Lessons learnt from Wilbraham Common

1. The site is covered in hundreds of anthills. The ants thrive on the common land that hasn’t been overgrazed or ploughed. Yellow meadow ants are known for creating anthills in grassland habitats and a large ant colony can harvest huge quantities of grass. Eating away at certain grasses prevents species dominating the ecosystem, creating areas of uneven heterogeneity that promotes species richness and biodiversity.

2. Although the land is currently dormant, in the summer Lady's bedstraw and Wild thyme grow on the anthills. The site becomes dotted with clusters purple and yellow flowers.
   

3. Hawthorn surrounds the site perimeter; we cut it back to prevent it encroaching on the grassland. Hawthorn burns well, much better than willow. When dragging lengths of cut hawthorn, remember to leave enough space to turn around so the base of the branch is accessible for the person feeding the bonfire.

   

4. There were red kites flying above, identifiable by their forked tails.
   

5. A Kelly kettle needs old, dry, dead twigs. Look for twigs that snap very easily and aren't green inside, they burn well. Green wood will smother the fire and cause a Kelly kettle to go out. Smaller twigs will feed a Kelly kettle fire at the base and help it to get going. Use small sticks of hawthorn and drop them down to the base.
   

   

6. Wear gloves when working with fire to stop your hands from smelling like smoke afterwards. The smell of smoke will last for several days.