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

Merry Xmas from Wapley Bushes!

We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Listen to your nearest hedge!

Listen to your nearest hedge! This birdsong was recorded at Lilliput Park last week

Lilliput Park work mornings for January - Tue 3rd and Sat 21st

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 3rd January and Saturday 21 January. 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.

Lilliput Park work morning - Tuesday 6 December

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

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 20 November

Sunday - 20th November - Work Morning
10:00am to 12 noon
Meet at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)
Gloves & tools provided

Heritage fruit trees planted at Wapley work morning 12 November

The ladies discovered a hidden talent,
using a post whacker

Our team of volunteers after a good morning's work

Now, which tree goes where?

We had a great work morning on Saturday at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, planting heritage varieties of apples and pears along the hedge at the bottom of the Lower Meadow, where there are already two very large mature pear trees.

It really started the previous day when two of us went to collect the trees from a specialist nursery. We thought they were going to be about 4 feet high but found that most were nearer 8 feet. they just fitted in the car, with the tops almost out of the front passenger window.

We had selected types of fruit that used to grow around here but are no longer available in the shops, for example beetroot pears - red leaves and red flesh inside. We planted two of these and four apples of several varieties. They are all on vigorous root stocks so they should take root quickly.

We had eight volunteers, just the right number for the job in hand including a lot of litter picking. The weather was kind and the threatened showers didn't materialise.

Wapley Bushes work morning - Saturday 12 November

This workday will be a morning of general maintenance work and tidying up the reserve prior to the winter season. 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 1 November

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

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.

Spoilt for choice of work mornings this Saturday, Yate Common and Lilliput Park

There will be two local environmental work mornings this coming Saturday (15 October) -

Friends of Yate Common - meet 10 am at the Community Orchard. For more details about the group check out the FOYC Facebook Group.

Lilliput Park Conservation Group  - meet 10 am at the Kingfisher Road gate. You can find out more about Lilliput Park on the LPCG Facebook Group.

Blooming good results for local nature groups

All five local entries for the 2016 South West In Bloom awards have been given the top grade of 'Outstanding' in the Neighbourhoods category. This recognises the effort put in by our dedicated groups of volunteers and the support given by Dodington Parish Council and Yate Town Council.

Charlie Watson (Dodington Allotments Association), Pat Cotterell (Friends of Lilliput Park) and Paul Hulbert (Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, Wapley Common and the Orchard for the Future) receiving their certificates from Lady Emma Fellowes, joint patron of South West in Bloom

The award winners are:

• Dodington Allotment Association (Dodington)
• Friends of Kingsgate Park (Yate)
• Friends of Lilliput Park (Dodington)
• Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve (Dodington)
• Wapley Common and the Orchard for the Future (Dodington)

Representatives of the groups were presented with their awards at the South West In Bloom ceremony in Taunton.

Judith Cameron (Friends of Kingsgate Park) and Paul Hulbert (Avon Wildlife Trust) receiving the Kingsgate Park certificate from the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Cllr Vivienne Stock-Williams

Second Friends session for popular Lilliput Park

Lilliput Park, between Heron Way and Chipping Sodbury, is very popular with people of all ages. The Lilliput Conservation Group run work mornings in the park on the first Tuesday of each month (e.g. Tuesday 4 October), but they have had requests for local people to organise a weekend session.

The first weekend work morning will be on Saturday 15 October from 10 am until 12 noon, meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate. All ages are welcome, but children need to be accompanied by responsible adults. Suitable footwear should be worn, and gloves would be useful.

Dodington Parish Councillor Paul Hulbert, who is a regular at the work sessions, said "There will be something for everyone - digging and tidying, cutting back the bushes, and litter picking. People can work at their own pace"

For more information please check out the Lilliput Conservation Group page on Facebook, or contact Paul Hulbert on 07771 562505.

Kingsgate Park Nature Reserve Workday - Saturday 8th October 10.00 am

Discover the natural beauty on your doorstep. Enjoy a day with others helping to care for this popular park. Spend a day in the outdoors helping manage this important amphibian haven. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing including gloves and wellies or walking boots.

