Minutes of the FFOG meeting on 31 August 2023.
- Location: on-site
- Date: 31.08.23
- Time: 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Attendees
Sue Nieduszynska (chair), Graham Brandwood, David Brookes, David Elliot, Anne Greenwood, Rebekah Key, Ian Procter, Hilary Short, Mick Short, Chris Workman.
Apologies
Steve Bullen, Clio Graham,
Previous Minutes
Accepted by email
Matters Arising
Woodlands Trust
Purchase of saplings for the area in front of the laid hedge far side of West field.
IP reported that The Woodland Trust have agreed to supply 900 saplings at the cost of £137. The delivery date is provisionally Thursday 11th January in preparation for a community planting day on Saturday 13th January ’24.
In addition IP will make an application to the Tree Council for 135 sapling of 8 different species to provide diversity.
Action
The community planting will go in the newsletter and on the notice boards nearer the time
Ash tree in the stump circle
A large branch had snapped off. HS reported that Andy Lee is to obtain an estimate for a platform needed to deal with the Ash. It may take a while to sort out. So far Andy has only found 3-day hires which would also involve a training course and hence cost us a huge amount of money.
He will continue looking. It’s not urgent and, from experience, he believes that he will be able to find an affordable solution, given time.
2.1.1 Orchard: Assessment of apples for Apple Day
Issue
There are very few apples left on the Orchard trees.
Decision
It is not necessary to source apples from the Orchard trees to show the different varieties grown. A supply of apples can be sourced elsewhere.
Action
IP will look into alternative apple sources.
Owner
IP
2.1.2 Mulching of Fruit Trees (R AG)
Issue
As an example, AG indicated 2 apple trees that were planted at the same time. One had been mulched with woodchip with an underlayer of cardboard before the spring drought and had thrived better than its neighbour. Andy Lee had woodchip that would be available to us if we could collect.
Decision
It was agreed that the young fruit trees would be mulched.
Action
AG to contact Andy Lee to organise collection of woodchips on 13thSept.
Owner
AG
2.1.3a Re-siting of the medlar tree (R GF)
Issue
A medlar tree (74) close to the hedge had died. GF/AG proposed planting a new medlar at an alternative site indicated on a map in the report.
Decision
- It was agreed that a new medlar would be planted close to the stone fruit circle. (Planting between Nov & Feb)
- Two adjacent old tree stumps to be dug out to provide a clear run for the roots.
- The dead medlar to be left in place to decay.
2.1.3b Fauna path fence
Issue
IP indicated the broken fence. He will meet Winston next week to discuss repair.
2.1.3c Fauna path hedge adjacent to the boardwalk
Issue
SN had concerns that the hedge adjacent to the willow was thin and not giving wildlife value. Dan Haywood’s map had shown no nests or winter species at this site. The willow was not allowed to grow into the trees, and it was creating a barrier to the expansion of the hedge width. CW thought it was too wet for brambles to grow. Blackthorn could be allowed to spread. AG posed that the noise of footsteps on the boardwalk could be disturbing to nesting birds.
Decision
Further consideration to be given as to how to encourage hedge quality & bird nesting.
Action
GB will produce a report for Nov FFOG
Owner
GB
2.2.1 Ash tree corner: Hedge laying of a short stretch near the wildflower patch (IP)
Issue
This may be deferred until next year. Also, the area could be replanted with wildflowers or to become a scrubby area on the shaded side.
Decision
It was agreed that the short area of hedge would be laid.
2.2.2 Principles of Hedge Trimming (R Ian)
Issue
SN asked if it was the right time to make decisions about hedge trimming as when we move into the new agreement, we will no longer be targeting ground feeding or ground nesting birds and therefore will not have the 2m height limit anymore. It is more likely that we will be targeting passerines (perching birds) that prefer big wide high thorny hedgerows.
SN proposed that any decisions on hedge management should wait until we get Calum’s report and see what the overall vision is. DB said that the current agreement has been extended to 2027 & the hedges must be managed during this time and to adhere to the 2m height limits.
Decision
It was agreed that whilst we are in the current agreement, we would adhere to the principles of hedge trimming as laid out in IP’s report.
2.2.3 DEFRA public Consultation on Protecting Hedgerow
Issue
R- IP & SN had produced a response & this had been circulated.SN asked if there was any feedback on the proposals. GB advocated support of the RSBP response.
Decision
To include details of this consultation in the email due to go out to Saturday volunteers so that they have the opportunity to make a response. To include a signpost to the RSPB.
Action
To add details of the DEFRA consultation to Jonathan’s newsletter.
Owner
IP
2.3a Self-rooting blackthorn between Fauna Path & Hay Meadow (IP)
Issue
The blackthorn had grown above the fence. It had been trimmed last year but now requires further trimming & preventing from further invasion into the field.
Decision
Blackthorn to be trimmed & height reduced to fence level.
