ONCF Weekly Environment e- bulletin
Forging partnerships that will create a sustainable future for nature'
Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum's Weekly Environmental E-Bulletin
24 April 2008
(Comments and notices featured in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of ONCF. Should you disagree with any items and wish to post a clear counter-argument please send it in along with the date of the bulletin and number of the item concerned. Editor's discretion applies. Thanks).
NOTICES
1. Oxford is My World Carbon Footprinting Site Launched
EVENTS
2. Humans and Habitats: Rethinking Rights in an Age of Climate Change
3. Summer Migrants Walk
4. Searching for the Loddon Lily
5. Medicine and Botany in the Lagoon: Apothecaries in sixteenth century
Venice
6. Dawn Chorus Walk
7. The Great Fen Project
8. Wallingford Castle Meadows Dawn Chorus Walk
9. Dawn Chorus
10. Ewelme Watercress Beds Local Nature Reserve Open Afternoon
11. Climate Change, Ponds And Carbon Storage
12. Bats at Riverside
13. Managing Biodiversity in a Changing Climate
14. Polecats
15. Besselsleigh Wood Visit & Bluebell Walk
16. First AGM of Operation Noah
17. A Celebration of the Robin: Centuries of Literature and Natural History
18. Visit to DEEP IN WOOD sawmill
19. Orchids in Oxfordshire
20. Future farming in the UK: global implications for society and
biodiversity
21. Training: Practical Conservation For Solitary Bees And Wasps
22. Pond creation and conservation
23. Creating wildflower-rich farm habitats
VACANCIES
24. Conservation Officer (Bucks)
25. Education Volunteers Needed at Aston Rowant NNR
26. Volunteer for Education Programme
SEE BELOW VACANCIES FOR DETAILS OF REGULAR WORK PARTIES:
ASTON ROWANT NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE VOLUNTEER GROUP BARTON FIELDS GREEN TEAM BBOWT WORK PARTIES BTCV GREEN GYMS (ABINGDON, BICESTER, CHIPPING NORTON, SONNING COMMON, and
WALLINGFORD)
HENLEY WILDLIFE GROUP WORK PARTIES
NORTHMOOR TRUST FRIDAY WORK PARTY
OXFORD CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS TASKS
OXFORD URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP
OXFORD VOLUNTEER RANGERS
SHOTOVER CONSERVATION WORK DAYS
SOUTH CHILTERN VOLUNTEER TASKS
SS MARY & JOHN CHURCHYARD RESTORATION PROJECT WENDLEBURY WOODLAND PROJECT WITNEY WOODLAND VOLUNTEERS
NOTICES
1. OXFORD IS MY WORLD CARBON FOOTPRINTING SITE LAUNCHED
In partnership with The Carbon Account we have launched a new site where Oxford citizens can monitor their carbon footprint. The site is accessible to everyone who signs the Oxford Citizens Climate Change Pledge and gives a fresh and informed perspective on carbon footprinting, making carbon monitoring and reduction easier.
To sign the pledge, and access The Carbon Account, visit Oxford is My World, e-mail home_energy@oxford.gov.uk or call us (01865 252 197) for a paper copy.
If you have any suggestions, ideas or case studies for 'Oxford is My World'
please e-mail us at enquiry@oxfordismyworld.org.
EVENTS
Can you walk, cycle, use public transport or share a lift to your chosen event? Visit Sustrans at http://tinyurl.co.uk/s0dq, the Oxford Bus Company at http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/, Stagecoach Buses at http://www.stagecoachbus.com/ or Oxfordshire County Council public transport information at http://tinyurl.co.uk/wt9
2. Saturday 26 April
HUMANS AND HABITATS: RETHINKING RIGHTS IN AN AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE Friends of the Earth is teaming up with the London School of Economics, Human Rights Watch and The Guardian to host a ground-breaking event. 'Humans and Habitats: Rethinking Rights in an Age of Climate Change' takes place on 26th April and explores how the environmental movement and human rights movement can come together to find real solutions to climate change. Find out more at www.foe.co.uk
3. Sunday 27 April 10 am - 12 noon
SUMMER MIGRANTS WALK
A guided walk around the Northmoor Trust Estate to see which of the summer migrants have arrived.
