I wonder how many of us are aware of the beautiful lane that runs up the West side of the park

Green Lane in May with bluebells

from the Langley Arms to Emersons Green Lane. It is often very muddy and requiring wellies but just now the ground is firm and the sights are gorgeous. When I am there I feel like I am truly in the countryside.

Also in the orchard just now there is an unusual type of young tree in flower called an Autumn Olive. There are two of them and they are growing really well. I am assured that the fruits are edible by Martin Crawford – forest gardening expert. See his book on the subject.

autumn olive in flower

On a more troubling note, there are two issues that continue to adversely affect us.

Firstly the stagnant stream under the footbridge remains poor and continually accumulates litter. I wonder what you think might be done here. Ralph suggested connecting the two water courses near the footbridge so as to drain the offensive stream. (The new cut is lower than the original one). I also wondered if we could create a reed bed in the mud so as to neutralise any noxious tendencies. What do you think? I would be glad to hear your views.

Also there is the trolley problem. It seems that most weeks, one or more Sainsburys trolleys gets dumped in the park. I know that we have a number to ring and they will pick up etc, but should we really have to do this? Is it not time that they used a device to keep their trolleys where they should be. Do you think we should approach Sainsbury’s about this?

Let me know what you think by posting a comment and I will report back to you all on what happens.

Chris