Clearing the pathways

As featured in The Hovarian magazine, August 2026.

On one of the hottest days of our summer, the Friends of Three Cornered Copse decided to have a work day, to tackle the overgrown pathways that had become impassable.

The turnout was impressive: some 22 members (and new members) turned out despite the heat, all well tooled and equipped to tackle the overgrowth. And what a difference it makes to have a larger team involved. The full length of the bridleway, running along the back of the gardens of Woodland Avenue, was explored and cleared. The benches, some of which had been almost totally subsumed by the brambles and thistles, were retrieved, and the views of the sea restored. Hydration breaks were frequent and essential as the temperature rose into the early 30s.

We were ably encouraged and assisted by our new ranger, Mike, who provided tools, enthusiasm and guidance to clear the paths correctly. As we are still in nesting season, all risks of disturbing wildlife were avoided.

Mike gave us an update on the City Parks team, and their pressures. It seems funding, not surprisingly, is hard to find to replace staff and equipment. Perhaps the long-term value of caring for our green spaces needs to be given greater priority in our local government budget plans.

There are three commemorative plaques in the copse, and all three had become covered by the vegetation. Thanks to some expertly handled power tools we created a clearing around one of the Jubilee copper beeches. The other two will need to be tackled once the autumn dieback allows better access to the plaques.

It’s been an extraordinarily dry June and July this year, after greater than average rainfalls from October to early March. Perhaps this has helped the woodlands cope better with the stress of the dry conditions. The hotter summers are causing a real change to the ecosystems in our woodlands. Dry summers inhibit the growth of trees, which can take several years to recover, while the dry soil affects the health of the soil bacteria and fungi. Our woodlands, which act as carbon capture machines, become less effective, as the trees become stressed. It’s now even more important that we value and care for these green Lungs within our city.

Once again, a big thank you to Ranger Mike and all the Friends who helped on our tropical heat work day.

Simon Baxendale