Dorset
Countryside
Volunteers No 153 August - October 2010 Reg Charity No 1071723 www.dcv.org.uk
Who we are, what we do, where, why and how . .
DCV is . . . A DCV day lasts . . .
A practical conservation group run by volunteers 10.00a.m. – 5.00p.m. approximately since 1972 doing practical work in the Breaks for lunch and drinks countryside that would not otherwise be done
Volunteers are male and female, from all walks FINDING DCV . . . of life, all ages and from all over the county Work is seasonal - in winter , woodland work, Maps with the task programme (at the back of this hedgelaying, coppicing; in summer dry stone newsletter) show the locations of task sites walling, clearing ponds, footpath work Look for DCV’s yellow arrows near the worksite or red and white tape or the DCV information board Organisations we work for include: Dorset may show an explanatory note Wildlife Trust (DWT), Heritage Coast Project, Natural England, National Trust, Amphibian & If unsure of the worksite try to arrive by 10.00 to Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) meet other volunteers. The worksite may be some way off. Lost? give us a call on 07929 961532 We work at weekends throughout Dorset
No super-human strength or special skills FOOD, DRINK & ACCOMMODATION needed, or attendance on every task or even for
the whole weekend - any time is a bonus Occasionally, we hire a village hall, cook supper,
visit the local pub and sleep overnight - karrimats DCV offers . . . available! N.B. Book with Peter a week in advance
Practical care for the environment The charge for a weekend, including Saturday Opportunity to learn new skills - training given evening meal, lunch Saturday and Sunday, Use of all necessary tools breakfast on Sunday and accommodation, £3.00 DCV provides free hot/cold drinks and biscuits Beautiful countryside, social events, fun & companionship during the day - bring your own mug if you wish Link with a French conservation group On residentials, all volunteers are welcome to come for the evening meal and pub whether working both YOU should bring . . . days or just one Halls offered by DCV provide separate male and Stout footwear (steel toecaps if you have them) female toilet/washing and changing facilities Old clothes (wear layers)
Tough gloves (we have some to sell/lend) Note: If you have a medical condition or Waterproofs, sun block, sun hat, insect repellent allergies of any sort, please carry a card and If staying overnight – a change of clothes, bring necessary medicines. If you wish, bring sleeping bag (air bed/camp bed if you wish) this to the attention of the task leader. Please Up to date tetanus jab complete the “in case of emergency” details at Goggles, if you wish, to protect your eyes the end of the newsletter, and bring on task.
Reaching a task . . . All youngsters are welcome, but should be If you need / can offer a lift, phone one of the accompanied by a responsible adult. contacts 3 days before a task Lifts from Wool station (toolstore is nearby) EDITORIAL
Nearly the end of July, already midway through the year and it only seems five minutes since we did the last newsletter. Time marches on - DCV is gently gliding towards middle age (40 years old in 2012) but, with yet another full programme of work, there are no signs of diminishing vigour. Not bad for an amateur group that turns out every weekend to perform high quality conservation work, using what resources are to hand and the light touch that only volunteers can provide, with on the spot training from experienced volunteers (on a good day you might have at least 240 years of such experience on hand!) whilst at the same time ensuring that a good day is had by all. If you haven't made it out on task for a while, why not make a resolve to come out and see us again?
Volunteering with DCV gives the opportunity to learn new expertise, including practical countryside skills, organisational and leadership skills. DCV likes to encourage volunteers trying out new skills. At the moment we would like more task leaders and would also like more volunteers to occasionally tow the trailer. Comprehensive training would be given for both. In addition, we are also still looking for a volunteer to do a little publicity in the east of the county, e.g. writing occasional press releases, distributing leaflets to libraries.
Once again a good turn out at the AGM and we would like to thank all those who attended for their continuing support. Great food, good chat and a wonderful illustrated talk by Sarah Williams of DWT on invasive plant species, in particular Himalayan Balsam. We have had a good turn out on the Balsam pulling tasks but need just as many hands again for the last pull of the season for DCV to help rid our wonderful river valley of this invasive weed.
In September we will be travelling to Normandy, France to spend a weekend with our friends in in Ass o c ia t ion Orc h is (se e T e r r y ‛s article). This is always a very good weekend and if you haven‛t been before do think about joining us - don ‛t wor r y abo u t any language difficulties , Don doesn‛t and they speak good English! They have a wonderful new up to date website, do check it out www.orchis-nature.com
A big welcome to all new volunteers. We hope you have enjoyed the experience and will come out again soon. Many thanks also to all contributors to this newsletter.
Finally, a gentle reminder that subs are due. Although this newsletter is on the website and can be read by some for free, your subscription goes towards the running costs of the group, especially this newsletter, which the majority of our members choose to receive in hard copy. Co-ordinator’s Report Introduction It is when I sit down to collate the Task Report forms that I realise that this report talks about a period of time which is rapidly fading in my memory. We hold our AGM in July but this report deals with our working year that, like the tax year runs to April.
The vital statistics - What we did and who for? Once again, in my memory at least, I have the feeling that the number of people who come out on task is falling but when I put together the statistics the average attendance for the year is the same as it was in the last report. Strangely, this year although we did one extra task, the number of days worked are down 5% and the workdays are down by 8%. A significant factor in the first is that once again we had problems filling the early summer programme and to a lesser extent the summer programme. As a result this year’s programmes have included a higher proportion of single day tasks. The reason for the workdays being disproportionately lower is less apparent and is I think the result of an increasing number of volunteers only doing a part day, this doesn’t affect the attendance figures but does reduce the chargeable workdays.
Looking back through the previous reports there appears to be no “favourite” task with our volunteers, although construction seems to feature consistently in the top three, based on average daily attendance. Last year it was in 1st place but this year came in 3rd with the Abbotsbury Beach clean claiming poll position and pond and ditch works being pushed up to 2nd place by the tasks at Tyneham which have become a favourite with our members and was the location of this year’s joint task with Orchis. As with most years Dorset Wildlife Trust top the league for days worked. Finally on the subject of statistics, at the moment I have simply followed on from what used to be compiled in previous years. If anyone has suggestions on what to include or omit, please let me know.
