Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Season's Greetings from everyone at
Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve

Lilliput Park - December work mornng

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

The next work morning will be on Tue 5 December. Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear.

After that the Conservation Group is going to be taking a well-earned Christmas break until February, when the work mornings will be the 1st Tuesday and the 4th Saturday in each month.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Great planting morning on Sat 18 November

Despite the drizzle, nine volunteers turned up and we set to work with a will, planting 34 new trees in less than two hours. We were planting replacements for the main canopy of the wood in anticipation of ash dieback disease affecting us over the next few years.

Paul Hulbert and Claire Young get stuck in

We have two more planting mornings at Wapley over this winter - Sunday 18 February and Saturday 17 March. Please come and join us - more details will appear here a couple of weeks before the event.

Excellent Owl Prowl at Wapley!

We had a brilliant Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes this evening with Ian McGuire of Wild Owl TV. We saw four tawny owls clearly as they flew over us, and we think we heard a few more. An extra bonus was seeing some bats as well. We had around 50 people there, with lots of children - just what we had hoped. 

Thanks go to Ian, to the organising volunteers from Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, to South Glos Council for sponsoring the event, and to Dodington Parish Council for their continuing support for the Nature Reserve. 

Wapley Bushes work morning – woodland planting - Sat 18 November

This winter we will be carrying out three work mornings planting young trees in the main woodland. Our entire area is at risk from ash dieback disease, and because the main canopy of the wood is ash we need to plant new trees of various other species to take over when the older trees eventually die.

We will also be doing general maintenance work and tidying up the reserve prior to the winter season. Please wear walking or wellington boots.

Meet 10 am at the Shire Way entrance to the Nature Reserve.
(Organised by Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, financed by Dodington Parish Council)

Friends of Ridge Wood Woodland Work Morning - Sunday 19th November

Work days are a fantastic way to make a contribution to the future of this important local nature reserve, and they are great fun. Suitable for all abilities. New volunteers always welcome, just turn up.

Meet 10.00 am at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)

Lilliput Park - November work mornings

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

The September work mornings will be on Tue 7 November and Sat 11 November. Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

New date for Wapley Owl Prowl

The Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, which had to be postponed on Friday evening due to high winds, has now been rescheduled for Friday 10 November at 7 pm.

This Owl Prowl will be led by well-known local expert Ian McGuire. Ian's owl prowls are a night-time walk in woodlands for all the family where you can learn about British owls through his iPad video presentations and through the evening he will be calling wild tawny owls in the hope that one will call back and possibly fly in for everyone to view.

Owl prowls are suitable for all age groups from 5 to 95 and usually involve a limited amount of walking. They are fun and fascinating and will leave participants much more aware of how amazing owls are and what they need to survive in the wild.

No captive owls are used at this event but Ian's success rate for calling in wild owls is approximately 60% so the anticipation of seeing a wild one is always very great. We're hoping that the tawny owls we saw last time on the edge of Wapley Common may put in an appearance once again.

Fri 10 November, meet 7 pm at the Shire Way entrance to the Nature Reserve. Please wear sensible footwear and bring a torch.
(Organised by Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, sponsored by South Gloucestershire Council)

Dodington Dog Walk at Wapley Sat 21 Oct also CANCELLED

The Dodington Dog Walk at Wapley tomorrow morning has also been cancelled for safety reasons due to forecast high winds.

Owl Prowl Friday 20 Oct POSTPONED

This evening's Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes is being postponed due to forecast high winds.

We have a provisional date of Friday 10 November at 7 pm - we will confirm here.
EDIT - THIS NEW DATE HAS NOW BEEN CONFIRMED

Sorry for any inconvenience - we will be at the gate this evening to tell anyone who doesn't know it's cancelled.

Kingsgate Park Nature Reserve Ponds Workday Sunday 29 October

We shall be undertaking maintenance of this important amphibian site including the cutting back of vegetation. Please wear gloves and wellington boots.

