WORKING PARTY REPORT AND PHOTOS: 9TH MAY 2024

There haven’t been many FOGG working party reports of late – either because of the rather bad weather, or because much of the ‘working time’ has been taken up by onsite meetings – on Thursday 18th April and Thursday 2nd May.

These were with Streetscene officers and the District Councillor whose ward includes Glen Goyle – and so it seems things should be progressing re ‘infrastructure’ , including new signs!

Welcome to the Glen: the signs go up – Friends of Glen Goyle

In the meantime, the FOGG working party itself is carrying out the actual work on the ground – and all very sterling work it is too. Here’s FOGG member Phil Lee giving a full and fascinating report on what volunteers got up to on Thursday 9th May:

Last Thursday, with the sun shining and little chance of rain, five volunteers set about weeding and generally tidying up, on the public footpath riverside walk. The area has fared pretty well. Most of the planting from previous years is thriving, and weeding and controlling brambles and ivy, where necessary, was easy. We opened up a few small areas on the boundary bank above the raised beds, to allow a bit more sunlight in, and to offer glimpses of the mature planting behind, particularly the flowering rhododendrons, giving the vista an extra dimension in these places.

We saw our first swifts of the year, and chatted about foxes and badgers (both found in Glen Goyle) with passers-by.

Probably more of the same next week, then returning to the area around the lawn.

Just a reminder. We are hosting the Sampson Society on Friday 21st June. Starting at the Glen Road entrance at 10am, working our way through Glen Goyle then, I understand, there will be special access to the Belmont section, and tea/coffee on the lawn. All very informal. Please come along to represent FOGG if you possibly can. It will be a great opportunity to share our efforts and enthusiasm with Sidmouth enthusiasts.

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