it might be a bit of a mess for a few weeks but there is water in the Langley Pond again. Hurrah! As promised the works have started to desilt our ponds and restore them to something that is pleasant to look at and good for wildlife. Works on the middle ponds will follow and include some partial dams on the streams that feed them to try to collect silt before it gets to the main ponds. This might make it easier to desilt in future years.

The orchard group is still hard at work and has put in several wildflower areas in the last few weeks and we are hoping shortly to make a ‘dead hedge’ along the bridle path so as to stop the brambles encroaching and provide a refuge for wildlife. Thanks to Chris G for this pictorial explanation.

We are planning to hold this year’s AGM for Friends of Emersons Green Park at the Langley Arms on Monday Nov 22nd at 7pm. The management committee will be elected and we will be thinking about plans for the coming year. All are invited. The formal meeting will end at around 8pm and then those who would like to are invited to stay on for a meal together (on a pay for your own basis). Please let me know if you are coming and if you will be staying for the meal via the comment on this blog or otherwise, so we have some idea of numbers.

Finally I thought some of you might be interested in an ebook that I have just published about the environmental crisis. It is a serious-minded book, but to give you a flavour, the first chapter opens with a scene from the orchard and the conclusion includes these words

The book offers an opportunity to create a movement in the world that is composed of ordinary people, who are not necessarily environmental activists. In fact, activism of any sort may not be their thing. But they can see their way to taking part in a festival that celebrates the earth. They can see the possibility of developing a local community orchard or garden. Or even forming a community agriculture project. They can sense the importance of setting aside land for nature. And in doing these things they will change inside. Their imaginations will grow. Their community will be strengthened. And one day the earth will feel like home.