Hi Everyone, here are two interesting outings to end the year.  The first, to Paradise Plains. The second, a coastal walk from Lulworth to Weymouth.

PARADISE PLAINS NOVEMBER 8TH – LEADER IAN THOMAS.

Here is Ian’s description of what the day will entail :

I suggest that we all meet in Ringarooma, opposite the library on the swimming pool side of the road at 10 am. From there it’s a relatively short drive up onto Mathinna Plains. Turning West onto Ben Ridge from the Mathinna Road will take us to Paradise Plains. Early flowering species should be evident in the grassland with, hopefully, a few orchids daring to show their faces. In the middle of the Plains evidence will be shown concerning the age and origin of the grassland. Pleasant ambling along a vehicle track will bring us to a well known A-Frame shelter where we can have lunch (bring a thermos) before walking past rainforest patches back to our cars. As we return to Ringarooma a short stop at Mathinna Plains will enable us to see whatever may be flowering, fluttering or fleeing  on the buttongrass moorlands. Once again, an explanation of the origin and ages of the moorland will be offered.  I expect us to arrive back in Ringarooma by about 3.30pm.

Four years ago in April of 2021 – it snowed up there and we were unprepared, so let’s remember extra warm and dry layers even though it seems silly.

LULWORTH – WEYMOUTH DECEMBER 13TH – LEADER JASON ORR.

Some members who did this walk five years ago are already lining up to do it again. Billed as the Triple Bay walk, the 11km walk on sand, rocks and unformed tracks begins at Lulworth and takes in Tamoshanter, Fanny’s and Noland Bays, ending at Weymouth.

A fairly sound level of fitness is essential and appropriate walking boots and wind/rain protective clothing.

Details of meeting place in next month’s mail out, but a 9.30 meeting for a prompt 10am start is planned.

Let’s see if we can have an end of year celebration after this walk. Possibilities are a barbeque at Weymouth or back at Lulworth or drinks at the Tam O’Shanter golf club.

 

OUR WEED WARRIORS

It’s that time of year when weeds are flowering and that makes it easy for us to spot them. But most of us walk straight past thinking nothing can be done. But not our Jill!!

She’s been doing her own boneseed blitz. This has entailed pulling out the smaller plants she finds and notifying Parks with a photo and co-ordinates of the larger ones. This has been quite successful.

Jay had a different set of weeds in his sights. He had spotted Dipogon, Bridal creeper, Asparagus fern and Watsonia and made an appointment with Council workers to show them. This was an immediate success.

I used the Customer Service Contact form on the Dorset Council website to ask if I could have help with some large Sea spurge plants on part of the Trent Water near the saltmarsh. This too was an immediate success and I met the next day with three of the works team who helped get the job done.

Good results for the weed warriors.

 

See you next Saturday,

Lou Brooker.