'Forging partnerships that will create a sustainable future for nature'

Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum's Weekly Environmental E-Bulletin

14 August 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. Lessons in chalk grassland management

2. Community gardens at Barracks Lane

3. Climate change means more floods for a drying Thames basin

4. What's your attitude to carbon offsetting?

5. Dragonfly Records & the National Dragonfly Atlas

6. Oxford Conservation Volunteers Booking Next Quarter Tasks

EVENTS

7. Bat Walk at Chimney Meadows

8. This week at the Great Growing Picnic Season

9. Bat Walk at Dorchester Abbey

10. 2008 WYCHWOOD Forest Fair at Aston Road, Ducklington

11. Chimney Meadows Summer Guided Walk

12. Northmoor Trust Autumn Reflection

13. Rustic Chair Making Workshop

VACANCIES

14. Community Wildlife Trainee (Oxfordshire)

15. Project Coordinator - Special Trees And Woods Of The Chilterns

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. LESSONS IN CHALK GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

The Dukes versus Blues project has been running since 2006, focusing on butterflies as indicators of habitat quality. By understanding the needs of the butterflies, the project aims to pinpoint the types of management that will be effective in maintaining chalk grassland biodiversity.

Groups of volunteers used GPS units to map the distribution and dispersal of Duke of Burgundy, Small Blue and Chalkhill Blue butterflies ... in relation to different habitat types.

Findings: The Duke of Burgundy showed no strong choice for a particular vegetation type but was associated with sheltered areas of the reserve.

Female Duke of Burgundy chose only a limited subset of cowslips or primroses available on which to lay their eggs (the largest plants in the densest patches). In contrast, the Small Blue and Chalkhill Blue were found much more commonly on exposed chalk and short grass areas respectively, which is also where their food-plants (the Kidney and Horseshoe Vetch) were found at the highest densities. All three species showed good dispersal over the site. These results indicate that together the three species reflect a wide range of the variable habitat existing on chalk grassland. These habitat differences were also associated with markedly different plant and invertebrate communities.

Tailored management to maintain this diversity will benefit these species as well as the rest of chalk grassland diversity. For more information about findings from the project please contact Ed Turner at ed.turner@wildifebcnp.org (Precis'd from Chilterns Chalk, Spring 2008)

2. COMMUNITY GARDENS AT BARRACKS LANE

Would you like to help with the upkeep of the beautiful Community gardens at Barracks Lane?

We are looking for volunteers to help with various practical tasks around the Yurt and Garden, during August and September. An opportunity to:

Meet new people, Learn basic practical gardening and construction skills, help support a local community project, Sip tea in a Yurt, play in a sandpit Some jobs to include:

Build a composting system from palettes, weeding and water plant and vegetable beds, help design and build a fire-pit painting woodwork and metal work general fixing, tidying, and beautifying occurring on:

Weekends- Sun September 21st 10am-4pm

Wednesdays- 20th August 10am-4pm, 10th September 10am-4pm Refreshments available ! For more information email:

barrackslanegarden@yahoo.co.uk

or visit the website : www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk

3. CLIMATE CHANGE MEANS MORE FLOODS FOR A DRYING THAMES BASIN

A drying Thames river basin in the UK would still face five times the current risk of flooding by 2080, a recent assessment of the effects of climate change has found. The Thames Vulnerability Assessment Report prepared by WWF-UK also found dire results for fish and wildlife, the lawns and flowerbeds of the traditional English garden and London's antiquated sewers and drains. The 14 million people in the internationally important basin - and the additional two million expected to join them by 2026 - also face a future of water shortages. "Climate change is likely to result in hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters. Perversely, this means we will suffer from having both more water, and less, with greater risk from flooding and drought," said WWF-UK freshwater policy advisor, Dr Tom Le Quesne.

Combined threats: Peak river flows are predicted to increase by 20% leading to a significant rise in the frequency and severity of surface water flooding, with intense summer rains washing more sediment and pollution into the rivers. Periods of reduced rainfall over successive years will also threaten the recharge of already over-stressed groundwater reserves. Other impacts include markedly increased water and insurance costs. "Taken separately, all the impacts are harmful but taken together they could ultimately destroy an internationally important river system. Policies must therefore be developed that can address droughts, floods, pollution and climate change simultaneously, rather than treating each in isolation," said Le Quesne. "Population growth will place further pressure on our already stressed water supplies. We now need to take action to reduce the amount of water each person wastes, lower leakage, and reduce pollution."

