Feedback on visit of Tuesday 11th June 2024
Amie Cook (Avon Wildlife Trust), Lesley Woodward, Norman Charnley
For further advice, we noted that there were a few troublesome invaders that you were struggling to manage; particularly golden rod and snowberry. Both of these are vigorous, covering graves and outcompeting the native ground flora found in other areas.
Goldenrod
I found this on the internet: "Like Japanese knotweed, goldenrod has an underground rhizome system that can spread rapidly, and all fragments of the rhizomes need to be completely removed to ensure no future growth. All parts of the plant above and below ground growth need to be completely removed from site. The stems can be cut back twice a year to weaken to the rhizome and prevent flowering, or should be completely dug out where possible."
Targeted herbicide treatment is also recommended, but this should be consulted with the council as they will have trained professionals who can apply this correctly.
Snowberry
Spreading similarly to Goldenrod, cutting will not eradicate snowberry as you well know. continuing to pull up from the root should manage the spread, but be careful not to compost the cuttings as snowberry can continue to proliferate from this. The best disposal is to put into black bags or a wheelie bin for a few weeks to ensure all the cuttings are dead before composting the remains.
We also discussed planting more berry producing trees and climbers along the walls to create more of a hedgerow effect along the walled sections of the park, in hopes of supressing the bramble and invasives. Particularly, planting smaller trees that respond well to management would be recommended:
- Hazel Corylus avellana
- Rowan Sorbus aucuparia
- Hawthorn Craetagus monogyna
- Crab apple Malus sylvestre
- Guelder rose Viburnum opulus
- Alder buckthorn Frangula alnus
- Honeysuckle Lonicera periclynum
- Travellers Joy Clematis vitalba
There were opportunities for adding more bird boxes in the park, particularly bird boxes of varied design to cater to the variety of birds in the area. There is likely a resident hedgehog population in the park or surrounding area, so adding in 1 or 2 'hog homes along the perimeter walls would be a welcome addition.
You can make very effective bird boxes and hedgehog homes from pallet wood! Try building bird boxes with a variety of sized openings to encourage different species, and spread them out across the site.
I hope this is a useful addendum to the original report! Thank for you using the service and I hope we have been able to support you groups hard work at Bird Cage Walk. It's a special place!
Kind regards, Amie