Meet at the Scott Way entrance to Kingsgate Park, Scott Way, Yate, BS37 4NW, 10.00am (parking is available at the entrance of Shackleton Avenue).

This replaces the session on 7 October which had to be cancelled for safety reasons, as the area was muddy and slippery after overnight rain.

Dodington Dog Walk at Wapley Bushes - Sat 21 October

Meet 10 am at Shire Way entrance to Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve

Explore our area with your pet, or just come along for a walk!

(organised by Dodington Parish Council)

Owl prowl at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve - Fri 20 October - POSTPONED

NOW POSTPONED DUE TO FORECAST HIGH WINDS
 
This Owl Prowl will be led by well-known local expert Ian McGuire. Ian's owl prowls are a night-time walk in woodlands for all the family where you can learn about British owls through his iPad video presentations and through the evening he will be calling wild tawny owls in the hope that one will call back and possibly fly in for everyone to view.

Owl prowls are suitable for all age groups from 5 to 95 and usually involve a limited amount of walking. They are fun and fascinating and will leave participants much more aware of how amazing owls are and what they need to survive in the wild.

No captive owls are used at this event but Ian's success rate for calling in wild owls is approximately 60% so the anticipation of seeing a wild one is always very great. We're hoping that the tawny owls we saw last time on the edge of Wapley Common may put in an appearance once again.

Fri 20 October, meet 7 pm at the Shire Way entrance to the Nature Reserve. Please wear sensible footwear and bring a torch.
(Organised by Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, sponsored by South Gloucestershire Council)

Friends of Ridge Wood Woodland Work Morning - Sunday 15th October

Work days are a fantastic way to make a contribution to the future of this important local nature reserve, and they are great fun. Suitable for all abilities. New volunteers always welcome, just turn up.

Meet 10.00 am at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)

Lilliput Park - October work mornings

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

The September work mornings will be on Tue 3 October and Sat 14 October. Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Kingsgate Park Nature Reserve Ponds Workday Saturday 7 October

We shall undertaking maintenance of this important amphibian site including the cutting back of vegetation. Please wear gloves and wellington boots.

Meet at the Scott Way entrance to Kingsgate Park, Scott Way, Yate, BS37 4NW, 10.00am (parking is available at the entrance of Shackleton Avenue).

The Wild Owl TV Garden – A Wildlife Haven in Suburbia - Fri 6 October

A fascinating illustrated talk by local expert Ian McGuire, who shows what can be done in an ordinary suburban garden. There will also be displays from our local wildlife groups.

Fri 6 October, 7.30 pm at Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury
(Organised by Dodington Parish Council)

Report from Wapley Bushes Workday 10 September

We had a busy work morning, with 8 volunteers. We did our annual task of clearing the seasonal stream through the wood, so that the winter rains won't overflow and change the nature of the surrounding woodland. One tree had fallen across the stream - it wasn't too big, so we cut it up and moved it away from the stream.

Cutting vegetation to clear the stream

Before - the stream's in there somewhere!

After - the stream is now visible

We cut through almost as much ivy as wood

Translucent bracket fungus

We also cut back vegetation near the young fruit trees in the Lower Meadow, carried out a litter pick and trimmed back overgrowth on the approach from Sergeant's Farm Bridge.

Here are some dates for your diary - details will appear on this blog a couple of weeks before each event:

• The Conservation of British Owls – illustrated talk - 7.30 pm Friday 22 September at Yate Library
• Talk about the Wild Owl TV Garden – A Wildlife Haven in Suburbia - 7.30 pm Fri 6 October at Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road
• Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve - 7 pm Fri 20 October
• Wapley Bushes work morning – woodland planting - 10 am Sat 18 November

General Meeting of the Friends of Yate Common 19 September

There will be a General Meeting of the Friends of Yate Common at 7 pm on Tuesday 19 September in the Tesco community room at Yate Shopping Centre.

Bicycle Safari – discover local nature on two wheels - Sunday 24 September

Think "Nature Ramble on wheels" - that's what this event is about.

