New volunteers are often surprised when we say that winter is as busy as summer in terms of conservation work, if not busier. Why is this? Also, why do we carry out some activities at only certain times of the year? Below is a basic calendar guide (based partially on last year’s task programme) that will, hopefully, answer some of these questions. So remember, whatever the weather or season, there’s always plenty to keep the SEECV entertained!

January, February, March:
Coppicing, hedgelaying, tree planting, scrub clearance. This is when trees are dormant and it is outside of the breeding season for most animals. Tree planting in frosty conditions and when the ground is saturated should be avoided.

April, May, June:
Ragwort, Bracken and Alexanders pulling/removal. Normally these are undertaken in the latter part of this season; they are at their most visible (size, flowering), but haven’t as yet produced seed, the source of future years’ new plants! (Ed: OK, we know that Bracken doesn’t actually produce seed!). Also, because the plant has expended effort producing new spring growth, any roots left in the ground may also be less likely to produce further healthy growth (well, in the case of Alexanders at least, a fervent hope!).

July, August, September:
More Ragwort pulling (early July) – see above. Last year we also carried out some pond clearance, but this was mainly rubbish and detritus removal, rather than specific pond management, which should be carried out during the colder months when the pond is less active. However, new ponds can be constructed at any time of the year! During the latter part of this period we often also undertake meadow management (cutting and raking/tidying). This generally follows the wildflowers having seeded (next season’s and future plants) but also at a time when most of the insects have generally completed their breeding cycles.

October, November, December:
Back to the jobs more associated with the colder months: Pond management, coppicing, hedgelaying, tree planting and scrub clearance. Autumn tree planting can be preferable as it can help roots establish.

General:
Fencing, walling and footpath work can be carried out at any time of the year, but they can be cold work in the winter months. Also, in hot periods, the hard, dry ground and hot sun can make working conditions difficult.

The above illustrate and provide guidance as to when and why we generally undertake different tasks; there is always (hopefully) the underlying theme! We carry out the various tasks at certain times not to prevent ‘damage’, but to reduce (as far as is practically possible) any of the negative impacts and hope that the benefits we create outweigh any damage we cause! For example, we undertake scrub clearance during the colder months when the trees are dormant, flowering plants have died back, birds have completed their breeding and have fledged their young, etc, etc. But what we do end up doing is trample any remaining vegetation, churn up the wet ground, remove overwintering cover, etc. And why? So that during the following spring new growth will be stronger (sometimes different) and will provide a much improved and diverse habitat. Well, that’s the theory!

One question that has been asked is when is the best time for sowing wildflower seed? Well, one recommendation, at least in the south east, is between September and November! However, a more guaranteed method for success may be to sow seeds at home, encourage their germination, bring them on and then transplant them as plugs in the desired location.

Meadow strimming? Well, another seasonal task. When is the most opportune time? In theory this depends on the type of meadow that you are trying to develop: A general grassland meadow should be cut early autumn after the wildflowers have dropped their seed; a spring flowering meadow left until late June or July and then frequently afterwards; while a summer meadow should be cut during spring and then left from June onwards!

Let’s hope this helps!?