Adults £4, Children under 16 & Friends Free At Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, near Wallingford. With the Northmoor Trust.
Booking required. Please phone 01865 407792 or email admin@northmoortrust.co.uk to reserve your place.
4. Sunday 27 April 10 am
SEARCHING FOR THE LODDON LILY
A field meeting with the Abingdon Naturalists. Meet at Rye Farm Car Park (SU 500968). A walk of about 2 miles with one short hill. There may be otters in the area and we may see their signs on the walk.
Leader Dr Bob Eeles
(this walk was originally scheduled for April 20th)
5. Tuesday 29 April 8.00 pm
MEDICINE AND BOTANY IN THE LAGOON: APOTHECARIES IN SIXTEENTH CENTURY VENICE With Valentina Pugliano (Mansfield College).
For the Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire At the Earth Sciences Department, Parks Road, Oxford (Admission £2 for non-members, members free).
Contact: Ellen Lee (Publicity Secretary, ANHSO) [aunty.ellen@ntlworld.com]
6. Thursday 1 May 4.30 am - 6 am
DAWN CHORUS WALK
Listen and identify bird song. Learn more about the birds on the Northmoor Trust Estate. Breakfast for sale afterwards.
Adults £4, Children under 16 & Friends Free At Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, near Wallingford. With the Northmoor Trust.
Booking required. Please phone 01865 407792 or email admin@northmoortrust.co.uk to reserve your place.
Following on...May Day Celebrations 6 am - 7 am Music and readings to celebrate May Day. Free event. Breakfast for sale afterwards.
7. Thursday 1 May 7.45 pm
THE GREAT FEN PROJECT
A talk by Chris Gerrard for the RSPB Oxford local group.
At Sandhills Primary School, Terrett Avenue in Sandhills just off of the A40 opposite the Sandhills Park and Ride. The talk is open to all, RSPB local group members free, £3 for non members.
Please contact Roy Grant on rgrant@brookes.ac.uk for further details
8. Sunday 4 May 4.30 am - 6 am
WALLINGFORD CASTLE MEADOWS DAWN CHORUS WALK Meet at Cemetery Lane entrance. Learn more about the birds and come to recognise their song. Binoculars advisable. Free event. With the Northmoor Trust.
Booking required. Please phone 01865 407792 or email admin@northmoortrust.co.uk to reserve your place.
9. Sunday 4 May 4.30 am - 6.30 am
DAWN CHORUS
It's International Dawn Chorus Day so as day breaks join Anthony Roberts from the City Council Countryside Service to hear Shotover's avian orchestra in all its glory. And as the sound begins to fade Anthony will introduce some members of the ensemble so that you can recognise them the next time you hear them. Meet in the car park at the end of Old Road, Headington, Oxford. A free event. For details call 01865 467244.
10. Sunday 4 May 2 - 5 pm
EWELME WATERCRESS BEDS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE OPEN AFTERNOON Self guided tours of 6.5 acre site with the opportunity to talk to our guides Teas. DVD about the old watercress industry, photo, and historic tools display Adults £2 accompanied children free. (No dogs allowed, except guide dogs) Waterproof footwear advisable.
Watercress Beds Centre, High St, Ewelme, Oxfordshire, OX10 6HQ, OS Ref
SU641916
Please use free car park at east end of village beyond the school and church - allow 8-10 minutes to walk back to the Watercress Beds Centre in the High Street.
For Group Bookings on other dates telephone Ann on 01491- 835173
11. Tuesday 6 May 1 pm
CLIMATE CHANGE, PONDS AND CARBON STORAGE At University College London.
