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Forging partnerships that will create a sustainable future for nature'
Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum's Weekly Environmental E-Bulletin
14 February 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, naturally.
Thanks).
NOTICES
1. New Royal Society Report: Sustainable biofuels: prospects and challenges
2. Volunteers Needed for a new A Rocha Project in Lewknor, Oxon
3. SODC 'Leader'Bid
4. Your Views on Didcot
5. Local volunteers lay over 200 metres of hedges!
6. Witney Woodland Volunteers
7. Oxford University CPD Centre Courses
8. Project Timescape
9. UK Biodiversity News
EVENTS
10. A Day in the Woods
11. Tracking and trails with Woodland Learning Events
12. The Green Man
13. Wild Flowers in the Canadian Rockies
14. Birds Birds Birds
15. Organisational health check Course
16. The unique flora of Ethiopia
17. Working Parties on North Leigh Common
18. The World Of Bats
19. Recording for Change, Conserving for Tomorrow
20. 'Taster' Practical Conservation Day
21. Public consultation on new management plan for Ewelme Watercress Beds:
22. Climate Science Fair
23. Ecobuild 2008, Innovations for the Built Environment
24 Joining the Dots 2 - Oxon Climate Communities
25. "Greener Eating"
26. Sound Gardens and Recycled Instrument Making in the School Grounds
27. Impacts of Hydrological Change
28. Advanced Living Willow Structures Workshop
VACANCIES
29. Cotswold Water Park Society - Officers
30. Customer Service Assistants For Northmoor Trust
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
NOTICES
1. NEW ROYAL SOCIETY REPORT: SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES
The Royal Society convened a working group of leading experts to consider the science and technology prospects of delivering efficient biofuels for transport in the broader context of the environmental protection and sustainability. The working group concluded that biofuels have a potentially useful role in tackling the issues of climate change and energy supply.
However, important opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from biofuels, and to ensure wider environmental and social benefits, may be missed with existing policy frameworks and targets. Unless biofuel development is supported by appropriate policies and economic instruments then there is a risk that we may become locked into inefficient biofuel supply chains that potentially create harmful environmental and social impacts. New technologies need to be accelerated that can help address these issues, aided by policies that provide direct incentives to invest in the most efficient biofuels. The report makes a series of recommendations about policies and research needs in order to help develop sustainable biofuels for transport.
For further information, see: http://royalsociety.org/document.asp?id=7366
(Newsletter of the Cambridge Conservation Forum, Feb 08)
2. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR A NEW A ROCHA PROJECT IN LEWKNOR, OXON
The Lewknor Chiltern Gateway Project is a community based, environmentally focused project, working in partnership of St. Margaret's church, Lewknor, with other local churches, the Lewknor C of E Primary School, and local conservation organisations, including Natural England and the Chilterns Conservation Board. It is an exciting 'grassroots' project, building links and relationships in the community and with our beautiful natural world.
The project has three strands:
Development of St. Margaret's as a welcoming space of prayer and community life, and as a visitor centre for walkers to the beautiful nearby Aston Rowant Nature reserve Working with the school to develop an ecological and spiritual understanding of our relationship with the environment and each other, including a weekly Nature Club Developing a community programme with a focus on local environmental initiatives, and rural crafts and skills.
We are currently looking for a volunteer to help us with aspects of the project relating to communication, ideally at St. Margaret's church, Lewknor. Working hours could be flexible and expenses may be paid. We would hope the volunteer to have: Excellent written skills and attention to detail; IT skills, although these are kept to a minimum and training can be given; Very good organisational skills; A care for the environment and an interest in environmental issues
If you are interested, please do contact us for a conversation and further details.
By Phone: 07974 018 482/ 01844 281 827
By Email: jane.pendlenton@googlemail.com
3. SODC 'LEADER'BID
SODC is launching a joint application with The Vale of the White Horse District Council to obtain funding from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) though a scheme called LEADER. This funding will provide support to a wide range of capital projects and training for farmers, growers, foresters, food businesses and rural communities.
We have set up a community website for the Southern Oxfordshire Leader Bid.
