Woodland is providing an oasis by busy town road
Woodland is providing an oasis by busy town road.
A BAND of willing volunteers helped to brighten up autumn with a bulb planting day at a Doncaster ‘oasis’.
People from all walks of life stepped forward to help with the Outer Space community project at the Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust site St Catherine’s on Tickhill Road.
The project aims to open up the woods to the wider public.
Senior field project officer of The Conservation Volunteers, John Thompson, told The Star a group of helpers - a mix from the local community and people involved in activities and projects within St Catherine’s, plus representatives from local businesses and organisations - gave up their time.
He said: “We planted over 1,000 bulbs on the day with some woodland management work, clearing damaged trees that were blocking the path. We had some pretty fantastic weather too.
“We put in native bluebells, snowdrops and wild garlic, mainly to brighten up the footpath and the garlic to add species diversity.
“The snowdrops will come out in January or February and the bluebells and garlic around April or May.
“It will be very colourful hopefully, a mix of blues, whites and yellows, along half a mile of footpath.”
John added: “We encourage the general public to visit for walking or pleasure, it’s healthy and it’s a nice space to be in.
“We want more people to use the woods, it’s not just a hospital site, you don’t have to be a patient to enjoy it, just sit on one of the benches and take it all in.”
Volunteers have been working on improving the site, which is also a haven for bird life, squirrels and small mammals, for the past year.
“It’s a little oasis alongside the busy Tickhill Road,” added John.
It is hoped to encourage more helpers to get involved in the future, and further volunteer days are Wednesday, November 7, and Wednesday, December 5, between 10am until 3.30pm. They will involve a mix of woodland management work, and a small tree identification course. Meet at the information board on St Catherine’s Drive.
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Weather for Goole
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
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