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The days are getting longer and signs of spring are beginning at Pump Hill.

A little bird told me that having now been granted the wish of an Olympic sized bird bath cum water fountain, he/she would love a new house.

This is a chance for all creative handy people to build something for our little feathered friends. Robins, tits, wrens, barn owls, sparrows are all  looking for accommodation.

Not to mention insects and bees as well.  Do please get involved!

Lynette C.

There are still bulbs lying on the surface at Pump Hill waiting to be planted. If anyone has a bit of time to spare to pop a few in that would be great.
Thank you
Lynette C

Saturday was a landmark day for all those involved in the creation of the woodland walk at Pump Hill. The path system is finished. The earth sides of the path at the north entrance have been bolstered up with spare stone from the former footpaths laid out by Dorothy Littlewood.  Some of her paths can still be found amongst the planted areas away from the paths.

The dirt spoil from the footpath excavation has been spread and raked around the site, bulbs replaced and the first hedging plants dug in. Already signs of spring are appearing with bluebells, daffs and snowdrops putting their heads up.  We heard lots of birdsong as we worked and are hoping that they will all return this year.

At this point I would like to thank all those who worked so selflessly on this project, either with gifts or labour:

Robert S for funding the stone walling by Ian P  in creating the two main openings; for the stone and membrane material, the removal of green waste, the removal of a large stump from the wall shared with the school and the rebuilding of that wall. Also for his knowledge of plants, insects and general interest in the project.

John P for digging out the soil near the two new entrances, raking it back into the site and removing a couple of large stumps that blocked the route. His expertise using Maurice F”s digger was remarkable to watch. Practically danced around the site.

Maurice F for donating the fabulous gate posts at the two new openings.  For his and his assistant Martin’s time in bringing them to site and inserting them into the prepared holes dug out by John P. Robert G for his donation of the stone step.

The Community Safety team who spent most of the last two weeks digging out the paths, laying membrane and three 13 ton loads of stone. The lads and gals worked hard and diligently, with great spirit, always polite and helpful.  They were supported by Mel and Elaine their supervisors for the project.  Altogether they donated 415 hours to Pump Hill. We could not have done it without them.

Jon M and Charles B for stone walling the retaining cheeks at the squeeze entrance.

Everyone who attended clean up days and gave up spare time when available to pitch in and deal with brambles, nettles, general brush and the baking gals who provided delicious goodies for the workers.

Peter E of Alsop Moor who repaired the gate going into the side access drive.

Jonathan Butt at Derbyshire County Council for accepting our application for assistance and being very helpful in ensuring everything was in order.

Stephen Clay from the RRP for providing the manpower and supervisors.

On behalf of The Friends of Pump Hill and Parwich Parish Council,

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Lynette C

These photos were taken on Thursday after our fabulous community team had finished for the day.  We have started plant Harts Tongue ferns in the stumpery . They are a bit brown at the moment, but with rain and warmth they should green upon no time.

The paths have all had a second layer of membrane added, the final finer grade of stone distributed  and mechanically tamped down.

The team were back today for the final raking and finishing the banking at the main entrance opposite the Hall. They have worked hard for us and have enjoyed the challenge. Lynette C

A big,very enthusiastic thank-you to Roger K who dropped off this absolutely marvellous galvanised dust bin lid for the bird bath at Pump Hill. It should be in place soon after an edge is welded underneath to attach it to the stump. We certainly don’t want it to disappear. Lynette C