Cost: Free. No booking required.

This event is part of Discover Festival 2016 - your chance to discover and enjoy something new in South Gloucestershire. Click below to find out more.

sites.southglos.gov.uk/discover

Kingsgate Park Nature Reserve Ponds Workday Saturday 8 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)

Lilliput Park work morning - Tuesday 4 October

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

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.

Abbotswood Autumn Apple Day Saturday 1 October

This is a seasonal celebration of autumn and apples with the Abbotswood Action Group community.It's loads of fun and there will be interesting and creative activities for all ages. Admission is free and refreshments will be available. Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome to come along too.

Location: St Nicholas Family Centre garden and Abbotswood precinct, Chargrove, Abbotswood, Yate, BS37 4LG, 11am - 3pm.

Stream works, toad, and more - report from work morning 11 September

Cutting the vegetation

There is a stream down through the middle of the wood that only flows when it's been raining heavily, but we need to clear it every year to make sure that it doesn't overflow and alter the surrounding habitat. So on Sunday we cut our way through the vegetation and dug out the leaf mould and other debris from the stream bed.

The stream going up through the woodland

As we were clearing the stream we first saw something jump away very quickly - a frog, we think - and then we saw a toad ambling its way away from the area where we were working. We're not sure that we've seen a toad in the wood before.

The wood definitely seems to be getting wetter. In the summer the bed of the stream usually develops deep cracks, but only the upper part of the stream had cracks this time.

Lady fern or similar species

Hart's tongue fern

Ferns are also much more widely distributed in the wood than a few years ago. It will be interesting to see what other species changes occur.

Bracket fungi

One tree near the stream regularly has spectacular bracket fungi, some as large as dinner plates.

13 people came on the work morning, so we were also able to do a lot of litter picking and our regular maintenance of the fruit trees.

A big thank you to everyone who helped!

Kennedy Way Pond Workday Sunday 25 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)

Brilliant bat walk!

 

A brilliant Wapley Bushes Bat Walk this evening - loads of bats, three species - pipistrelles, soprano pipistrelles and a few noctules. 67 people came, including quite a lot of children enjoying being in the dark woods at night. The photo shows some of the children experimenting with their bat detectors.

The bats were flying surprisingly low - down to a metre above the ground and weaving their way between groups of people. We think they were after insects that were flying low along the woodland edge to shelter from the wind.

Thanks to everyone that came - please come and join in our other events at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve and around the area. Reminder - we've got a Wapley Bushes Work Morning on Sunday, 10.00 am at the Shire Way gate.

Friends of Ridge Wood bat walk - 21 September

Bat Walk
7:00pm to approx. 9:00pm

Join the Friends of Ridge Wood and Avon Bat Group for a twilight stroll in search of bats. Bat detectors provided. Wear warm clothes and boots and bring a torch.
Meet at Quarry Road entrance, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AX.
No dogs allowed - except guide dogs....

This is a free event in the Discover Festival program organised by the Council.
However please register your intention to attend, on the South Glouc website.

Click Here to book your free place. Run by Eventbrite.

Getting ready for the bat walk

Two of us spent a couple of hours this morning cutting back overgrowth on the route we'll be using for the bat walk this coming Friday 9th September (7.30 pm at the Shire Way gate)

The worst part was near the top of the Ride - we're investigating having the Ride cut back mechanically during the autumn, now that the bird nesting season has finished. If we don't, we'll have the Ride growing over every summer.

Friends of Ridge Wood informal meeting - Wed 14 September

To be held at Tesco Extra, Yate Community Meeting Room
Parking in public car park
Meeting starts 7:30pm All welcome

Friends of Ridge Wood Woodland Work Morning - Sunday 4 September

Sunday - 4th September - Woodland Work Morning
10:00am to 12 noon
Meet at Melrose Avenue entrance
Gloves and Tools supplied

Lilliput Park work morning - Tuesday 6 September

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

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.

