Since the last newsletter there have been 4 volunteer work parties on the reserve, with an average of 10 people each. This included one workparty with employees from Tarmac. The following tasks have been completed:
- The scrub around the South Heath picnic table has been cut back to improve the view.
- Several of the paths on the south heath have been mowed
- One of the main set of steps on the East side of the south heath has been restored and handrails replaced (see picture above)
- A small section of fence was repaired on the south heath and another near the south picnic table
- The scrub next to the main bridleway going through the south heath has been cut back severely
- The interpretation board next to the south heath picnic table has been moved out of the sight line to improve the view
In addition there have been some discussions and meetings to review the plans for he proposed plan that will go along the edge of the south heath near to Sacombe road from Great Mole wood to the corner of Vicarage lane. The plan has been submitted by Tarmac to the planning department for consideration.
The next 3 months
Over the next couple of months there will be some tree safety works completed along the eastern edge of Great Mole Wood on the edge of Sacombe road. A number of trees have been identified as potentially dangerous and will need to be cut back to prevent them falling into the road and causing an accident.
The volunteers will also be busy cutting back the vegetation alongside the paths and also on some of the banks on the reserve. In addition some of the scrub that is growing up near the river Beane will be cut back to reduce the shading. The volunteers will also be maintaining the infrastructure (fences, steps and benches) on the site as necessary.
If you would like to get involved with the site please look at our website where volunteering opportunities are advertised or contact me and I will put you in touch with the appropriate warden:
North Heath – Marcella Randall
South Heath – Andrew Wood
Great Molewood – Steve Kiln