Good day for a bonfire!

The first task we have manages to run this year due to the weather, and even this was different from the advertised programme.  We were in Tilgate Park, in the pine plantation, beyond the walled garden.  As part of our on-going work to expand the area of heathland in the park, a 50 strong group from the Mileage Company felled a large area of the invasive Rhododendron ponticum last autumn.  We burnt quite a lot of the "rhodie" on the day, but there was still a lot left lying. 

So sheltered by the trees, and motivated by the prospect of jacket potatoes for lunch, if the bonfire got hot enough, the 10 hardy volunteers set to work.

We got loads cleared in the end and having the fire made it a much more pleasant task.

The fire was plenty hot enough for jacket potatoes cooked in our old ammo box.  Accompanied by cheese and beans they kept the cold at bay.  Indeed one of volunteers said it was the best baked spud he had ever had!  We worked a bit more in the afternoon and then let the fire burn down.  A good task - thanks everyone

Can you feel the heat?