(From: WWF Published August 1, 2008 11:15 AM via Environmental News Network)

4. WHAT'S YOUR ATTITUDE TO CARBON OFFSETTING?

My name is James French and I am studying geography at Oxford. I am currently working on a dissertation - in consultation with the Environmental Change Institute - in which I am examining people's attitudes towards carbon offsetting. Basically, I have produced an on-line survey which anybody can fill out, it is accessed by the following link:

http://qtrial.qualtrics.com/SE?SID=SV_beFr48xOOe21UMI&SVID=Prod

I have also created a web page that people can contribute to - in an attempt to build a page on carbon offsetting which reflects peoples attitudes towards it and their experiences of it. The address is:

http://carbonoffsetting.wetpaint.com/

I would be so grateful if people could spend some time filling out the (10

minute) survey and I would also be grateful if anybody could contribute anything to my webpage (e.g. post on the discussion forum).

Thanks very much for your time, James French, Hertford College, University of Oxford James French [james.french@hertford.ox.ac.uk]

5. DRAGONFLY RECORDS & THE NATIONAL DRAGONFLY ATLAS

2008 marks the start of fieldwork on the National Dragonfly Atlas. The aim is to update the known distribution of British dragonfly and damselfly species over the next 5 years, culminating in a new national atlas in 2013.

More details can be found on the Dragonflies in Focus page of the British Dragonfly Society website (http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/dragonfliesinfocus.html).I have recently taken on the role of Dragonfly Recorder for Vice-County 22 (the 'old' Berkshire, encompassing the area of Oxfordshire to the southwest of Oxford/south of the Thames) and would appreciate any help that people can give in recording the species we have in the vice-county. For information on what needs to be recorded and how to submit records, please see the link above. All records for VC22 should be sent to me at the email address below; for other vice-counties, please see the website for contact details for the relevant vicecounty recorder.

Thanks for your help, Mike Turton, Berkshire County Dragonfly Recorder berksdragonflies@tiscali.co.uk.

(TVERC Summer newsletter)

6. OXFORD CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS BOOKING NEXT QUARTER TASKS

We are now booking Sunday tasks for Sun 5 Oct through to Sun 21 Dec and would like to offer our services to your organisation.

We've had an exciting spring and summer - kicking off our series of special 2-day training tasks (supported by ONCF) with a very successful post & wire fencing project. Our work in Oxfordshire has focused on fencing and footpaths, and we've travelled further afield to assist the National Trust at Brecon Beacons and Exmoor National Parks. Click here to see photos of our recent tasks - http://www.ocv.org.uk/gallery.php

For the autumn-winter programmes we are also looking for potential hedgelaying and coppicing projects that would benefit from 2 days of work over a weekend, led by our specialist trainer - Brian Williamson. The types of projects we undertake include:

All types of fencing and step construction; Public rights of way management; Scrub clearance; Hedgelaying and planting; Pond construction and maintenance including dipping platforms; Watercourse and pond clearance/management; Woodland management including felling, planting, coppicing. (Handtools only); Meadow and park maintenance; Dry stone walling; Footpath and gate construction; Otter holt construction.

Each Sunday's task is led by an experienced volunteer, who liases with the client, ensures that the work is completed to the required standard and ensures that new volunteers understand the purpose of the work and how to use the tools safely. We are fully insured via BTCV. To discuss your requirements, or arrange a free site visit, please contact me:

Gary Hillier, Task Programmer, Oxford Conservation Volunteers, 07706 343333 www.ocv.org.uk

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

7. Friday 15 August 8 - 10 pm

BAT WALK AT CHIMNEY MEADOWS

nr Bampton, Oxon

Join BBOWT's Wildlife Officer to explore the diversity of bats at Chimney -

8 species have been recorded including the rare barbastelle. The walk will be over undulating terrain so wear suitable footwear and warm clothing (including a hat). Bring binoculars and a torch. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. All welcome, but unsuitable for very young families. Admission: Free, but donations welcome.

Meet: Public car park at nature reserve entrance. SP 358 009.

Contact: Kerry Lock 01367 870904. No dogs, please. Children welcome.

8. Saturday 16 August 1 - 4 pm

THIS WEEK AT THE GREAT GROWING PICNIC SEASON The Great Growing Picnic Season continues at the Botanic Garden, Oxford.

This week sow mustard seeds, make flower masks, listen to some fabulous Seneglese music and hear smashing stories under a shady tree. Bring your picnic or enjoy tasty treats from Carluccios or Godwins Ice-creams.

