Open Day Betty's Wood

We have another Open Day at the Woods on Sunday 28th September, running from 10am to 3:30pm.

 Every year the haymaking process has been a trial for us but this year the new machinery has transformed it ...for the better! Our 'Cut-and-Collect' mower is able to cut the meadow wildflowers and collect them into a large hopper as it goes, all in one pass. We then tip the hopper downhill and out of the way and keep going across each meadow. Even with a large machine, there is so much volume of material to move that it involves dozens of trips and tips, but that's fine as we can do it even later than we would normally, and we can stop and come back another day as much as we like. This makes it far more sustainable for us. Many thanks to all the volunteers that have helped us over previous years but this new approach means we can ask for volunteer help on more 'worthy' tasks, rather than shifting cuttings!

 Our Ecologist has also given advice on further improvements to our mowing process and that is shown in the photograph where we have deliberately left a significant area un-cut on each meadow. Furthermore, the benefit is increased by leaving more un-cut strips between areas that are un-cut, so there is connectivity for wildlife. We will be doing more like this as time goes on, further boosting the habitat value of the Woods. All good! :-)

 The main arrangements apply for the Open Day: Open from 10am to *3:30pm* with *last entry at 2:30pm*.

 Free entry.

 Parking: Please note that there is limited car parking at Alvecote Wood, so if you are able to walk, cycle or share a car, we would be very grateful. There is parking for a few vehicles on hard-standing to the left of our main building, with overflow space for more cars on the grass nearby when required.

 Check our Facebook page for the latest updates. https://Facebook.com/AlvecoteWood 

 There is also more information on our web site: http://www.alvecotewood.co.uk