May volunteer activity

Hemlock management. Photo from Jersey Conservation VolunteersSunday 8th May 2016 – Hamptonne Country Life Museum, St Lawrence  – 10:30-13.00

From Jersey Conservation Volunteers

I can’t quite believe that this is the last task before you volunteers take a well-deserved summer break!

The details

Join the National Trust Rangers at Hamptonne meadow on Sunday to undertake wet meadow restoration management. The flora in the meadow has responded well to management since the Trust acquired it in 2011. That said, hemlock water dropwort is still abundant. This native plant is invasive in many of Jersey’s wet meadows, especially those that have suffered from a lack of management in the past. This task will entail walking through the meadow and selectively cutting and removing hemlock water dropwort in order to speed up the restoration of the meadow to a favourable condition.

A note of caution, as hemlock water dropwort is the most toxic plant in Britain please ensure that you wear long-sleeved clothing regardless of the weather. The roots are the most toxic part of the plant so we will only be handling the stems and leaves. We will provide protective gloves as well as hand washing facilities and ask that all attendees kindly use them.

Please contact Julia at j.meldrum@gov.je or Jon at jonparkes@nationaltrust.je or phone Julia on 441600 or Jon on 483193 before you go just case anything changes.

The site We will meet in the Hamptonne Country Life Museum car park at 10:20 for a 10:30 start. Work will finish by 1pm when cake and refreshments will be served

Parking There is parking available at Hamptonne Country Life Museum.

The task Wet meadow restoration management.

Tools needed Tools will be provided but if you have a sickle/scythe it would be helpful if you could bring it along with you.

Clothing needed . Please check the weather forecast and wear suitable clothing (including wellington boots and long-sleeved tops).

Children All are welcome, young or old. Children under 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian during the task.

Finally, and some would say most importantly, Kim the Kake will supply us with hot drinks and her yummy homemade cakes.