KEEP THE RIDGE GREEN Minutes of the Meeting held Wednesday 21st March 7.30pm
The Mill House
Westdene.
Present Ron Murray (chairman) Anne Murray, Kim Willis, Maureen Holt, Colin Leeves, Rosemary Dowd, Tony Dowd, Annabeth Horsley, John Horsley, Cllr Ken Norman, Will Furze (ranger) Christine FitzGerald
Apologies Cllr Ann Norman, Pete Simmonds Robert Barnett (treasurer)
Ron Murray welcomed all and introduced Christine FitzGerald as a new member and secretary to the group.
1. Matters arising from the previous meeting
Copies of the minutes had been circulated. Ron Murray reported that for six months he had been trying to contact Pete the Pond to no avail. He had wanted to ask for advise regarding marginal planting around the pond. CL suggested contacting Jess Price from Woodsmill for information. No other issues were raised from the previous meetings minutes and they were agreed
2. Repairs & replacement s to benches and undergrowth cut back
Will Furze reports the purchased timber is in store for the bench repairs. He has delayed work on The Ridge due to the wet weather. RM reported some of the Coney Wood notice boards were rotting as the backs are made of plywood. WF will check and later in April undertake refurbishment. RM has in safe keeping the plaque removed from the commemorative bench dedicated to John Drake.
3. Green Ridge hedgeline, encroaching brambles and undergrowth cut back.
WF ranger will liaise with Alan Griffiths and Stuart re: tractor work .At present the department is behind on its work schedule. MH requested the pathway when cut back be moved a little towards the old hedge line planting with a view to deter brambles encroaching on the meadow. The bramble should also be cleared around the 2017 whip planting. WF( ranger) reported no progress had been made re the resident and green waste dumping. MH asked if a polite reminder could be circulated to Green Ridge residents advising green waste should not be tipped over their fences onto The Ridge. WF will also at some point treat the Mile a Minute plant with glyphosate .
4. Workdays & Green Gym schedule of works required, dates to be agreed.
CL asked if Green Gym could do blackthorn popping, RD asked if the undergrowth & bramble could be cut back in front of the hedge approaching The Mill House, also the earth walked off the grass pathways be cleared from the driveway. Removal of the bind weed from the area by the pond
should be undertaken plus hedge checking WF, will look into the possibility of obtaining some crushed stone to go into the gateway entrances (funding permitting\)
Future work dates Sunday April 15th cutting back, June 10th, Aug: 19th general maintenance & cutting back October 28th.
5. Treasurers updating
In the absence of Robert Barnett RM reported a healthy balance of approximately £2,000 with little recent expenditure. RD requested some additional dormouse boxes which could be purchased through PTES. More bird boxes could also be bought but a problem arises regarding siting them as council staff and volunteers should not be using ladders. WF will liaise with the ARB team and RD to arrange for the erection of the bat box she has in store.
6. Membership & recruitment issues
In the absence of Pete Simmonds RM said Pete is taking on membership renewals and recruitment when the weather improves.
7. Butterfly Walk
AH reported Jamie Burston has given three possible Sunday dates in July for the butterfly walk. He will also promote the event with other conservancy groups. RM said KTRG will make a donation to Butterfly Conservation All agreed lasts years walk had been extremely successful.
8. Toads Hole Valley development and SNCI issues.
MH and CL report little information is being disclosed by the council regarding the development of T.H V.and the impact it will have on the wildlife and SNCI area. Dormouse monitoring has been undertaken over the area plus reptile monitoring with the results recorded by the developers ecologist. It is the view that planning and ecology issues will take a considerable time before any firm details are released as several developers are involved in the construction of the site.
9. Whips placement and working party.
It was agreed Friday 6th April 2.00pm should be set aside for the whip planting with K & M W plus RM and KN volunteering to plant them with some infilling in Coney Wood to compensate for the Ash trees affected by die back AH will print workday posters for April. .Jobs to include tree popping, cutting back, litter and plastic picking.
10. Stanmer nurseries FOC wild flower plants.
WF felt that as most of the plants are suitable for downland conditions they would not flourish on the clay cap of Green Ridge
11. AOB
RM reported three Perspex leaflet holders had been vandalised. WF said that Acorn workshops make quality oak boxes .RM had obtained a price for a single leaflet holder with Perspex front for £50 plus delivery costs. It was agreed that initially one should be purchased as a trial
KW suggested a group member should attend the Westdene community barn organisations autumn fair to promote KTRG group and encourage new members.
RM reported that Hayley has retired from the group due to her domestic commitments but he will keep in touch with her should any funding applications be needed.
RD suggested contact with the local school should be maintained RM will liaise with the school secretary...
