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Events Archive - 2010
 May - Wild Flower WalkDespite the extended cold weather there were numerous exhibits to view when local wildflower expert, Rupert Higgins, led today's 'Wild Flower Walk' on a circuit of Ridge Wood.
Over twenty walkers attended and all were amazed at the variety to be seen. Rupert identified the different species, plus their latin and countryside names.
We were advised which ones were edible and which were poisonous, although no one appeared to do the taste test!
Many thanks to Rupert and his family for a very enjoyable and informative Sunday afternoon.
For more info, check out the Natural History Museum website here
The collage below contains just a few of the plants we saw. A larger version, in a separate window, is available with a mouse click.
 April - Woodland Work Day
Another fine morning rewarded the seven workers ( + dog ) The bags of rubbish just kept piling up. In fact, experts have estimated that this was a record 'weight per person' to date, so, many thanks to all involved.
Maybe Pat's refreshing squash & biscuits had something to do with it!
Check the News & Events page for the date of the next working party.
All welcome.
March - Woodland Spring Clean
Many thanks to the fifteen or so volunteers who managed to collect an impressive range of rubbish.
Events Archive - 2009
November - Nature's Decorations
Jo Wright, of Organic Blooms inspects the willow frame for the next Festive Wreath. Following Jo's guidance and using the materials supplied, these frames quickly took shape producing wreathes, pentagons and garlands. All from nature's foliage.
The afternoon session proved to be a more popular choice than the morning one, so the two sessions were combined. The Ridgewood Centre soon became a hive of activity, with more than the planned 20 places catered for.
Just one of the many completed decorations to be taken home at the end of a most enjoyable afternoon.
More pictures ( courtesy of Margaret Thompson ) Click image to open large version in new page.
Based at Frome Vally Farm Shop, Bristol Road, Frampton Cotterell. For further details, contact Joanna or Chris Wright on 01454-227458 or email: organicblooms@ironacton.plus.com
October - Heavy Horse Demo
Doug Joiner and Ella ably demonstrated the benefits of using traditional horse logging methods in a woodland environment.
Visitors were amazed at the way large logs were manouvered around trees, down muddy slopes and positioned accurately, for use as the base for future dead hedging. All this was completed using less than seven quietly spoken commands from Doug.
During the tea breaks he explained the harness and equipment being used. The traces connected to the swingle tree connected to the choker chain!
Ella is a Percheron mare standing some 17 hands ( 1.7m ). Originating in the Le Perche region of Normandy and bred for their hardiness, better balance and good temper, they were found to be particularly suitable for drawing artillery and general transport during WWI. Fortunately these qualities are now put to more peaceful use.
When all the jobs were finished Ella returned to base for a good meal of mash and the youngest visitors were given the chance to groom her.
The rest of us made for the tea & biscuits supplied by the Friends of Ridge Wood Catering Section ( managed by Pat Nicholls ) who had been doing a steady trade throughout the afternoon.
Please visit Doug's website at www.heavyhorses.net for more detail and for more information on the Percheron Breed try www.percheron.org.uk
Click here to see our current events list
October - Owl Prowl
Ian McGuire, pictured above with Jaz the Tawny Owl, led a large crowd of over 120 through the moonlit Ridge Wood on the trail of the Tawny Owls.
After two or three stops, where he played a recording of owl calls, he managed to entice at least three owls into the tree tops near by. We heard the male then the female owl responding, also the aggressive 'Clear off' call directed at us, the intruders.
Ian gave descriptions of many different types of owls and the reasons why their droppings, or 'owl pellets', can tell you a lot about their diet etc.
At last the owls appeared, caught in the strong beam of the torch, flying into the tree tops above to see what these 'intruders' were up to. A truly magnificent sight, as the reaction of the crowd confirmed.
Back at the start we were introduced to Jaz, see above, and there were many questions from a very enthusiastic audience.
Do visit Ian's website, Wild Owl Educational Services, for more owl facts, examples of owl nesting boxes and to listen to sound clips of owl calls. Also learn about Jaz' TV and movie appearances!
Note: Fresh, new site updated for 2010
If you want to know even more about Owl Pellets visit this page on RSPB website.
Just a few of the many prowlers!
Click here to see our current event list
September - Astronomy Evening
This was a joint event with the St. John's Park Conservation Group to give local people the opportunity to learn more about the sky at night.
The event began with an excellent presentation by Callum Potter of the Cotswold Astronomical Society. After this, under a clear moonlit sky, a large number of budding astronomers took the short walk to the wildflower meadow on St John's Park estate.
A laser-pointer guided tour of the constellations and the chance to observe Jupiter through the telescope were just two of the highlights of the second part of the evening.
Click here for current event details.
September - Work Session
A fine sunny morning greeted the many helpers who turned out last Sunday. Work was focused on the Glade area, some forming litter parties, others collecting loose branches and logs. The hedging quickly took shape, despite the good natured hilarity!
Also found were examples of the fungus, King Alfred's Cakes ( Pictured above ) Details of this sinister and inedible fungus can be found in the database on the English Country Garden website.
A useful morning's labours. Why pay for an aerobics class when you can exercise for free and save the woodland.
Make a date in your diary to join the next session. Check the News & Events for further details.
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Previously, in Ridge Wood.
 Fungus Forays
Have you tried the fungi quiz so you know a King Alfred's Cake from a puffball? At our autumn Fungus Foray, local fungi expert, Justin Smith, explained that there are 4,000 species of fungi in the British Isles.
 Bat Walks
One of a series at South Gloucestershire's Local Nature Reserves. These twilight walks to search for the common pipistrelle, Ridge Wood's resident bat, have proved very popular. (Photo: Rosie Corner, Bat Conservation Trust)
 Diwali
The autumn Hindu festival of light has prompted shadow puppet shows, Indian music on magic carpets and the brightest array of beautiful hand-made lanterns.
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