Progress Report 2021/22
SUMMER ACTIVITIES:
A Summer BBQ was held at Mike's house. An excellent event that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
AUTUMN/WINTER ACTIVITIES:
For the first time in two years we have managed to complete our working season without a covid-19 interruption.
In terms of overall progress 15 of the 19 jobs identified for the season were completed.
WORK PARTY STATISTICS:
There were 12 Saturday work parties equating to 200 ‘person mornings’ and an average turnout of 16.7 members.
There were 12 midweek work parties this season equating to 122 ‘person mornings’ and an average turnout of 10.2 members.
These figures are slightly up on the last “full” season 2018/19.
The number of active members was also very similar with 35 recorded over the season (up from 34 in 2018/19). We welcomed eight new faces this season.
We were also assisted by the ladies from the Newbury Building society doing their community volunteering.
We seem to have somehow scared off the youngsters doing their D of E volunteering as we have had none this year!
PROGRESS MADE:
We undertook four main projects this season, those being:
The first 25-30m section of the Reading Road hedge was laid. Slow progress due to the neglected nature of the hedge which was last laid more than 15 years ago.
Compartment 2b was coppiced and brambles cleared. Approximately 80% completed.
Brambles, laurel and scrub were cleared from compartment 9 (The Glade) over several sessions and the area sown with grass seed.
Five silver birch trees were planted in Joel Park to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Funded by a grant from The Newbury Building Society and WTC.
Many maintenance jobs were also carried out:
Brambles and laurel were bashed in compartment 1a and sections of compartments 3 and 6.
Yellow archangel was bashed in compartment 2b.
Both of the laid hedges along Jubilee Avenue were trimmed.
The recently planted hedge alongside the Bermuda Triangle was weeded.
Three replacement red oak trees were planted towards the bottom of Connaught Avenue.
A large bramble patch at the top of Connaught Avenue was cleared and grass seed sown.
Three new Nature Watch signs were installed.
The rustic bench was fitted with a new replacement back using security bolts this time!
The main path towards the top end at Holt Lane was patched with scalpings.
Storm blown branches were cut up and stacked. Damaged trees were coppiced.
The repaired owl box was re-installed along with three additional nest boxes.
Young oak trees on Holt Lane were pruned.
The annual nest box survey was completed. (see separate report).
A Summer BBQ was held at Mike's house. An excellent event that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
AUTUMN/WINTER ACTIVITIES:
For the first time in two years we have managed to complete our working season without a covid-19 interruption.
In terms of overall progress 15 of the 19 jobs identified for the season were completed.
WORK PARTY STATISTICS:
There were 12 Saturday work parties equating to 200 ‘person mornings’ and an average turnout of 16.7 members.
There were 12 midweek work parties this season equating to 122 ‘person mornings’ and an average turnout of 10.2 members.
These figures are slightly up on the last “full” season 2018/19.
The number of active members was also very similar with 35 recorded over the season (up from 34 in 2018/19). We welcomed eight new faces this season.
We were also assisted by the ladies from the Newbury Building society doing their community volunteering.
We seem to have somehow scared off the youngsters doing their D of E volunteering as we have had none this year!
PROGRESS MADE:
We undertook four main projects this season, those being:
- Laying of the Reading Road hedge
- Coppicing of compartment 2b
- Restoration of compartment 9 (The Glade)
- Planting of the Platinum Jubilee birch trees
The first 25-30m section of the Reading Road hedge was laid. Slow progress due to the neglected nature of the hedge which was last laid more than 15 years ago.
Compartment 2b was coppiced and brambles cleared. Approximately 80% completed.
Brambles, laurel and scrub were cleared from compartment 9 (The Glade) over several sessions and the area sown with grass seed.
Five silver birch trees were planted in Joel Park to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Funded by a grant from The Newbury Building Society and WTC.
Many maintenance jobs were also carried out:
Brambles and laurel were bashed in compartment 1a and sections of compartments 3 and 6.
Yellow archangel was bashed in compartment 2b.
Both of the laid hedges along Jubilee Avenue were trimmed.
The recently planted hedge alongside the Bermuda Triangle was weeded.
Three replacement red oak trees were planted towards the bottom of Connaught Avenue.
A large bramble patch at the top of Connaught Avenue was cleared and grass seed sown.
Three new Nature Watch signs were installed.
The rustic bench was fitted with a new replacement back using security bolts this time!
The main path towards the top end at Holt Lane was patched with scalpings.
Storm blown branches were cut up and stacked. Damaged trees were coppiced.
The repaired owl box was re-installed along with three additional nest boxes.
Young oak trees on Holt Lane were pruned.
The annual nest box survey was completed. (see separate report).