NOVEMBER 2024
As autumn turns to winter the commons have lost the heavy mantle of bracken and the paths have opened, and everything is shutting down. From November the days and weeks descend into deep winter, and our attention reveals the trees. This is possibly the best season to enjoy them. The leaves have left their branches and no longer disguise the trees’ 24 natural beauty. The rough, rugged bark and silky-silver skins are revealed, with their seemingly sculptural arms reaching out to the sky.
We have been enjoying the season on the commons with walks and the seasonal fungus exploration never disappoints. Thanks to Martin Allison once again for his knowledge and enthusiasm. We also learnt about sustainable cut flowers and went home with lovely bunches.
The Exmoor ponies on Red House continue to provide the lookerers with fun and games on their daily searches – sometimes the herd is together but other times nowhere to be seen. Thank you to all the helpers for their tenacity and teamwork.
Down at Markstakes Common the volunteers continue with their detailed and sensitive conservation and lately working on the northern bracken field teasing out the bramble roots and bracken. It is rewarding in its own way as looking at a completed patch brings satisfaction. There is always room for more volunteers, meeting regularly on Monday mornings at 9.30.a.m. for a good couple of hours spent in this special place. Tools and gloves, easy parking and biscuits provided. If you think you would like to join in for exercise and a sense of achievement, come along to the gate in the flint wall in Markstakes Lane South Chailey any Monday at 9.30.a.m. A welcome is assured.
November brings Remembrance and this year will be on Sunday 10th.with Poppy Day poppies for sale from October 26th door to door or street collections. Guy Fawkes is celebrated around the district centred on the 5th, and Chailey Bonfire Night is on 9th November with the torchlight procession and bonfire between 6 – 9 pm.
We have been making and selling our traditionally made Besom brooms and there are still some available – let me know if you would like to buy one – excellent value and locally sourced with birch from the commons. We look forward this month to our next meeting – November 21st Chailey Village Hall 7.30.p.m. for a talk on Barn Owls by Terry Hallahan of the Sussex Barn Owl Study Group
For further information, visit our website – www.chaileycommons.org.uk or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/chaileycommons/ or friendsofmarkstakescommon.weebly.com
William Coleman - 01444 831098