Discover local nature guided by expert Ian McGuire of Wild Owl TV.

Free event, family friendly, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.

Bicycle Safari sets off at 11.00 am from Riverside car park next to cinema BS37 4AY.

(Organised by the Joint Cycleway Group)

Come along and meet Dr Bike from 10.15 am to have your bike checked or find out more about safe cycling with family and friends (South Gloucestershire Council Bikeability Team)

Kennedy Pond & River Frome Workday Saturday 23 September

We shall be carrying out general management works on the reserve including vegetation clearance at this local wildlife haven.

Meet at the Kennedy Way Pond, Link Road, Yate Shopping Centre, 10.00am (parking is available at the Yate overflow car park also on the eastern side of Link Road, BS37 4AY).

The Conservation of British Owls – illustrated talk - Friday 22 September

The Conservation of British Owls – an illustrated talk by local expert Ian McGuire of Wild Owl TV.

7.30 pm at Yate Library - free event.

(Organised by Wapley Bushes Conservation Group and sponsored by South Gloucestershire Council)

Community Spaces Network Celebratory Event 2017

Are you involved in a community spaces volunteer group? Then come along to the annual Community Spaces Network Celebratory Event on Wednesday, 27 September 2017 from 17:30 to 21:00 at the Nest Cafe and Community Centre in Page Park, Staple Hill, BS16 5LU.

It's a good event and an excellent opportunity for networking and getting new ideas.

You'll need to register - if your group hasn't received an invitation, please email the Community Spaces Team 

Ridge Wood Family Owl Prowl - Wednesday September 20th

Meet at Quarry Road entrance for a 7:30pm start - see map here

Join Ian McGuire (of Wild Owl TV) for an evening stroll through the wood and hear about the many types of owl and their hunting preferences etc.

We may even be lucky enough to hear and see one or more of the wood’s resident owls.

Booking is not required but there will be a voluntary donation, collected at the beginning of the walk. Adult - £2 Child - £1

Wear sensible footwear and suitable clothing, also bring a torch.

Friends of Ridge Wood Woodland Work Morning - Sunday 17th September

Work Morning, 10:00am to 12 noon

Work days are a fantastic way to make a contribution to the future of this important local nature reserve, and they are great fun. Suitable for all abilities. New volunteers always welcome, just turn up.

Meet at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)

Gloves & tools provided

Lilliput Park - September work mornings

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

The September work mornings will be on Tue 5 September and Sat 16 September. Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve Workday Sunday 10 September

We shall be undertaking the annual stream clearance and other reserve maintenance walk on this autumn workday. Please wear stout footwear.

Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, BS37 8US, 10.00am.

Explore the environment and history of Lilliput Park (5 August) and work morning (1 August)

Instead of the Saturday work morning in August, there will be an opportunity to explore the park's environment and history.

Have you wondered what the park was originally, before all the houses were built? Do you know where the water in the streams comes from? (well, admittedly not at the moment!)

Come and join us at 10.00 am on Saturday 5 August, and find out what the volunteers of the Lilliput Conservation Group have been up to over the last few months. We'll be starting from the Kingfisher Road gate.

And how about giving the volunteers a hand to get the park ready for the event? We'll be up there from 10.00 am on Tuesday 1 August for a couple of hours to make sure that the area looks its best, again meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate.

We look forward to seeing you at either event.

Sixth Green Flag Community Award for Wapley Bushes

Local environmental volunteers have been delighted to hear that Waoley Bushes Local Nature Reserve and the Orchard for the Future have gained the Green Flag Community Award for the sixth year running. The Reserve is among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Community Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

The Nature Reserve is an area of meadows and woodlands which is very popular with local people of all ages. It is managed by the volunteers of the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group on behalf of site owners Dodington Parish Council.

