Wednesday 17th June
Report written by Ellie Evans (She/her)
This evening, we returned to Meadow Lane playground to continue our support for the NaturEscape transformation project. We split into two teams to tackle the next tasks. The first team worked on clearing the mesh fencing with bolt cutters, enjoying the satisfaction of completing a job we started last time! By cutting back the fencing and clearing overgrown foliage, the play space has been opened up, allowing children to run freely between the trees. The second team transferred woodchip from below a defunct zip line to a log circle, instantly making the area look more magical and inviting. We learnt that the technique for clearing the woodchip was to ‘scrape not dig’’! We scraped up the woodchip and transported it back and forth in a wheelbarrow. Joe provided some great tips, including to always point your empty wheelbarrow in the direction you’ll travel once it’s full, saving you from maneuvering a heavy load! We were pleased to have Chris back with us, and to warmly welcome Rab for their first session!
This volunteer-run project is transforming the Meadow Lane playground into a nature-inspired play space for children, families and the wider community. Working in partnership with Oxford City Council and informed by local consultation, we’re enhancing the existing play area with natural features that support wildlife, encourage active outdoor play, and create welcoming spaces for all ages. Practical tasks include digging, moving soil, planting hedges and wildflowers, and cutting back old mesh fencing as we begin turning the newly opened area into forest-school play zones and wildlife-friendly habitat. This is our project website: https://www.iffleyfieldsnaturescape.co.uk/
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Helping to ready this new space for its grand opening!
