Let's pull together to rid the River Frome of Himalayan Balsam

Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant which spreads along riverbanks, smothering native plants and causing flooding. The easiest way to control it is to pull it up.

Join us for free Big Pull mornings this summer. Everyone is welcome. 10am – 1pm on Saturdays 28 June and 12 July, meeting at the far end of Celestine Road, Yate BS37 5HB.

Wellies, trousers and long sleeves recommended. Gloves, equipment, guidance and free refreshments will be provided.

For more information or if you have access needs, please contact communityspaces@southglos.gov.uk,  call 01454 863556 or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/bigpull

Fruit tree pruning workshop 13 July - come and join in!

Orchards are a South Gloucestershire priority biodiversity habitat because many orchards have been neglected or grubbed up in recent decades.

In order to help stem this decline, Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, Dodington Parish Council and South Gloucestershire Council are now all working together to preserve the traditional horticultural skills that are needed to maintain existing and newly-planted orchards.

A free fruit tree pruning workshop is being held at the Wapley Rank cottages opposite the southern Besom Lane entrance to Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, Besom Lane, Westerleigh, South Gloucestershire, BS37 8RW, starting at 10am on Sunday, 13 July 2014. The workshop tutor will be local fruit tree expert Mr Graham White. No advance booking needed - just turn up on the day.

Summer Commons Walk Sunday 29 June

South Gloucestershire is fortunate to have some very picturesque countryside and our local walk leaders,
Richard and Pauline Wilson, will be taking us to the Orange End, Assley Common and Inglestone Common
areas in the north of the county where we shall see wild summer flora in full bloom.

Please wear walking boots or other stout footwear. Ample free car parking is available at the Wickwar Road car park - meet for a car share at the Clock Tower, High Street, Chipping Sodbury, 2.00pm.

Guided nature walk at Ridge Wood Sunday 15 June

Exjoy a relaxed Wild Flower Walk through Ridge Wood with local naturalist Rupert Higgins. Learn more about the wildflowers in this beautiful nature reserve and about how the reserve is managed.

Meet at Quarry Road entrance 9.50 am for a 10 am start. The walk should finish around 12 noon.