In July, Kingswood Trust volunteers created a log garden at the south end of the new fence in Holyhead Wood. This is a place where logs – sound and rotting – are piled and partially buried to provide habitats for a variety of creatures. The logs can later be gently moved so that people can see the creatures living in and around them. This log garden has raised log piles so that these creatures can be seen without people having to bend to the ground or kneel.
During regular Monday and Tuesday sessions, volunteers brought wooden frames recycled from their previous lives as raised growing beds in the greenhouse area. These made two raised areas which were filled with logs and soil. Most of the logs came from trees and branches taken down in January, when the new fence was built along the road side of Holyhead Wood. These were also used to create a dead or ‘brash’ hedge when they were laid between two rows of wooden stakes. The soil was also recycled, from levelling the current growing bed area in front of the ‘Gardeners’ Rest’ shelter.
Log gardens are important for two reasons. Firstly, they provide habitats for a variety of creatures and are maintaining and hopefully increasing the biodiversity of the site. This is not just for the creatures themselves but for all the birds and small furry animals which eat them. Secondly, they are places where visitors and volunteers can come to find, identify and observe creatures such as beetles, worms, centipedes, ants, spiders and begin to understand the astonishing variety of life that lives in these places.
Actually, there is a third reason. Creating the log garden was a significant piece of very satisfying team work which allowed volunteers to encourage each other, show initiative and show off strength and skill. As one rather young and breathless team member gleefully stated, ‘That was a fun day.’
Written by: Julia Pursehouse, Volunteer, The Kingswood Trust.