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'Forging partnerships that will create a sustainable future for nature'
Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum's Weekly Environmental E-Bulletin
17 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. Electronics giants continue green improvements
2. Extreme temperatures rising - Met Office
3. The Plant Exchange
4. New Saturday Work Party for Northmoor Trust
5. A fund for projects in Chilterns parishes
6. Brown hare surveyors needed
7. The Oxford Network for Energy (ONE)
8. Barn Owl cause brings groups together
9. Oxford is My World Carbon Footprinting Site Launched
EVENTS
10. Save Radley Lakes Spring Sale
11. Searching for the Loddon Lily
12. Woods At Work
13. Newts, Frogs and Toads
14. The Gambia
15. Farmoor Reservoir Field Meeting
16. Red Kites 10 years on
17. Gardening with global warming in mind
18. An Inconvenient Truth
19. Oxfordshire's Local Environment Group Conference - last chance to book
20. Humans and Habitats: Rethinking Rights in an Age of Climate Change
21. A Bluebell Walk... with a difference
22. Field Outing to North Leigh, Oxon (River Evenlode)
23. Summer Migrants Walk
24. Medicine and Botany in the Lagoon: Apothecaries in sixteenth century
Venice
25. Dawn Chorus Walk
26. The Great Fen Project
27. Wallingford Castle Meadows Dawn Chorus Walk
28. Dawn Chorus
29. Climate Change, Ponds And Carbon Storage
30. Managing Biodiversity in a Changing Climate
31. Besselsleigh Wood Visit & Bluebell Walk
32. Visit to DEEP IN WOOD sawmill
33. Training: Practical Conservation For Solitary Bees And Wasps
34. Pond creation and conservation
35. Creating wildflower-rich farm habitats
VACANCIES
36. Grants Administrator for BBOWT
37. Vacancy for Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation
38. Conservation Officer (Bucks)
39. Education Volunteers Needed at Aston Rowant NNR
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. ELECTRONICS GIANTS CONTINUE GREEN IMPROVEMENTS
Greenpeace's latest league table of electronics manufacturers environmental performance has been published this week, with Samsung and Toshiba revealed as the newest leaders.
Nokia, a previous leader in the Greener Electronics Guide, suffered a penalty due to what Greenpeace described as 'inconsistent' recycling take-back policies in various countries. Despite the drop, the Finnish mobile giant remains one of the front-runners in the industry, making up the chasing pack with Sony, Dell and Lenovo.
Apple continued to jump up the rankings due in part to new products containing less toxic chemicals, and currently stands at a respectable 6.7.
The California-based company had previously been targeted by the popular Greenpeace web campaign 'Green My Apple', the pressure of which lead to the firm uncharacteristically responding by publicly detailing its positive environmental activities and goals for the future.
A notable name at the foot of the table is Nintendo, the Japanese console manufacturer behind the market-leading Wii and DS consoles. Nintendo remains the only company to score a zero since the Guide was launched in 2006, and managed just a meagre 0.3 increase for the March 2008 ranking. The company is the only one of the 18 in the league without public policies on hazardous material phase-outs and recycling.
(Green Consumer Guide, Wednesday 19 March 2008)
2. EXTREME TEMPERATURES RISING - MET OFFICE
Extreme temperatures around the world have risen by up to 4C in the last 50 years, according to new research from the Met Office Hadley Centre. In studying daily minimum and maximum temperatures, the climate experts found marked increases.
Minimum temperatures rose most notably in Russia and Canada, where the coldest days are now up to 4C warmer, while the largest increases in maximum temperatures were found across Canada and the Eurasia region, with a warming of 1 to 3C.
The UK's temperature increases were estimated between 0.5 and 2C during the same period.
"This latest research shows that some extreme events are already increasing.
The trend is set to continue with out changing climate having a significant impact, with warmer nights and hotter days in the future," commented Met Office Climate Scientist Simon Brown.