You can reach the website by following this link
http://www.oxnet.org.uk/club_homepage.asp?clubid=25023 or by going to www.oxnet.org.uk and clicking on search groups.If you would like to contribute to the website we would love to hear from you, please contact me via the details below. Jenny Allan, Economic Development Assistant, South Oxfordshire District Council
Tel: 01491 823421
Email: jenny.allan@southoxon.gov.uk
4. YOUR VIEWS ON DIDCOT
SODC has commissioned a branding consultant to work on a new image for Didcot. Some recipients of the bulletin might like to fill in the public consultation survey on http://www.yourviewsondidcot.com
5. LOCAL VOLUNTEERS LAY OVER 200 METRES OF HEDGES!
The Wychwood Project hedgelaying group has been very active this season laying over 200 metres of hedges at sites in Finstock and Hailey. This hedge along Dark Lane in Finstock was planted several years ago and had grown tall enough to be ready for laying.
Hedges provide a vital habitat for wildlife. The process of hedgelaying may look dramatic in the first year, but it actually helps the hedge to re-grow and keep a good thick base that will provide a safe corridor for wildlife.
Hedgelaying is a rural craft that had been dying out in recent years.
Training and taster days are constantly popular with people wanting to try their hand.
The Wychwood hedgelaying group meets on a Sunday and Monday on alternate weeks.
If you would like more information about the hedgelaying group please contact Jane Bowley, Wychwood Project Officer on 01993 814131 or email wychwood@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
6. 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.
7. OXFORD UNIVERSITY CPD CENTRE COURSES
Two short courses for professionals in biodiversity conservation, to be run in April 2008:
Delivering Biodiversity Duties for Public Bodies: NERC Act 2006 http://cpd.conted.ox.ac.uk/env/courses/NERC%20Biodiversity.asp
& Biodiversity: meeting your obligations in the planning system http://cpd.conted.ox.ac.uk/env/courses/biodiversity.asp
8. PROJECT TIMESCAPE
At Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, Oxon, OX14 4QZ. Come & explore the landscape past, present and future, with hands-on activities, in this Interactive Education & Visitor Centre.
Open every Sunday from February 17th to December 7th; Lambing Weekends in March (Special Offer Entrance); Tuesday to Friday in Oxfordshire School Holidays. See website (www.projecttimescape.co.uk) for more details.Adults: £4.50; Children: £2.75; Family: from £9.60; 'Northmoor Trust
Friends': FREE
9. UK BIODIVERSITY NEWS
Please find below the link to issue 41 of Biodiversity News.
http://www.ukbap.org.uk/library/bn41.pdf
In this issue there are the usual sections of News Updates (page 3), News Publications (page 9), Features (page 13), Local and Regional (page 22), Plan Updates (page 28), Group Updates (page 31) and the Diary (page 34).
This issue contains news of a rare sighting of a Richard's Pipit at the Wormwood Scrubs Local Nature Reserve (page 3), a new method of monitoring common butterflies (page 16), and good news for the Chough in Northern Ireland (page 25). Also in the news is Brian Blessed's presentation of the Biodiversity Benchmark to Marshalls plc (page 6).
Details of a new, free wildlife helpline for people in Wales (page 4) and a Land Managers' Pack for the Kent Downs may be of interest to those of you involved in conserving biodiversity on the ground, while information on the new strategic statement from the UK Biodiversity Partnership (page 9) may be of use to those of you more involved in policy.
Also in this issue are case studies of some urban green and brown roof projects(pages 24 and 26), information on the Caravan Club's new Corporate Biodiversity Actiopn Plan (page 28) an interesting article on the apple rust mite's role in integrated pest management (page 13), and much more!
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
10. Tuesday 19 February 10 am - 3 pm
A DAY IN THE WOODS
Come and find out about the animals that live in the woods. Learn how to recognise tracks, find out what different animals eat and what myths and legends surround our trees. Get involved in practical activities.
Not suitable for very young children and buggies. Please bring a packed lunch.
Family £25, Friends Family £20
A Northmoor Trust event. Please meet at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham.
Tel 01865 407792 or email admin@northmoortrust.co.uk to reserve your place.
11. Tuesday 19 February 10am - 3pm
TRACKING AND TRAILS WITH WOODLAND LEARNING EVENTS At Cuckoo Pen Plantation, Coleshill.
Look for wild animal trails and signs around the woods. Make plaster cast footprints. Set and follow your own woodland trails and make unusual maps.
Woodland Learning is a small local business offering great fun, hands-on, woodland learning experiences for children, families and adults in beautiful woodlands around the Highworth area. All courses and activities are led by fully qualified, experienced, insured, police checked, enthusiastic people who enjoy sharing their love of the woods.
www.woodland-learning.co.uk. Tel 01367 25036912. Tuesday 19 February 12 noon - 4 pm
THE GREEN MAN
Half term is here! Come to the Harcourt Arboretum and take part in our FREE family activity.