Committee member Paul Hulbert said “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the sixth time. We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Wapley Bushes to such a high standard”

“The real credit for this award must go to our hard-working volunteers, and to Dodington Parish Council for their unfailing practical and financial help”

"Our reserve is a mixture of flower-rich meadows, ancient woodland and younger plantations. We work closely with South Gloucestershire Council and the Southwold Group of the Wildlife Trust, who provide us with very valuable advice"

Please support us at Waitrose this month!

We are please to tell you that amonth the good causes for Chipping Sodbury Waitrose customers to support this month are. Wapley Bushes Conservation Group AND the Southwold Group of the Avon Wildlife Trust - both very local enviromental organisations.

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group looks after the meadows and woodlands of Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve plus the Orchard for the Future. AWT Southwold Group members help at Wapley and maintain other local wildlife areas such as the Nature Reserve area in Kingsgate Park, and the Link Road Pond opposite Yate Shopping Centre.

Please support these very worthy causes - by placing a token in the Community Matters box at your local branch you’re helping your community. At the end of your shop in branch, you’ll receive a token to place in a box of the good cause you’d most like to support. The more tokens a cause gets, the bigger the donation they receive. Each month every Waitrose branch donates £1,000 (£500 in Convenience shops) between 3 local good causes chosen by customers.

Good work morning - with added radio!

Radio Bristol's Martin Evans and Sach with our volunteers

We began Sunday's work morning with a visit by BBC Radio Bristol's radio car. Presenters Martin Evans and Sach were starting off their popular treasure hunt programme Clueless, and we told them a little about the nature reserve. You can hear us on the 16 July programme here for the next 28 days - we start about 13 minutes in.

Our eight volunteers trimmed round the fruit trees to give them some room for growth. We also gave the area a really good tidy up.

The meadows are just starting to go past their best, but there are still plenty of butterflies and moths to be seen as you walk through the long grass.

Butterflies and bees at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve

There is a wide range of insects on the meadows at the Reserve at the moment. As well as the bees and the butterflies, you may catch a glimpse of lovely dragonflies (no photos of them, sorry!)

Wapley Bushes Summer Fruit Tree Pruning Sunday 16 July

As well as pruning stoned fruit trees such as plums and gages, we shall also be attending to odd jobs on the reserve.

Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, BS37 8US, 10.00am.

Wapley meadows are at their best now

The flowers, butterflies and other insects are at their best now. Pick a dry day and walk through the long grass on either meadow or the strip alongside the Common. Here's a small selection of what you can see at the moment.

Interesting species identification walk (with a rhyme)

We had a very good species identification walk today, led by Pauline Wilson. We walked around both meadows, trying to identify trends in the species we saw.

There was a marked range of colours in these Common Spotted Orchids. It was a pleasure to walk though the grassland and to be suddenly surrounded by a flock of butterflies.

We also found out a bit about distinguishing green things:
Rushes are round
Sedges have edges
And grasses have knobbly knees!

Shire Way Conservation Group Meeting Tuesday 20th June

The next Shire Way Conservation Group meeting will be at 7.00pm on Tuesday 20th June 2017 at Shire Way Community Centre.

The aims of the meeting will be:

• To adopt a Constitution and elect a committee
• To agree several policies that are needed so that the Group can apply for grants
• To plan future project and events

There will also be a short talk on Solitary Bees.

Lilliput Park - July work mornings

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

We've recently weeded the rockery and nearby shrubs (see above) and started clearing overgrowth on the stream (supervised as usual by our local robins), but everything is growing really quickly now - especially the weeds! Our wildflower seeds have germinated and the perennials are coming up well.

We've entered for South West in Bloom again, so there's lots of work to do to prepare for judging.

The July work mornings will be on Sat 1 July and Tue 4 July.Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear.
You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information. 

Wapley Bushes Plant Identification Session Sunday 25 June

We shall be taking an afternoon tour of this wildlife-rich local nature reserve to look at, and identify, many of the wildflower and grass species which are in the meadows. Anyone is welcome to join us. Please wear stout footwear.

Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, BS37 8US, 2.00pm

Lilliput Park - change of date for June midweek session

In June the Tuesday session will be on the 13th because quite a few of us will be attending a funeral on the 6th. Sorry for any inconvenience.