2.3b Cromwell Rd gate (HS)
Issue
Cyclists had been gaining access to the Reserve via this gate. This included Deliveroo! On safety grounds, the FA had proposed closing the gate whilst trying to minimise the noise nuisance to the neighbours.
Decision
To ask Winston to look at a way of closing the gate that would deter cyclists and be relatively quiet.
Action
IP will liaise with Winston
Owner
IP
2.3c Hay Meadow (IP)
Issue
Refer to GBs report. Scrub is developing to the east of Cromwell Pond which is fenced off. Cattle usually come into the Hay Meadow in September to graze it down and GB queried whether they should be allowed in to break up the scrubby area or whether it would be better to retain the fencing & continue with scything.
The area is becoming very difficult to walk through when doing flush counts.
CW thought it was unlikely that the cattle would significantly damage the pond edge now that it is vegetated up. An option was to let the cattle in but fence off the pond itself.
Decision
- To ask Calum Booth for advice on management.
- To delay letting the cattle in until GB has checked the fence line to ensure that it is secure.
Action
DB will contact CB
Owner
DB
2.4.1 Upper Sowerholme – Clearance of channel & ponds to maintain clean water (IP)
Issue
GB proposed that a 2m strip was cut on the south side of the pond and the adjacent channel and that the vegetation dug out could be spread onto that side.
Decision
This was agreed
2.4.2 Bramble to eastern side of Upper Sowerholme (IP)
Issue
In the area near the wooden fence where the bamboo had been taken out it had previously been decided to plant scrub. The bramble is spreading &we could allow nature to take its course. However, planting outside the Quicks to go ahead as planned.
Decision
It was agreed to let the bramble take over.
2.5 Hedge between Lower Sowerholme & Flora Field (IP)
Issue
Last year part of the hedge had been laid. IP proposed to lay the hedge starting at hawthorn next to the Abigail Rigby copse laying to the left & uphill. A fence would need to be put in to protect the hedge for a year or two. (The current fence needs multiple repairs) HS & SN queried the need to lay the hedge that was planted in 2013 as brambles & nettles were providing low growth.
IP, supported by RK, said it was standard hedging practice to lay a hedge that was 8 to 12 years old, and it provided a habitat for small mammals & insects. CW said if the hedge was not laid it would remain thin in the lower part and this would become more of an issue over years as the trees grow.
SN pointed out that there are areas very successful in attracting wildlife where hedges are left to grow.
Decision
It was agreed to lay the hedge.
2.6a Bird Friendly Margins of the Arable Field (R SN)
Issue
Graeme Skelcher’s report is awaited. There are few, if any, plants that provide seeds for over-wintering birds in the Long Pads margin & the margin going up the hill. Across the top is a little better at about 20%.
It is possible that birds are eating the seeds after sowing in which case we could ask Aubrey to drill the seed next year. The seed was sown during a prolonged dry spell this year.
Decision
- Next year to sow seed when rain is forecast.
- To ask Aubrey if he can drill the seed.
- Seed will be required on the bird tables over winter (hopefully provided by RSPB)
Action
SN to discuss drilling of seed with Aubrey.
Owner
SN
2.6b Gate next to sightings board
Issue
This gate is noisy on opening & closing and SN was concerned it could disturb the birds.
Decision
To position the bird feeding tables further up the field away from the gate.
Action
SN to discuss with Dan
Owner
SN
2.6c Sightings Board
Issue
Graffiti continues to be an issue. A black shiny surface would be the hardest to deface. DB suggested using Osmo black gloss.
Decision
The consensus was that the board should be painted black.
Action
RK to action
Owner
RK
2.7.1 Fencing the corner off near the sightings board
IP demonstrated the plan to change the line of the fence to create a corridor between pony Wood & Little Wood. This could be done by volunteers. Sue & Peter Tilly could be asked to provide advice & assist.
Decision
This had previously been agreed.
Action
To be added to volunteers’ tasks (possibly March/April ’24)
Owner
RK
2.7.2a Laying the hedge between the corner & the top of the slope, adjoining ‘Tup field”
IP indicated the area
2.72b Strimming around the benches on Pony Wood path.
HS asked RK to add to the list of volunteer tasks
Action
RK to action
Owner
RK
3.1 Volunteer Reports for July & August
See report (RK)
3.2 Work plans for September & October
See report (RK) No objections to these proposals were received and they are thus approved.
4. Maintenance
See report (GB).
5.1 Organised Events
Decision
- Apple Day (23rd September)
- AGM 17th
- October and The Green Fair (18th November)
Full details can be found on our website and Facebook page.
5.2 Items to report from FA
Decision
At the July meeting, the trustees proposed a change to our Object. After a small modification was agreed, this was accepted by the meeting. The Object will be reviewed at the September FA meeting before going to the AGM in October. Full details can be found in the FA Minutes which are on the website.
5.3 Items to report from trustees
None
Next meeting
FMH 4th Nov 2023. FMH 7.00pm to 9.00pm