The FOGG working party have been given a nice long list of jobs as part of the coming year’s Works Schedule, supplied by EDDC Horticultural Officer Paul Fealey – and as mapped out in the new page: Weekly Jobs: 2026 – Friends of Glen Goyle
One of those jobs is to deal with those Alexanders already popping up all over Glen Goyle.
Two years ago, [well, exactly one year and eleven months, to the day], the FOGG volunteers were taking part in their own ‘Sidmouth Alexanders Day’ down at the Glen, or as was said at the time by FOGG member Phil Lee:
We celebrated ‘Sidmouth Alexanders Day’, a plant with a fascinating past (see the article supplied by John Hopkins) then we dug them up and threw them away. They really are very virulent and invasive, and need to be kept under control.
And it is John Hopkins who provides the commentary on this Thursday’s volunteer session:
Digging out Alexanders before they take over and raking leaves. Also weeding out the top raised bed.
I am always bemused by the story about the Romans bringing Alexanders to our shores as a ready food source, originally from Alexandria. All parts edible and the root if roasted is meant to be like parsnip. We weren’t tempted to take them home for our turkey roast though.
With some accompanying photos to show the work underway back in January 2024, by Phil Lee:
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And again from two years ago, fellow FOGG member Katie Frost added:
Here is an intact Alexander in all its glory. Look at that root! I broke my fork (a prong just snapped off) digging these up this morning.
With the evidence supplied by Katie:
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