There are many carvings and sculptures of the Green Man on Oxford University 's buildings, but what about at the Harcourt Arboretum?
Come to explore, and see if you can find the Green Man. Feel inspired by this 80 acre site, and have a go at making your own Green Man mask to take home.
FREE drop-in session. Parking £3.00
The University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxfordshire,
OX44 9PX
Tel: 01865 343501
Web: www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/Harcourt/harcourtintro.html
13. Tuesday 19 February 8 pm
WILD FLOWERS IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
By Dr Brenda Harold for the Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire.
At the Earth Sciences Department, Parks Road, Oxford (Admission £2 for non-members, members free).
14. Wednesday 20 February 10am - 3pm
BIRDS BIRDS BIRDS
Make a bird box and feeder, walk to the bird hide and see how many birds you can spot.
Family £25, Friends Family £20
A Northmoor Trust event. Please meet at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham.
Tel 01865 407792 or email admin@northmoortrust.co.uk to reserve your place.
15. Wednesday 20 February 10 am - 4 pm
ORGANISATIONAL HEALTH CHECK COURSE
- a chance to look into governance and compliance issues
Abingdon Guild Hall. £20/£15
Trainer: Maire McSorley
'Be prepared' is the principal underpinning this event. The aim is to provide you with a structured context for reviewing the governance and compliance expectations of voluntary and community organisations and to assess whether your current arrangements are sufficient to meet these. By the end of the workshop you will have gained a comprehensive understanding and a practical approach for making sure you and your trustees or management committee meet all the legal and other requirements of a charity and company limited by guarantee.
OCVA training courses are open to anyone from a voluntary organisation or a community group, whether you are a paid worker, a volunteer, a trustee or a service-user. Courses are also open to individuals who wish to set up a community group. [Ask about discounts - Ed]. All venues are accessible and have accessible toilets, and are close to public transport links.
Phone 01865 251946, Email admin@ocva.org.uk.
We will confirm your places and send more details about the course and venue. For queries about your booking, speak to Doris Harris or Kate Hill on
01865 251946.
16. Thursday 21 February 7.15 for 7.30 pm
THE UNIQUE FLORA OF ETHIOPIA
Kirtlington Garden Club is marking the Ethiopian Millennium by celebrating the unique range of plants to be found there, and we would welcome visitors on this occasion.
Some people will know that Ethiopia still follows the Julian calendar, so that their year 2000 began last September. They are celebrating their Millennium throughout this year with many events both in Ethiopia itself and here in the UK. It seems particularly appropriate that we as gardeners, who love plants and value the soil, should celebrate the wonderful botanical legacy of a country which is so often and so wrongly identified with aridity and desertification. Moreover, one of our most prestigious institutions, Kew Gardens, has been closely involved with finding and classifying their wonderful plant legacy for many decades.
Two specialists in Ethiopian plants from Kew Gardens, Sally Bidgood and Kaj Vollesen, are coming to Kirtlington Village Hall to show us that Ethiopia is very far from being a desert. The relationship between Kew and Ethiopia is a very long one and they helped set up the National Herbarium in Addis Ababa towards the end of the fifties, so we can also say we are celebrating that half century too.
Please come and join us on February 21st. There will be refreshments following the formal part of the evening. Admission free.
17. Friday 22 February 9.30 am
WORKING PARTIES ON NORTH LEIGH COMMON
Habitat restoration work undertaken on the Common in past years has resulted in a significant increase in environmental interest, particularly botanical diversity (including a modest return of wild heather plants) within areas previously smothered in scrub and bracken. Volunteers are required to help consolidate these improvements and undertake some routine annual management tasks which this year include trimming of scrub and bramble regrowth and the
extension of a wooden boardwalk in a particularly muddy area. Volunteers
to help with these tasks will be warmly welcomed. Meet 9.30am at the Common car park off East End Road (OS ref. 399136) Bring a picnic if staying all day. Details from Ian Anderson, 01993 883768
18. Friday 22 February 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm
THE WORLD OF BATS
Grove, Oxon
Tune into the world of bats with Dave Endacott of the Oxfordshire Bat Group.
Dave will bring along a few bats and a detector, and after his 40 minute talk there will be an opportunity for his audience to listen to bats echo-locating.
