Introspection and reflection at the Maidenbrook Country Park

When I began this article, we were all about trees, shrubs and new growth up at the
Maidenbrook Country Park. Buds blooming, bees buzzing and the grass was
certainly growing. It was all hands on deck to maintain our younger trees and support
them as they prepare for life independent of artificial support.

The intermittent glorious weather attracted a wealth of visitors to the park and it was
a real treat to meet so many nature-friendly faces as I roamed through the
woodlands, pruning fork and planting stakes at the ready. Our volunteers definitely
made every effort to show the park at its best to welcome one and all this Spring.
So it was with something akin to shock and despair that I witnessed the Traveller
caravans descend upon our beautiful park shortly before Easter.

The subsequent absence of so many of our usual visitors was keenly felt, while the
damage and shear volume of litter left behind was staggering to say the least. It was,
therefore, both a privilege and a pleasure to see the community uniting in support of
our lovely park; selflessly offering their time and energy to restore it to its former
natural, rugged beauty. The stoic attitude of our volunteers (and visitors!) showed
how important it is to face and conquer these challenges, keeping a focus on
seeding and nurturing the bridge between us and our natural world, despite the
challenges we might face along this sometimes rocky path.
Our heartfelt thanks to all who reached out to show their love for Maidenbrook
Country Park and to those who joined forces to beautify our park once more on a
cold, wet Easter Friday morning.

Then followed the need to step into high gear to ensure all was in readiness for the
80 th Anniversary of VE Day on 8 th May, along with completing the development of our
new WWII memorial, which forms an integral addition to our Memorial Walk.
Now, in the wake of this hugely enjoyable commemorative event, I find time for a
little introspection and reflection, and it occurs to me how lucky we are to have such
a multi-faceted park where our memorials allow us to keep an important connection
to our past, while our woodlands offer opportunities to grow toward our future.

Candy Sully
Volunteer Coordinator
Maidenbrook Country Park & The Somerset Wood