A lot of the conservation work we do is refered to as 'scrub-bashing' but what does this involve?

Basically it is clearing invasive vegetation. This may seem a little bit uninspiring to some of us 'old hands' but it's very useful and can be fun too!

It's useful because it increases bio-diversity: the variety of habitats, animals and plants that we enjoy. Ecologically, having variety is sound, as it makes the system stronger. Habitats, animals and plants are better able to adapt to any changes that occur, for instance by evolving to become resistant to certain diseases or by being able to eat whatever is available at a given time.

Most often we bash scrub to return an area to grassland. Many species can only survive in grassland and would become extinct if all the grassland disappeared. Some of these species are of particular value to us, for instance through their beauty, or because they have medicinal uses.

Historically, most grassland was created when our early ancestors cleared woodland and settled as farmers. Our work helps to maintain these traditional habitats that they created, in harmony with other elements of the natural environment. The hand tools that we use fit with this ideal.

Scrub-bashing can be fun! It's one of those good jobs where you can see what you've done (though usually we forget to take those 'before' pictures to match the 'after' ones). It's especially good as we can get far more done as a team than an individual could achieve by him or herself.

There are lots of different tools to try out - bow saws and billhooks, loppers and slashers - and new skills to learn (or to teach!). It's healthy too, to get a little bit of exercise. And it's good to be out in the fresh air with friends!

Cleared scrub may be burnt, shredded, or left to rot down in an 'eco-pile'