TASK, TRAINING & SOCIAL PROGRAMME

May - August 2010

Sun.16 May. COCKSHOT HILL SANDPIT SNCI - Habitat Creation. A return to the Reigate & Banstead Council owned sandpit at the top of Cockshot Hill. The site has just been designated a SNCI for its solitary bee & wasp interest (Hymenoptera), and our job today is to increase and improve the habitat for them, guided by expert Jeremy Early. So bring a bucket & spade!! Meet in the Cockshot Hill slip Road (opposite Canon). Gris ref: 256491/Postcode: RH2 4AE.

Thurs. 20 May. NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - General Maintenance Day. Will we be on the Moors, Spynes or possibly Mercers West? Come along and find out! Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Sun. 23 May. REIGATE PRIORY PARK LAKE - Wetland Planting Preparation. We'll be preparing the site ready for planting, maintaining the planting cages we put in last year, and erecting new ones. Meet by the lake, off Park Lane at the western end of the Park. We'll have the gate open off Park Lane, so you can park on site opposite Wesley Close, Grid ref: 247498/Postcode: RH2 8JS.

Thurs. 27 May. RBBC RANGERS GUIDED BAT WALK - Reigate Priory Park. Did you know we have six species of Bat in Priory Park. Come along and find out about them. Meet by the new Pavilion in the Park 8.45pm.

Thurs. 10 June. BATS, NEWTS & BEER WALK - Nutfield Marsh. A roam across the Marsh, to find some bats & newts. Then a drink in The Inn on the Pond afterwards. Bring a torch and warm clothing. Meet by The Inn on the Pond pond (park in the Pub car park). 8.30pm. Grid ref: 303514/Postcode: RH1 4EU.

Thurs. 17 June. NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - General Maintenance Day. An assortment of jobs, roaming over the Marsh, and a good chance to see many of the species we have on the reserve. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Sun. 27 June. DRAGONFLY ID COURSE. Join Simon & Surrey Wildlife Trust Ranger Steve Bolton for an introduction to UK damsel & dragonflies. Morning classroom session followed by afternoon in the field. This must be booked in advance, via Steve 07799 894148. Cost 25 pounds. Meet at the Aquasports Centre, Mercers Park, RH1 4EU.

Wed. 30 June. SPYNES MERE, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Grassland Management. This is a Surrey Wildlife Trust event not ours, but feel free to join in! Meet in the car park off Bletchingley Road, NOT the Moors car park! Grid ref:306526.

Sun. 4 July. REIGATE PRIORY PARK LAKE - Wetland Planting Preparation. Today we'll be planting up the areas we've fenced ready, to further enhance this park restoration. Meet by the lake, off Park Lane at the western end of the Park. We'll have the gate open off Park Lane, so you can park on site opposite Wesley Close, Grid ref: 247498/Postcode: RH2 8JS.

Tues. 6 July. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - RGS Day Typha Pull. Another special with Reigate Grammar School's DoE students. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH. If you'd like to come on this then it is essential you book with Simon so the necessary child protection checks can be done by the school.

Thurs. 15 July. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Dragonflies & Typha. A good mix of getting to grips with our dragonflies (and other species) as we pull typha from the pools across the Moors. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Sun. 18 July. AGM, BBQ & TOOLS DAY Your chance to have your say on the running of the Group, elect your Committee, just chill at the BBQ, or help keep our tool kit in top notch order. Meet at Martin & Janet's 'Torteval', 11 Brew House Road, Brockham. Postcode: RH3 7NL

Sun. 25 July. NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Guided Walk. Join Surrey Wildlife Trust Ranger Steve Bolton for a guided walk over the Marsh to share the 'Wetland Vision' we have for the area. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Sun. 8 Aug. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Typha Pull. Missed the earlier chances to get wet and muddy?!! Continuing our typha clearance. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

Wed. 11 Aug. NUTFIELD MARSH - Bat Walk. Join Simon for a walk across the Marsh looking and listening for bats. Bring a torch and bat detector if you have one. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH. 8.30pm.

Thurs. 19 Aug. THE MOORS, NUTFIELD MARSH SNCI - Typha Pull. Continuing the typha clearance. We'll be using the pulled material to build grass snake egg laying habitat piles. Meet in the car park off Nutfield Road, between the roundabout to Watercolour and Fordbridge. Grid ref: 295517/Postcode: RH1 3HH.

SNCI Denotes Site of Nature Conservation Importance, namely that it is of countywide importance. 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.