WF advised that the ranger team are to remain at Stanmer moving into an unused workshop for the foreseeable future, he also said Johnnie Gapper will no longer be growing the wildflower plants under the Plumpton college regime at the nurseries.
Date for next committee meeting 18th September.
Date for AGM either 20th or 27th July at Church of the Ascension in the Malcolm Young room.
The meeting closed with the chairman giving thanks to Rosemary and Tony Dowd for providing the venue and their kind hospitality
The Mill House
Westdene.
Present Ron Murray (chairman) Anne Murray, Kim Willis, Maureen Holt, Colin Leeves, Rosemary Dowd, Tony Dowd, Annabeth Horsley, John Horsley, Cllr Ken Norman, Will Furze (ranger) Christine FitzGerald
Apologies Cllr Ann Norman, Pete Simmonds Robert Barnett (treasurer)
Ron Murray welcomed all and introduced Christine FitzGerald as a new member and secretary to the group.
1. Matters arising from the previous meeting
Copies of the minutes had been circulated. Ron Murray reported that for six months he had been trying to contact Pete the Pond to no avail. He had wanted to ask for advise regarding marginal planting around the pond. CL suggested contacting Jess Price from Woodsmill for information. No other issues were raised from the previous meetings minutes and they were agreed
2. Repairs & replacement s to benches and undergrowth cut back
Will Furze reports the purchased timber is in store for the bench repairs. He has delayed work on The Ridge due to the wet weather. RM reported some of the Coney Wood notice boards were rotting as the backs are made of plywood. WF will check and later in April undertake refurbishment. RM has in safe keeping the plaque removed from the commemorative bench dedicated to John Drake.
3. Green Ridge hedgeline, encroaching brambles and undergrowth cut back.
WF ranger will liaise with Alan Griffiths and Stuart re: tractor work .At present the department is behind on its work schedule. MH requested the pathway when cut back be moved a little towards the old hedge line planting with a view to deter brambles encroaching on the meadow. The bramble should also be cleared around the 2017 whip planting. WF( ranger) reported no progress had been made re the resident and green waste dumping. MH asked if a polite reminder could be circulated to Green Ridge residents advising green waste should not be tipped over their fences onto The Ridge. WF will also at some point treat the Mile a Minute plant with glyphosate .
4. Workdays & Green Gym schedule of works required, dates to be agreed.
CL asked if Green Gym could do blackthorn popping, RD asked if the undergrowth & bramble could be cut back in front of the hedge approaching The Mill House, also the earth walked off the grass pathways be cleared from the driveway. Removal of the bind weed from the area by the pond
should be undertaken plus hedge checking WF, will look into the possibility of obtaining some crushed stone to go into the gateway entrances (funding permitting\)
Future work dates Sunday April 15th cutting back, June 10th, Aug: 19th general maintenance & cutting back October 28th.
5. Treasurers updating
In the absence of Robert Barnett RM reported a healthy balance of approximately £2,000 with little recent expenditure. RD requested some additional dormouse boxes which could be purchased through PTES. More bird boxes could also be bought but a problem arises regarding siting them as council staff and volunteers should not be using ladders. WF will liaise with the ARB team and RD to arrange for the erection of the bat box she has in store.
6. Membership & recruitment issues
In the absence of Pete Simmonds RM said Pete is taking on membership renewals and recruitment when the weather improves.
7. Butterfly Walk
AH reported Jamie Burston has given three possible Sunday dates in July for the butterfly walk. He will also promote the event with other conservancy groups. RM said KTRG will make a donation to Butterfly Conservation All agreed lasts years walk had been extremely successful.
8. Toads Hole Valley development and SNCI issues.
MH and CL report little information is being disclosed by the council regarding the development of T.H V.and the impact it will have on the wildlife and SNCI area. Dormouse monitoring has been undertaken over the area plus reptile monitoring with the results recorded by the developers ecologist. It is the view that planning and ecology issues will take a considerable time before any firm details are released as several developers are involved in the construction of the site.
9. Whips placement and working party.
It was agreed Friday 6th April 2.00pm should be set aside for the whip planting with K & M W plus RM and KN volunteering to plant them with some infilling in Coney Wood to compensate for the Ash trees affected by die back AH will print workday posters for April. .Jobs to include tree popping, cutting back, litter and plastic picking.
10. Stanmer nurseries FOC wild flower plants.
WF felt that as most of the plants are suitable for downland conditions they would not flourish on the clay cap of Green Ridge
11. AOB
RM reported three Perspex leaflet holders had been vandalised. WF said that Acorn workshops make quality oak boxes .RM had obtained a price for a single leaflet holder with Perspex front for £50 plus delivery costs. It was agreed that initially one should be purchased as a trial
KW suggested a group member should attend the Westdene community barn organisations autumn fair to promote KTRG group and encourage new members.
