The wild foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is an imposing plant. Growing up to two metres tall, it provides generous amounts of nectar for many moths and bees. Its deep-pink bell-shaped flowers open up progressively along the long flower spike, each stem producing as many as 75 flowers and each plant releasing up to two million seeds. Flowering from June through to September, this highly poisonous beauty is dazzling.

Over the centuries it has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments including those of the heart. Today, Digoxin, a drug to treat heart conditions, is produced from chemicals extracted from the majestic Digitalis purpurea. The foxglove is a magical plant associated with many folklore tales of fairies, and thus it is not a surprise to find a thriving population in Finemere Wood.

The woodland workers scythe their way around clumps of Digitalis, through chest-high grass, stopping every few metres to hone their blades. The Master of Scythes (aka Finemere volunteer David) sits astride his peening pony demonstrating the art of peening. This involves hammering the edge of the blade, thus drawing the metal out and allowing an ideal cutting edge to be restored. Regular peening ensures healthy, happy scythes and easy, efficient grass cutting and so is a welcome skill to add to the volunteers' repertoire.

And so with professionally peened and honed blades, the scythers slice through the thick grass with ease and speed. Rakes follow to gather up the cuttings, piling them high on the edge of the woodland, where many a creature will take up residence.

Our thoughts on this day were of Dick Carter, a founder member of the Finemere Volunteer team, who passed away very recently. A much-loved, wise and steadfast woodland worker, who kept us entertained with many a story or debate. Dick, you will always be missed.

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