(Green Consumer Guide, Friday 28 March 2008)
3. THE PLANT EXCHANGE
http://www.theplantexchange.co.uk
In a day and age, when we are trying to achieve some of the economics that in the last century our grandparents and two war time generations took for granted, the Plant Exchange will offer a means to recycle a garden surplus while at the same time saving on 'Plant Miles'.
Organic farmer, Neil Ewart and his son, William set up The Plant Exchange to fulfil many of the gardeners needs, but key to its success is a dynamic Postal Code System, which finds plants locally for its members thus avoiding the need to ferry plants from opposite ends of the country to garden centres and other retail outlets.
The website aims to offer much more than just this sales service for its membership, it aims to offer a complete on-line community with resources for gardeners incorporating:
A Conduit through which considerable funds will be raised for charities and deserving organisations.
A comprehensive encyclopedia of plants, for identification and research.
A diary listing gardening events, open gardens and plant collections to help enable its membership to plan visits throughout the year.
A point of reference for all gardening enthusiasts with interactive features including 'Ask an Expert' and gardeners forums.
4. NEW SATURDAY WORK PARTY
Due to popular demand the Northmoor Trust are pleased to announce the formation of a new work party who meet on the first Saturday of the Month.
This group will carry out tasks on the estate at Little Wittenham and across South Oxfordshire District Council sites in Wallingford and Didcot managed by the Northmoor Trust.
Everyone is welcome to join this new team and no experience is necessary.
Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable outdoor clothing including stout shoes/boots and bring waterproofs. All tools are provided and training given.
Please see website www.northmoortrust.co.uk for details of forthcoming tasks and locations or contact alison.lee@northmoortrust.co.uk5. A FUND FOR PROJECTS IN CHILTERNS PARISHES
Giving out grants of up to £500, has been launched by the Board. All parish councils partly or wholly within the AONB, as well as town councils adjacent to the boundary, can apply. Eligible projects will be ones which conserve and enhance green spaces and/or help people to enjoy them. Contact Claire Forrest at the Board for more details: cforrest@chilternsaonb.org, 01844 355521.
6. BROWN HARE SURVEYORS NEEDED
Two Brown hare surveys are to be organised by The Wychwood Project with the Thames Valley Environmental Recording Centre. No previous experience is required. Survey routes will be mostly easy walking up to 2 miles in length maximum so it is a very family friendly activity. Times tbc- c. 8 a.m.
Dates: Sunday 27th April at Chasewood Farm, Crawley and Sunday 4th May at Springhill Farm, nr Witney. Booking required so that suitable group sizes can be arranged. For more info and to book your place contact Liz Brandom on 01993 814131 Email Liz.Brandom@oxfordshire.gov.uk
7. THE OXFORD NETWORK FOR ENERGY (ONE)
We are delighted to announce the launch of a programme, supported by the John Fell Fund, to bring together all those in Oxford University who are interested in researching energy and its use.
The future of energy research (technology, policy, and economics) will be shaped by those who have a thorough understanding of the complete picture in addition to a specialism. As a multidisciplinary topic, energy has many inter-dependent facets: basics sciences, materials, technology, business, economics, environment, policy, geo-politics, and society. A simple example is that no matter how smart a piece of technology, if the appropriate legislative framework has not been constructed, it may never succeed in the marketplace. Energy research is all of these things. ONE will go some way to creating the next generation of complete energy researchers by helping people to develop the skills and confidence in stepping into new areas of research.
debbie.wyatt@eng.ox.ac.uk
8. BARN OWL CAUSE BRINGS GROUPS TOGETHER
The Local Barn Owl Synergy Symposium held recently at Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre bought together country enthusiasts who might not have previously thought of working together, yet all have the chance to help Barn Owl populations in the region.
Find out more at: http://www.sheepdrove.com/370.htm
9. 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
10. Saturday 19 April 10.30 till 1.30 pm
SAVE RADLEY LAKES SPRING SALE
Guildhall, Abingdon. Variety of stalls and refreshments. To raise money for legal fees for a judicial review of the Town Green decision.
11. Sunday 20 April 10 am
SEARCHING FOR THE LODDON LILY
A field meeting with the Abingdon Naturalists Society Meet at Rye Farm Car Park (SU 500968). A walk of about 2 miles with one short hill.
