I have just finished checking all the Blyth Woods planting for February. Grove Piece trees needed some canes straightening and pushing in but apart from that all looked good. At Blowers the seven oaks look fine and they are easy to find at this time of year. Lots of snowdrops beginning to show on the heath near them. On the playing field behind the school the hedge looks great, the hawthorn has lots of buds. The seven oaks on Blackheath are also fine.
In Merton Wood the wood xylophone has rotted and lost its tone. I think it is time to take it down. Amazingly the Becker boards are still covered in charcoal drawings and writing, perhaps a little faded now. I think it might be an idea to scrub and/or sand them this year and start again. Marie