Year Workdays Tasks Days worked Sites Attendance (avg)
Annual summary compared to pre- 2009/10 555 49 72 36 9 vious years 2008/9 602 48 76 34 9 1995/6 684 55 86 39 8 What tasks we did
Task type Days Avg. Daily Who we worked for worked Attendance User Body Days Work Avg. Daily Rubbish clearing 1 18 worked days Attendance
Pond & Ditch work 4 15 DWT 13 100.5 8
Construction 9 10 ARC/HCT 7 50 8 Scrub Bashing 33 9 DCC - Countryside 6 40.5 7 Footpath furniture 2 9 National Trust West Dorset 6 55 11 Ragwort, etc. 2 8 Butterfly Conservation 5 36.5 10 Hedge laying 7 8 Tyneham Trust 5 64 14 Dry Stone Walling 4 8 Fencing 6 7 Purbeck District Council 4 32.5 10 Tool store & repairs 3 6 Symondsbury Estate 4 31.5 9 Woodland/Coppicing 1 6 DCC - Coast 3 31.5 12 Plantlife 3 9 7
Task Leaders Tasks Led Leggett Trust 2 14 8 Brian Thompson 1 Natural England 2 12.5 8 Viv Endecott 2 Poole Council 2 13.5 6 John Marsh 2 Val Simcock 4 Puncknowle Parish Council 2 12.5 7 Andy Cleaves 4 Springhead Trust 2 14 8
Don Simcock 5 Swyre - Peter Yates 2 15.5 9 Gareth Morgan 5 Chris Huggill 5 Purbeck Keystone project 1 13 13 Tania O’Keeffe 6
Doug Kite 9 Peter Warren 11 Who led them Richard Meatyard 18 Highlights & low-lights of the Year I am sure each one of us has their own personal thoughts on this, for me the tasks at Tyneham in particular stand out. My initial impressions of the site and task on that first visit were less than inspirational but what was achieved then and subsequently has put paid to any doubts that I might have had and when I see how the work done by DCV has transformed the site, I find it difficult to believe just how much has been achieved and how “natural” it all now looks. Another was Ragwort pulling at Lankham Bottom, yes, Ragwort pulling, when by the Sunday afternoon we were competing over who would get to the few remaining plants first. The low of the year was the tool store task where it became apparent that the faithful old trailer had finally reached the point of being beyond economic repair and would need to be replaced. Trailer A new custom built trailer, our major expense for the year, was ordered from Bridport Trailers in November with delivery due in December, to keep costs down the old and still serviceable lid was retained. You may remember this was around the time that the press were in frenzy about Swine Flu decimating the population. In the event, or should I say non event, the only impact on DCV of the flu pandemic was that the delivery of the new trailer was delayed until the February of the New Year when the all the staff at Bridport Trailers fell victim to the flu. Thankfully the old trailer remained faithful until the commissioning of the new trailer in April, following an ad-hoc task. The old trailer has found a new home and is expected to have a long and happy retirement in the care of William Brook. Younger members As someone who has now passed the half century, I’m conscious that like many voluntary organisations DCV has an ageing membership and that we struggle to recruit and retain younger members. So it is great to be able to report the achievement of one of our younger members. Tom Hearing who in addition to completing his DofE Gold also won Young Scientist of the Year 2010. Please, if anyone has thoughts on how we can recruit and retain younger members, do share them. Thanks As an organisation I think DCV makes a significant contribution to conservation and improving the amenity value or open spaces in Dorset. This would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our members who turn out on a regular basis in all weathers. We should not forget that following one of the wettest autumns on record we had the coldest winter for 30 years and yet not a single task was cancelled and attendance figures were virtually unaffected. So a vote of thanks to all of our members who made the effort to come out on task and their hard work, which is greatly appreciated by the many organisations we work for. It goes without saying that it requires the effort and dedication of many people to arrange and run a full programme of work and social events each year so I would ask for a vote of thanks for those people who take on the extra work needed to make this possible:
Andy Cleaves Chainsaw operator. Brian Thompson Publicity officer who actively promotes the work of DCV both in the press and at many local events around the county. Chris Huggill Treasurer, publicity officer and trailer towing. Don & Val Simcock Who create the interesting and informative quarterly newsletter. Doug Kite Who seeks out and puts together our programme of tasks for a wide range of clients. Gordon Hobday Tools maintenance and trailer towing. Helen Gorman Who arranges and interesting selection of social events, also our secretary. Nick O’Keeffe Who maintains the DCV WEB site and ensures the content is current. Peter Warren Technical advisor, chainsaw operator and trailer towing. Terry Gillott Orchis exchange trips organiser.
And our task leaders, without whom there would be no tasks: Andy Cleaves, Brian Thompson, Chris Huggill, Doug Kite, Gareth Morgan, John Marsh, Peter Warren, Don Simcock, Tania O’Keefe, Val Simcock, and Viv Endecott. As always the more people who help, the lighter the load so any aspiring leaders please step forward. Conclusion I hope you will agree with me when I say that I think DCV has had another busy and productive year and that you, like me, are able to look back with pride at what has been achieved. Of all the glorious days, places and stunning views that more than made up for the occasional day, when cold and wet, scratched, stung and prickled, I thought I must be mad why aren’t I at home in the warm and dry watching the television or reading a book. Finally, following comments about my report last year, this year I have included a summary of tasks, which I will leave you to read at your leisure. Coordinator’s Report for 2009/10 Date Site Client Days Task
09-01 19/4/2009 Upton Wood Purbeck District Council 11 Ditch and bank restoration Digging drainage ditch alongside main path from entrance to stream crossing. Completion of work begun April 2008. 09-02 26/4/2009 Abbotsbury Beach DCC-Coast 18 Beach clean Collecting rubbish off the beach. Not much to collect in our usual patch so went most of the way to West Bexington in the afternoon. 09-03 3/5/2009 Swyre Swyre - Peter Yates 9 Dry stone walling Completed about 4m of wall from foundations laid last year and made a start on rebuilding another 3m tumbledown gap in wall. Pleasant sunshine with lots of piglets trying their luck raiding the base camp. 09-04 10/5/2009 Bracket's Coppice Dorset Wildlife Trust 9 Bridge repair Scheduled task was to complete a bridge started by DWT volunteers but following a DWT inspection it was found bearers had started to rot so task was switched to an alternative, removing old fence lines. Busy day removing two fence lines and clearing back undergrowth. Transported all wire to entrance of site. Hot sunny day. 09-05 16&17/5/2009 Tyneham Tyneham Trust 31 Bridge, ditch & pond work Digging ditch, preparing seed bed, dig over Bat Garden. Clean cobbles, weed clearing and Tree planting (Orchis week- end) 09-06 24/5/2009 Swyre Swyre - Peter Yates 8 Dry stone walling Completed wall started last visit. Stripped back and rebuilt the next gap. Rebuilt Slab Bridge over stream. Bright sunny day. 09-07 31/5/2009 Tyneham Tyneham Trust 8 Ditch & pond work Filled gabion installed by BTCV with stones and installed drain pipe and top covering of stones and soil. Installed a 2nd gabion and filled, prepared 3rd for installation. Did some gardening and bank maintenance. 