New Shire Way Conservation Group going well, events planned

The newly-formed Shire Way Conservation Group has got off to a flying start with a well attended first meeting. "It was exciting to hear the wide range of ideas that people were coming up with" said acting Chair Clare Woodman. "We have lots of potential projects, all aimed at supporting and promoting wildlife in our area"

"We've already made a good start with practical work carried out on our 'Eco Garden' at the Top Shop on Shire Way (see photo).  We are maintaining 'verge' bird feeders and have started to record wildlife we see along Shire Way and in the area nearby"

"What's more we've planned our first public event. On Saturday 10th June we will be running 'Walk and Watch – Wildlife on our Doorsteps', starting at 7 pm at the Top Shop on Shire Way at the entrance to Badgeworth, BS37 8YJ. This will be a great opportunity to see our amazing wildlife in action and as the evening progresses hopefully there will be bat, owl and fox sightings too. It will be good fun for all the family"

Dodington Parish Councillor Paul Hulbert, who has been advising the group, said "It's good to see this new Conservation Group starting off so well. I'm hoping that they will be able to attract more members from roads around Shire Way and Rodford Way, and then start applying for funding so that they can take on more ambitious projects"

"Shire Way Conservation Group already has a lively Facebook group - it's well worth checking out to find out more about the range of nature on our doorsteps"

The next group meeting will be on Tuesday 20th June at Shire Way Community Centre, starting at 7 pm.

Note:

For further details please contact either Clare or Mat Woodman by phoning 07907 733056 or emailing clare_woodman@yahoo.co.uk or searching for "Shire Way Conservation Group" on Facebook.

Lilliput Park work mornings Sat 3rd June, also Tue 13th June (may change)

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

This month the Tuesday session will be on the 13th because quite a few of us will be attending a funeral on the 6th. Sorry for any inconvenience.

We've recently weeded the rockery and nearby shrubs (see above) and started clearing overgrowth on the stream, but everything is growing really quickly now - especially the weeds! Hopefully we'll get enough rain for the wildflower seeds we planted recently to germinate as well.

We've entered for South West in Bloom again, so there's lots of work to do to prepare for judging.

Our next work mornings are Sat 3rd June and Tue 6th June. Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information. 

Warning - dogs eating something poisonous

Here's an update with full details of what we know about dogs with poisoning symptoms at Wapley and elsewhere.

During the bank holiday weekend local vets dealt with a number of dogs with symptoms of poisoning. Three of those dogs had been at Wapley Common. In one case the vet suggested that the dog had eaten something natural like very mouldy food, mouldy poop etc. We have established that at least two of the dogs had eaten poop in the same location, the picnic field. So we now suspect that this was from an infected animal. The area has been checked and nothing else has been found, and no weedkiller etc is used in the area.

There have been some other cases in the wider area recently. In one place - not Wapley - some chicken carcasses had been thrown out on public land. Elsewhere at least one dog tried to eat something that looked like dog food, and was immediately violently sick. Add to this the number of common plants that are poisonous to dogs, all we can suggest is that owners keep a very close eye on what their dogs might try to eat while they are out and about.

I'll keep you informed of any further developments.

Paul Hulbert, Dodington Parish Councillor and Wapley Bushes Conservation Group.

Kennedy Pond & River Frome Workday Saturday 6 May

We shall be carrying out a general spring clean by the River Frome and at the Kennedy Pond nature area.

Meet at the Kennedy Way Pond, Link Road, Yate Shopping Centre, 10.00am (parking is available at the two car parks on either side of  Link Road, BS37 4AY).

Wildlife in your garden and nearby - new group for Shire Way and area

If you live off Shire Way or Rodford Way, you could be interested in a new group aimed at encouraging wildlife in gardens and nearby.

