TASK, TRAINING & SOCIAL PROGRAMME

January - March 2010

Sun. 31 Jan. INN ON THE POND, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Pond Restoration. A return to this important pond in front of the Pub that gives it its name. We'll be clearing some vegetation, habitat piling & generally 'tidying up', before everything springs back into life. This is a breeding pond for the endangered and protected Great Crested Newt. Meet by the pond (park in the Pub car park).

Sun. 7 Feb. REDHILL COMMON - Tree & Scrub Clearance. Continuing our clearance around the pond on this Borough Council owned site. This will give more light to the pond, as well as diversifying the habitats by creating a glade area. Meet outside Dunottar School, intersection of High Trees Road & Ringley Park Avenue, Grid ref: 269496.

Sun. 14 Feb. NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Guided Waterfowl Walk. Join Simon & Surrey Wildlife Trust Ranger Steve Bolton for a guided walk over the Marsh to see some of the waterfowl species to be found here. It's Valentine's Day, so bring you beloved out for a walk, and discover that birds like Mute Swans pair for life. Ah! Meet at Mercers Park, by the Aquasports Centre 2pm.

Wed. 17 Feb. SPYNES MERE, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI -Willow Coppicing. This is a Surrey Wildlife Trust event not ours, but feel free to join in! Note: Meet in the car park off Bletchingley Road, Grid ref: 307526.

Sun.21 Feb. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Tree Felling. Continuing sorting out the trees on this Surrey Wildlife Trust nature reserve. We have willows to coppice, pines to fell and the odd alien species to clear. A good chance to see Snipe. Meet in the car park at Fordbridge, off Nutfield Road, by the entrance to Linden Homes new development. Grid ref: 295517.

Thurs. 25 Feb. SPYNES MERE, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Willow Coppicing. Up at the east end of the Marsh today, cutting encroaching willow, as well as checking out the 'beach' area and sand cliff areas are clear. Note: Meet in the car park off Bletchingley Road, Grid ref: 307526. Fri. 26 Feb. SURREY WILDLIFE TRUST TALK - Kent's Wild Wet Wilderness. An illustrated talk by Irene Palmer on the north Kent marshes. 7.45pm, admission £2. White Hart Barn (behind the Pub of the same name), Godstone.

Sun. 28 Feb. REIGATE PRIORY PARK LAKE - Wetland Planting Preparation. We'll be preparing the site ready for planting out later in the summer, as well as maintaining the planting cages we put in last year. By doing this work now, we minimise the disturbance to nesting waterfowl in the spring. Meet by the lake, off Park Lane at the western end of the Park. We'll have the gate open off Park Lane, opposite Wesley Close, Grid ref: 247498, so you can park on site.

Sun. 7 Mar. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Tree Felling. If it's not the pine belt or Norway maple, then it will be willows although we may well be planting out self sown alder trees. Come along and find out which. Meet in the car park at Fordbridge, off Nutfield Road, by the entrance to Linden Homes new development. Grid ref: 295517.

Thurs. 18 Mar. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Tree Felling. Continuing our tree work over this evolving Wildlife Trust Nature reserve. Meet in the car park at Fordbridge, off Nutfield Road, by the entrance to Linden Homes new development. Grid ref: 295517.

Sun. 21 Mar. REDHILL COMMON - Tree & Scrub Clearance. Continuing our clearance work on this important greenspace. We may well have completed our work around the pond, and moved onto the heather glade and/or be targeting invading laurel shading out the ground flora. Meet outside Dunottar School, intersection of High Trees Road & Ringley Park Avenue, Grid ref: 269496.

Fri. 26 Mar. SURREY WILDLIFE TRUST TALK - The Otter. An illustrated talk by Chris Matcham, the Trust's Otter & Rivers Project Officer. 7.45pm, admission £2. White Hart Barn (behind the Pub of the same name), Godstone.

Sun. 28 Mar. CHILMEAD ORCHARD, NUTFIELD MARSH - Tree Planting. Gapping up and replacing trees in this lovely little orchard created for Biffa Waste Services. Come along and discover traditional apple varieties to our local area. Meet by the orchard in Chilmead Lane, opposite, Chilmead Farm, Grid ref: 296512.

Wed.31 Mar. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Willow Coppicing. This is a Surrey Wildlife Trust event not ours, but feel free to join in! Meet in the car park at Fordbridge, off Nutfield Road, by the entrance to Linden Homes new development. Grid ref: 295517.

HAPPY EASTER Sun. 11 Apr. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Redhill Brook Clearance Today, we'll be undertaking our annual clearance of the Redhill Brook, removing any obstructions and rubbish washed down over the winter, before the spring vegetation really gets going. Look out for Kingfishers & basking Grass snakes! Meet in the car park at Fordbridge, off Nutfield Road, by the entrance to Linden Homes new development. Grid ref: 295517.

SNCI Denotes Site of Nature Conservation Importance, namely that it is of countywide importance.
pSNCI Denotes potential Site of Nature Conservation Importance, namely that it is of countywide importance.
LNR Denotes site has been designated a 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.