Recent work shows that ponds may bury up to four times as much carbon as the world's oceans. These findings could affect climate change policy and delivery of carbon capture mitigation schemes in the UK.
Professor John Downing from Iowa State University, USA, found that the rate of carbon uptake in man-made ponds on farmland in the USA was very high and that smaller ponds take up carbon faster than larger ones. Across the globe, ponds 'may bury 4 times as much carbon as the world's oceans. The world's farm ponds alone may bury more organic carbon than the oceans and 33% as much as the world's rivers deliver to the sea.'
Pond Conservation are currently building on this work, by investigating the rate of carbon uptake in ponds in the UK and Dr Jeremy Biggs, Pond Conservation Director Policy and Research, will talk about the implications for ponds and carbon capture in the UK.
If you would like to come to this free talk, contact ruthwelters@pondconservation.org.uk
and for further information see
www.pondconservation.org.uk/News/latestnews/invitetoatalkclimatechangepondsa
ndcarbonstorage6may2008.htm
12. Wednesday 7 May 8 pm - 10.30 pm
BATS AT RIVERSIDE
Meet at Riverside Car Park, Crowmarsh.
Free event. Will be signposted. Suitable clothing and footwear advisable.
A Northmoor Trust event.
Tel 01865 407792 or email admin@northmoortrust.co.uk to reserve your place.
13. Friday 9 May
MANAGING BIODIVERSITY IN A CHANGING CLIMATE A one-day course for professionals at Oxford University, based at Wytham.
Details on www.conted.ox.ac.uk/env
14. Friday 9 May 7.30 pm
POLECATS
A talk by Philippa Burrell, County Mammal Recorder for the Wantage and District Field Club.
In Wantage Civic Hall.
Contact: Patsyjjones@aol.com
15. Saturday 10 May 10.30 am
BESSELSLEIGH WOOD VISIT & BLUEBELL WALK
View the marvellous bluebell display. Meet at the western entrance to the wood (Appleton side) adjacent to the footbridge, Grid Ref SP448017 Oxford Landranger Sheet No.164 Public event, booking not necessary.
16. Saturday 10 May 12.30 - 4 pm
FIRST AGM OF OPERATION NOAH
A national campaign on climate change, at Ss Mary & John Church, East Oxford, Showing of Mark Dowd's Channel 4 Documentary 'God is Green'.
Speakers: David Wasdell and Ruth Jarman. Report from Campaign Director, Ann Pettifor. Details: www.operationnoah.org
17. Tuesday 13 May 8 pm
A CELEBRATION OF THE ROBIN: CENTURIES OF LITERATURE AND NATURAL HISTORY By Andrew Lack for the Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire.
At the Earth Sciences Department, Parks Road, Oxford (Admission £2 for non-members, members free).
Contact: Ellen Lee at Ellen [aunty.ellen@ntlworld.com]
18. Wednesday 14 May 1.45 for 2 pm
VISIT TO DEEP IN WOOD SAWMILL
With the Oxfordshire Woodland Project.
Deep in Wood collects high quality locally grown butts and converts them into workshop-ready kiln-dried timbers and also finished joinery products.
This visit is to a new facility and is not to be missed!
Binnings Farms Great Park, Besselsleigh OX13 5PZ; Grid Ref SU 439994 Oxford Landranger sheet no.164.
Contact the Oxfordshire Woodland Project on: 01993 814140 or owp@oxfordshire.gov.uk Attendance is only by advance booking. 'Woodland meeting' road signs are posted around the venues for all Group events. To minimise costs, bookings are confirmed only on request. Events will usually involve off-path walking over potentially physically demanding terrain.
