Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers

Newsletter No. 8

Editorial

It's nearly another year gone past and the next AGM looms. We've had five more work days and can certainly see "where we've been". The exciting thing now is waiting for the tangible benefits in more wild flowers and a great show of bluebells, the emerging evidence for this can already be seen. One of the other possible benefits of a great show of wood anemones and bluebells is an increase in our group's credibility with our neighbours and users of the Copse. In turn, that might mean more members and more support.

The range of issues covered in this Newsletter shows that, although we might be consolidating as a group, we are certainly not "sitting on our hands". There's a lot going on and plenty of opportunities for everyone to find their niche. Only a few days ago I was told by someone that they really wanted to get involved but their health would prevent them doing the physical work. That they'd feel embarrassed to stand and watch. However, it emerged that he has some excellent identification skills, both of flora and fauna. I explained that I didn't think there was anyone in the group that would worry about him not "being physical" when he could contribute skills like that. He's planning to join us at the AGM.

Annual General Meeting

Our Constitution requires us to have one meeting each year to formalise the Group's affairs. This also provides evidence to supporting organisations that we are a bona fide conservation group actively pursuing defined conservation objectives. This may sound a bit "heavy" but it is important when we apply for grants or other assistance to further our work.

The AGM this year is to be held in the Emmbrook Village Hall Committee Room on Friday, April 6th, starting at 8.00pm.

It is important you attend as it shapes our future activities.

There will be an Agenda issued before the meeting. Let Nic Hopkinson know if you have a particular issue you feel should be aired at the AGM and needs to go on the Agenda. Oh, and the Treasurer will also be collecting our £2.00's as subs for the coming year.

Holt Copse - a Local Nature Reserve.

This is an official designation for tracts of land that meet certain criteria. Holt Copse and the associated Joel Park seem to meet these and there are benefits in getting this status confirmed. We wouldn't apply for it. That is done by the owner of the land so we'll need to do a bit of "homework" before the AGM so that you can be told all about it. A tangible benefit will be that such status opens up other sources of grant aid and, while it seems that we're always looking for more financial support, it might mean we could afford to get someone formally trained and kitted out to use a chainsaw. I plan to have a chat with Colin Hook and will provide a report for the AGM.

Work Party, 17th February, 2001.

Colin Melhuish, leader of the last work party, sends this report:

The last work party of this Winter saw something of a change to our normal routine of coppicing hazel and holly. This time the group tried its hand(s) at something a little more "constructive" and built a magnificent "dead hedge". The aims of this were fourfold:

* To define the edge of the path and prevent trampling of the emerging bluebells.
* To provide cover for birds and insects.
* To use up some of the vast heaps of coppiced material we've accumulated.
* To do something different for a change!

The hedge was constructed by driving in stakes at a spacing of about 5 feet (1.54 metres) in two rows about 18" (0.5m) apart. The space between the rows of stakes was then packed with a mixture of brushwood and heavier logs. It was rather a "make-it-up-as-you-go-along" affair as none of us had built a dead hedge before. However, before long, the group had organised itself into small teams with some people cutting stakes, others sharpening them and driving them in, while others packed the hedge. Four large piles of brushwood and logs soon disappeared and by the end of the session we were amazed by the length of hedge we had created. Considering that this was our first attempt at dead hedging it was a marvellous achievement. I'm sure we'll be building more next "season".

As well as constructing the hedge, a few hardened individuals suffering from CWS (coppicing withdrawal syndrome) were spotted sloping off with their bowsaws and loppers to the top end of compartment 1 to feed their craving by tidying up the area tackled at the previous Work Day.

We have made great progress this season and had fun in the process. I'm sure that due to our efforts we are in for a "best ever" crop of wild flowers in a few weeks' time. I can't wait!

Dates for your Diary

Sunday, 8th April - Woodland Wildflower Identification training.
Saturday, 12th May - Hedgerow Wildflower Identification training.

The sessions last from 10am to 4pm, starting with "theory" in the morning and practical work in the afternoon. The sessions start at Dinton Pastures, the Loddon Room, with practical work for the Woodland Wildflowers at Pearmain's Copse, Lower Earley.

Remember, these are put on for the benefit of people like us. If we don't support them they'll disappear. Check your diary, reserve the date(s), and go for it! Let Nic Hopkinson know so that he can advise the organisers.

Jack Meatcher

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