University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford, 018565 286690 www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

9. Wednesday 27 August 8.15 pm

BAT WALK AT DORCHESTER ABBEY

A field meeting with the Abingdon Naturalists.

Meet at the Porch of Dorchester Abbey. Bring torches and Bat detectors if you have them.

Leader: Norma Blamires

Contact : Michael Bloom, tel: 01235 536563

10. Sunday 31 August 11 - 5 pm

2008 WYCHWOOD FOREST FAIR AT ASTON ROAD, DUCKLINGTON

- Wychwood's own green country show

This year's Forest Fair will be held at Aston Road, Ducklington, just off the A415, south of Witney. The Wychwood Project, supported by the Friends of Wychwood, held the first modern Forest Fair in 2000. Since then, the Fair has been held at a different location each year to help indicate the extent of the former forest and to seek to involve more people in the activities of the Wychwood Project, which works with local people to restore habitats and create woodlands within the boundaries of the ancient Forest of Wychwood This year there will be over 180 stalls and activities to enjoy, including George Hatwell's Children's Fun Fair, a Green Man children's story teller, local Morris dancing sides, an archery demonstration and other entertainments.

There will be displays by the Wychwood Project and its supporters the Friends of Wychwood, as well as by many other local conservation and community groups.

As usual, there will be a wide range of Rural Crafts on show and an Arts and Crafts tent.

Refreshments will include all-day takeaways, pig roasts, and the Friends of Wychwood's tea tent. As well as plenty of Local Food suppliers, locally produced ice cream and farm produce, Witney's local Wychwood Brewery will provide a beer tent.

Any profit from the Fair will be used by the Friends of Wychwood to help support the Wychwood Project and other local community conservation work..

£5 PER ADULT - PARKING FREE - UNDER 16s FREE For more information contact: Jeanette Cayley, Voluntary Publicity Officer for Friends of Wychwood at jeanettecayley@hotmail.com or 01993 878 893

11. Saturday 6 September 9.45 -12 noon

CHIMNEY MEADOWS SUMMER GUIDED WALK

nr Bampton, Oxon

Join the project officer for an enjoyable walk through Chimney Meadows'

developing wetland and flower rich meadows and find out more about the wildlife on site, current management and future plans. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

Could wheelchair users please discuss arrangements when booking. All welcome, but unsuitable for very young children. Admission: Free, but donations welcome

Meet: Chimney Meadows office. Drive past public car park into Chimney hamlet, and take the first gateway on your right. SP 358 009. Contact: Kerry Lock 01367 870904. No dogs, please. Children welcome. 10+yrs Wheelchair accessible.

12. Sunday 7 September 11 am - 2 pm

NORTHMOOR TRUST AUTUMN REFLECTION

Hill Farm, Little Wittenham, Oxon OX14 4QZ Join a guided walk to a quiet area on the reserve for shared readings, stories and quiet reflections.

Adults £4, Friends Free, Not suitable for children. Please call 01865 407792 to book your place. www.northmoortrust.co.uk

13. Sunday 21 September 10 am - 3 pm

RUSTIC CHAIR MAKING WORKSHOP

At Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve. Meet at the Reserve Office signposted from the A40 near the junction with B4009. (Partnership with Chilterns Conservation Board) Have a go at the ancient craft of coppicing, then use wood harvested from the Reserve to build your own rustic chair. All tools, plus tea / coffee provided. Please bring a packed lunch. Not suitable for under 16's. £20.

Booking essential, limited spaces available.

Call Cathy on 01844 355 506

VACANCIES

14. COMMUNITY WILDLIFE TRAINEE (OXFORDSHIRE)

Location: Littlemore, Oxford

Hours: 3 or 4 days a week; 6 -12 months commitment required (Mondays

essential) with some weekend work.

The Community Wildlife Trainee will contribute to the development of opportunities for individuals, groups and local communities to use, enjoy and understand our nature reserves. You will gain experience in working with community groups and volunteers, environmental education, organising events, practical nature reserve management and site interpretation/signage. The trainee will also help to run the Wildlife Information Service and perform general administrative tasks. Full Training will be provided.

You will need to have a strong desire to work in conservation and an ability to work with people from a range of ages & backgrounds. Enthusiasm, a good sense of humour and a valid driving licence are essential.

For a full role description and application form please phone the volunteer department on 01865 775476, or e mail volunteering@bbowt.org.uk

Please note: Only successful applicants will be notified. Closing date for

applications: 9.00am on Friday 29th August. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 9th September.