09-08 6&7/6/2009 Symondsbury Sheep Symondsbury Estate 15 Sheep wash restoration Cleared vegetation from around wash. Cleared soil and vegetation from inner floor. Partly cleared exit ramp and main pond. Pointed top of inner and sluice wall. Started pointing and buttressing wall by felled tree. 09-09 14/6/2009 Hambledon Hill Natural England 6 Baby scrub cutting Cut baby scrub on hill next to Terrace Coppice. Small number of volunteers so quick bonfire late in afternoon. 09-10 21/6/2009 Tyneham Tyneham Trust 14 Ditch & pond work Installation of gabion basket. Digging channel for granary down pipe to stream and installing pipe. Building a sleeper bridge and weeding around farm buildings. Moving heavy stones to install in stream and distressing stream banks. 09-11 27&28/6/2009 Wool Tool store Dorset Countryside 12 Repairs & maintenance General tool maintenance. Tidying of tool store site and removal of soil dumped by owner. Extension of paved area in front of tool store. Maintenance of trailer. 09-12 5/7/2009 Symondsbury Sheep Symondsbury Estate 7 Sheep wash restoration Continued pointing and completed first buttress. 09-13 11&12/7/2009 Ryewater Farm Plantlife 10 Fencing Installation of stockinet and two strand barbed wire fence around hedge between two hay meadows, leaving central gap for possible gate. Completed first section and installed some of strainers for second section. 09-14 18&19/7/2009 Lankham Bottom Butterfly Conservation 16 Ragwort Pulling Cleared slope on western side of reserve of ragwort hauled at least 20 dumpy bags full to disposal site. Client very happy as first time this entire slope cleared of ragwort. 09-15 26/7/2009 Wool Tool store Dorset Countryside 7 Repairs & maintenance General tool maintenance. Tidying of tool store site and removal of soil dumped by owner. Extension of paved area in front of tool store. Maintenance of trailer. 09-16 1&2/8/2009 Puncknowle Puncknowle Parish 14 Dry stone walling Worked on 20m length of partly realigned wall bordering recreation ground. Completed foundations and about half length to full height with cap stones. Rest at various levels above foundations. Ran out of suitable building stone. 09-17 9/8/2009 Hambledon Hill Natural England 10 Ragwort pulling Cut small scrub near entrance to hill at track from Markstone. Small fire in afternoon. No Ragwort to pull hurrah! Coordinator’s Report for 2009/10 Date Site Client Days Task
09-18 14&15/8/2009 Throop Islands DCC-Countryside 11 Fencing Replacing fence on island to enable grazing. Strainer posts already installed intermediates and three strands of wire. Completed fence to last strainer and removed remainder of old fence. 09-19 23/8/2009 Tyneham Tyneham Trust 16 Various stream works Clear weeds around double hedgerow. Remove and stack. Remove tree guards. Rearrange rocks in stream grading from small to large and securing with clay. Begin digging out soil from hen house, stack slates bricks and tiles. Clear mud from cobbles. 09-20 30/8/2009 Symondsbury Sheep Symondsbury Estate 13 Repairs and re-pointing Finished 2nd buttress, cleared stream and silt. Rebuilt wall end and started on flags. 09-21 6/9/2009 Upton Wood Purbeck District Council 10 Scrub cutting Cleared bramble, brush and willow herb from mire to encourage growth of grass and other marsh plants. Brash and cut- tings move to create barrier between mire and main reserve. 09-22 13/9/2009 Golden Cap Estate National Trust - W est 16 Pond clearance Removed parrot feather weed from two ponds at Copse Mead, completed at lunchtime so afternoon moved over to Bur- ton Bradstock clear Ragwort from fields adjacent to Burton Beach. 09-23 19/9/2009 Rywater Farm Plantlife 12 Fencing Continued fence from previous session. Small turnout on Saturday good turnout on Sunday. Second section of fence completed apart from one short section. 09-24 26/9/2009 East Cliff DCC-Coast 6 Path works Installed 14 new steps in section started at last visit. 09-24 27/9/2009 East Cliff DCC-Coast 11 Path works Installed 16 steps on new section to complete eastern side and start on western side of gully. 09-25 4/10/2009 Brenscombe Hill Purbeck Keystone Project 13 Gorse cutting Removal of gorse from hillside had bonfire which resulted in outburst from local resident. 09-26 10/10/2009 Ashley Heath DCC-Countryside 4 Hedge laying Cleared out and laid central hedge along old railway track at Ashley Heath. 09-26 11/10/2009 Ashley Heath DCC-Countryside 11 Hedge laying Cleared out and laid remaining section of hedge then made start on clearing gorse alongside the track. 09-27 18/10/2009 Upton Wood Purbeck District Council 14 Rhododendron cutting Cleared rhododendron from lower corner of wood. Stacked ready for shredding or removal. 09-28 24&25/10/2009 Springhead Springhead Trust 16 Grass amphitheatre Another change to the scheduled task. The grass amphitheatre project had been placed on hold so we constructed two sections of revetments round side of lake. Short section 10m and long section 20m. Both sections back filled by clearing trackside earth bank to create new lay-by on track. Excellent teas and lunches very kindly provided by the trust volun- teers. 09-29 1/11/2009 Upton Wood Purbeck District Council 6 Bluebell planting Planted 2000 bluebell bulbs near Pony Drive entrance. Then cleared holly in same area to encourage mixed woodland growth. 09-30 7&8/11/2009 Lorton Meadows Dorset Wildlife Trust 9 Hedge laying Task booked as hedge laying. Spent weekend clearing out scrub to reveal hedge to find that mostly old hawthorns in poor condition unsuitable for laying. Advised client to coppice. 09-31 14&15/11/2009 West Moors DCC-Countryside 15 Gorse cutting Scrub clearance and hedge laying on Castleman Trailway. 09-32 21&22/11/2009 Trigon ARC/HCT 4 Pine cutting Cutting and burning small pine. 09-33 29/11/2009 Wear Cliff National Trust - W est 14 Scrub cutting Cutting and stacking scrub and willow to clear a stretch of under cliff for the butterflies. Coordinator’s Report for 2009/10 Date Site Client Days Task
