15th July - Jerk Jacobaea at Horsbere
The session is set for 3 hours, but only me and the ranger have to stay till the end!
Please do feel free to pop along and only stay for as long as you want.
Parking: Suggested parking at the provided coords, please note that the footbridge will be closed during this event. If the pull-in is full then the ranger will open the gates.
Where: Meet by the main gate at 0930 or find us in the Long Meadow, near the given coordinates.
What: We will be pulling Ragwort from the meadow. Ragwort, if left to its own devices will easily take over the whole meadow, suppressing other wildflowers and removing diversity. By pulling the Ragwort on a yearly basis, we prevent it from taking over.
There are plenty of other places the Ragwort grows at Horsbere and so there will still be plenty of food for the Cinnabar moth.
How: The Countryside Ranger will be there providing guidance. We ask you to bring your own gloves. Don't worry if you don't have them as the ranger will have a supply.
Health and Safety: The session and will be covered by council insurance as long as you are working under the Countryside Ranger's instruction.
The Ragwort has a sap which can cause irritation on the skin, therefore you will need to wear long sleeves.
Please do bring a drink as it can be thirsty work!