19. Saturday 7 June 10.30 am
ORCHIDS IN OXFORDSHIRE
Location: Near Nuffield, Oxfordshire
Wild Encounter : Orchids form one of the largest families of flowering plants with thousands of species distributed world-wide. Around 50 species grow in the UK. On this guided walk we will visit two areas that are home to common spotted, bee and pyramid orchids. Red kites and buzzards are often seen flying overhead and closer to the ground you may spot great green bushcrickets. On sunny days the site is good for watching butterflies, including green hairstreaks and marble whites. The reserve is on a steep bank and therefore not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
Leader: Nigel Snell is the warden of the reserve.
Itinerary: You will meet at 10.30am for your walk, which will last around 1
1/2 hours.
Supporter: £12 Non-supporter: £16 Places available: 7 out of 10
See the People's Trust for Endangered Species website at:
https://www.wildlifewatching.org/search.asp
20. Thursday 3 July
FUTURE FARMING IN THE UK: GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIETY AND BIODIVERSITY At New Hall, Cambridge.
This promises to be an extremely important and topical event as threats to agricultural habitats and species in the UK and elsewhere in Europe seem to grow daily, e.g. from biofuels and the loss of set-aside. Decisions on agricultural policy in the UK and EU are also likely to have increasingly significant international biodiversity and socio-economic impacts. We are therefore very fortunate to have many of the leading authorities on such subjects speaking at the conference, and we shall be challenging them to predict what is likely to happen over the next 10-20 years and what we should do about it.
Conference details can be found at the CCF website at www.cambridgeconservationforum.org.uk
Please note that due to limited places BOOKING AND ADVANCE PAYMENT IS ESSENTIAL.
21. Saturday 5 July 10 am - 4.30 pm
TRAINING: PRACTICAL CONSERVATION FOR SOLITARY BEES AND WASPS
Tutor: Ivan Wright
In partnership with Shotover Wildlife, BTCV have arranged a one-day training course on aspects of conservation for solitary bees and wasps (aculeate Hymenoptera). The day will include a classroom session, a tour of Shotover and a practical conservation task.
The course will provide an overview of the many different types of bee and wasp, basic recognition (including bumblebees) and survey techniques. The course will also consider the factors that make a site particularly attractive to aculeates: the types of wild flowers that they need and recognising various nesting niches.
The day will begin with an introductory classroom session, then after lunch we will tour Shotover Hill to see the bees and wasps in action at various natural and man-made nesting sites. The day will conclude with a practical conservation task to create a new bee and wasp habitat niche within the SSSI.
The website for more details is
http://shop.btcv.org.uk/shop/level4/13/stock/6586
http://www.btcv.org/thamesandchilterns
or to book a place http://shop.btcv.org.uk/pdfs/shop/short_booking.pdf
22. Tuesday 15 July
POND CREATION AND CONSERVATION
Ref SE3. Facilitator: Rod d'Ayala
Location: Oxford
This site offers the opportunity to compare a variety of wildlife ponds including a garden pond and small and large pond complexes. This day will demonstrate why ponds are important and how making new ones can have an almost immediate effect on local biodiversity. Looking at basic pond ecology and construction techniques it will show how new ponds can be successfully made and managed. Practical advice will include basic do's and don'ts of site selection, construction and planting, guidance on planning and legal considerations and pond management. Visits to several ponds will show the diversity of plants and animals dependent on ponds.
Email: Info@floralocale.org Website: www.floralocale.org
23. Tuesday 22 July
CREATING WILDFLOWER-RICH FARM HABITATS
Ref SW5. Facilitator: Flower Farms
Location: Wiltshire/West Berkshire border This workshop will cover the practical details of seed and plant collection through to plant establishment in farm habitats. Seed and plants will be collected in Flower Farms unique wildflower garden (150 species) and propagated in the greenhouse. Species-rich grasslands, woodland and ponds (all of which were under corn until the mid 1980's) will be visited to discuss seed rates and plant densities. Yellow rattle will feature in the grasslands. Cleaning and harvesting machinery will be briefly demonstrated.