RM reported that Hayley has retired from the group due to her domestic commitments but he will keep in touch with her should any funding applications be needed.
RD suggested contact with the local school should be maintained RM will liaise with the school secretary...
WF advised that the ranger team are to remain at Stanmer moving into an unused workshop for the foreseeable future, he also said Johnnie Gapper will no longer be growing the wildflower plants under the Plumpton college regime at the nurseries.
Date for next committee meeting 18th September.
Date for AGM either 20th or 27th July at Church of the Ascension in the Malcolm Young room.
The meeting closed with the chairman giving thanks to Rosemary and Tony Dowd for providing the venue and their kind hospitality
26th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Held on Friday, 14th July 2017, at 19.30 hours, in the Malcolm Young Room, Ascension Church, Westdene, Brighton
Present: Ron (RM) –Chairman, & Anne Murray, Robert Barnett (RB)-Treasurer, Will Furze (WF)-BHCC ranger; Cllrs. Ken (KN) & Ann Norman and Nick Taylor; Rosemary (RD) & Tony Dowd; Denise Taylor; Rosemary Friedel (RF) & Alan Kerridge; Maureen Holt (MH -notes)
Apologies: Pete & Jen Simmonds, John & Annabeth Horsley, Colin Leeves, Gill Gilling, Neil Jenner, Martin Robinson
RM welcomed everyone including our three councillors and two KTRG Green Ridge members who had not previously attended.
Chairman’s Address: ‘The pond fencing was finally erected after 3 years delay due to specification requirements and funding. The work was completed to a high standard and the practicality of the fence has been much praised by the public; we are grateful for a part funding by the council. Once the fence was in place we arranged for Pete-the-Pond and his team to completely overhaul the pond, clearing away debris and unsuitable aquatic plants, then re-stocking with appropriate plant life and giving us a comprehensive survey and report for future planning. The cost was £750 from group funds.
During November/December we purchased and planted a further 3,000 Bluebells, 300 primroses and 75 Hazel whips all within Coney Wood. I am grateful to all members and volunteers who assisted in this operation. We were able to secure a £2,000 working capital council grant which went towards a Dormouse Training Course for Kim Willis, new bird and dormouse boxes, purchase of numerous plants and trees and other essential stock
A water supply has now been finally installed on the ridge close to the windmill, and this will provide constant fresh water whilst the sheep are grazing in the winter months. The initial costs were obtained by KTRG from Lottery funds in 2013. Matting was installed at most entrance gates on site, which should improve access during the winter periods.
A number of information boards needed new secure backing boards, and these were made to order by a group member, and the ranger installed the units as required.
The Green Gym has visited the ridge and carried out numerous tasks including clearance of undergrowth, we are grateful for their continued support. In addition KTRG have organized a number of group work mornings throughout the year, and have been well supported with a range of worthy tasks completed.
In conclusion I would like to thank all members for their support, together with the ongoing work of the committee, and in particular to Annabeth Horsley who will be retiring after 26 years on the committee and for the last few years as acting secretary.’ Ron Murray
Treasurer’s Report – RB enlightened us that KTRG end of year funds currently stood at £2,200 and incoming money showed a surplus of £162 over expenditure despite a downturn in membership subscriptions. This was thanks to two Grants of £1,000 and £2,000 which had enabled projects to keep going. RB questioned whether our subscriptions to CPRE, SWT, SDN and Butterfly Conservation should continue but RM reminded all of us that while the group still had funds their backing was available should we need it. It was hoped Jonathan Best (BHCC Grants Officer) would continue to be amenable over future Grant Aid – as we had dealt with him now for over 10 years.
RB considered looking into the possibility of a printed paper information sheet to be delivered to all members- at least once a year when subscriptions are due?
Ranger’s Report: WF was settling in well with requirements at this site after Garry had experienced personal problems last November, so the group very much hopes for a period of stability. He has attended a couple of work sessions and succeeded in finishing off the long overdue water supply by bringing in contractors considered necessary in this case. RD and MH questioned whether water from this could be adapted to provide a nearby source when watering whips in dry weather?
Currently a fly tipping of green waste incident in the boundary hedge is under legal investigation. WF will let MH know of a suitable date to walk the whole length of the hedge line in order to better understand requirements of the different compartments.
Sheep grazing is envisaged to commence at the end of September/ beginning of October and they will definitely be fenced in this year. Gates will be checked to see they are working properly before their arrival. WF intimated that in future spring and summer grazing was being considered likely for economic reasons - this was challenged by KN and MH as being very unsuitable for flowering plants on this clay cap. The Green had evolved as meadowland rather than a low chalk grassland sward – WF will pass this concern on and suggest winter grazing should remain here. He is mindful of the three memorial trees and will place extra fencing around the beech in the far Windmill Drive field. RD reminded him that extra fencing was preferable in the kissing gate field as well to enable dog walkers access without having to walk through sheep and prevent escape routes to behind the mill.
