I think we can say that Summer has finally loosened its grip on the baton and passed it on to Autumn. We had the last shorts-and-T-shirt day yesterday, and from today the temperatures plummet from the heady heights of July and August.

To add insult to injury, we also had to contend with a band of rain that slowly moved across the country.

But it didn’t deter ten crazy blokes from picking up tools and heading out. Matt, Ram, Mike, Andrew, Marcus, Ian, Mark, Dave, Martin, and Paul met under the shelter of an old bridge, which is about 170 years old, to be precise.

We had two tasks: put in two more Mile Marker Posts, and tidy up the encroaching vegetation and overhang.

Mile Marker Posts:

Martin, Dave, and Matt set about digging the holes for the two posts and getting them in place.

It’s tough going, and we don’t really know what tools are going to work until the digging starts.

One thing is clear – we all should have bought shares in Blue Circle because we seem to be buying bags and bags of the blooming stuff!!

Thankfully, only two more posts to go.

Wonky Trees and Overhang:

Look away now if you’re a Tree Hugger!

All of the trees that are spindly and growing at odd angles are no good. They are just cutting out the sunlight from hitting the ground and competing with the trees that are more established.

Thankfully, nature has a way of clearing up its rubbish.

After the chop, I stacked all the brash up into a super little habitat pile that will become a warm home for a huge number of creatures.

And over time, it will all just rot back down into the soil that gave it life in the first place.

Vegetation Cut:

We also pushed back the path edges. This is the start of the path (northern end), and we don’t really spend as much time down here as we should.

Because of the tree canopy overhang, everything grows quite slowly.

We broke for coffee under our 170-year-old bridge, and dare I say… more Oreo delights, but with a twist.

The Oreos came from America. Matt brought them back from one of his trips.

Fuelled with sugar and E-numbers, we cracked on.

I made a new friend.

Maybe not, when he saw that I had no food.

We had a lovely visit from Stephanie from Rugby Borough Council, who gave us a load of Garlic Mustard seeds. These are the food plant for Orange-tip and Green-veined White butterfly caterpillars, so we shall look forward to seeing more of these in the summer.

We rounded the morning off with the Miles Posts in, and the path much clearer.

Stumps:

As we make our way through the woodland, some stumps are cut at a height that, for me, is not aesthetically kinda where they need to be.

Fine if they are deep in the margins, but personally, I don’t like to see them like this.

I know that some of the guys don’t agree with me, but it is what it is…

I’ve now created a major trip hazard, so watch where you’re going!!

Wildflower Strip:

I got a strimmer out earlier in the week and just tried to work out how the grassy wildflower strip is working down past Potford Dam.

This just didn’t happen in the summer because nothing was growing. I hope it shows the habitat that we are trying to create between the scrub and the path.

Dunchurch Bridleway:

Me, Ian and Dave turned out and got a load of strimming done.

The building in the distance is called Windmill Farm, and there was once a windmill in the field.

One can only imagine the tasty bread made with local flour.

The path around the field is now clear and open. Thank us with a buy-me-a-coffee if you feel so inclined.

Mental Wellbeing:

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this – there is a male loneliness epidemic. There, I’ve said it.

The biggest killer of men is suicide within age ranges up to 70 or so.

So what can men do to make friends?

Drop the braggy “I’m The King Of The Jungle” boasting. It’s toxic, and trying to out-compete each other is so blooming tiring and just goes nowhere.

Stop trying to tell the funniest joke or story – again – it’s just destructive competitiveness.

Start doing the things that you love to do, and you will find your people. People who also love to do those same things.

Think about the energy that you are putting out – are you closed and huddled and coming across as prickly? Or are you open and welcoming?

I can see both sides of the coin. I love to be on my own, but hate the dark thoughts that I tend to turn over in my head when I am alone. I also struggle in social situations because so much is going on, and I feel myself almost performing to fit in. But having friends around me is so much better than feeling lonely.

Just go out there and find your tribe by doing what you love to do – they are waiting for you.

Thanks for reading if you got this far.

Until next time!

Paul