Our programme
Planned work sites and tasks until the end of the quarter are shown here. The programme is renewed before the beginning of the next quarter.
As you will see, it offers various useful tasks, over several different sites. The size and scope of the tasks on Thursday reflects the lower number of people expected to attend.
It is always a good idea to check the website as work sites may be changed due to poor weather or work requirements.
Note:
# If the work site is at Chesworth, Owlbeech, Leechpool, Southwater CP or Warnham LNR, please see this page for details of the meeting point.
# We leave the meeting point at 10 am – and aim to finish work by 1.0 pm
21 August 2018 10:00 at Owlbeech Wood TUESDAY - Turf Stripping is a technique where the top layer of soil and vegetation is scraped off to expose fresh soil and the buried seed bank. We have successfully applied this to areas of the heath on a large scale with the help of a JCB in past years – but today we would like to select a few smaller choice areas.
MEGABASH: Turf Stripping and Pathway Trimming
23 August 2018 10:00 at Chesworth Farm
Ditch Digging & Edging
THURSDAY - There are a couple of small sections of the ditch along Occupation Road path near to Platt Pond that need deepening, ready for the wetter months (if they ever come again – written in dry-July after no rain for nearly 6 weeks).
There is also some ditchbank reinforcement needed at 2 points. If it has rained **WELLIES RECOMMENDED**Meeting point: outside The Volunteer Centre, near the depot compound. By car approach from Queens Way. Postcode is RH13 0AA; the OS map ref is TQ176 295
28 August 2018 10:00 at Owlbeech Wood
MEGABASH: Turf Stripping and Pathway Trimming
TUESDAY - Turf Stripping is a technique where the top layer of soil and vegetation is scraped off to expose fresh soil and the buried seed bank. We have successfully applied this to areas of the heath on a large scale with the help of a JCB in past years – but today we would like to select a few smaller choice areas.
This is a big job and we are inviting everyone - yes, everyone! - to join us for the morning. There are jobs for all ages and fitness levels. (Children 6-16 must be accompanied by an adult) There may also be some fencing to finish off too. Meeting point: Owlbeech Way car park, RH13 6AW - this is the car park near the play area. (The signposted car park on Harwood Road can be used if needed, but it is a 10 min walk to the meeting point). We will be setting off promptly at 10am as usual. Any latecomers will be able to find us by following the black and white arrow signs.30 August 2018 10:00 at Owlbeech Wood
Riverbank Reinforcement
THURSDAY - We will be packing and staking birch bundles into the banks of the brook at points where it is starting to erode close to the foot path and bridges. This is a low impact way of slowing down erosion to prolong the life of the infrastructure we have built in the woodland and still allows the water to do its own thing along the rest of its course. The nooks and crannies of the birch bundles are also a good underwater refuge habitat.
Meeting point: at Owlbeech Way car park near the play area. Postcode is RH13 6AW (not exact); the OS map ref is TQ199 317
04 September 2018 10:00 at Warnham Local Nature Reserve
Reedbed Ponds & Ditches
TUESDAY - We will be digging off the edges of some of the reedbed wetland ponds, to expose some lovely muddy bits, hopefully drawing in passing wading birds to feed on the invertebrate life beneath. Some of the ditches that feed these ponds are due a scrape out too.
Meeting point: outside the Reserve café off Warnham Road. Postcode is RH12 2RA; the OS map ref is TQ168 323
(Please try and use the overflow car park, left once you enter the main car park, and squeeze in as tight as possible)06 September 2018 10:00 at Leechpool Wood
Path Surfacing and Picnic Area TLC
THURSDAY - The stretch of path from the carpark to the picnic area is our target today. We will flatten it and then lay type-1 aggregate over the section that gets muddy in the winter. We will also add some aggregate to the flight of steps down to the river that we built a few months back.
If anyone is feeling patient and light fingered enough, the willow dome in the picnic area is in need of the new growth being woven in.
Meeting point: in the car park off Harwood Road. Postcode is RH13 6SG (not exact); the OS map ref is TQ193 313
11 September 2018 10:00 at Chennels Brook Castle (Motte and Bailey)
Fencing and Scrub Bashing
TUESDAY - Continuing with bashing the scrub that is encroaching on to the meadow grassland, to help keep a diverse sward. There are some redundant bits of fencing on the site that we will try and tidy up while we are here.
Meeting point: Chennelsbrook Castle (Motte and Bailey), Lemmington Way, Horsham, RH12 5JG13 September 2018 10:00 at Warnham Local Nature Reserve
Reedbed Ponds & Ditches
THURSDAY - We will be digging off the edges of some of the reedbed wetland ponds, to expose some lovely muddy bits, hopefully drawing in passing wading birds to feed on the invertebrate life beneath. Some of the ditches that feed these ponds are due a scrape out too.
Meeting point: outside the Reserve café off Warnham Road. Postcode is RH12 2RA; the OS map ref is TQ168 323
18 September 2018 10:00 at Warnham Local Nature Reserve
The Path
TUESDAY - This will be one of, if not, the last of this job for the season. We will make sure the surface is as good as it can be to see it through the winter months. Keep access open to all of the reserve for all visitors.
Meeting point: outside the Reserve café off Warnham Road. Postcode is RH12 2RA; the OS map ref is TQ168 323
20 September 2018 10:00 at task to be decided
task to be decided
THURSDAY - task to be decided, please check back soon.
25 September 2018 10:00 at Owlbeech Wood
Pond Digging
TUESDAY - Digging in and around Middle Heath pond, to help keep the area wet for as much of the year as possible.
[Ryan needs to put in a picture here]Meeting point: at Owlbeech Way car park near the play area. Postcode is RH13 6AW (not exact); the OS map ref is TQ199 317
27 September 2018 10:00 at task to be decided
task to be decided
THURSDAY - task to be decided, please check back soon.