A new Shell Step student, Abbie Moran, has started today for two months. She is at University of Sussex studying a BSc in Human Sciences, so she already knows her way around quite well.

Aidan has successfully passed his PA1 and PA6AW tests so is now fully qualified for all spraying and in particular for Japanese knotweed.

The average rainfall for May this year has exceeded all records.  In the last few days of May there was an excessive downpour, topping 50mm (2in) in some areas overnight.  Consequently there was a considerable amount of flooding in the Midlands and the South causing disruption and inconvenience, and spoiling the Bank Holiday for many people!

Japanese knotweed, although often seen as the enemy, can be a very tasty alternative to asparagus and rhubarb. It can also be made into a good flavoured wine or yummy jam. The young shoots are the best to use and now is the right time of year. Put into a crumble, it is difficult to distinguish from rhubarb. The seed can be eaten as well, or ground into flour for use in bread and biscuits. But remember, when disposing of the off-cuts they must be burnt, boiled or allowed to rot. Do not throw in the bin!