Not all CITOs are about litterpicking! Come and help clear invasive leaves at Backwell Park. Sunday 21st November, 2pm - 3.30pm.
Besides pumpkins, fallen leaves are the icon of autumn: they're absolutely everywhere. Usually, they aren't an issue, but the Backwell Playing Fields Charity (BPFC), who manage the park, are looking for volunteers to help clear the leaves. Because of this, they have given us permission for this CITO to take place.
What's the issue?
Usually, leaves that land on the ground decompose into the soil. However, there are a large amount of trees on this side of the park, and this in turn means a large amount of leaves, which accumulate quickly around, and begin to block, the car parks, play area and the road to the football club.
We will be helping the BPFC to pick up these leaves before they combine with rain/snow (of which we have had a lot of lately) and become mulchy, slippery and generally unpleasant, or blow into the adjacent A road. Following feedback from the charity after 2017's event, the main driveway and car park will be the priority for clearing this year. Also, if there are enough attendees, we need to remove spiky conker shells which fall near to the children's play area.
This will be an 1.5 hours long event; scheduled to start at 2pm and should end by 3.30pm. It can go on for longer if need be, and there’s no requirement to stay for the whole time! It’s the second time this CITO is held in the afternoon, mainly due to football fixtures in the morning, which should hopefully be easier for both the charity and attendees.
Please bring rakes, garden brushes, spades and gloves if you can. Anyone with a leaf blower would be a godsend! We will supply you with a green bag or bin to put the leaves in- they will go to local allotment plots. If you want to collect your own leaves for your personal compost supply, by all means do.
A gazebo will be set up- which will provide some protection from the elements if it's a bit wet on the day. Hopefully the weather will be good to us!
A logbook and trackable swap box will be available. Hope to see you there!
Please park in the Tennis Club car park (waypointed) if you can- it is generally quieter and means that the track to the main car park is more free for us to collect leaves!