TASK, TRAINING & SOCIAL PROGRAMME

January - March 2012

Sun. 8 Jan. PETRIDGEWOOD COMMON SNCI - Scrub Clearance. Continuing our scrub clearance on this Reigate & Banstead Council owned species rich grassland site. We'll be completing our work around the cricket field. Meet in the car park off Woodhatch Road. Grid ref: 276474/Postcode: RH1 5JJ.

Sun. 16 Jan. KITCHEN COPSE SNCI/AW, BLETCHINGLEY - Coppicing. Continuing our second year of coppicing in this lovely ancient woodland owned by the mineral company Sibelco, and leased as a Surrey Wildlife Trust reserve. Having taken out the understorey, we'll continue thinning the ash, so lots of opportunity for rope & knots training today. Meet in the track to the Copse, off Place Farm Road (look out for RACV/SWT signs), Grid ref: 327523/Postcode: RH1 4QR.

Thurs. 19 Jan. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Willow Coppicing. Continuing our work on the willows along the Redhill Brook at the far western end end of this Surrey Wildlife Trust reserve. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Sun. 22 Jan. INN ON THE POND, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Pond Restoration. A return to this pond in front of the Pub that gives it its name, and is a breeding site for the endangered and protected Great Crested Newt. We'll be clearing vegetation, habitat piling & generally & ‘tidying' up, before everything springs back into life. Meet by the pond (park in the Pub car park). Grid ref: 302515/Postcode: RH1 4EU.

Tues 31 Jan. TRADITIONAL SKITTLES & SOCIAL Missed last autumn's event? Now's your chance, as we're returning for round two! No experience/skill needed it's just good fun! £10 a head including food, please let Simon know in advance for numbers. Meet 7pm, Surrey Oaks PH, Parkgate Rd, Newdigate. RH5 5DZ.

Sun. 5 Feb. ******CANCELED******... due to poor weather conditions.
KITCHEN COPSE SNCI/AW, BLETCHINGLEY - Coppicing. Completing our cutting for the season, before the wonderful ground flora starts to appear. Meet in the track to the Copse, off Place Farm Road (look out for RACV/SWT signs), Grid ref: 327523/Postcode: RH1 4QR.

Alternatively WILDFOWL ON THE MOORS Join Surrey Wildlife Trust Ranger Steve Bolton for a look at Waterbirds around the Moors. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Thurs. 9 Feb. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Coppicing & Clearance. Continuing our coppicing & clearance of trees along the Redhill Brook. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Sun. 12 Feb. EARLSWOOD LAKES LNR & SNCI - Scrub Clearance. Clearing Scrub around the Lakes on this Reigate & Banstead Council owned Local Nature Reserve. Meet in the car park by the lakes. Grid ref: 268484.

Sun. 19 Feb. COCKSHOT HILL SANDPIT SNCI - Habitat Creation. A return to the Reigate & Banstead Council owned sandpit at the top of Cockshot Hill. The site is important for solitary bee & wasp interest (Hymenoptera), and our job today is to increase and improve the habitat for them, guided by expert Jeremy Early. Meet in the Cockshot Hill slip road (opposite Canon). Grid ref: 256491/Postcode: RH2 4AE.

Sun. 26 Feb. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Coppicing & Clearance. Continuing our coppicing & clearance of trees along the Redhill Brook. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Sun. 11 Mar. KITCHEN COPSE SNCI/AW, BLETCHINGLEY - Woodland Crafts Day. Today we'll be showing you how you can make traditional ash sheep hurdles from the wood we've cut, as well as having our pole lathe out in the woods to get you in a spin! Meet in the track to the Copse, off Place Farm Road (look out for RACV/SWT signs), Grid ref: 327523/Postcode: RH1 4QR.

Sun. 18 Mar. REDHILL COMMON - Tree & Scrub Clearance & Burn Up. Continuing our clearance around the north side of the pond removing sycamore And other invasive species. Meet outside Dunottar School, intersection of High Trees Road & Ringley Park Avenue, Grid ref: 269496/Postcode: RH2 7EN.

Thurs. 22 Mar. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Coppicing & Clearance. Continuing our coppicing & clearance of trees along the Redhill Brook. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Sun. 25 Mar. REDHILL COMMON - Tree & Scrub Clearance & Burn Up. Completing our clearance around the north side of the pond removing sycamore And other invasive species. Meet outside Dunottar School, intersection of High Trees Road & Ringley Park Avenue, Grid ref: 269496/Postcode: RH2 7EN.

Fri. 30 Mar. SURREY WILDLIFE TRUST TALK -On the Trial of the Crane - Part One. An illustrated talk by Ralph Todd. 7.45pm, admission £2. White Hart Barn (behind the Pub of the same name), Godstone.

Sun. 1 Apr. KITCHEN COPSE SNCI/AW, BLETCHINGLEY - Deer Fencing. Nothing to do with the here musketeers, but erecting the protective fencing around the area we've coppiced this season to protect the new growth from being browsed off by deer. Meet in the track to the Copse, off Place Farm Road (look out for RACV/SWT signs), Grid ref: 327523/Postcode: RH1 4

HAPPY EASTER SNCI Denotes Site of Nature Conservation Importance, namely that it is of countywide importance. AW Denotes this wood is shown on the Ancient Woodland Inventory for Surrey. LNR Denotes site is designated as a Statutory Local Nature Reserve.

All tasks begin at 10am unless otherwise stated.

WHAT TO BRING: Enthusiasm! Suitable work clothes - these should be comfortable, but hardwearing and allow ease of movement, but close fitting. Most experienced volunteers work on a layered clothing principle to keep you warm in winter, cool in summer. Good waterproofs - just in case! A jacket or cagoule and over-trousers made of waxed cotton, or breathable fabrics such as Gortex is ideal. Don't rely on thin nylon cagoules, they don't keep you warm or dry. A pair of work gloves. Stout footwear- boots or wellies. If you're buying a new pair get steel toe capped ones for extra protection.

A pack lunch - we provide clean water to wash and drink with, together with our own tea & coffee kit. Why not bring some homemade goodies to share! Sun hats & sun cream. Anti-tetanus jabs - not compulsory, but if you come out regularly we strongly recommend you keep your immunisation up to date.

If you need a lift to and from site, please ask, as this can be arranged. Whilst most tasks are local and fairly accessible, we encourage volunteers to walk, cycle or car share. Everyone is welcome, especially new faces! No previous experience is needed! You can stay as long or as short as you like. We normally finish around 4pm. There is no age limit, although volunteers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, or have a designated adult responsible for them. Each task is lead by a skilled & experienced leader, who will explain at the start of each task: What we are doing and the reasons why How we are going to do it Site safety and the safe & correct use of tools. You'll soon find you'll pick it up, and other volunteers will help you too. Before you know it, you'll be have a great time, promoting a worthwhile cause and getting to see some wonderful wildlife and landscape into the bargain. Not to mention the like-minded people you'll befriend!

So, why not join us in looking after your local countryside. If you'd like further information, or have any questions to ask, please ring:

Simon 01737 242644

Martin 01737 845246

OUR AIMS & OBJECTIVES

To encourage and involve people to care for their local environment.
To undertake and promote practical management tasks which conserve and improve the character and wildlife value of the local environment.
To promote and develop a greater understanding of, and need for, wildlife conservation.
To maintain and promote traditional countryside skills and practises.