Election of Officers - These were elected en block as follows:
Chairman: Ron Murray
Treasurer: Robert Barnett
Membership Secretary: Peter Simmonds
Wildlife Consultant and Green Ridge Liaison Maureen Holt
School Liaison: Hailey Sellins
Coney Wood Co-ordinators: Rosemary/Tony Dowd/Kim Willis
Website: Colin Leeves
Conservation Day Leaders: Kim & Mike Willis
Newsletter distributor: Elaine Corcut
Hilltop Co-ordinator Denise Taylor
Windmill Drive Co-ordinator: Rowena Burton
Brangwyn Co-ordinator: Brenda Poundsbery
The point was made that we are in desperate need of the following:
A Secretary (following Annabeth’s resignation); a Newsletter Editor and a Conservation Day Co-ordinator.
Membership fee for 2017/18 – it was agreed to leave this at £5 per household – or £2.50 for single membership, despite membership money being down this year. The membership secretary later reported two issues he had discovered while collecting subscriptions. One is confusion about when these become due with several people thinking they had already paid. The other aspect is an illusion that the SDNP (or the National Trust) contributes funds when in reality BHCC is still responsible despite dwindling cash problems.
Any other business – The Green Gym recently attacked a pernicious Russian Vine ‘garden escapee’ from one of the properties in the hedgerow, but its large roots will need ‘stump killing’ if it is to be finally eradicated after many years of regrowth. WF to investigate and liaise with the GR resident who had tried to get rid of it from his back garden fence line but had not quite succeeded!
RF asked why BHCC tolerated residents backing on to council-owned National Park land who were treating it as if it was their property by removing whips/mowing and in some cases enclosing it within their boundary. Back gates had been allowed through the hedge when houses were built but did that give residents any rights other than back entry?
Those present also wished to thank Annabeth Horsley for her long service record. She had attended almost all meetings since the inception of KTRG in June 1991 - having served as treasurer and also very competently stood in as Secretary when MH resigned after 21 years due to health issues in 2012. In addition she had been involved with Conservation Day organisation and sending out information to members.
Events - Reminder that the Butterfly walk is Sunday 30th July, 10.30 – 12.30, meet at the Café. KTRG is fortunate to have a guide, Jamie Burston of Sussex Butterfly Conservation. The Green Gym is booked to return Thursday, 14th September (10am) and the next KTRG workday is 10am Sunday, 17th September –meet at the windmill.
The next meeting is 7.30 pm on Tuesday, 5th September and the date of the Christmas Get Together was set for Tuesday, December 12th – both venues to be at Mill House by kind invitation of RD.
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Notes of KTRG Meeting of 25/10/16 @ 19.30 hours hosted by Rosemary and Tony Dowd
Present: Ron & Anne Murray (RM & AM), Garry Meyer, Ranger (GM), Maureen Holt (MH), Colin Leeves (CL), Rosemary & Tony Dowd, (RD) Robert Barnett (RB), Denise Taylor (DT), Ken Norman (KN), John & Annabeth Horsley (JH & AH)
Apologies: Ann Norman, Nick Taylor, David Burton, Peter Simmonds, David & Linda Earl, Elaine Corcut, Hailey Sellins, Kim Willis
1) Matters arising
There were no matters arising from the previous meeting.
2) Dates for conservation days and future meetings and sheep grazing:
Conservation day: Sun 13/11/16 @ 10.00 hours
Christmas meeting at the Mill House: Fri 16/12/16 @ 19.30 hours
Committee meeting 14/03/17 at the Mill House
Conservation day: Sun 19/03/17 @ 10.00 hours
Sheep are grazing the Ridge now, concern was raised about the lack of electric fencing and allowing sheep access to the hedges. Allowing sheep to nibble the trees would be counterproductive as we have spent the last quarter of a century planting trees to thicken the ancient Saxon boundary hedge along the gardens backing onto the Ridge. This hedge also forms the boundary for the Southdowns National Park. According to GM this was tried in the hope that the sheep would eat and reduce the ever widening thicket of brambles, nettles etc.
This is the first year the sheep have been allowed to roam freely across the whole of the Ridge and people and dogs being forced to walk amongst them. There are also gaps in the hedge along Mill Road where sheep could easily escape into the road.
(At the time of writing this has since been rectified and electric fencing re-installed.)