Admission: £2.50 Meet: Grove Village Hall, Main Street, Grove, OX12 7JY
Contact: Anita 07711 656 945. Wheelchair accessible. Children welcome. No dogs, please
19. Saturday 23 February 9.30 am - 4.00 pm
RECORDING FOR CHANGE, CONSERVING FOR TOMORROW Oxfordshire's annual Recording and Conservation Day, at Oxfordshire County Council's County Hall, Oxford.
Guest Speakers
The potential impact of climate change on landscapes and ecosystems (Pamela Berry, Univ. Oxford) Changes in higher plant and bryophyte populations in the UK (Chris Preston, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology) Butterflies and change (David Redhead, Butterfly Conservation) The white-clawed crayfish in Oxfordshire (Ellen Lee, TVERC)
Discussion group sessions, including:
"What should we be recording to record change?"
"Using wildlife information to protect wildlife"
"Oxfordshire's geodiversity"
"Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) and wildlife recording"
"Using Recorder software to manage wildlife information"
Speed Updating: Updates from various local and county Recording Groups Any Questions, Any Answers: summary discussion session
Plus: Poster displays; networking opportunities; refreshments and locally-sourced lunch
COST: £10 for students/volunteer recorders; £15 for professionals.
To book a place please contact Lesley Dunlop, Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre, on 01993 814147, email: lesley.dunlop@oxfordshire.gov.uk Thanks to Oxfordshire County Council for hosting this event.
20. Saturday 23 February 10am - 4pm
'TASTER' PRACTICAL CONSERVATION DAY
Warburg Nature Reserve, Oxon
Ever wondered what a volunteer conservation work party is really like?
Following the success of our 'Make a Difference Day' last October, we are running another 'taster day' of typical conservation work. Experience some hands on habitat management work, whilst discovering the delights of volunteering. Tea/Coffee & biscuits provided, plus a bonfire, so bring along a potato to cook, or simply a packed lunch. Please wear old clothes, sturdy shoes, and bring waterproof clothing. No experience required, training & tools provided.
Admission: Free BOOKING ESSENTIAL Meet: Car park, Warburg Nature Reserve. SU 720 879 Contact: Louise Print-Lyons 01491 642 001 Children welcome (14yrs+ accompanied by adult) No dogs, please
21. Saturday 23 February 11 am - 2 pm
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON NEW MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR EWELME WATERCRESS BEDS:
At Ewelme Village Hall. You are invited to comment on the first draft of a new management plan to guide the management of the site for the next ten years.
Displays will illustrate the main features of the site, the overall aims, draft objectives and suggestions for management.
There will be two short presentations at 11.30am and 12.30pm, with opportunities to ask questions and give comments to members of the management plan review committee.
22. Saturday 23 February 2 - 5 pm
CLIMATE SCIENCE FAIR
In the Assembly Room, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates
Contact: oxba1@yahoo.com
Gadgets, demonstrations, freebies, climate change explained, activities, future technologies, fun for all ages
23. 25th - 28th February
ECOBUILD 2008, INNOVATIONS FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Earls Court, London Come to stand E370 to find out more about Tradical Hemcrete. This ground-breaking material made from lime and hemp has the ability to lock captured carbon into the fabric of buildings and combined with exceptional thermal properties makes it possible to build better than zero carbon buildings.
The Tradical Hemcrete stand E370 will be the venue for a programme of unique seminars and case studies at Ecobuild 2008. Please visit www.ecobuild.co.uk for more details. It is free to visit both Ecobuild and our seminars.Lime Technology Limited, Unit 126, Milton Park mailto:jenny.growcott@limetechnology.co.uk
http://www.limetechnology.co.uk
24. Tuesday 26 February 6.30 - 9 pm
JOINING THE DOTS 2 - OXON CLIMATE COMMUNITIES At Wolvercote Village Hall, Oxford, OX2 8BD Over 30 community groups are engaged with climate change in Oxfordshire - come and meet them, share experiences or get ideas for your own group. The evening will involve:
- Networking with other groups and hearing about their activities
- Delicious food and drink provided by ClimateXchange
- Announcing the winners of the Climate Communities Competition.
It will be an ideal opportunity for people who are interested in setting up a local climate project to gain ideas and insights from those who've done it - and be fun!
It's free, but please register in advance if you'd like to come.