15. PROJECT COORDINATOR - SPECIAL TREES AND WOODS OF THE CHILTERNS

Salary in range £25,000 - £27,000 per annum, 37.5 hours per week.

Some weekend work required.

One year maternity cover.

Based in the Chilterns Conservation Board office in Chinnor, Oxon.

The Chiltern Woodlands Project is looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and self-motivated person to manage this exciting project, coordinating a team of volunteers to record and research the stories behind the trees and woods in the Chilterns.

The full job description and further information can be downloaded from:

(http://www.chilternsaonb.org/conservation/vacancies.html)Closing date: Monday 18th August

Interview date: Wednesday 10th September

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 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 / Bob Silverwood / Mick Venters on 01844 351833

Email: jenny.crook@naturalengland.org.uk

BARTON FIELDS:

Friday 27th June at 9.30 am

Meeting at the interpretation board by the Thames Path near to the Abbey Grounds entrance.

We will be clearing Stinging Nettles from alongside the Thames Path which are now dominating the bank-side.

Water voles rely on diverse bank-side vegetation for food and cover and there is evidence of them in the ditch at present. Our vital work should ensure that they will thrive.

Wellies and long sleeves advised. Refreshments provided.

If you are a new member and would like to join us please phone either David Guyoncourt on 01235 529151 or Jo Cartmell on 01235 534424.

BBOWT WORK PARTIES :

Abbey Fishponds Various Days

Contact: Marjorie White on 01235 530 174

Friends of Chimney Meadows, Nr Bampton

Various Thurs & Sun 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: Hill Top Lane 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 SU 467 997. Contact:

Stephen Grigson 01865 390 540

Hartslock, Nr Goring-on-Thames

Second Sunday of every month 10am - 1pm

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

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

Sun 27th July 11:30-2:30

Garth Park

Publicity event

Set up Gazebo at Bicester in Bloom fun day. Activities and information Set up Gazebo at Bure Park residents fun day. Activities and information.

CHIPPING NORTON GREEN GYM

Unless otherwise stated please ring the BTCV office on 01296 330033 before a project to let us know you're coming.

CHILDREN : Under 16s 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: 07740 899 729

Wednesday 20th August 10 am - 1 pm

Woodstock Memorial Garden, next to the library, Hensington Road, Woodstock,

OX7 1JL

Helping with the lavender harvest & repotting tree seedlings Come and help us harvest the lavender for drying, or pot up tree seedlings ready to transplant to a new home. Toilets in Town

SONNING COMMON GREEN GYM

Full information and map references on www.greengym.org/sonningcommon

Saturday 16 August 9.30 - 12.30

REMOVE BRAMBLES FROM THE HA-HA at Sue Ryder Home, Nettlebed. Meet in the car park. Leaders: Edward Sandars and Robin Howles 0118 972 3528

Thursday 21 August 9.30- 2.30

CHALK DOWNLAND CONSERVATION at Aston Rowant NR. Meet at Reserve office - check beforehand and bring a packed lunch. Leaders: Jules Thomson and Chris Ash 0118 9723528

WALLINGFORD GREEN GYM

Contact: Jennifer Brooker, Wallingford Green Gym co-ordinator

Tel: 01491 826157. Email: jembrooker@freenet.co.uk

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 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

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 17 August

TASK: Sheep care

LOCATION: This Sunday we'll be heading to Aston Rowant to help out with the

care of their conservation sheep flock. The sheep are used as part of the reserve's management regime, grazing the chalk grassland and keeping the sward short and in a favourable condition for many specialised and rare plant species, which in turn support butterflies and other invertebrates. We will be clipping their hooves, which become overgrown and can make walking difficult and painful for the animals.

As those of you who have done this task before will know, working with the sheep is a VERY mucky job and you are guaranteed to get covered in mud and worse, so please wear clothes that you really don't mind getting dirty! You will also need to wear good strong boots which will stand up to being trampled on by sheep, and a packed lunch. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits as usual. The weather looks set to be very British this weekend, so please bring sunscreen and waterproofs.

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.

www.ouwg.org.uk

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

5th June 09.30 - 15.00 hrs

Lye Valley SSSI reserve

The Walkway is in need of some repair. We will be clearing the area around the sleepers and creating some areas for the water to flow down to the stream

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 enquiries@shotover-wildlife.org.uk

www.shotover-wildlife.org.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 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.

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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