3) Grant Application
A grant application by Ron Murray to BHCC has been successful and the group has received £2000 for the installation of dormouse/bird and bat boxes, planting of bulbs and wild flowers, Dormouse handling courses
4) Pond update
An estimate of £750 from ‘Pete the Pond’ has been received to:
Remove the overgrowth of vegetation from the pond made of soft and hard rush plus elodea sub aquatic species. Once cleared to be planted with new native aquatic species to increase the biodiversity of the pond to help encourage wildlife. Wintering hibernaculum to be planted around the pond edge.
Sussex Wildlife Trust to be consulted for ideas which would be the best way forward to care for the pond and what further species to plant.
5) Water connection progress
We are waiting for the contractor to finish the work.
6) Matting update, repairs to gates
A number of gates have been re-sprung and adjusted, more to be done. Putting down matting at access points to be addressed by Ranger. City Clean deal with dog bins, any dog bins that have to be removed will not be replaced.
7) Consideration towards purchasing plants and bulbs for Coney Wood and the Ridge:
At the time of writing a further 300 primrose plugs and 3000 bluebell bulbs have already been planted in the wood. A big thank you to the few volunteers who did a magnificent job!
8) Invitation to join Community Works
Open spaces need a voice and representation, Denise Taylor, our Hill Top co-ordinator has kindly put her name forward for election. Denise is also chairing City in Bloom, so a busy Lady!!
9) Management Plan
A new format is expected from David Larkin, Head of Rangers, in due course.
10) Any other business
Leaflet holders need to be replaced on the Ridge, six to be purchased.
Kim Willis has kindly offered to do door-to-door leafletting, AH to provide some membership leaflets too.
What is left of the old Braybon Field, off Millcroft, next to the Scout Hut, has now been adopted by BHCC as an open space and is called Gatton Park Open Space, access from Redhill Close.
Leading Practical Volunteer Tasks course is being held at Stanmer Park on Saturday, 26th November from 10 am until 3 pm. There is no charge, tea and coffee will be provided and participants should bring their own packed lunch. Places are limited to one or two members from each group. The aim is that groups have individual leaders which would allow a group to work independently from the Rangers at a time when they are not available.
We are very fortunate that our group already has a couple of trained ‘leaders’ but if anyone else is interested please contact neil.doyle@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Date of next meeting 14th March 2017 at the Mill House.
Our grateful thanks to Rosemary & Tony Dowd for their kind hospitality.
Compiled by Annabeth Horsley 10/11/16
Notes following the 25th Annual General Meeting of Keep The Ridge Green
Friday, 22nd July 2016, at 19.30, in the Malcolm Young Room of the Ascension Church Westdene, Brighton
Present:
Ron & Anne Murray, Maureen Holt, Colin Leeves, Rosemary Dowd, Ken & Ann Norman, Nick Taylor, Peter & Jen Simmonds, David & Linda Earl, Denise Taylor, Garry Meyer (City Parks Ranger), John & Annabeth Horsley, Guest: Martin Robinson (Chairman of Brighton and Hove Wildlife Forum/BHWF)
Apologies:
Tony Dowd, Gill Gilling, Hailey Sellins, T & H Saunders, Kim & Mike Willis, Robert Barnett
Ron Murray, Chairman, has given an address in which he outlined the major events during the year as:
Water Supply Connection & Matting Purchased June 2013 at £1,960 - As part of the Lottery Grant Funding awarded to KTRG we gave the council this money to purchase water equipment and matting for use on the ridge. As three years had now elapsed without any action being taken, even though we continued to ask for the work to be carried out, a request was sent to David Larkin in May 2016 asking for our £1,960 to be repaid to KTRG forthwith. David quickly established that the various items had been purchased in 2013, and were being stored at Stanmer. Subsequently within days our new ranger Garry Meyer was actively installing both the matting and water connection, which is ongoing and scheduled to be completed this year.
KTRG Information & Notice Boards - Two information boards have been missing from their designated sites for up to 2 years, and the notice board adjoining the mill driveway has been unusable for the past year. We obtained quotes for replacement units which varied in price from £450 to £1,500. As we considered these prices to be extortionate, these have now been custom made at home for £120, and 2 placed on site by Garry on the same day of collection!!
Pond Fence - During the 2013 Lottery fun day on the ridge, a petition organised by Brian Oram established that there was on overwhelming support for a fence to be erected enclosing the wildlife pond. After three years and delays in specification and public liability issues, together with part grant funding, changes to specification, water logged site, we were able to have the work carried out from the 31st May 2016 at a total cost of £3,240. The workmanship and practicality of the fence has been much praised by the public.
Sheep Grazing - This proved to be problematic this year due to a prolonged wet winter and sheep foot rot problems. However the land improved and the sheep managed to eat their way through the long grass.