Local residents Clare and Mat Woodman said "The group will be launched to give people the chance to share ideas, tips and suggestions in helping to make the area more wildlife friendly and a wonderful place to live.  From backdoor wildernesses to public open spaces we all can play a part in helping to protect and nurture our outdoor areas.  In our busy lifestyles we sometimes lose contact with nature and our projects will be a chance to step back and enjoy the basics again"

"Gaining volunteers to help put up bird feeders and nest boxes along Shire Way will be one of our many initiatives. We're going to have the first meeting of the Shire Way Conservation Group on Tuesday 9th May 2017 at 7.00pm at Shire Way Community Centre - everyone will be welcome"

"The area already plays host to a variety of birds and animals including green woodpecker, tawny owl and goldfinch.  Part of our work will be to ensure the continuing protection of these species plus the additional support needed for the declining number of bees and hedgehogs affecting us nationwide"

"In collaboration with local councils we will be actively looking to develop roadside 'micro meadows' as well as working towards projects in other areas."

Dodington Parish Councillor Paul Hulbert, who is supporting the project, said "I've always concentrated on larger scale projects like Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, but I'm keen to find out more about these important small scale initiatives closer to home"

"As well as our gardens we have a lot of green spaces in our part of the town, perfect for wildlife. This very local initiative could also be a way for families to get even small children interested in the natural world on their doorsteps"

"This will very much be an ongoing community based project, aiming to reach out to local schools, organisations and existing conservation groups to develop awareness and support. We're hoping to get local experts to come and speak to the group"

For further details please contact either Clare or Mat Woodman by phoning 07907 733056, by emailing clare_woodman@yahoo.co.uk or by checking out Shire Way Conservation Group on Facebook.

Yate Common work morning Sunday 30 April

Friends of Yate Common work morning meeting 10.00 am - everyone welcome! For more information about the group and event please check out the FOYC Facebook Group.

Friends of Ridge Wood Woodland Work Morning - Sunday 23rd April

Work Morning, 10:00am to 12 noon
Work days are a fantastic way to make a contribution to the future of this important local nature reserve, and they are great fun. Suitable for all abilities.
new volunteers always welcome, just turn up.
Meet at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)
Gloves & tools provided

Goose Green Workday Saturday 22 April

As part of our commitment to this local grassland and wetland nature reserve, we shall be undertaking reserve maintenance such as path clearance and a general reserve tidy up. Please wear walking or wellington boots and bring some gloves.

Please meet at the bridge on the reserve, west of Oak Close, north Yate, BS37 5TN, 10.00am.

Do some spring cleaning this weekend!

There are two local events this Saturday (8th April) where you can make a real difference to your local area.

Dodington Parish Council Spring Clean will start from the Changing Room at QE2 Playing Fields Kelston Close at 10am, and spread out around the Shire Way / Rodford Way area. Litter pickers, black bags and gloves will be provided. Everyone is welcome, though children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you’ve still got some energy afterwards, why not join in the Abbotswood Spring Clean and Planting just across the road? Starting at 11am in front of Abbotswood shops – just come along and choose something you would like to help with. As well as litter picking there will be planting, painting and lotes more to keep you busy.

Lilliput Park work mornings Tue 2 May, Sat 13 May

 A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.



We've recently been planting up the rockery (see above) and putting shrubs along the wall in the Quiet Corner, but there's lots ,ore to do now that everything has started growing so quickly - especiall the weeds!

Our next work mornings are Tuesday 2 May and saturday 13 May. Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Wapley Bushes celebrates award by planting for the future

Some of the Conservation Group members with their
award certificate and the new trees ready for planting

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group has celebrated being awarded the South Gloucestershire Council Chair's Community Award by taking the first steps in a 20 year strategy to ensure the future of this well-loved nature reserve just off Shire Way, Yate.

We are very proud to receive this award - it's the first time the Community Award has been given to groups rather than individuals. We've been looking after Wapley Bushes for 24 years on behalf of owners Dodington Parish Council, but now it's time to look further into the future.