09-34 6/12/2009 Parley Common ARC/HCT 17 Pine cutting Cutting pines, mostly small, some large trees from area of heather near golf course boundary. Large bonfire burnt all that was cut and not taken away by volunteers. 09-35 12&13/12/2009 Blackheath ARC/HCT 9 Pine cutting No task report form, available. 09-36 19&20/12/2009 Winfrith Heath Dorset Wildlife Trust 21 Scrub cutting Cleared 70m belt of tall birch, willow and some scrub alongside reserve entrance track. Burnt brash and created lot of cordwood. Cold and sunny ground frozen throughout task. A great Christmas task with good turnout. Loads of logs squirreled away in volunteers cars. 09-37 3/1/2010 Townsend Swanage Dorset Wildlife Trust 10 Scrub cutting Clear dense hawthorn thicket near entrance to reserve. Large hot fire on a cold bright day. 09-38 9&10/1/2010 Lamberts Castle National Trust - W est 16 Scrub cutting Cutting mainly birch alongside footpath on Lamberts Castle common. Stacking logs and burning brash. Task resched- uled from programmed task on Coney's Castle as heavy snow fall prevented access. 09-39 16&17/1/2010 West Milton Leggett Trust 15 Scrub cutting Clearing and burning previously cut gorse to open up area for grazing. Then cutting more gorse, blackthorn and willow extend area. 09-40 23&24/1/2010 Lions Hill ARC/HCT 16 Scrub cutting Cutting small pine and gorse on wet undulating site alongside Castleman Trailway. Brash burnt and stumps treated by wardens. 09-41 31/1/2010 Fontmell Down Dorset Wildlife Trust 6 Scrub cutting Cutting gorse, bramble and hawthorn on Brandy's Down above Springhead. Cold frosty day on a north facing slope. Steep and slippery, especially in the afternoon as frost thawed. Two fires and a good section cut. 09-42 6/2/2010 Ham Common Poole Borough Council 8 Gorse cutting Cutting gorse to open up heath land, pathway and view point. To create fire break, open up views and improve habitat for insects and Dartford Warblers. Frustrating morning trying to get fire going but succeeded in afternoon to be rewarded by large hot blaze in time to burn all brash cut during the day. 09-43 7/2/2010 Luscombe Valley Poole Borough Council 11 Birch cutting Cutting and burning birch, willow and other scrub to open up area of marshy ground around walkway to create open habi- tat. Large bonfire, some cordwood and stumps treated by warden. 09-44 13&14/2/2010 Kingcombe Meadows Dorset Wildlife Trust 8 Hedge laying Hedge laying on boundary hedge completing sections started by previous groups. 09-45 21/02/2010 Coombe Heath Dorset Wildlife Trust 13 Birch cutting Cutting and burning gorse, bramble and birch. 09-46 27&28/02/2010 Lankham Bottom Butterfly Conservation 16 Gorse & thorn cutting Scrub clearing on slope above pumping station. Gorse, bramble, hawthorn & blackthorn. Large fire on steep slippery slope. 09-47 6,7&13/3/2010 Brackets Coppice Dorset Wildlife Trust 15 Ride widening/hedge laying Cleared out section of around 80m of hedge bank, laid all available branches and then in filled to dead hedge the gaps using brash from clearing out on hedge laying. Small fire on last day to clear unused brash. 3 excellent days of hedge laying. 09-48 14/3/2010 Broadcroft Quarry Butterfly Conservation 18 Scrub cutting Clearing section of quarry of bramble, sycamore, buddleia and long grass to create short sward for butterflies. 09-49 20/3/2010 Clouds Hill National Trust - W est 7 Rhododendron cutting Completed clearance of rhododendron from boundary bank of property. Large fire in last years fire pit. 09-49 21/3/2010 Clouds Hill National Trust - W est 12 Rhododendron cutting Moved inside garden to create new path through the garden.
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR 1 APRIL 2009 TO 31 MARCH 2010
INCOME £ EXPENDITURE £ Tasks Tasks Workdays 3340.00 Food 288.72 Mileage 1061.00 Mileage 500.80 Chainsaw 225.00 Chainsaw 88.00 Food & Accommodation 222.00 ------Subtotal 877.52 Subtotal 4848.00 ------Equipment Membership Tools 198.74 Subscriptions 249.00 New Trailer 1185.00 Donations 200.00 Materials 53.00 ------Subtotal 449.00 Subtotal 1436.74 ------Orchis Fund 336.50 Orchis Fund 190.56 Sales 9.00 Hall Hire 203.00 Publicity (Refund) 36.75 Publicity 68.15 Newsletter 695.01 BTCV Membership/ Insurance 40.75 Sundries 87.94 ------TOTAL INCOME 5679.25 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 4099.67 ------
BALANCE £ Opening Balance ……………………. 3789.77 Correction …………………………… 715.63 ------Opening Bank Balance ……………. 4505.40 Total Income less Total Expenditure 1579.58 ------Closing Balance ……………………. 6084.98 ------EQUIPMENT FUND 1 APRIL 2009 TO 31 MARCH 2010
INCOME £ EXPENDITURE £ Miles 1061.00 Miles 500.80 Chainsaw 225.00 Chainsaw 88.00 Tools and Trailer 1383.74 ------Total 1286.00 Total 1972.54 ------
Opening Balance …………… 324.28 Income less Expenditure ….. (686.54) ------Closing Balance …………… (362.26) ------
ORCHIS FUND 1 APRIL 2009 TO 31 MARCH 2010
INCOME £ EXPENDITURE £ Donations 21.00 Food (Tyneham) 134.24 Cerne Hall Hire (correction) 55.00 Drink (Tyneham) 56.32 Work (Cerne Giant) 93.00 Work (Tyneham) 82.50 Food subs (Tyneham) 85.00 ------Total 336.50 Total 190.56 ------
Opening Balance ……………. 29.72 Income less Expenditure …… 145.94 ------Closing Balance …………… 175.66 ------
Notes The unexplained discrepancy of £715.63 between the previous annual balance and the bank balance has now been corrected. The cost of the new trailer has caused the equipment fund to go into the red temporarily - this will not last for long. For those who are interested, we made a loss on the Orchis weekend 2009 of £23.06, which was almost made up for by donations to the fund. ASSOCIATION ORCHIS
On Saturday the 22nd May we food and drinks at the home of We also thanked Orchis again welcomed 6 members of Chris Huggill (our treasurer). members for joining us and the French conservation group asked that they pass on a Association Orchis to our On Sunday morning we contribution of 100 euros we shores for their annual visit. attended the DCV task at the would like to make to the Farm Project site, Tyneham, a restoration of the wooden Unfortunately the cruise ferry site our guests had worked on fishing vessel MARITE. Barfleur has been withdrawn the previous year. This is an Several Orchis members are from service and the times of interesting site which DCV has involved with this restoration the fastcat service are not as visited several times and is in St Vaast under the guidance convenient for our visitors. always enjoyable with a variety of Fondation du Patrimoine. A They arrived at lunchtime of tasks. The sun continued to number of DCV members who but had to return home early shine on us as the gardens have visited Orchis have seen Monday morning. gradually took a better shape, the extensive work which has the dry stone wall started to been carried out to this boat However the sun was shining rise and cobbles were used to over the last two years. This and we set off for a picnic on line the ford. gift was well received and the Quay at Christchurch grateful thanks offered by the followed by a walk around the At the end of the working day Orchis President Theirry Priory, Castle and Museum. it was a privilege to enjoy a Marais. A most enjoyable day. Our guests were particularly BBQ on site. A variety of meat, interested to see a game of vegetables and deserts were Unfortunately it was necessary bowls being played (especially served along with several for some of us to be at the the whites of the dress code) alcoholic beverages! A big Poole Ferry Terminal at 6.30 by the side of the Castle and thank you was extended to am on Monday morning to see compare this to the French Lynda Price for allowing us to our guests returned safely game of boules. After a have the BBQ and for asking us back to the fastcat for their pleasant afternoon we took back to work on this site. return journey to France. them to their hosts homes to However the sun was still freshen up in time for more shining and our guests had a pleasant journey home.
