Round Two…FIGHT!!!
In addition to behind-the-scenes business, this week ended up having two main practical focuses, the second of which I significantly under-estimated the work required.
I began by continuing dead hedging with the ever-plenty dogwood we have on site around Manc Henge. Satisfied with the progress made, harvesting the dogwood for dead hedging, I feel increases their attribute to the valley as like the classic bug-hotels, the stacked, dense wood structure will play host to all the Medlock’s small invertebrates. Additionally, I enjoy the aesthetic benefits this structure provides adding even more of a neolithic vibe to the henge! I hope to finish the hedge with upcoming volunteer days… so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Whilst this decision went on to haunt me, clearing the litter hot spots on the valley is important to me and following the success of last weeks old homeless camps, I began clearing an area next to the river to the north of the site. Unfortunately, I was shocked by the extent of the rubbish dumped there, but this is why I am here. The progress can feel slow, especially with the thick ivy carpets growing through and over much of the household waste.
As the hours passes, I noticed a few things first being the repetition of the waste itself suggesting it all came from one or two households. Whilst its shame to think someone would be ok with repeatedly dumping waste in a public space, it’s even more a shame an entire community must suffer the acts of a few wrongens. In summary don’t trust people who use Mitchum deodorant and have an excessive amount of Yankee candles in their home!
Being next too the busiest path on the valley, I had a chance to speak to people passing through and a chat with one local lad told me how he used to get right up to the river’s edge where they sat around skipping rocks…I promise that’s what he said. This led me to starting think about a new river-side seating area, turning the now litter hot-spot into THE place to be, watching the river among the mature Alder and Willow trees which line this section of bank and maaaaaaaaaybe catching the east evening sun.
So you better watch this space, I guess.
See you about,
Alex, FOMV
Insta- Medlock_valley
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