Leader Dr Bob Eeles
Contact: Field Meetings Secretary on 01235 534424.
12. Sunday 20 April 11 am - 4 pm
WOODS AT WORK
In the Forestry Commission's Wendover Woods near Wendover, Buckinghamshire.
£3 per adult (children under 16 free) Free parking A great day out for all the family in the beautiful setting of Wendover Woods at Work...... just happens to fall within National Beanpole Week. This is to encourage the use of locally coppiced and other woodland products. The Chiltern Woodlands Project is a registered charity dedicated to promoting and encouraging the sensitive and sustainable management of small woods in the Chiltern Hills.
Masses to see and do for all the family including:
Wood fuel
Story teller & music
Wood crafts
Horse logging
Forestry equipment
Children's craft activities
Pole lathes
Displays and information
For more details, please contact Cathy Rose on 01844 355 506 or John Morris on 01844 355 503 i Craft products to buy. Refreshments provided by the Café in the Woods
13. Sunday 20 April 2 pm - 4.30 pm
NEWTS, FROGS AND TOADS
Learn more about these fascinating amphibians living around the Northmoor Trust Estate.
Adults £4, Children under 16 & Friends Free With the Northmoor Trust. At Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, near Wallingford.
Booking required. Please phone 01865 407792 or email admin@northmoortrust.co.uk to reserve your place.
14. Monday 21 April 7.00 for 7.45 pm
THE GAMBIA
A talk for the Vale of White Horse RSPB group by Mike Wilkes.
At The Civic Hall Didcot.
Doors open at 7.00pm for sales tables, displays and booking for trips.
'Where do so many of our summer migrants spend the winter? Africa? Yes but where?
Gambia is a major overwintering locality and so is a prime location for bird watching tours.
If you are thinking, should I go on such a tour? Or if you have been and wish to bring back happy memories, you can be assured that this talk will be informative, entertaining and illustrated with superb photographs.
15. Wednesday 23 April 10 am
FARMOOR RESERVOIR FIELD MEETING
An extra field meeting with the Abingdon Naturalists Society.
Meet at Farmoor Reservoir Car Park (GR: SP452061 - £2 fee). We will follow the Farmoor Country Walk path, which is in the vicinity of the reservoir and Pinkhill Nature Reserve, but outside of their boundaries. The walk will be through woodland, along the river and across fields - mainly flat. We will walk for about two hours before lunch and an hour and a half afterwards.
Lunch will be at The Talbot. Bring boots, binoculars & a snack.
Leader: Jackie Hudson (01235 527831)
16. Wednesday 23 April 7.30 pm
RED KITES 10 YEARS ON
An illustrated talk for the Abingdon Naturalists by Jill Carey.
At Abingdon Boys School. Enter by the main gate in Park Road. Next to the entrance is the Bursar's office and just beyond on the right is the Ingham Room in the new Arts Centre where our meetings are normally held. There is parking nearby.
Contact: David Guyoncourt, 01235 529151, david.guyoncourt@ntlworld.com
17. Wednesday 23 April 7 pm
GARDENING WITH GLOBAL WARMING IN MIND
With Asher Minns, Communications Manager at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. Come and find out:
What are the impacts of climate change on gardens and allotments?
How can allotment holders and gardeners cope with extreme and unpredictable weather?
What will the garden of the future look like?
At Yarnton Nurseries Garden Centre Sandy Lane, Yarnton, KIDLINGTON, OX5 1PA For further info call Eco-St: 01865 375 314
18. Friday 25 April 7.30 pm
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
A chance to see the groundbreaking film. Followed by refreshments and discussion with Dr.Martin Hodson, Oxford Brookes University.
At Jubillee Hall, Lewknor
Admission Free
Supported by Oxfordshire Climate X-change
Contact: Simon Brignall [sbrignall@psaconnect.net]
19. Saturday 26 April 9.30 am - 4 pm
OXFORDSHIRE'S LOCAL ENVIRONMENT GROUP CONFERENCE - last chance to book At Langtree Secondary School, Woodcote, south Oxfordshire.
