27 members were present. Iris Clarke sent her apologies. Some internal issues were discussed.
1. Monday meetings. The talks on bats and badgers had been very successful. Norman Clyde-Watson announced that Dr. Sheila Wright would be leading two bat walks in Wollaton Park, on Wednesday 29th May, 8-11 pm. and Tuesday 27th August 7-10 pm. The cost would be £1 for adults and 50p for children. He would make a block booking and he circulated a list for this purpose. Any member not present at the meeting who wishes to join one of the bat walks should contact Norman by 25th April.
-
On 13th May (not 6th because of the Bank Holiday) we will visit the Walled Garden at Bramcote Park, where Tim Crawford from Broxtowe B.C, who has been closely involved with the garden, will show us round. Meet there at 7:00pm. There is ample parking nearby.
-
On 10th June (not 3rd, because of the Jubilee) Jim Slaney, from the Greenwood Owl Rescue, will talk about owls and perhaps bring one or two hand-reared birds.
2. Money matters. For the last two meetings, at the request of the speakers, a donation had been made to their organisation. The sum of £10 had been paid. The Committee considered that this sum inadequately reflected the time and preparation spent by speakers, and recommended that it should be £20. This was supported by members. Walter went on to say that in consequence the annual subscription might be increased to £3. Again there was no dissent. The actual decision will have to be made at the AG M in November.
3. Jubilee Celebration on 3rd June. Walter confirmed that FBR would share with the Bramcote and Stapleford Jubilee Group the cost of a tree to be planted in the walled garden, our contribution being no more than £40. Chris Riley from the Council had chosen a field maple of the cultivar 'Queen Elizabeth'; he was confident that the container-grown tree would survive if watered regularly by members. A rota would be drawn up at the May visit.
4. Surfacing the rest of the circular Ridge path. Walter recalled that our original aim had been to have the whole of the path surfaced. When funding received through Groundwork proved insufficient, a short direct route to the summit was chosen. After the work was completed, the group decided to postpone a decision on any further surfacing for 1-2 years. Over a year had now passed and the committee had twice discussed the desirability of seeking new funding, a majority being in favour. He invited comments.
In the ensuing discussion those in favour argued that the present path was often muddy, rough and narrow, with erosion visible on both sides. It only allowed single file walking and was unsuitable for wheel- or pushchairs. A surfaced path would meet our aim to make the Ridge generally accessible, while enough wild areas would remain. Those against argued that a 1m wide surfaced path would be intrusive and run counter to another of our aims, viz. retaining the semi-wild nature of the area.
A vote was taken, with 22 being in favour, 4 against and 1 abstention.
An expression of views from those members of the group not present at the meeting would be welcome. Please contact Walter either by phone or letter. A decision will be taken in May.
5. Geoff Fewkes
- Reminded members of the visit to Dukes Wood near Eakring on Sunday 21st. Parking was limited, so car sharing was desirable.
- Under the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act local authorities have to consult about access, footpaths, etc. He had obtained forms for members to express their views to Notts County Council in the pre-pa id envelopes. They are enclosed with this summary.
6. John Appleton
- Distributed the new issue of 'Bird Box' with focus on swallows. (Copies enclosed for members not at the meeting)
- A national survey of garden butterflies has started; registration forms are avaiIable from him.
- A leaflet on the Attenborough Nature Reserve by Notts Wildlife Trust is also available.
7. Walter Grauberg
- Mentioned that he regularly received notices from BTCV about local conservation courses.
- FBR is now in the directory of Friends of Greenwood.
- He thanked the members who had put in the steps on the path from Thoresby Road.
8. John Beaumont, landlord of the Rose Grower, is retiring. He was warmly thanked.
The Friends are always looking for extra pairs of hands to help out or to simply support their work, so...
- to find out when the next work session will take place, click here, or
- to find out about becoming a member please contact us here, or
- to discover what goes into managing the sites click here.
