On a blistering cold Sunday morning, GoodyGym joined the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods for another monthly conservation session. We assembled at the Chestnut Kiosk to gather a wheelbarrow of trusty tools, before ascending deep into the heart of the woods.

After a thorough health and safety briefing from the ever-diligent Marc, we were set to go. Our task for the day was to saw down small holly trees and lop away holly branches. This would allow more sunlight to reach the woods and support biodiversity.

How do we know where the tree will fall? We soon learned that you can control the direction of the falling tree by initiating a v-shaped beak cut. Curious onlookers were surprised to find out about the invasiveness of the holly plant. A couple of enthusiastic parkgoers even joined us for a few moments.

In ninety short minutes, the piles of fallen hollies stood tall, heaps and mounds above the rest of the woodlands. What a difference a conservation day makes!

We will be back on the first Sunday of February. We hope to see you there!