Today we will be working with Simon Melville and a Hampshire County Council Ranger at the Herbert Plantation, a Local Nature Reserve. Our task is to cut back invasive rhododendrons that are spreading over the area and impacting native species. Parts of the site are very wet and muddy, so wellies or sturdy boots are recommended.

Directions and parking: coming along the A339 from Newbury, take the B4640 then turn left in front of the Swan Inn. Head up the hill towards Burghclere and after about half a mile, go past the entrance to the car park at Jonathan Hill. Continue for about half a mile before turning left into Adbury Holt, go past the small triangular parking area on your right and continue along Adbury Holt until you come to a grass track at the left-hand side of the road. Follow the track, which soon bends right, drive under the power lines and park on Newtown Common, What3words:///month.invisible.tooth, which is where we will meet. We will then walk to the worksite in the Herbert Plantation, What3words:///fleet.theme.brownish

Please remember to bring thick gloves, hand sanitiser and a drink.