Terry Gillott ABBOTSBURY CASTLE DCV tasks: 11/12 & 25/26 September
Abbotsbury Castle Iron Age Through Roman geographers The Durotriges presented a hillfort stands on Wears Hill and writers we know the names settled society, based in the above the village of Abbotsbury, of the early tribes inhabiting farming of lands surrounded and seven miles west of Dorchester Britain. The Durotriges were the controlled by strong hillforts that and the famous hillfort at Maiden native Celtic tribe living in what were still in use in 43AD. They Castle. It occupies a triangular we now call Dorset, prior to the were very successful in the enclosure of 1.8 hectares, with Roman invasion. More a tribal manufacture of pottery and there two ramparts separated by a confederation than tribe, the was a flourishing industry in Iron single ditch. The defences are Durotriges were one of the Age Dorset, producing a increased to four ramparts and groups that issued coinage distinctive dark gray or black larger ditches at the more before the Roman conquest. ware with a burnished finish. vulnerable south-eastern end. These coins were rather simple The distribution of the ware is The bivallate hillfort was and had no real inscriptions, just another indicator of the tribe’s developed from a simpler squiggles. Thus no names of territory. The pottery industry univallate one, and the ramparts coin-issuers can be known, let successfully survived the appear to have been constructed alone evidence about monarchs conquest and traded lucratively in a hurry with loads of soil or rulers, however the area of the with the Roman army. The dumped on the banks. Durotriges is identified in part by tribe’s main outlet for trade coin finds. Their territory, across the Channel, between The trig-point at the top of the reaching from Hengistbury Head 100BC and 50BC, was through hillfort is 215 metres above sea near Christchurch in the east, to the harbour at Hengistbury Head level making it the highest point the River Axe in the west, also where large quantities of items for quite some distance, and included South Cadbury Castle were also brought into Britain, offers unrivalled views over the and possibly an outlet to the including Armorican coins. It surrounding landscape. To the Bristol Channel. After the was probably through this route west is a hill called "The Knoll" Roman conquest, their main too that luxurious artifacts were which has several burial civitates, or settlement-centred carried to grace the homes of mounds. To the south-east, the administrative units, were chieftains. village of Abbotsbury and the Durnovaria (modern Dorchester, the probable original capital) and Burial of Durotriges was by Glastonbury Tor-like hill with St inhumation, with a last ritual Catherine's chapel on the Lindinis (modern Ilchester). Their neighbours to the west meal provided even under summit. To the north-east lie the exiguous circumstances, as in Kingston Russell stone circle and were the Dumnonii and to the east the Belgae. the eight burials at Maiden the Grey Mare and her Colts Castle, carried out immediately long barrow. Impressive views Hilltop fortifications began to after the Roman attack. of Chesil Beach and the Fleet appear from 700BC. The stretch down to the Isle of Durotriges were the major hillfort When the Romans invaded in Portland in the distance. builders of Britain and through 43AD, historian Suetonius DCV we are familiar with many recorded fights between the The fort was occupied by the Second Legion Augusta, Celtic Durotriges tribe, taking of these examples, having worked on Hod Hill, Hambledon, commanded by Vespasian, advantage of its situation on a whose responsibility it was to high chalk hill overlooking the Badbury Rings, Pilsdon Pen, Lamberts, Coney and now conquer the southwest. He English Channel and providing wrote that “. . (he) conquered two front line defence from invasion. Abbotsbury Castle. Here it is still possible to see the ring of eleven warlike tribes and captured more However, when the Romans did than twenty towns . . “ The invade in 43AD, they took the circular huts, which housed inhabitants. It is thought that in Durotriges were one of these fort quickly with little struggle tribes and the twenty towns, their before moving on to Maiden times of trouble, others from the surrounding area would take hillforts. By 70 AD, the tribe was Castle. There is no evidence already Romanised and securely that the Romans settled at refuge in the hillfort, together with their livestock. There is included in the Roman province Abbotsbury Castle as they did at of Britannia. some other hill forts. similar evidence from Hod Hill and Maiden Castle. The Prehistoric Age Bill Putnam Dovecote Press 1998 Erosion Control
Man made erosion is caused not in one go then over a finishing of shingle to allow for by excessive wear and tear period of time. In all cases drainage. by numerous feet and hoofs this will only work if visitors Some more persistent wet on a confined area. Natural are kept away from the areas can be crossed by a erosion is caused by wind, repaired areas. Information boardwalk, a raised timber rain and landslips and are boards should be placed near platform or sleepers laid side usually spread over a wider the areas to inform walkers of area. Man made erosion is the need for the work and to local and unsightly, causing a ask them not to walk on the scar and potentially damaging repaired areas. It is probably if left. worth trying to put up some We think in terms of erosion sort of temporary barrier to on the coast path where keep walkers away. by side. DCV has installed thousands of feet tread If grazed then temporary many of these throughout numerous paths confined to a animal proof netting should be Dorset over the years. narrow area. There is also the used. A timber frame is built and erosion on our national The erosion happens when secured into the ground and monuments such as hill forts walkers are restricted to cut slats nailed on top. like Badbury Rings and narrow areas due to scrub Sometimes wire is placed Abbotsbury Castle. encroachment. Once the over to prevent slipping. The These beauty spots are scrub was removed and the structure should be just wide visited by thousands of scars repaired there was enough for two walkers to people every year and more even wear over the site. pass, or short cuts around will eventually if uncontrolled they occur. wear away the grass and the soil washes away causing unsightly scars over the monument. Many years ago DCV were involved in the repairs to Badbury Rings. In one of the worst badly eroded gulleys we put in wooden Building steps can help revetments and filled behind prevent erosion on paths on with soil, then re-turfed the Footpath erosion is more hills. Wooden or more durable difficult to control as often one stone steps can be used, dug cannot divert the public. DCV into the hill and pinned from has been involved in many the front. They should have areas of the coast path doing good drainage so walkers will different forms repair. On the want to use them. On long Fleet we have repaired a sections landings should be muddy section by digging out put in so walkers can rest and top. In other less eroded the dry soil in the late others can pass. A walker will areas we banked up soil, re- summer, putting down a use the path and steps if they seeded and put netting over. membrane that allows water are kept in good condition and It is important to try to to pass down but not the soil they find them easier to use recreate the original profile if or mud to pass up. Then a than the ground next to it. DORSET COUNTRYSIDE VOLUNTEERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at West Stafford on July 3rd 2010
Present: Kevin Cook, President and 18 DCV members Apologies: Viv Minutes from the last meeting were accepted.