Email: Info@floralocale.org Website: www.floralocale.org
VACANCIES
24. CONSERVATION OFFICER (BUCKS)
Salary: £22,660 per annum
Permanent contract, 35 hours per week (full time) Based at the Lodge in Littlemore, near Oxford
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust is a membership-based voluntary organisation, managing 88 nature reserves, influencing land management across the 3 counties and actively working to educate and encourage all sectors of the community to care for local wildlife.
The wildlife of Buckinghamshire is under pressure from habitat fragmentation and the effects of increasing development. We are looking for an officer who will work with partners in the County to influence planners and policy makers to achieve the best possible outcomes for wildlife. The post holder will also provide a focus for our conservation work beyond our nature reserves in Buckinghamshire.
Applicants should have either a good knowledge of nature conservation issues, and an interest in the planning system / local authorities, or vice versa. A degree, or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline is essential.
For full details on how to apply for the post, please phone 01865 775476 or email jobs@bbowt.org.uk. CVs will not be accepted. Please note that only successful applicants will be notified. The closing date for applications is on 9.00am on Monday 28 April. Interviews will be held at our Oxford Office on Tuesday 13 May.
25. EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ASTON ROWANT NNR
We are looking for keen volunteers to assist with the delivery of our education programme to visiting primary schools and community groups throughout spring and summer. We will provide full training in working with schools and you may choose to take a supporting or leading role, whichever you feel most comfortable with.
Past experience of working with children is preferable but not essential.
Visits are on weekdays and variable, you can do as many as you are available for, no regular commitment is needed, just sign up for days you can do.
Call Jenny Crook on 01844 351833 or email jenny.crook@naturalengland.org.uk for further details.
26. VOLUNTEER FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Highly motivated person sought to launch and supervise educational programme
for Ewelme Watercress Beds Local Nature Reserve. Excellent new 80 page
Teachers' Pack available for Key Stage 2 covering a wide spectrum of curriculum topics.
Good facilities available for visiting schools, including a well equipped,
modern Centre for indoor work. Ideal venue for the Department of Education
's recently launched 'Learning outside the Classroom' initiative.
The wide range of habitats forming this award winning wetland site also make it ideal for individual research projects for secondary and university students.
Back up assistance available for school visits from a variety of voluntary experts.
This is an honorary post (expenses paid) which would suit a retired teacher.
The site is run by volunteers and owned by The Chiltern Society, whose many facetted work is summed up in its logo 'We care for the Chilterns'.
For further details please contact beryl@hunt-family.org.uk or 01491 872795.
Ew16-ONCFTeachersPack48
REGULAR WORK PARTIES
ASTON ROWANT NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE VOLUNTEER GROUP Aston Rowant NNR is one of the country's most important reserves. Renowned for its Red Kites and rare wild flowers the reserve is primarily species-rich chalk grassland and beech woodland, and needs a lot of regular maintenance. We have a good network of pathways and 270 sheep on the reserve which need checking daily.
Site management tasks are led by our experienced site managers and may include scrub clearance, path maintenance, fencing, species protection, interpretation and even livestock husbandry. We also need helpers for public events!
Members of the group can do tasks according to their ability and will gain valuable skills for career development or personal achievement as well as enjoying the social side of volunteering!
When: Regular group meets every Monday but volunteers welcome Mon-Thur. From 9.00am - however long you want to stay, usually up until around 4.30pm
Where: Meet at Aston Rowant NNR Natural England Office. J5 M40 - follow signs to A40 towards Stokenchurch. After turning onto the A40 take the first right where you see a sign to "English Nature Office" and follow the track up to the office on the left. If you reach signs to the reserve and Christmas Common you have gone too far!
Please Bring: Drink and packed lunch. Hot drinks provided. Also bring warm, wet weather clothing and sturdy footwear. Gloves and safety equipment provided.
Experience: No experience necessary as training for all tasks is provided on the day. The group ranges in experience, all you need is lots of enthusiasm!
Application: You will need to complete an application form when you start volunteering, please contact us if you wish to join.