Wapley Bushes Workday, Sunday 11 September

This workday will be our annual stream clearance where we hope to clear the central watercourse through the main woodland. This work is required to preserve the habitat of the rare local thin-spiked wood sedge. There will also be lighter work for people who prefer it!

You are welcome to come along and please wear walking or wellington boots and bring some gloves.

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

Wapley Bushes Bat Walk Friday 9 September

Join us for a twilight stroll in search of bats. Bat detectors provided. Wear warm clothes and stout shoes or boots and bring a torch. Meet at the Shire Way entrance to Wapley Bushes (opposite Cherington), Yate, BS37 8YA, 7:30 - 9:15pm.

Family Nature Day and Picnic at Says Court Solar Farm Tuesday 30th August

Avon Wildlife Trust are holding a Family Nature Day and Picnic at Says Court Solar Farm from 10am to 12 noon on Tuesday 30th August.

The event will offer a morning of nature based exploration including bug hunting, blackberry painting and much more. You can bring a picnic to enjoy in the wildflower meadow that’s been created by the solar farm. There will be a mix of led and free play activities available that will be suitable for all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential – please email nicole.daw@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Find out more about trees - family tree measuring day 17 August

Do you:

• Want to learn to identify and measure trees?
• Want to find out about the environmental benefits trees provide?
• Want to find out what happens to trees when water is in short supply?

Join in a Tree Measuring Day and find out more!

This Wednesday 17th August 2016, 10.30 am - 4pm
The Ridings, Wickwar Rd, Chipping Sodbury , Bristol BS37 6BQ

An interactive, family event giving you the chance to help with a large-scale scientific project.

Have tea and cake and talk to researchers from the University of the West of England about your memories of local droughts, and how drought can affect our everyday life.

To get involved or find out more...

• Visit: www.dryproject.co.uk
• Email: dry@uwe.ac.uk
• Call: 0117 32 87024

Foragers and fungi

Green woodpecker

Rook

Now that the meadows have been cut, medium to large birds are a common sight pecking their way through the meadows looking for insects or other food. Today a pair of green woodpeckers were active near the Top Pond, and other birds such as rooks and magpies were also foraging in the Top Meadow.

The haymaking hasn't totally driven away the butterflies. There are quite a few left, mainly feeding in the hedgerows.

If you know where to look in the main wood, there are bracket fungi larger than dinner plates:

Bracket fungi

... not to mention some interesting ground fungi:

Ground fungus

As summer goes on, our orchard trees are getting on well, but it's worth looking at the couple of very mature crab apple trees on the Reserve. The one on the edge of the wood looking over towards the Picnic Area is going to have a bumper crop this year.

Crab apples

Ridge Woods Forest Fun Time Thursday 18th August

Get out and discover this local woodland this summer holiday on the family forest trail at Ridge Wood Local Nature Reserve. There will also be an opportunity to try out various woodland crafts.

Free entry and refreshments provided, this event is suitable for accompanied children up to age 11.

The trail starts at the Jubilee Gardens entrance to the woodland from 2.00pm. Sorry, no dogs allowed.

Further details and a map can be found on the Ridge Woods website

The Friends of Ridge Woods are also running a Photography Competition:

Calling all budding amateur photographers! Grab your camera and head to your local nature reserve to capture your favourite images of summer in the woodland! Photographs can be of anything – plants, birds, animals, landscapes – as long as they are taken in Ridge Wood.

Prizes will be awarded for the best photograph in each of the following categories:

• Under 10s
• 10-16
• Adult

Email your entries to info.forw@gmail.com by 31st August with your name, age and contact details.

Photo from Wapley Bushes Green Flag Community Award presentation

As we reported a few weeks ago, Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve has won the prestigious Green Flag Community Award for the fourth year running. We've just received this photo from the South West award presentation event in Cheltenham.

The picture shows Malcolm Stephen and Paul Hulbert accepting the award from the Mayor of Cheltenham Cllr Chris Ryder and representatives of Keep Britain Tidy.

