the path and nearly block access to West Hendon Playing Fields!
2: Lots of vegetation cleared by the hard-working volunteers.
3: A pair of Egyptian Geese enjoy the floodwater on the playing fields.

How are you doing with your own New Year's resolutions? Remember, you have more chance of success if you try to come up with small, measurable goals to help you achieve your aims! Why not comment with your progress, or tweet to @TorHeenan?