The major threat to the Nature Reserve is ash dieback disease, which is now within a dozen miles of Yate. Eventually, but fortunately very slowly, we will lose most of the tallest trees that form the canopy of this ancient woodland. We have started a long-term programme of replacement planting with different tall native species - oak, whitebeam, black poplar and small-leaved lime.

We planted our first batch of 30 trees last weekend (25 March), with the help of South Gloucestershire's new Member Awarded Funding scheme. We are aiming to plant another 90 trees next winter, gradually working our way through the woodland. By the time we start seeing major effects from ash dieback, the new trees should be at least semi-mature and the reserve will be able to carry on supporting a wide range of species.

19 volunteers came along to Saturday's work morning, meaning that as well as the planting we were able to carry out a comprehensive spring clean. We were glad to see that there wasn't too much litter around, but even so we came away with three black sacks full.

As well as the Chair's Community Award, Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve has been a regular South West in Bloom and Green Flag Community Award winner. The Conservation Group runs a range of work mornings, walks and activities - for further information please contact Paul Hulbert on 01454 315851 or paul.hulbert@gmail.com.

Wapley Bushes - Clearing and nesting

If you've walked round Wapley Bushes in the last few days, you will have noticed that some large bramble patches have been cut down at the top end of the wood. These clearings are ready for the tree planting and clean-up day this weekend (25 March, meeting 10 am at the Shire Way entrance)

On Thursday 23rd you will start to see dormouse nesting tubes on branches in the wood - an ecological consultancy has been given permission to carry out a dormouse survey.

Lilliput Park work mornings Sat 1 April, Tue 4 April

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

Our next work mornings are Saturday 1 April and Tuesday 4 April. We will be planting up the rockery and planting shrubs along the wall in the Quiet Corner - there will be lots to do!

Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear and bring gloves if you have them.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Tree Planting and Spring Clean at Wapley Local Nature Reserve Workday Sat 25 March

We shall be planting 30 young woodland trees and carring out a spring clean, that will help to enhance the biodiversity of this precious nature reserve. Please wear stout footwear.
Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, BS37 8US, 10.00am.

Quiz Night Live - Avon Wildlife Trust - Friday 17 March

This is your chance to have some fun and pick a team of Eggheads and bring them along to our general knowledge quiz in aid of Avon Wildlife Trust. You are most welcome make up a team name and bring your own snacks and beverages. We will also be serving tea and coffee for you in the break. Quiz teams are usually made up of four players at a cost of £2.50 per individual team member. Please contact Malcolm on 01454 310328 to book your team's place.

Venue: The Old Grammar School, High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH, 7.30pm.

Friends of Ridge Wood Woodland Work Morning - Sunday 19 March

Work Morning, 10:00am to 12 noon
Work days are a fantastic way to make a contribution to the future of this important local nature reserve, and they are great fun. Suitable for all abilities.
new volunteers always welcome, just turn up.
Meet at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)
Gloves & tools provided

Lilliput Park work mornings Tue 7 March, Sat 1 April

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

Our next work mornings are Tuesday 7 March and Saturday 1 April.

Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear and bring gloves if you have them.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Yate Common work morning Thursday 2 March

Friends of Yate Common work morning meeting 10.00 am at the wetland area in the middle of the Common, Thursday 2 March. The aim is to remove bramble and rubbish from the trees above the wetland area. Everyone welcome! For more information about the group please check out the FOYC Facebook Group.

Join in your local litter pick!

Dodington Parish Council is arranging three litter picks this spring, one in each ward, to coordinate with some other local events:

• Saturday 25th February 2017 10am - 12 noon
  Litter Pick: Meet at Parish Hall, Finch Road
  Or join in the conservation work at Lilliput Park from 10am - meet at Kingfisher Road gate

• Saturday 25th March 2017 10am - 12 noon
  Litter Pick and conservation morning at Wapley Bushes
  Meet at Shire Way entrance to Nature Reserve

• Saturday 8th April 2017 10am - 12 noon
  Litter Pick: Meet at Kelston Close, Front of Changing Rooms
  Or join in the Abbotswood Action Group Spring Clean and planting 

All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Litter pickers, black sacks, disposable gloves will be provided.
Please join us and do your bit this spring.

