That third Monday of a New Year, when everyone feels deflated, spent out, and thoroughly down, because of the miserable winter weather and early dark nights, that just seem to drag on and on.

The antidote, of course, is to do something like what we are doing. Seek out the company of others and do something to feel positive about.

I don’t mean start cutting trees down and making paths, although that will probably do the trick to shake off the winter blues, but just do something positive.

If I hadn’t found what we are doing on the greenway, I too would be moping around, counting the days until the ice turns green.

So despite the cold, seven of us turned out like Eskimos, froze to the bone, before we started moving around. Reece, Steve, Marcus, Dave, Mark, Ram, and Paul.

We have taken advice from Butterfly Conservation on how to maximise the southerly-facing bank for butterflies and moths. We are on the right track.

Basically, we need to clear the bank as much as possible and give it a hard rake to get the seeds in the ground to wake up in the spring. It’s hard graft, but we are trying to do a block at a time to at least feel like we are making progress.

Hot coffee and flapjack couldn’t come quickly enough at break time.

Even the basecamp looks drab and lifeless.

And then more of the same.

The clearer the bank, the better, but we need to do it in bite-sized chunks, or we will get dispondent.

Towards the end, we could start to see it taking shape.

Sunshine is already starting to hit the ground. When the sun is higher in the sky, it will transform the whole section.

We also got rid of a load of stumps between the Bear Bridge and the Cawston Underpass. Here is a selection of what seemed like lots more.

We need to drill holes into the top of the stumps to kill off the roots. This is what happens when the woodland is not managed properly. Trees start growing in the wrong place and at funny angles as they fight for daylight.

Sadly, they had to go…

We also litter-picked the whole northern end.

Personally, I would rather the youth sit down here and enjoy a couple of beers. They are not bothering anyone, or being bothered themselves, and picking up a few empty cans is a small price to pay. We could put a bin down here, but then we have to remember to empty it, so it’s probably not really worth it.

I would much rather this be the situation than them hanging around the parks and shops.

We are back in the same place next week, so come along if you fancy sharing a coffee and a bit of company. Don’t let those winter blues get to you.

If you want to see what we are aiming to do, check out last week’s blog and the Long Itchington butterfly habitat.

I promise you, it will look absolutely superb in the spring and summer.

Until next time!

Paul