Spring was definitely in the air this morning. On getting up, your correspondent drew the curtains to a glorious blue sky and sunrise. The temperature outside was 4 degrees centigrade, but by 10 am it was a lovely mild morning, perfect for working in Adel Woods!
The projects this morning were litterpicking and tidying up the Hospices Woodland, the latter being something we have been doing since March 2010.
We met in the Stairfoot Lane carpark and had a wonderful turn out of ten Friends (including two who joined us later in the Hospices Woodland).
Three of us litterpicked while the rest of us spent the morning clearing brambles from the trees and paths in the Hospices Woodland.
The Hospices Woodland is on the South side of Stairfoot Lane, to the North East of the Stairfoot Lane carpark. It is called the Hospices Woodland because in about 2000 St Gemma’s and Wheatfields hospices had heard about a tree sponsorship scheme and were keen to contribute to tree planting in Leeds, and raise funds for their work. They approached the Parks and Countryside department of Leeds City Council and it was agreed that Parks and Countryside would provide the land adjacent to Stairfoot Lane and manage the trees, while the hospices would administer the scheme. People could sponsor a tree for £25 of which £15 went to the hospices, and £10 to Parks to pay for purchasing the tree and ensuring its establishment.
It was very successful in the first year and a hectare of new native woodland was planted. Sponsorship money continued to come in and so a second phase was planted in the following years. Money continued to come in so a further woodland was planted at Temple Newsam alongside one of the main roads into the estate.
A large stone monolith was installed at both sites sponsored by a local quarry.
On our way back to the Stairfoot Lane carpark, we cleared from the path a substantial tree which had fallen across it.
Another successful and enjoyable morning.
Friends of Adel Woods are always keen to attract new volunteers, so if you would like to help maintain Adel Woods, make new friends, and get some fresh air and exercise, please get in touch!
Friends of Adel Woods 