Meet other groups and get tips on how to run your projects more easily.
Workshops on :
Moth identification (Martin Townsend, Oxfordshire County Moth Recorder) Pond assessment (Rod d'Ayala, Pond Consultant) Wildflower meadow establishment (Charles Flower, Flower Farms) Wildmap, using hand-held computers to id and record species (Lynn Hughes, Ox Brookes Uni) Any rare plants in your parish? (Camilla Lambrick, ANHSO) Meet funders and trainers, and pick up information on everything you need to run your local group.
Visit the site that Woodcote group manages.
Contact Cynth Napper on cynth@oncf.org.uk, 01865 407034
20. 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
21. Sunday 27 April 1 - 3 pm
A BLUEBELL WALK... WITH A DIFFERENCE
An interactive walk to discover more about these beautiful flowers, suitable for all ages.
Followed by tea and cake from 3 pm and an optional short service from 3.30 pm at St. Margaret's Church, Lewknor.
For further information on the service call Rev. Simon Brignall on 01844 281267.
Not suitable for those with limited mobility.
In partnership with the A Rocha Lewknor Gateway Project
Meet: NNR car park - From Junction 6 of the M40 take the B4009 towards Chinnor. Turn right onto A40 towards Stokenchurch and follow this road to the top of the hill. Turn right into Christmas Common Road (signposted Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve). After approx. 400 metres turn right into narrow lane beside further signpost indicating the Reserve. Take care, especially on first bend, and beware of the road surface.
Free but booking is strongly advised - please call 01844 351833.
22. Sunday 27 April
FIELD OUTING TO NORTH LEIGH, OXON (RIVER EVENLODE) Oxford Ornithological Society For more information please contact Steve Alley on 01608 659628
23. 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.
24. 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]
25. 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.
26. 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
27. 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.
28. Sunday 4 May 04.30 - 06.30 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.
29. 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
30. 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
31. 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
32. 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.
33. 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
34. 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
35. 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
36. GRANTS ADMINISTRATOR FOR BBOWT
£20,000 pro-rata
21-28 hours per week
Permanent contract
Based 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.
This post is essential to the Trust to ensure that income is claimed from funders and that funders are satisfied that funding criteria have been met.
The ability to take work independently, to meet deadlines and to work in a small team is essential. The job requires liaison with all departments across the organisation including the Finance Department.
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. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 23 April. Interviews will be held at Littlemore on Tuesday 29 April.
37. VACANCY FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHARLES DARWIN FOUNDATION
The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) is an international non-profit research organisation dedicated to providing scientific research, technical assistance and information to ensure conservation success in Galapagos. The CDF has responsibilities established by law and by agreement to provide the Government of Ecuador with advice to help ensure the conservation of Galapagos.
The Executive Director is responsible for all operations and administrative duties of the CDF. S/he executes the resolutions of the CDF Board and General Assembly and ensures the efficient daily operation of the institution. Also, the Executive Director represents the CDF in front of the Government of Ecuador and other Ecuadorian and international institutions.
For a full job description, visit the CDF's website at http://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/about-us/jobs/08_ed-fcd
38. 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.
39. 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.
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
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
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 19 April 9.30 - 12.30 INSTALLATION OF KISSING GATE AND 2-WAY GATE to replace stiles on Greys footpath 15 (formerly 36). Park by Rotherfield Greys Church. Leaders: John Hasler and Tony Chandler 0118 972 3528
Thursday 24 April 9.30 - 12.30 ERECT A FOREST SCHOOL SHELTER AND FENCING
at Badgemore Primary School, Henley. Park in local roads. Leaders: Tony Chandler and Chris Ash 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 20 April
TASK: Reserve maintenance - Fencing
LOCATION: Aston Rowant, S.Oxon
We will be clearing a fenceline and perhaps making a start on a stretch of fencing at this National Nature Reserve. The wardens use sheep to graze the scrub to preserve the rare chalk grassland SSSI, so they'll be grateful of our brains and brawn to help get the job done on land difficult to access with machinery
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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