Expenses: Travel costs are covered.
Insurance: All volunteers over 15 years of age are covered by Natural England insurance.
Contact: Jenny Crook / Anne Barr / Mick Venters on 01844 351833
Email: jenny.crook@naturalengland.org.uk
BARTON FIELDS:
If you are a new member and would like to join us please phone David Guyoncourt on 01235 529151.
BBOWT WORK PARTIES :
FRIENDS OF CHIMNEY MEADOWS, NR BAMPTON
Mar: Thurs 13, 27; Sun 2, 23
April: Thurs 10, 24; Sun 6, 20
10am - 4pm
Practical conservation and access work. The more the merrier and the faster the progress! BOOKING ESSENTIAL, the group will now meet on Thursdays & Sundays only. Meet: The BBOWT barn, within the hamlet of Chimney. The barn is clearly signposted and is the first barn on your right as you drive into the hamlet. Park beside the barn. SP 358 009 Contact: Kerry Lock 01367 870
904
CHINNOR HILL, Nr CHINNOR
Second Sunday of every month 10.30am
Come and join our friendly team and help out with a variety of practical conservation tasks on this magnificent reserve. Enjoy spectacular views over the Vale of Aylesbury as red kites pass overhead. Newcomers and Children very welcome. Meet: 1 mile east of Chinnor. On Chinnor - Radnage road, take first left to Bledlow Ridge. After 500m turn left into Hill Top Lane and park in carpark. SP 766 002. Contact: Mike Turton 01844 351 443 or 07734 361
695
FRIENDS OF CS LEWIS, NR HEADINGTON
First Sunday of every month 9:30am - 4pm
The friends of CS Lewis Nature Reserve are working hard to create a well-maintained, welcoming nature reserve. Join us to help create paths, bridges, boardwalks and to keep the nature reserve litter free. Meet:
Reserve entrance on Lewis Close, Risinghurst. SP 560 065. Contact: David Fordham 01865 400 676
DRY SANDFORD PIT, NR ABINGDON
First Sunday of every month 10am - 1pm
Varied conservation tasks in one of Oxfordshire's finest and most intriguing reserves. Children Welcome Meet: Reserve car park in Cothill village, 100m west of Honeybottom Lane/ Church Lane junction. SU 467 997. Contact:
Stephen Grigson 01865 390 540
HARTSLOCK, NR GORING-ON-THAMES
Second Sunday of every month 10am - 1pm
10 Feb, 9 Mar, 13 April
Join the team for a variety of light to moderate physical tasks, from orchid monitoring to scrub clearance. All welcome, but please call ahead to book if you are new. Meet: By the main gate of Hartslock Nature Reserve. SU 616 796.
Contact: Chris Raper 07775 673 467
SUTTON COURTENAY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE
Fourth Sunday of every month + every other Friday 10am - 3.30pm
Help us as we undertake a variety of practical tasks, including habitat management and wildlife gardening. No experience is necessary but enthusiasm is essential! Bring packed lunch if staying for whole session. Tea and coffee will be provided. Meet: SCEEC car park, Sutton Courtenay Road, Sutton Courtenay. SU 501 918. For Friday work party. Contact: Linda Knight
01235 862 024. For Sunday work party. Contact: Rod d'Ayala 01235 511 861
SUTTON COURTENAY ENV EDUC CENTRE WILDLIFE GARDENING
Every other Monday 10am - 2.30pm
A gardening group has been set up at SCEEC. The practical management will help the conservation of wildflower meadows, and ponds and borders in a garden situation. Tasks will include basic horticultural techniques, composting and water conservation. Tea and coffee provided. Bring a packed lunch if you are staying for the whole session. Contact: Linda Knight 01235
862 024
WHITECROSS GREEN WOOD, MURCOTT
Various Sundays 10am - 4pm
Calling all willing helpers and nature lovers! Join our friendly team to help look after this beautiful ancient woodland. Meet: Whitecross Green Wood car park, or find us throughout the day along the rides. SP 600 150.
