A SMALL group of volunteers took part in the first Avon Valley Nature Reserves session of the year carrying out conservation work ahead of the worst of Storm Goretti.

Organised by Salisbury Wildlife Group, the team ventured into the Copse yesterday (January 8) to undertake hawthorn pollarding, completing several hours of steady work in persistent rain before worsening conditions prompted an early finish.

Despite the weather, the group achieved its primary objective of opening up a small proto-glade.

The pollarding will allow the hawthorn to re-sprout from chest-high trunks, creating foliage at a lower level within the Copse.

Pollards should put forth new sprouts this year. (Photo: Salisbury Wildlife Group)

In recent years, self-seeded trees have grown rapidly upwards, forming a high, sparse canopy with little vegetation beneath.

The increased light reaching the ground is expected to encourage the return of ground plants, though which species will emerge remains uncertain after a decade of shade.

Evidence of deer browsing was noted, but the height of the new growth should place it beyond the reach of most muntjac deer.

All cut material was reused to construct a dead hedge to provide hibernation habitat for invertebrates, foraging opportunities for birds and shelter for small mammals.

The hedge also helps define the Copse’s boundaries, ensuring existing paths remain clear while preventing the spread of new routes that could damage emerging ground flora through trampling.

Although the storm was approaching, volunteers say signs of spring were evident with great tits calling through the rain and goldfinches active in nearby poplars.

With the task complete and refreshments largely consumed, the team concluded the session damp but satisfied.

While most wildlife proved too mobile for photography, small fungi and lichen were observed.

Variable Oysterling (crepidotus variabilis). (Photo: Salisbury Wildlife Group)

A follow-up session is planned for Sunday, from 10am to 1pm, focusing on further pollarding and dead-hedging around the Copse’s edge, after which the area will be left to regenerate naturally.