Outdoor guides in the Mottisfont countryside

As a "thank you" for all the time our outdoor guides put in, our countryside team hosted a summer barbecue at the Oakley Beet fishing hut, followed by a talk and a walk.

Following a few burgers, Dylan Everett, Countryside Manager, gave an "inspirational" talk about all the great stuff we're doing in the countryside and along the river. Not a bad setting either by the fishing hut where FM Halford perfected the art of dry fly fishing:

And off we went on a walk, whilst Neil Swift (Riverkeeper), Mike Handley (Ranger), and Ryan Scott (Ranger) helped the others clear up:

...once they'd finished the obligatory cuppa, of course (....at least they told me it was tea! They don't look at all suspicious, do they?)

Ryan took us on a stroll to see some of the Mottisfont woodland where his team of volunteers have been particularly busy clearing and creating an enclosure to grow hazel:

Unfortunately, this area of ancient woodland was cleared in the 1980s to grow spruce, which was a shame, but the grand scheme is to return native broadleaf species to the area and in about 300 years, we should be back to where we were when the woodland was at its best! Still, if we don't start now!

On the way, we stopped to take in the 1,000 year old Oakley Oak. A splendid old tree:

Thankfully nobody chopped that one down.....although it was earmarked for timber for the Tudor fleet at one time.

So, "thank you" outdoor guides from me. I'm joining you again on Bank Holiday Monday for the wetland walk. Looking at the weather forecast, it will probably live up to its name too! Not to worry, the enthusiasm of our guides will more than make up for a spot of rain.