Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers

Newsletter No. 2

The first Newsletter opened by stating that it was to be an "occasional thing". However, there's a lot happening in the New Year so it was decided to put another one out to keep everyone informed and to give you all a chance to attend the various activities. As you can see, a lot of this Newsletter is actually attachments but it seemed pointless to copy them out or to even summarise them.

Work Party

It is important to note that the correct date for the first Work party of the year is Saturday, January 29th starting at 9.30 am. Meet at the usual place, ie., the first coppiced area at the bottom of the Copse by Jubilee Avenue. We'll be doing some coppicing in accordance with the work plans agreed with WTC.

Training

A Training Day has been organised by the BTCV for the 25th March. The detailed programme has yet to be finalised but the themes are: leading work parties and practical conservation. There will be a morning session in the Emmbrook Village Hall for the "theory" side of things followed by an afternoon, probably in Holt Copse, when the practical application of the theory will be covered. This Day will be funded either totally by WDC or perhaps primarily by WDC with a contribution from the JPRA. The training will be given by a representative of the BTCV. Members of other conservation groups in the Wokingham area will be invited to attend as this assists with the allocation of funds to support the event. The HCCV will nominate two of its members to attend. Other groups will then be invited and any space left in the Committee Room can be filled by other HCCV members. As this training day is not just about leading work parties, it is important that we support it fully. After all, we may need to make other applications for funds in the future and evidence of commitment and enthusiasm are often key issues to swing things in favour of the applicants. It is also important that other members of the group attend, particularly younger ones. It has been notable that, to date, there has been a predominance of late middle aged members attending formal meetings and reviews. Younger people must be actively involved in matters other than practical conservation work in the Copse or we'll end up with a self-destruct mechanism consisting of old codgers and leading lights. I can write this because, at present, I feel that I represent both of these but I do want the group to succeed.

Biodiversity Forum

On the 8th February, at 7.30 pm, a Biodiversity Forum is to be held at the Loddon Room, Dinton Pastures. Run by WDC's Countryside Service, it will address ways of achieving community involvement in biodiversity. Looking at the programme it is evident that this is something that is consistent with the HCCV objectives and we should be represented. As can be seen from the attached invitation, it is for only two members to attend. If you would be prepared to commit yourself to attending, please contact Nick Hopkinson as soon as possible so that he can advise the organisers. Please Note: I will require a report for the Newsletter!

Berkshire E & C Directory

The Berkshire Rural Action Forum is compiling a directory of "Environmental and Community Contacts 2000" It is described as a directory for those working with or seeking contacts in environmental and non-political community organisations. The HCCV will have an entry in this Directory. For those interested in finding out more about this Directory, Martin Spray, Director of BBONT will be giving an address to launch it at Dinton pastures Country Park on the 16th February at 2.00pm. If you would like to attend let Nick Hopkinson know in time for him to fax your name to the organisers by the 8th January. Just one thing - if you do attend, could you please write a short note for the next HCCV Newsletter?

Holt Copse Survey

On December 3rd, Andy Glencross from the WDC Countryside Service came along to Holt Copse to survey it with a view to preparing a new Management Plan for the Copse and Joel Park. Colin Hook from WTC was also there as were a number of HCCV members. It was a really valuable afternoon when we were able to discuss the various conservation and woodland management options with an expert. Andy was very receptive to opinions expressed by HCCV members and we can be sure that the Plan that emerges will be a benefit to both the Copse itself and the wide range of users.

Winter Bird Survey

This will be a fairly simplistic affair this time around and I propose that if you are walking within the boundaries of the Copse and Joel Park during the month of January you record on the attached form any birds you definitely identify. Just put one tick for one or more sitings in any one day. At the end of the month send or put your list(s) through my door at 45, Marks Road. I will then try to see if any patterns are evident and certainly compile a list of all the species seen. I appreciate that there will be repeat sitings and even multiple sitings but by recording what we see we will at least have some data recorded. From this we can develop our techniques and start to identify patterns.

Are there any entomologists or botanists out there and are you: a) prepared to admit to it, and b) prepared to get involved in surveys of your specialities in Holt Copse and Joel Park?

HCCV Annual General Meeting

Plenty of warning for this event. It's on the 7th April, which is a Friday. Venue: Emmbrook Village Hall. Starting time to be advised but probably 8.00pm.

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