Co-ordinator’s report: there will be a copy in the newsletter. Attendance remains steady. New trailer has been bought. Some concern expressed regarding the lack of younger members in the group and the need for more, although one existing member has recently become Young Scientist of the Year. Members attending on task were thanked as were task leaders and committee members.
Treasurers report: copy to be included in Newsletter. Finances are healthy. New trailer has been a big expenditure this year and also new tools. An audit will be carried out by Terry Gillott and John Marsh within 3 months of AGM.
Publicity: need for regular supply of up to date photos for displays to show range of tasks and volunteers. Always more help needed with publicity particularly in East of county. Thanks to Chris and David for their regular help.
President’s address: Kevin Cook commented on the difficulty in maintaining conservation areas in Dorset due to the fragility of conservation bodies in the current economic climate. He predicted difficulties in protecting them, making the need for volunteer groups like DCV all the more important. Kevin noted the recent deaths of Angela Hughes and Helen Brotherton and commented on the value of the conservation work of both individuals. He concluded by thanking all involved with DCV for their work over the past year particularly Richard Meatyard, Co-ordinator.
Election of Officers: all current officers were re-elected.
Orchis: Visit to Dorset by 6 Orchis members in May, excellent weekend enjoyed by all, visiting Christchurch on Saturday then working at Tyneham on Sunday. DCV have been invited to St Vaast for the weekend of 17th September. All are welcome, please contact Terry if you are interested. An article will be in the newsletter.
AOB: There has been a suggestion that there should be a special task in commemoration of Helen Brotherton, possible suggestions were: renovation of the Powerstock brick kiln; the creation of a bird hide; a community or school project. It was agreed to continue discussion about this, contact Doug, Don or Peter with any suggestions.
Sarah Williams of Dorset Wildlife headwaters, as the species and leading to bare riverbanks Trust then spoke about the spread down river by seed, work and erosion. Seed viability is 2/3 Return of the Natives, a 3/4 year parties began pulling Himalayan years. Realistic projections look project centred on Dorset ’s most balsam, the fastest growing at controlling balsam, as important rivers. The aim is to annual in the country. Balsam opposed to total eradication. It is control non native species, as has been in the UK since the grazed only when small and it is there is a danger they will 19th century, partly as game OK to compost if there are no displace native species, and cover, partly perceived as a nice flowers or seeds present. return native riparian plants to garden plant. It can reach 2.5 our banksides. After habitat metres in height and is found DCV will return to the River loss, the introduction and spread along rivers, in damp woodlands, Hooke for the weekend of of invasive non-native species is but also in dry habitats. It has 7/8 August, for a ‘mop up’ a major cause of loss to native small roots and is easy to pull. operation. biodiversity. However all nodes can reshoot new roots so it is important to Lots more hands are needed Work began last year with pull below the lowest node. It for this valuable task - can you mapping of the area and this can grow in dense stands, spare even half a day? spring, starting in the shading out underlying plants To o l s tata l k using the right tool for the job . . . . if you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to ask
Spades are for digging. They have a strong narrow blade with a sharpened edge and little lift angle between blade and handle. They should have a blunt tread so they can be used even with Wellington boots. When using, keep your weight over the tool Garden Spade and push it down with maximum force. Do not try to lift too much or use the spade as a lever. Bend your knees, not your back. Garden Spade
Shovels are for shifting and lifting. Their broad thinner blade can buckle if used as a spade. Work from as low a position as possible and lift with your Shovel knees keeping a straight back. Shovel Shovel Pick axes have a hardened steel head and an ash or hickory handle. They are used to break up hard stony ground but do not use them as a lever. A good method is for one person to use the pick on hard Grubbing stony ground to break it open and a second person mattock use a shovel to move the spoil, thus allowing the first person to rest. Pick ended mattock
Mattocks have a wooden handle but a softer steel English clay head. The broad blade is used to break up hard mattock ground and the sharp axe end for cutting roots. If digging a trench stand in it, this is much easier than leaning over and straining your back.
Bars are called crow or wrecking bars and are used 3 to 10ft as levers to move heavy objects. They can also be long used to make post holes and break stone in the Different ground. Wrecking bars are often used for pulling out Wrecking bar ends nails.
surviving on task this summer
Protect your eyes: use sunglasses to protect against glare and the sun use goggles when using a mattock or pick on stony ground when cutting scrub or brambles, keep your head out of the way Protect your skin against the sun: cover up - wear a long sleeved shirt, long trousers - and a hat use sun cream or block - it’s easy to get sunburned when working
Dehydration drink plenty of water - little and often is best work steadily and don’t over exert yourself
wear insect repellent when necessary Attacks: carry your own antihistamine (cream or pills) if allergic to bites wash skin if you make contact with any plant sap to prevent blotching
Remember safety is also your responsibility Follow safe working practices and think about the safety of others working near you Ticks are small, flat bodied, spider-like, blood sucking mites. They normally live on blood from wild animals such as deer, but occasionally may attach themselves to humans walking through grass, rough vegetation, bracken or heathland. Most active between April - October, they may be present throughout the year.
This is for your information only - D C V workers are no more prone than other countryside visitors.
Lyme Disease is an infection caused by bacteria that can be transmitted by ticks when they bite (not every tick carries Lyme Disease). The infection can affect the skin and may cause partial paralysis of the face (Bells Palsy), cause serious illness of the nervous system, joints and heart.
Once bitten: Diagnosis and treatment: Prevention:
Remove tick as soon as Check for rash or red patch, Avoid tick habitats when possible by grasping the lower especially one that expands possible. mouthparts close to the skin over several days. The red Keep to open paths with tweezers or a tick tool patch can be quite large (1- (available from pet and 18”). It may be ring shaped. Keep your skin covered - wear outdoor shops). long trousers and long sleeved Flu like symptoms (low grade shirts, tuck trousers into socks Apply gentle pressure and pull fever, chills, headache, if necessary. firmly upwards. Avoid twisting swollen glands near the site, as this increases risk of aching muscles and joints) Light coloured clothing will detaching head and leaving often occur early in the help you spot ticks and brush parts of the tick in the wound. disease. Meningitis like them off. symptoms; stiff neck, difficulty Pull slowly and consistently Insect repellent on skin or concentrating, remembering until it lets go. Do not squeeze cloths may offer protection. and fatigue, can occur later in the body of the tick or attempt the disease. At regular intervals check your to remove through burning or clothing and exposed skin for chemicals. If you have any of these ticks. At the end of the day symptoms following a tick bite If the head remains in the skin, completely check over your or just the symptoms, inform infection may occur - save the body for ticks. your doctor. You may develop tick in a sealed container and symptoms up to a year after consult your doctor. being bitten.
Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics at any stage. The earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat. Let’s Go Camping
Do you, like so many others, have Here are some tasks sites and Melplash DT6 3TU memories of the joys and tears of nearby camp sites. Where Tel 01308 488234 camping. Well it may surprise you possible I have listed alternatives Map 193 GR 478963 so as not to favour any. that millions of us are now camping Purbeck and South Dorset also again. In North Dorset we have tasks at have a good choice. We have three There was a time only a few years Fontmell and Springhead. tasks here, Goathorn, Tyneham ago that DCV camped on the Sixpenny Handley SP5 5ND and Osmington Mills. Saturday night at a nearby camp Tel 01725 552563 Ridge, Wareham BH20 5BG site, for a few drinks and a BBQ Map 184 GR 996174 Tel 01929 556444 and as the warm weather is here, Okeford Fitzpaine DT11 0RR Map 195 GR 939867 now is the time to start camping Tel 01258 861450 Stoborough BH20 5BZ again. Map 194 GR 801109 01929 552546 Map 195 GR 928855 In West Dorset we have three Sometimes we are lucky and the Church Knowle BH20 5NG task client will allow us to camp on tasks, Kingcombe/Hooke and Tel 01929 480151 their land near to the work site. Abbotsbury. Map 195 GR 943819 This has advantages of less Burton Bradstock DT6 4PT Norden BH20 5DT driving, more work and no cost. Tel 01308 897317 Tel 01929 481076 Map 193 GR 480898 Map 195 GR 942838 Certain tasks lend themselves to Puncknowle DT2 9BW Osmingtom Mills DT3 6HB camping especially if there is a Tel 01308 897258 Tel 01305 832311 camp site nearby. DCV have Map 194 GR 536888 Map 194 GR 733822 usually camped on the Saturday Portesham DT3 4HN night of a weekend task but there is Tel 01305 871209 There are also YHA hostels no reason why a Friday could not Map 194 GR 628843 Litton Cheney DT2 9AT Tel 0845 371 9329 be included or even the Saturday Fleet DT3 4ED Lulworth BH20 5SA before a Sunday only task. Tel 01305 782218 Tel 0845 371 9331 Map 194 GR 626806 Swanage BH19 2BS The advantages of a campsite are Chickerell DT3 4EA Tel 0345 371 9346 the supply of fresh water, showers Tel01305 771057 and toilets, electricity and if one is Map 194 GR 634817 Please ring for booking and prices on ones own there is also security.
Most of our regular volunteers will The Old Trailer Story The trailer now has pride of place in have noticed the new trailer out on William’s workshop, he says “it is best task but few will have wondered The idea of a new trailer was mooted kept under cover without a lid”. With a what has become of the old one. I about two years ago but went back large piece of wood on top it makes an had a phone call the other day to just being an idea. Last Autumn ideal extra work bench and will soon and was told all about it. we decided at a planning meeting to be repainted. William is sourcing the It was delivered by Gordon, our get a quote for a new trailer from same colour paint as it has never been tools officer, to William Brook who Bridport Trailers. Having duly arrived any other colour - except light green in lives near Wareham. William has and passed the Peter and Gordon the early 80s and mid green in the late been a DCV member for well over test we now had two trailers. William 80s. It has already been on trips to the 30 years and can remember the was contacted - the important YES local council tip with rubble and early trailer days and those even was received and off it went. We rubbish and will be used to transport earlier tasks without a trailer. He reused the lid on the new trailer but building material for the restoration of had asked if he could have the a new rear light array was bought so an out building. William says that he trailer once its useful life was over the old one went with the trailer. A would like to restore the trailer to its and a replacement was up and few years ago William bought Ian original state, but in the meantime running. He has had to wait nearly Hay’s old car with towbar. This was DCV can use it if we need an extra two years. the car that towed the trailer for trailer to transport our growing many, many years and so William collection of tools and bits and pieces. now has the complete set.
The two social events of the last quarter were very successful. The barbeque following the task at Tyneham was well attended and . proved delightful on a warm balmy evening. Our French guests from . Orchis thoroughly enjoyed . themselves. The AGM was well .. attended and once the business of the meeting finished members . . partook of a meal that was outstanding even by DCV standards. . Sarah Williams completed the evening with a very interesting talk about invasive species. .
This quarter the following socials have been arranged. Saturday 7th August, Stompin on the Quomps, Christchurch Quay - an afternoon and evening of live music . including big band - all free. Just . add a picnic. .
Following the success of the . barbeque at Tyneham, Lynda Price . has suggested a bring a dish evening st on Saturday 21 August following the task there. Please bring a dish and a bottle, ready to eat from 6.00 onwards. Saturday 18th September, story . telling at The Earthouse, Cranborne, with Hugh Lupton and Nick Hennesey. Tickets £10. Contact Helen to book. .. A pub meal has been suggested for Thursday 7th October at The Ship Inn, Wool at 7.45. Please contact Helen to book. . . Cost - £16.50 Also available - . Polo Shirts - £13.00 T-Shirts - £9.50 Ladies sizes available - 8 to 24 Children‛s sizes available - (Prices on request) Most Colours Available. Orders to Brian Thompson with cheque made payable to Dorset Countryside Volunteers. D C V DIARY AUGUST - OCTOBER 2010
DATE TASK SITE CLIENT WORK August 1 Sunday Fontmell Down, N Dorset Dorset Wildlife Trust Cutting baby scrub August 7 Saturday Stompin on the Quomps Enjoy live music + big Anytime midday ‘til Christchurch band on Christchurch 10.00 p.m. Quay - bring a picnic August 7/8 River Hooke, Kingcombe Dorset Wildlife Trust Balsam pulling Meadows, W Dorset August 14/15 Springhead, Fontmell Springhead Trust Fencing Magna, N Dorset August 21/22 Tyneham, Purbeck MoD Tyneham Farm Drystone walling and Project cobble pitching August 21 Saturday Supper at Tyneham - @ 6.00pm following Bring a dish to share the task and a drink August 28/29 Osmington Mills, Dorset Countryside Path surfacing and Nr Weymouth wooden step building September 5 Higher Hyde Heath, Dorset Wildlife Trust Cutting small pine and Sunday Purbeck scrub September 11/12 Abbotsbury Castle, Dorset Countryside Erosion repairs W Dorset September 18/19 Upton Wood, Poole Purbeck District Council Scrub cutting
September 18 Story telling at The Tickets £10 Contact Helen to book Saturday Earthouse, Cranborne September 25/26 Abbotsbury Castle, Dorset Countryside Erosion repairs W Dorset September 30 Planning Meeting @ Gordon’s 7.45 p.m. Thursday October 3 Sunday Goathorn Peninsula, Private Cutting pine and scrub Purbeck October 7 Thursday Pub meal Ship Inn, Wool @ 7.45pm Contact Helen to book
October 10 Sunday Upton Wood, Poole Purbeck District Council Rhododendron cutting
October 16/17 West Moors, Castleman Dorset Countryside Gorse and scrub cutting Trailway, E Dorset October 23/24 Springhead, Fontmell Springhead Trust Pond bank revetting Magna, N Dorset
DCV mobile: 07929 961532 (task hours) web site: www.dcv.org.uk
Remember to keep a note of the DCV mobile phone number - there could be occasions when tasks may have to be cancelled at the last minute, or may have to finish early, e.g. in adverse weather conditions. If you are coming out later in the day, it may
be wise to phone to check the task is still running. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : August - October 2010
Fontmell Down OS Sunday 1 August: Fontmell Down, North Dorset
Over the coming months we have a series of tasks around the village of Fontmell Magna in the north of the county. We start on the chalk downs high above the village. Here the downs
overlook the Blackmore Vale along a north curving arc dissected by deep dry valleys, and rise to the high promontory of Melbury Hill. On a clear day the view west goes on forever. The incredibly steep slopes defied attempts at agricultural improvement and they have retained some of the finest chalk grasslands in Dorset. These support a great diversity of flowering plants and many species of butterfly. On this visit we are in the northern part of the nature reserve where our services Meet & Park At Quarry are required to rescue chalk grassland that is under attack from ST 884 168 numerous small thorn bushes and other baby scrubs. We shall be lopping off the offending bushes and maybe testing our skill at a slope side bonfire. NB: Meet at the quarry car park.