KTRG Workdays - Subject to weather conditions most planned work was carried out by our group volunteers to an agreed schedule. More help would be appreciated on future workdays.
Green Gym - Our former ranger Peter Craske had previously organised the work schedule on our behalf. Since leaving I have taken over as co-ordinator and have established a good working relationship with the Green Gym chairman and members of the group. A busy schedule for the future is planned and the team are keen to be associated with KTRG.
Unauthorised Encampments - We have continued to be vigilant ensuring that the ridge has been kept clear of unauthorised encampments. The private mill driveway being blocked by private cars etc.
Coney Wood - As a result of the extensive planting of trees and wildflowers carried out over the last 4 years, the wood has blossomed and is very much appreciated by the public. The wildlife has continued to thrive now that the area has reverted back to a quiet woodland landscape.
In conclusion I would like to thank all members of KTRG for their support, together with the ongoing work of the committee. Ron Murray
Financial – A working grant of £1000 was received from the Council and after the expenditure of the pond fencing of £3240 and approx. £500 for bluebells and wildflowers, our bank balance is now at £2086.27.
Ranger’s Report: Peter Craske has left Brighton and Hove City Council. He accepted voluntary redundancy as a result of the recent Ranger cuts and we wish him well for the future. Our new Ranger, Garry Meyer, has been with the corporation for a number of years and was already known to some of us having acted as occasional stand in conservation day leader when our usual Ranger was not available. Due to the depleted workforce Garry now covers 10 sites and groups, which is a very large area and can only increase the already immense pressure on the Ranger Service as a whole. He did not have the luxury of a hand-over period and had no prior knowledge of any outstanding items. However, he has already addressed several of the items and work is now advancing well. Several of the missing notice boards and signs have been re-instated and more are to come.
The installation of the water supply is progressing and will be finalised as soon as all the materials ordered have been received. Hopefully it will be completed by this Autumn. The water supply will come from the Farmer’s field and there will be several on/off switches on route in various locations.
Residents may have noticed the group of wheelbarrows tied to a lamp post on Dyke Road Avenue adjacent to Three Cornered Copse. These were used for re-surfacing the path from Three Cornered Copse down to Hove Park. This path is, like many others, known for getting extremely muddy and if the re-surfacing work proves to have been successful Garry proposes to do the same to the top path along the field into Coney Wood.
Garry is keen to work with the group on conservation days and also getting involved and leading the members of the Green Gym who also encourage people, who may have had health issues, to attend and have benefitted from the physical exercise and camaraderie of working together.
Elections:
Chairman/Officers/Committee members elected en masse as follows:
Chairman – Ron Murray / Treasurer – Robert Barnett / Membership Secretary – Peter Simmonds
Wildlife Consultant and WL Groups Liaison – Maureen Holt / Coney Wood Co-ordinators – Rosemary & Tony Dowd, Kim Willis / Website – Colin Leeves / Conservation Day Leaders – Kim & Mike Willis /
Newsletter Distributor – Elaine Corcut / Westdene School Liaison – Hailey Sellins
Hill Top co-ordinator – Denise Taylor / Windmill Drive Co-ordinator – Rowena Burton / Brangwyn Co-ordinator – Brenda Poundsbery / Committee Member and Acting Secretary – Annabeth Horsley
We are still in desperate need of a Secretary, Conservation Days Co-ordinator (to liaise between the group and Ranger) Newsletter Producer and a Publicity Officer.
The membership subscriptions are to be kept the same, £5.00 per family or £2.50 per single household and we attach a subscription form for 2016/17. Your continued support is very much appreciated.
VACOS
We were very pleased to welcome Denise Taylor, our new Hilltop Co-ordinator, who also chairs Brighton and Hove City in Bloom. If that wasn’t enough Denise is also chairing the newly formed VACOS and she says that:
“BHCIB organise citywide gardening competitions and have engaged with community groups over 25 years. The lack of communication between the groups and the council became apparent so they set up a VACOS (Volunteers Alliance for Community Open Spaces) to promote support and encourage groups. The lack of resources and problems with volunteering are some of the issues they hope to address as they join forces with other interested agencies to work alongside the councils Open Spaces Strategy. They believe that Cityparks are grossly underfunded and want to establish a dedicated liaison officer to ensure correlation with the proposed alliance of volunteers in the greenspaces sector.”
Any Other Business
Various items were raised, which will need to be discussed more fully at the next committee meeting and addressed during future conservation and Green Gym work days, ie:
All these jobs require volunteers and the usual half a dozen or so members who attend conservation days are not going to be able to cope and more volunteers are needed. How can we attract new members and more people willing to come and help on conservation mornings in general? One suggestion was that education in School is one way forward to get children used to and familiar with the idea of volunteering and the work that is involved once they become adults. We are very fortunate in our group that we have a good liaison with Westdene School through one of our Committee members and classes of children can often be seen having ‘wildlife lessons’ on the Ridge. They have also been very helpful and involved with wildflower and bluebell planting on the Ridge and in the Wood.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 13th September 2016, 19.30 hours, and will be hosted by Rosemary and Tony Dowd at the Mill House.