Contact: Becky Woodell 08454 589 237
GREEN GYMS
Are based at Abingdon, Bicester, Chipping Norton, Sonning Common and Wallingford.
Green Gym is a unique scheme to help people become physically and mentally healthier by taking part in nature conservation activities to improve their local environment. For more information, see the website www.btcv.org/greengym. For all tasks wear sturdy boots and old clothes, bring waterproofs if wet.ABINGDON GREEN GYM
9.30 am starts
Contact: Eleanor Dangerfield, Mob: 07931 363465 Home: 01235 531 857 eledanger@hotmail.com or, Margaret Notley, Mob: 07764 253674 m.notley@rl.ac.uk Under 16s accompanied by an adult are welcome. We provide : All tools and tea and coffee for a mid morning break.
BICESTER GREEN GYM
BOOKING: Unless otherwise stated please ring 01869-600952 to let us know you're coming, or email via the website.
CHILDREN: Under 16's accompanied by a guardian are welcome.
WE PROVIDE: All tools, training and refreshments.
PLEASE WEAR Old clothes and sturdy shoes or boots (trainers not advisable).
TETANUS: Please ensure that your tetanus inoculation is up to date.
MOBILE NO. ON DAY: 07708 400781
WEBSITE: www.bicestergreengym.org
Tuesday 15th Apr 2008 9.30am - 12.30pm
Entrance to Bure Park on Primrose Drive (end of Betony Way)
(B)
Reed pulling in balancing pond
Continuing to clear reeds from the large balancing pond.
Smelly, wet task. Wellies needed!
CHIPPING NORTON GREEN GYM
Contact: please ring the BTCV office on 01296 330033 to let us know you're coming.
WE PROVIDE All tools, training and refreshments.
MOBILE NO. ON DAY: 07740 899 729
SONNING COMMON GREEN GYM
Full information and map references on www.greengym.org/sonningcommon
Saturday 26 April 9.30 - 12.30
REMOVE REDUNDANT FENCING in Flowercroft Woods. Meet at the Woods entrance gate in Cross Lanes, Rotherfield Greys. Leaders: Robin Howles and Mark Lewis 0118 972 3528
Thursday 1 May 9.30 - 12.30
TREE CLEARANCE AND BOARDWALK CONSTRUCTION at Withymead Nature Reserve, Goring. Leaders: John Hasler and Robin Howles 0118 972 3528
WALLINGFORD GREEN GYM
Contact: Jennifer Brooker, Wallingford Green Gym co-ordinator
Tel: 01491 826157. Email: jembrooker@freenet.co.uk
Tuesday 25 March 10 am - 1 pm
Castle Meadow. Cemetery Lane wooden kissing gate. SU609900 Ragwort pulling
HENLEY WILDLIFE GROUP WORK PARTIES:
Work parties are generally pleasant and sociable occasions. We hope you will join us - all are welcome. Our work parties are conducted according to BTCV guidelines.
Mill Meadows:
Wednesdays 2 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August and 3 September 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 Meet in the Mill Lane car park. For more information please contact Sally Rankin on 01491 578633 e-mail: s.rankin@btinternet.com
Chalk Bank:
Wednesdays 12 March and 9 July
9.30 a.m. to 12.30
Meet by the Knappe Close entrance to the site. For more information please contact David Parry on 01491 572668 e-mail: thedavidparry@yahoo.co.uk
NORTHMOOR TRUST REGULAR WORK PARTIES
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS
NEW- Now also on the 1st Saturday of every month Join our friendly team to help out with a variety of practical tasks across the estate at Little Wittenham and on Northmoor Trust managed sites in Wallingford and Didcot.
Everyone is welcome to come and get involved. No experience necessary, just bags of enthusiasm. Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable outdoor clothing including stout shoes/boots and bring waterproofs. All tools provided and training given.