Report back on the grass transplant!

Isabel and Bert "making hay while the sun shines"
in the Lower Meadow

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group is trying to enhance one of the popular local meadow areas by transplanting wildflower seeds from another part of the Local Nature Reserve.

We're working on a project to improve the biodiversity of the Upper Meadow. We've transplanted seeds from the herb-rich Lower Meadow, which is spectacular when the flowers are in bloom, to the Upper Meadow. When the grass was cut we collected some sacks of the cuttings, complete with seeds. We raked our target area and then spread the cuttings on it so that the seeds can take root.

Malcolm, Reuben, Tim and Paul spreading
the flower-rich grass in the Upper Meadow

We took some of the grass home and spread it out to dry. It was surprising just how much seed was produced. Hopefully the seeds will germinate next spring - we'll come back to this patch to see how much of a difference we've made.

Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve is managed by the Conservation Group on behalf of landowners Dodington Parish Council. This is just one of the projects we are undertaking to improve the area for the local community. We always welcome visitors and new volunteers. Our next public event will be a family bat walk at 7.30 pm on Friday 9 September. Bat walks are always popular with families - children love exploring the 'creepy woods' in the dark!

For further details of events please contact Paul Hulbert on paul.hulbert@gmail.com or 07771 562505 - further details will also appear on this blog in a couple of weeks.

Quick extra work session this Friday (5th August)

One of the things we said we would do is collect some some "arisings" (cut trass) from the sloping Lower Meadow and then transplant the arisings (and the seeds in those arisings) to the flat Upper Meadow to enrich the flora there.

We have been told that the cut will take place on Friday (tomorrow) with the grass being bailed on Saturday. Therefore, if anyone is free to help out with arisings collection, please meet at 2pm tomorrow afternoon on Friday at the Shire Way entrance to the reserve. Items required will be bin bags, gloves and it may be worth bringing some secateurs along too.

We appreciate that it is very short notice but the very variable weather meant that a snap decision had to be made about the cutting day. Thank you for your help and understanding.

Ridge Wood - Forest Fun Time Thursday 18th August

Once again, the Friends of Ridge Wood are planning a FREE family trail and woodland crafts to encourage kids to get out and about during the school holidays.

Check out the Friends of Ridge Wood website for more details.

Wapley Bushes wins major environmental award for fourth year running

Wapley Bushes has just won the Green Flag Community Award, the only such award in South Gloucestershire. Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, Wapley Common and the Orchard for the Future form one of the very best green spaces in the UK – and that’s official. The green space is among a record-breaking 1,686 places that have received the prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

A Green Flag is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. The Community Award recognises sites that are largely managed by community groups, in this case the volunteers of Wapley Bushes Conservation Group.

The award, now celebrating its 20th year, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. Wapley's Green Flag was presented yesterday at the regional Green Flag Award event in Cheltenham. This is the fourth year running that Wapley has succeeded in gaining this award.

Report from work morning 10 July 2016

We actually spread this work session out over a few days, because not all of us were available at the same time. There were five of us in all. On the 10th we had a group of three, clearing vegetation around signs and entrances, litter picking, cutting back of invasive blackthorn shrubs (sloe bushes) and summer fruit tree pruning.

Before...

After!

The climbing rose (Rosa Wedding Day) by the cottages has really grown well on the dead plum tree. It has put on a good flowering display this year and it is serving its conservation purpose since a number of bees were visiting the flowers (the idea is that the the summer flowering rose take over from the spring flowering fruit trees to ensure a supply of nectar and pollen for insects over a longer period).
	One of the deer-damaged young plum trees was experiencing lop sided growth and a number of dead branches. That tree had to be severely pruned back to its most promising young shoots which were then cable-tied to ensure vertical growth.
Finally, here is a picture of the healthy plum-like gage tree which had a significant standard prune back.

Two more colleagues paid a double visit on other days, gathering hay rattle seeds for transplanting (there will be more on this in a later post) and doing a litter-pick.