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Holt Copse Conservation VolunteersNewsletter No. 9Editorial We’ve had our AGM and you should all have received the Minutes by now. Reading those and looking at our future programme overleaf, I think we can now claim to be something more than just a "slash and burn" group. In the early days, while we found our way, our activities tended to be very work orientated. We have now "matured" to the point where we are looking for a more rounded experience of conservation. I think this is a good sign because it means we shouldn’t become bored or disillusioned by doing the same old thing and not really enjoying the fruits of our labours. The next page of this Newsletter is just a calendar of events. This isn’t because I couldn’t be bothered to write any more but will allow you to pin it on your noticeboard or somewhere prominent to act as an aide memoire (or even a memory jogger). We all live very hectic lives, constantly trying to balance all the demands on out time. Consequently, events pass us by. I hope the calendar is a help – I know it will be to me ! Holt Copse – a Local Nature Reserve. A meeting was held at the Countryside Service offices at Dinton Pastures on the 24th April. It was attended by Colin Hooke (WTC), Andy Glencross (WDC CS), and myself for HCCV. The purpose was for Andy to brief Colin on the procedure for making an application for LNR status and to agree how much of the Copse and adjoining park area should be proposed for includion. I had received input from one other member of our group. A map was marked up for Colin to use in his submission to the Parks and Amenities Committee at the WTC. If the WTC agree to proceed with the application, there will be two stages of public consultation. An informal initial stage, not required by the English Nature’s procedure, whereby copies of the proposal will be made available in the Town Hall and an article will be put in the Wokingham Times informing people of this opportunity to make comments. It may even be possible to attach a copy to each JPRA Newsletter as the JPRA members represent over 500 local households. The second stage comes when the formal application is made to English Nature. This requires a formal notice, rather like a planning application, to be put in the local paper for two consecutive weeks. Comments would be considered by WTC and, assumedly, EN. It must be emphasised that this whole process is between WTC and EN, with assistance from WDC. It is NOT an HCCV activity or responsibility. We are, however, being involved and our opinions sought as WTC see fit. (Sorry about the initials – limited space on two sides of A4). Don’t forget – the JPRA gives considerable financial and moral support. Please make every effort to attend the JPRA AGM on the 18th May in the Emmbrook Village Hall. Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers Dates for your Diary and Bookmark for the HCCV Website. Tuesday, 8th May - Wildflower Walk in the Copse. Start 7.30pm Saturday, 12th May – Hedgerow Wildflower Identification training. The session last from 10am to 4pm, starting with "theory" in the morning and practical work in the afternoon. Confirm with Nic Hopkinson (901 9392) that you will attend. The first one was popular, the second likely to be even more so. Book early to avoid disappointment. Location: Starting at Winnersh Community Centre for "theory" part. Outdoor gear and wellies needed for afternoon, practical session. Wednesday, 16th May - Wildflower Walk in the Copse. Start - 7.00pm. We will be accompanied by Maurice Budden. He lectured at the Woodland Wildflower training day. So we should be able to build on what we learnt on the course. Monday, 4th June - Bat counting at the two Noctule Bat roosts. Start – 8.30pm Saturday, 9th June - Work Party Start - 9.30am Making Stag Beetle habitat, installing bat boxes and general clear up of our debris. Saturday, 23rd June – Surveying and Monitoring Bats Start - tba This is a formal training course in the same vein as the wildflower courses. Contact Nic Hopkinson to book a place. Tuesday, 10th July - Bat Walk – detectors may be available. Start – 9.00pm Saturday, 21st July - Work Party to build the bridge. Start – 9.30am It is vital that members intending to help advise Nic Hopkinson (901 9392) and commit themselves to it as we will have a lot of valuable timber delivered to the site in the Copse and it can’t be left overnight. This will be an all-day session but "part-timers" are also very welcome – still let Nic know your intentions. It has been suggested that, after the bridge building, we have a bit of a social gathering such as a barbecue (if we have Chinese food, it could be a Wok Party). More nearer the time. Saturday, October 13th - Work Party Start – 9.30am Saturday, November 10th - Work Party Start – 9.30am Saturday, December 8th - Work Party Start – 9.30am Saturday, December 29th - Work Party Start – 9.30am Saturday, January 19th - Work Party Start – 9.30am Saturday, February 16th - Work Party Start – 9.30am
Visit the HCCV website at: http://website.lineone.net/~hccv/ Jack Meatcher 1st May, 2001
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