Email jo@climatex.org or call 01865 275 856
25. Wednesday 27 February 8pm
"GREENER EATING"
Whitchurch-on-Thames Habitat Study Group (WoTHabs) and the Whitchurch & Goring Heath Climate Change Club invite you to a short talk followed by small group discussions.
At Goring Heath Parish Hall, Whitchurch Hill.
Guest speaker: Helen Wright (M.Sc. Food Policy, City University) The food we buy and consume contributes to climate change and environmental damage. The production, packaging and transportation of food all consume energy and result in carbon emissions. Please join us to explore how we can all make changes for the better in our food buying habits - we hope it will be an interesting and informative meeting. Refreshments will be served. An entry charge of £1 will be made to cover expenses.
For further details, contact Sally Woolhouse 0118 9844365
26. Thursday 28 February 9.30am to 3.30pm.
At Hill End Residential and Field Studies Centre.
Cost £60.00 (£5.00 reduction to forest schools, healthy schools and
eco-schools)
Lunch will be provided (please let us know of any special dietary requirements).
This workshop is aimed at teachers and others interested in the potential of sound garden or musical structures in outdoor educational settings. It aims to give participants a place to start in designing their own sound garden and being able to use it in a musical way. No prior musical experience is necessary. It will aim to equip participants with some of the musical and building principles to plan a 'sound garden', identify 'sources' of sounds and using them in a structured way that supports learning about music and recycling.
The day will include a session on the Hill End sound Garden (Weather permitting), and may involve some simple small scale junk instrument making but will not involve major construction. Participants should bring outdoor clothes and shoes.
Booking is essential, via David Millin the Land Management Officer at Hill End Residential and Field Studies Centre, Eynsham Road, Farmoor, Oxford.
OX2 9NJ. Tel.01865 863510 or E-mail david.millin@oxfordshire.gov.uk'
27. Thursday 28 February 1.10 pm - 2 pm
IMPACTS OF HYDROLOGICAL CHANGE
Impacts of Hydrological Change
Dept. of Plant Sciences, Oxford
For those with a botanical interest, Paul St Pierre, of the Environment Agency talks about studies assessing the impacts of possible hydrological changes on some of the sites with which the Rare Plants Group has been involved. Organised by the Rare Plants Group of the Ashmolean Natural History Society. Admission: £1, voluntary donation Meet: Department of Plant Sciences, South Parks Road, Oxford.
Contact: Sue Helm 01993 851 842. Wheelchair accessible. No dogs, please
28. Thursday 13 March 9.30 am to 3.30 pm
ADVANCED LIVING WILLOW STRUCTURES WORKSHOP Hill End Environmental Education Centre, Near Oxford.
Cost £60.00 (£5.00 reduction to forest schools, healthy schools and
eco-schools)
Lunch will be provided (please let us know of any special dietary requirements).
This one day hands-on workshop will equip participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make living willow structures. The workshop will include information on sourcing and growing willow, siting and designing structures, planting, weaving and maintenance. Participants will make practice structures and figures from scratch and will be able to see
examples of some previously made. Willow will be available for
participants to take home for their own projects, please bring adequate transport for a bundle of c.8' willow rods. Beginners are welcome on this workshop.
Please bring suitable outdoor clothes and footwear, a pair of gardening gloves and a pair of secateurs. We will be outdoors for most of the day.
The workshop tutors are David Millin Land Management Officer for Oxfordshire County Council, Mr David Gosling the well-known local sculptor and Nigel Fisher from Oxford University. All have many years of practical experience of making living willow structures working with schools and community groups. For more information and to book please e-mail david.millin@oxfordshire.gov.uk, tel. 01865 863510. Hill End Residential and Field Studies Centre, Eynsham Rd., Farmoor, Oxford. OX2 9NJ.
The course is aimed primarily at teachers and all involved in early years and special needs education, though the public is very welcome as well.
VACANCIES
29. COTSWOLD WATER PARK SOCIETY - OFFICERS
Field Officer Biodiversity: Full time £18-23,000 To carry out ecological surveys including monitoring beaver activity.
To co-ordinating water vole and otter species action plans and provides advice to land/lake owners. Excellent field skills, report writing, tact and diplomacy required.
Development Officer £20-27,000 pro rata
2 days per week
Successful fundraiser required to assist in delivery of biodiversity, interpretation and access projects. Experience in obtaining funds from charitable trusts, landfill tax, lottery, and statutory sources. Part time position with potential to develop into a full time post.
