Minutes of meeting 27 Apr 2010

 

Besslesleigh Wood Group. Minutes 27.4.2010
The Plough Appleton
 
Notes and action points from meeting
 
Outstanding actions from last meeting:
 
 
 
Update on Constitution:
Suggested change aim to include an overarching ‘aim’, ‘vision’ or ‘mission’ to Maintain, enhance, sustain, Protect, for the benefit of future generations.
 
Action outstanding from last meeting: Ray Strugnell and Richard Snow to come up with a suggestion so that the constitution could be signed off at the next meeting.
 
Many thanks to Richard Prickett who has taken on information onto Appleton with Eaton Website.
 
For the informationof all group members: Signatories: to the BWG Co - operative Bank account are: Mary Snow, Ray Strugnell and Richard Snow.
 
Action: Richard Snow to chase George Reade for full survey’s carried out at BW. : Arrived the next day!
  
VOWH DC (Vale of White Horse DC) 2010 budget
Reported by GR that there are no financial resources for woodland use. They have £800.00 remaining, which will need to be kept for use in case of emergencies.
 
The Bluebell walk will go ahead and will be lead by David Rees. 8th May.
 
Further discussion re concern about BW future.
 
Action: RS towrite a letter to the VOWHDC asking to be informed if and when they make plans to sell the woodland.
 
Proposed Improvements to Paths to woodland: RS had further discussion with GR re footpaths and although it was agreed that no works will take place, GR had offered a couple of bags of hardcore and to be delivered, so that BWG working party can make some improvements to the hot spots.
 
Action: RS to speak to GR to secure hardcore delivery.
 
Woodland Activities:
Well done to all those who helped with the pea stick cutting for Appleton Manor. We managed 460 in total and some bean poles. Cheque is in he post..
 
We have had an enquiry from a couple from Cumnor, who would like to commission a seat to be built. RS to follow-up and speak to Rupert.
  • Planting – no funds
  • We will meet regularly at the woods on Thursday evenings from 6.00
Meeting point for all activity evenings is the Wood Fest site, situated in a clearing, just south west of the gate towards Besselsleigh. A list of activities is appended to these minutes.
 
Wood Festival
  • further on site planning to take place next week Thursday 6th at 6.30pm.
  • BWG event steering committee have circulated minutes and will continue to do so..
  • Adrian Willett has kindly agreed to cook.
  • Need to get in June Appleton advertiser and on website.
  • Need membership desk on day.
  • Agreed donation bucket x2 on gates. Suggested donation £2
  • RS to contact Hurst wood group re- collaboration.
  • Cumnor Parish mag – Mark to see if we can get discount.
  • RS – Insurance? Should be ok, but see George Reade.
  • Need support from group and wider to help on day.
Woodland Management.
 
Concern about the management of squirrels in BW and how this will be paid for in the future. Agreed that the July event will hopefully raise some income for future management of the wood. Suggested that April, May, June are times for culling. Mark suggested earlier before leaf to pick out nests. (1st feb pheasant season over)Squirrel management has been managed previously by Wessex woodlands.
 
Agreed that squirrel damage needs to be better publicised as problems and control of etc. Continue with Warfarin and hoppers this year, and consoder shooting next year.
 
Action: David Rees to email Lucy Meyer to co ordinate Wessex Woodlands. Agreed within group that this should be funded from wood sales. Also agreed that Maybe Mark could co ordinate culling in the future, to save this drain on finances. .
 
Next Meeting Date:  Until further notice – meet at the woods on Thursday evenings.
 
                                                **********
 
Thursday evening summer activities toward woodland management and preparation for the Wood Fest on July 3rd. These can be carried out by any group members at any time.
 
            Wood Fest.
  • Clearing away the fence around the hazel coppice. Tools required – A small pair of pliers. BUT watch out for nesting birds.
  • Strimming/scything bracken across the festival site. We’ll probably co-ordinate a mass hit on this, 2 or 3 times during the summer.
  • Identify fox/rabbit holes across the festival site (mark with stakes).
Woodland management
  • Weeding around new plantings – using any tools that attack bracken and brambles
  • Pruning cherry for form – see David Rees or Richard Snow for guidance
  • Pulling Himalayan Balsam – as soon as you see it.
  • Keeping circular footpath and public footpaths clear
  • As and when chippings arrive we’ll be mending the footpath near the first bridge Appleton side. 
Firewood
Splitting green firewood – see John or Richard for guidance.
We aim to move firewood from the wood at the wood Fest and to sell it thereafter before the winter. We need volunteers to help woth the handling and possibly delivery, but this is a good source of income for the group.
 
Happy summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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