Conservation Days: 25th September and 13th November 2016 @ 10.00
Green Gym: 18th August 2016 @ 10.00 – 13.00
Ron Murray/Denise Taylor/Annabeth Horsley/July 2016
Friday, 22nd July 2016, at 19.30, in the Malcolm Young Room of the Ascension Church Westdene, Brighton
Present:
Ron & Anne Murray, Maureen Holt, Colin Leeves, Rosemary Dowd, Ken & Ann Norman, Nick Taylor, Peter & Jen Simmonds, David & Linda Earl, Denise Taylor, Garry Meyer (City Parks Ranger), John & Annabeth Horsley, Guest: Martin Robinson (Chairman of Brighton and Hove Wildlife Forum/BHWF)
Apologies:
Tony Dowd, Gill Gilling, Hailey Sellins, T & H Saunders, Kim & Mike Willis, Robert Barnett
Ron Murray, Chairman, has given an address in which he outlined the major events during the year as:
Water Supply Connection & Matting Purchased June 2013 at £1,960 - As part of the Lottery Grant Funding awarded to KTRG we gave the council this money to purchase water equipment and matting for use on the ridge. As three years had now elapsed without any action being taken, even though we continued to ask for the work to be carried out, a request was sent to David Larkin in May 2016 asking for our £1,960 to be repaid to KTRG forthwith. David quickly established that the various items had been purchased in 2013, and were being stored at Stanmer. Subsequently within days our new ranger Garry Meyer was actively installing both the matting and water connection, which is ongoing and scheduled to be completed this year.
KTRG Information & Notice Boards - Two information boards have been missing from their designated sites for up to 2 years, and the notice board adjoining the mill driveway has been unusable for the past year. We obtained quotes for replacement units which varied in price from £450 to £1,500. As we considered these prices to be extortionate, these have now been custom made at home for £120, and 2 placed on site by Garry on the same day of collection!!
Pond Fence - During the 2013 Lottery fun day on the ridge, a petition organised by Brian Oram established that there was on overwhelming support for a fence to be erected enclosing the wildlife pond. After three years and delays in specification and public liability issues, together with part grant funding, changes to specification, water logged site, we were able to have the work carried out from the 31st May 2016 at a total cost of £3,240. The workmanship and practicality of the fence has been much praised by the public.
Sheep Grazing - This proved to be problematic this year due to a prolonged wet winter and sheep foot rot problems. However the land improved and the sheep managed to eat their way through the long grass.
KTRG Workdays - Subject to weather conditions most planned work was carried out by our group volunteers to an agreed schedule. More help would be appreciated on future workdays.
Green Gym - Our former ranger Peter Craske had previously organised the work schedule on our behalf. Since leaving I have taken over as co-ordinator and have established a good working relationship with the Green Gym chairman and members of the group. A busy schedule for the future is planned and the team are keen to be associated with KTRG.
Unauthorised Encampments - We have continued to be vigilant ensuring that the ridge has been kept clear of unauthorised encampments. The private mill driveway being blocked by private cars etc.
Coney Wood - As a result of the extensive planting of trees and wildflowers carried out over the last 4 years, the wood has blossomed and is very much appreciated by the public. The wildlife has continued to thrive now that the area has reverted back to a quiet woodland landscape.
In conclusion I would like to thank all members of KTRG for their support, together with the ongoing work of the committee. Ron Murray
Financial – A working grant of £1000 was received from the Council and after the expenditure of the pond fencing of £3240 and approx. £500 for bluebells and wildflowers, our bank balance is now at £2086.27.
Ranger’s Report: Peter Craske has left Brighton and Hove City Council. He accepted voluntary redundancy as a result of the recent Ranger cuts and we wish him well for the future. Our new Ranger, Garry Meyer, has been with the corporation for a number of years and was already known to some of us having acted as occasional stand in conservation day leader when our usual Ranger was not available. Due to the depleted workforce Garry now covers 10 sites and groups, which is a very large area and can only increase the already immense pressure on the Ranger Service as a whole. He did not have the luxury of a hand-over period and had no prior knowledge of any outstanding items. However, he has already addressed several of the items and work is now advancing well. Several of the missing notice boards and signs have been re-instated and more are to come.
The installation of the water supply is progressing and will be finalised as soon as all the materials ordered have been received. Hopefully it will be completed by this Autumn. The water supply will come from the Farmer’s field and there will be several on/off switches on route in various locations.