Please contact Dr Simon Pickering 01285 861459 or simon.pickering@waterpark.org
30. CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANTS FOR NORTHMOOR TRUST
Northmoor Trust's vibrant education centre, Hill Farm, promotes the charity'
s conservation work of exemplary land management, education and land science.
We are currently recruiting customer service assistants to work in a variety of roles in our Project Timescape exhibition, retail and refreshments barns.
Candidates must have excellent people skills and be comfortable working with computers. Basic food handling experience preferable.
£6.50 per hour. Own transport necessary.
For more details see: http://www.northmoortrust.co.uk/home/about/jobs
Or contact Administration Manager Angela Dearlove: 01865 407792 angela.dearlove@northmoortrust.co.uk
Closing date February 22nd 2008
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:
There will be a Barton Fields work party on Friday at 1:30 pm, meeting in Barton Lane, Abingdon (off Audlett Drive) opposite Sophos.
Our tasks will be removing tree guards.
Refreshments will be provided. Wellies advised.
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
Feb: Thurs 14, 28; Sun 3, 24
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
BTCV GREEN GYMS
Are based at Abingdon, Bicester, Chipping Norton, Sonning Common and Wallingford.
BTCV 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
Contact: please ring BTCV on 01296 330033 before a project to let us know you're coming.
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 16 February 9.30 - 12.30
REMOVE LOW SCRUB FROM GRAZED DOWNLAND on Hernes Estate. Meet by Rotherfield Greys church. Leaders: Julia Booker and Mark Lewis 0118 972 3528
Thursday 21 February 9.30 - 12.30
REMOVE INVASIVE HOLLY from Spring Wood, Rotherfield Peppard also CLEAR POND MARGIN at Widmore Pond. Meet in paddock off Blounts Court Road. Leaders:
Robin Howles and Diane Gordon 0118 972 3528
WALLINGFORD GREEN GYM
Contact: Jennifer Brooker, Wallingford Green Gym co-ordinator
Tel: 01491 826157. Email: jembrooker@freenet.co.uk
Tuesday 19 February 10 am - 1 pm
Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve
Task to be advised. Car pooling
HENLEY WILDLIFE GROUP WORK PARTIES:
(1) Mill Meadows
Wednesdays 5 Sept. 9.30 a.m. to 12.30
For more information please contact Sally Rankin on 01491 578633 e-mail:
s.rankin@btinternet.com
Meet in the Mill Lane car park.
(2) Chalk Bank Work Parties
For information please contact David Parry on 01491 572668 e-mail:
thedavidparry@yahoo.co.uk
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.
NORTHMOOR TRUST FRIDAY WORK PARTY
This new group meets every Friday at 9.00am at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham.
Everyone is welcome to come and help out. Work is to be done on the nature reserve at Little Wittenham and on Northmoor Trust managed sites in Wallingford and Didcot.
Bring a drink and packed lunch and wear suitable outdoor clothing including stout shoes/boots and bring waterproofs. All tools provided and training given.
Please contact Alison Lee on 07982 059645 or alison.lee@northmoortrust.co.uk for more info.
OXFORD CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS TASKS
See our website for details about the tasks, the group & links to info about the sites: www.ocv.org.uk
DATE: Sunday 17 February
TASK: Coppicing
LOCATION: We return to the enchanted Foxholes Woods on the Oxon/Gloucs to
practice the ancient woodland technique of coppicing - used for centuries as a way of producing fuel and materials for building. We will be felling and burning ash which will thin and open up this area of the forest (which benefits biodiversity), and harvesting stakes to use at hedgelaying tasks later in the season.
We shall be picking people up from opposite Tesco on Cowley road at 9.20am and outside the Lamb and Flag on St Giles at 9.30am, if you don't want to get there under your own steam.
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
Thursday 21 February 9.30 - 15.00hrs
Rockedge SSSI Reserve
Back to this rare geological site to open up the rock face by clearing scrub to allow the face to be accessed.
CONSERVATION WORK DAYS at SHOTOVER
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 ivan@shotover-wildlife.fsnet.co.uk
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 With our Breathing Places Award we hope to transform a desolate corner into an area attractive to butterflies, moths and insects. So there is new work to be done during our volunteer sessions: constructing and planting, surveying and monitoring. We meet on Saturday afternoons 2-4pm. Some associated training sessions will be arranged in the spring.
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.
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