Posting days: Sunday and Wednesday and, sometimes, maybe, extra ‘news flashes’!

Wednesday December 14th 2016

A few years ago – that means I’ve not been able to find the exact date – a group of volunteers formed to open up an area of Highbury Park which had become overgrown and inaccessible.

Here is a passage from their website.

“This scheme is taking cuttings from antique fruit trees, grafting them, and making places to plant and tend them. The original trees were planted in the Chamberlain era as part of the Highbury kitchen garden. They’ve been protected by the Four Seasons project, and will gain longevity through new generations of the same stock. An orchard site is being prepared by volunteers and cuttings have been grafted and potted, but there’s more clearing and more grafting to be done. “

The result of their efforts is a delightful addition to the work done by the maintenance teams, the regular nature walks organised by the park rangers and the varied activities of the Friends of Highbury Park.

The group not only offers opportunities for local volunteers throughout the year, but also events specially for families with young children, and, for example, foraging and creative events which anyone can attend.

The volunteers are very approachable and friendly, happy to explain what’s going on and alert you to coming events. When L. and I stopped to chat with them last week, they were building a large community oven which they hope people will use rather than lighting their own fires in the park.

We dog walkers love the woodland paths which the group has opened up. It is now possible to walk along the edge of the east side of the park parallel to the main path and feel as though you are surrounded by countryside.

Emerge from a wooded area into a clearing and you may meet an old friend …………….

Mia, the little Spanish Dogwatch U.K. dog.

Oh, it’s Isis.

(Photo by Mia’s person.)

……………….. or two friends

Mia, Isis and Dougie

(Photo by Mia’s person)

………………………… or even three

Mia, Dougie and Fergie

Incidentally, all of these happy little dogs enjoying the smells happen to be adopted, as are many of the park dogs.

Thank you Community Orchard persons!

Isis came from the Aeza cat and dog rescue and adoption centre in Aljezur, Portugal. For information about adopting an animal from the centre, contact kerry@aeza.org or  www.dogwatchuk.co.uk