Four of us today, John, Aaron, Chris and myself, and the plan was to clear all the brash that was left over from the last workday. However, the temptation to start hacking down more of the tree canopy proved too much.

Everything was very wet and the fire was really feeble and took about an hour to get going. Every time I looked behind me I just saw the pile of branches getting bigger and bigger. Not much pressure!!

Eventually I got it going and threw everything onto it. After about an hour or so, we could see the floor again.

It was drizzly and dull but from the photo above, we can see how much light is hitting the bank. This will be full of wild flowers next summer.

We made a decision to crack on with this clearing until it is completed. We have a weekend workday on Saturday 10th October so that gives us two more Monday mornings and the Saturday to try and get it finished. There is a large tree that is at one end of the clearing and we want to make this a central feature, so we need to clear the same amount of ground on the other side of it.

I am very aware that we need to remove the stumps at some point. Any ideas gratefully received.

As with last week, there are piles of brash and felled trees ready to be thrown on the fire next week. Very much work in progress.

After Saturday 10th October we can work on the other two clearings. We have about six months before the bird-nesting season starts, so plenty of time, but also plenty to do in other parts.

Thanks to all who made it today.

Paul