Residents may have noticed the group of wheelbarrows tied to a lamp post on Dyke Road Avenue adjacent to Three Cornered Copse. These were used for re-surfacing the path from Three Cornered Copse down to Hove Park. This path is, like many others, known for getting extremely muddy and if the re-surfacing work proves to have been successful Garry proposes to do the same to the top path along the field into Coney Wood.
Garry is keen to work with the group on conservation days and also getting involved and leading the members of the Green Gym who also encourage people, who may have had health issues, to attend and have benefitted from the physical exercise and camaraderie of working together.
Elections:
Chairman/Officers/Committee members elected en masse as follows:
Chairman – Ron Murray / Treasurer – Robert Barnett / Membership Secretary – Peter Simmonds
Wildlife Consultant and WL Groups Liaison – Maureen Holt / Coney Wood Co-ordinators – Rosemary & Tony Dowd, Kim Willis / Website – Colin Leeves / Conservation Day Leaders – Kim & Mike Willis /
Newsletter Distributor – Elaine Corcut / Westdene School Liaison – Hailey Sellins
Hill Top co-ordinator – Denise Taylor / Windmill Drive Co-ordinator – Rowena Burton / Brangwyn Co-ordinator – Brenda Poundsbery / Committee Member and Acting Secretary – Annabeth Horsley
We are still in desperate need of a Secretary, Conservation Days Co-ordinator (to liaise between the group and Ranger) Newsletter Producer and a Publicity Officer.
The membership subscriptions are to be kept the same, £5.00 per family or £2.50 per single household and we attach a subscription form for 2016/17. Your continued support is very much appreciated.
VACOS
We were very pleased to welcome Denise Taylor, our new Hilltop Co-ordinator, who also chairs Brighton and Hove City in Bloom. If that wasn’t enough Denise is also chairing the newly formed VACOS and she says that:
“BHCIB organise citywide gardening competitions and have engaged with community groups over 25 years. The lack of communication between the groups and the council became apparent so they set up a VACOS (Volunteers Alliance for Community Open Spaces) to promote support and encourage groups. The lack of resources and problems with volunteering are some of the issues they hope to address as they join forces with other interested agencies to work alongside the councils Open Spaces Strategy. They believe that Cityparks are grossly underfunded and want to establish a dedicated liaison officer to ensure correlation with the proposed alliance of volunteers in the greenspaces sector.”
Any Other Business
Various items were raised, which will need to be discussed more fully at the next committee meeting and addressed during future conservation and Green Gym work days, ie:
- Pond – now the fence around the pond is installed we can ask ‘Pete The Pond’ to advise and estimate on maintenance.
- Nettle/bramble/bindweed growth along hedge and encroaching further into the meadows, also the overgrown path along the field into Coney Wood.
- Benches, signs, lecterns and gates need to be cleared from vegetation obscuring/blocking them. This has always been a problem but seems to be a lot worse this year as it is everywhere else.
- The newly created glades in Coney Wood to let in light and thus encourage more food plants for dormice etc. will need coppicing soon.
- Dog fouling appears to have increased recently and ways are needed to be found to encourage dog walkers to pick up, take home and bin. Garry mentioned that one dog walker was successfully prosecuted last year for repeated dog walking at Woodvale Cemetary despite numerous warnings.
All these jobs require volunteers and the usual half a dozen or so members who attend conservation days are not going to be able to cope and more volunteers are needed. How can we attract new members and more people willing to come and help on conservation mornings in general? One suggestion was that education in School is one way forward to get children used to and familiar with the idea of volunteering and the work that is involved once they become adults. We are very fortunate in our group that we have a good liaison with Westdene School through one of our Committee members and classes of children can often be seen having ‘wildlife lessons’ on the Ridge. They have also been very helpful and involved with wildflower and bluebell planting on the Ridge and in the Wood.
- The Black Rabbit roundabout at the entrance to our City was mentioned as all the trees were destroyed. Apparently this was due to problems with the underground water supply and the Highways Agency had to cut down the trees. At present it looks very unsightly and is not a nice welcome to our City but apparently the Patcham Councillors are addressing this.
- Concern was expressed about several cats roaming the Ridge at night. Sadly, dormice and many birds are now endangered species and very vulnerable to cats, especially at night and early dawn. This danger could be very much alleviated if cats were kept locked in during the night.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 13th September 2016, 19.30 hours, and will be hosted by Rosemary and Tony Dowd at the Mill House.
Conservation Days: 25th September and 13th November 2016 @ 10.00
Green Gym: 18th August 2016 @ 10.00 – 13.00
Ron Murray/Denise Taylor/Annabeth Horsley/July 2016
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