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