Friday group meet every week at 9.00am at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham.
Saturday group meet at 10am on the 1st Saturday of every month- please see website www.northmoortrust.co.uk for details of forthcoming tasks and locations.Contact Alison Lee on 07982 059645 or alison.lee@northmoortrust.co.uk for more info.
OXFORD CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS
See our website for details about the tasks, the group & links to info about the sites: www.ocv.org.uk
DATE: Sunday 27 April
TASK: Fencing
LOCATION: Jubilee Meadows, Wootton, W.Oxon
Over the winter we have worked clearing and burning up after a pollarding programme; helping with the management of the valuable wildlife habitat next to the River Dorn in this LNR. Wetland birds such as the Water Rail are thriving here, so the warden's aim today is to try and discourage access (by dogs at least) from this most precious part of the reserve. We'll be putting in a gate, 2 short stretches of fence and a stile.
OXFORD URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP
OUWG holds fortnightly Sunday work parties at Boundary Brook Nature Park.
Come and help Oxford Urban Wildlife Group to manage this thriving nature park, which now has SLINC status. You can choose your task from a variety of jobs. A warm welcome guaranteed. Please ring Alan for details on 07979 608 013.Access to the reserve is on the cycle track near Larkrise School, Boundary Brook Road (off Iffley Road opposite Donnington Bridge Road junction), Oxford.
Time: 10.00am - 1.00pm from April onwards.
If you would like to work on other Sundays or on a weekday, please contact Alan.
Old clothes and stout footwear are advisable. Some gloves available but bring your own if you wish. Stop a bit longer for a hot drink at the end of the workparty.
OXFORD VOLUNTEER RANGERS
We meet at Brasenose Farm off the Eastern Bypass (call for directions) for 09:10 to allow loading of tools and equipment and travel time to the work site. If you wish to travel straight to the site please be there by 09.30.
Please call the Volunteer Coordinator if you require further details on
07801625245 or the office on 01865 715 830
1st May 09:30-15:00hrs
Seacourt Nature Reserve
We will be carrying on with the installation of a stock fence and kissing
gate(s) along our boundary. This will be a double task which we will carry on with in a fortnights time
SHOTOVER CONSERVATION WORK DAYS
2nd Sunday of each month.
We meet at 10am at Shotover Car Park, Old Road, Headington, Oxford The work day finishes at 3pm but you don't have to stay till the end Tools and gloves provided Bring a drink and lunch Everyone welcome (no dogs)
Contact: Ivan Wright 01865 874423 shotoverwildlife@yahoo.com
SOUTH CHILTERN VOLUNTEER TASKS
First Saturday and third Wednesday each month Ewelme Watercress Beds. Near
Wallingford. SU641916. Bring Wellies. Details of tasks from Beryl Hunt
01491-872795 or Robert Watson 0118-9722737 (early evenings only).
Ss MARY & JOHN CHURCHYARD RESTORATION PROJECT After concentrated planting for butterflies and moths, we are refocussing on the whole churchyard with the help of a 4yr Management Plan drawn up by Rod d'Ayala. We need volunteers to help with monitoring and recording as well as strimming and weeding. Sessions are Saturday afternoons 2-4pm, and Wednesday
evenings 5.30-7.30pm. Contact: Ruth Conway 01865 723085
WENDLEBURY WOODLAND PROJECT
At Bowler's Copse, near Bicester.
Come and join us on Saturdays: January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16.
We work from 10.00 using hand tools in a regenerating hazel copse.
Please bring your own gloves. Contact Mike Pearce on 01869 243967 for details.
WITNEY WOODLAND VOLUNTEERS
We meet every Monday at 10 a.m. under the clock by Waitrose in Witney to do a range of interesting and rewarding conservation projects in the Witney area, finishing at midday when we go for a friendly lunch together.
If you'd like to come and join us please phone Juliet Curry on 01993 702202.
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