Lilliput Park work mornings Sat 25 Feb, Tue 7 March

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

Our next work mornings are Saturday 25 February and Tuesday 7 March.

Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear and bring gloves if you have them.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Report from work morning 19 February

There were only five of us yesterday, but we achieved quite a bit. We cut two nice new butterfly bays on the Ride, pruned half the apple trees, litter-picked the picnic area and surroundings and rebuilt a short length of dead-hedging that needed attention. Next work morning will be Saturday 25 March, but please don't forget our AGM tomorrow (Tue 21 Feb)

Wapley Bushes work morning - Sunday 19 February

On this work morning we will be doing winter fruit tree pruning, creating butterfly bays on the sides of the Ride between the woodlands, and clearing up. Please wear walking or wellington boots and bring some gloves.

Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland (opposite the road entrance to Cherington), south Yate, BS37 8US, 10.00am.

Lilliput Park work morning, Tuesday 7th February

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

Our next work mornings are Saturday 21 January and Tuesday 7 February. At the moment we are preparing areas in the Quiet Corner for planting in the Spring.

Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear and bring gloves if you have them.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Friends of Ridge Wood Woodland Work Morning - Sunday 19th February

Work Morning, 10:00am to 12 noon
Work days are a fantastic way to make a contribution to the future of this important local nature reserve, and they are great fun. Suitable for all abilities.
new volunteers always welcome, just turn up.
Meet at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)
Gloves & tools provided

Orchard pruning workshop, St Johns Mead School, Sat 4th February

Orchard pruning workshop Saturday 4th February 10am-11.30am Please come along and help prune the school orchard. Tools and refreshments provided.

Learn how to prune fruit trees from parent governor Sally Pattison who knows (nearly) all there is to know about fruit trees and tree pruning.

Sensible, supervised children welcome. (Bring secateurs/ loppers if you have them). Meet by the school car park.

More information is available at:
http://www.st-johnsmead.s-gloucs.sch.uk/news?id=268

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group AGM 21 February

The AGM of Wapley Bushes Conservation Group will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 21 February in the Council Chamber at Dodington Parish hall, Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6JZ. It will be followed by a committee meeting. Please come along and find out what we've been doing at the Nature Reserve - everyone welcome.

Primrose Bank workday at St John's Park, Sat 28 January

This workday is to clear brambles to help spring flowers. It has been organised by the Southwold Group of Avon Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Frome Forum. Please wear outdoor clothing, gloves and stout footwear.

Meet at 10am on the east side of Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury near the zebra crossing by the entrance to the Frome Valley Walkway.

Wapley path improvements under way

Work started this week to improve the long path from the kissing gate to the picnic field, and to deal with some nasty slippery mud patches in various other well-used places on the Nature Reserve.

Later on vegetation will be cut back to widen the Ride to its original size, and to deal with some other growth coming into the Upper Meadow. This will of course be done before the bird nesting season.

The works are being funded jointly by Dodington Parish Council and Wapley Bushes Conservation Group.

Apologies if you find that small parts of the Reserve are closed for a day or two, but it'll all be worth it.

Lilliput Park work mornings - Sat 21st Jan, Tue 7 Feb

A small band of enthusiasts - the Lilliput Conservation Group - is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

Our next work mornings are Saturday 21 January and Tuesday 7 February. At the moment we are preparing areas in the Quiet Corner for planting in the Spring.

Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear and bring gloves if you have them.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

Friends of Ridge Wood - Informal meeting, 18 January

Wednesday - 18th January - Informal Meeting
Meeting starts 7:30 pm
In the Community Room at Tesco Extra - Yate
Parking in shoppers car park
All welcome

Friends of Ridge Wood Woodland Work Morning - Sunday 15 January

Work Morning
10:00am to 12 noon
Meet at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)
Gloves & tools provided