7 & 8 August: River Hooke, Kingcombe, West Dorset Kingcombe Meadows OS 194 This weekend we return to the River Hook to mop up late growing Himalayan balsam that escaped from being pulled during our visits in June. As the name implies this plant comes from the Himalaya. Introduced to Britain it escaped into the wild and has spread along river banks, into fens and just about any uncultivated ground with wet soil, even on hill tops. It’s the fastest growing annual in the countryside, and can grow to a height of nearly 3m during the summer months. Our native plants can’t compete. Balsam has spread along miles of the River Frome, ousting native river bank plants. We are helping a new initiative to push back the plant, starting on the River Hooke tributary at the top end of its spread along the river banks. The plant has little root and is easy to pull. There’s just a lot of it and earlier we filled several Meet & Park dumper bags with the stuff. But more could be seen hiding among the At Pound vegetation. Now they will have grown up and we shall be working our Cottage way along the riverside from Hooke village. Every balsam must go. NB: Meet at Pound Cottage for car sharing to the village. If late look for DCV board with instructions on where to go. Bring wellies or boots for wet ground. And as balsam often grows among nettles it’s best to bring some clothes to protect your legs and arms. Gloves can be provided on the day if you don’t have any.
Springhead OS 183 14 &15 August: Springhead, Fontmell Magna, North Dorset
In spring we had the pleasant task of putting up a new section of wire fence on the boundary of these landscaped gardens which are run on a charitable basis and are set around a spring fed lake - crystal clear water backed by an old mill house. We even Meet & Park at had some bench seats to use on our breaks. Luxury! The task Springhead ST 873 169 went well and we have been invited back to sort out another part of the boundary fence. We still have a little to do on the new fence from the last task but then we shall move on to the other boundary. Here it’s a mending job, replacing wobbly posts, and re-wiring or restraining any lengths that have gone floppy. And to make things interesting the existing wires go through a tangle of vegetation. So there will be lots of fiddly jobs on offer. Some experienced fencers will be on hand to show how it’s done.
D C V TASK PROGRAMME : August - October 2010
21 & 22 August: Tyneham, Purbeck Tyneham OS 194 & 195 Earlier this year we had a wonderful task with our twinning friends from Orchis carrying out restoration work around the Tyneham farmstead. Well we have been invited back to do some more and with an evening bonus – read on. The farm buildings, along with the neighbouring village and surrounding land, were requisitioned by the armed forces during World War II for essential training. The area has remained in military use ever since. Over the years the cottages and other buildings slowly decayed and started to collapse. Lately the village buildings have been progressively restored and now provide a glimpse of Dorset frozen in time from over half a century ago. The farmstead restoration is one of the largest projects. We shall be doing some drystone walling and having another go at cobble pitching in the old ford crossing. There is also vegetation management. So there’s plenty of choice. Experienced volunteers will be on hand to help if you wish to try your hand at the walling or the cobble pitching. NB: On Saturday evening from about 6 o’clock our client has kindly offered to host a bring-a-dish picnic at the farmstead. So come along with something to share and your favourite drink. Even if you can’t make the task you’re very welcome to come in the evening, mingle and exchange chat.
Osmington Mills OS 194 28 & 29 August: Osmington Mills, Nr Weymouth
It’s a few years since we last had a task on this lovely stretch of the Dorset coast. So this task is more than welcome. Here the coast falls away from high chalk hills into a gently Look out for County Council Landrover, undulating vale descending to the sea. The geology is clay DCV Trailer, Notice which erodes more easily than the high surrounding chalk, board or Arrows and the seaward edge is also slipping and sliding away into stream gullies and the sea. This creates all sorts of problems for the coast path. Once again our skills are required to sort Meet & Park On Road in out a section that is no longer up to standard. We have a Village varied task putting in some new wooden steps and path resurfacing. All this involves plenty of jobs for all abilities. NB: Meet & park in village. Park sensibly. Be aware of residents needs to turn into drive ways. Look out for County Council Landrover, DCV Trailer, Notice board or Arrows
Sunday 5 September: Higher Hyde Heath, Purbeck Higher Hyde Heath OS 194
This heathland reserve is an old haunt of the DCV but in recent years our visits have been rather few and far between. The 134 acres support a wide spectrum of heath vegetation and wildlife. Meet & Park In the past the Dorset heaths were so vast that trees and scrub Behind Works gained little more than a toe hold in the openness of the SY 855 900 landscape, and those that did grow were cut for wood fuel. Now the heaths are much reduced, and fragmented into many smaller areas. Without management these surviving heaths would soon be overrun by invasive pine, birch and willow that are now commonplace on surrounding land. We shall be helping to keep the heath open by cutting out small pines and other scrubs before they can spread too far and shade out the heathers. So here’s an opportunity to hone up your lopper skills and test the bowsaws before we get into the really serious scrub bashing in the season ahead. As always there will be plenty of breaks for drink and biscuits, and catching up on the gossip. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : August - October 2010
Abbotsbury Castle OS 194 11 & 12 September: Abbotsbury Castle, West Dorset
This weekend we have a new task location, repairing erosion on Meet & Park the steep sided ridge that backs the village of Abbotsbury. At the At Lay-by SY 560 861 far west end there are ancient earth ramparts defining a hill fort, the so called ‘castle’. Here, there is a commanding view back along the length of Chesil Beach and the Fleet lagoon to the Isle of Portland, surely one of the most spectacular sights on the British coast. While ahead lies the broad expanse of Lyme Bay with the coast curving away in a series of hills and cliffs to Lyme Regis and the Devon coast beyond. The task is likely to be quite varied; some earth moving to fill any gullies, possibly some wood revetting and path surfacing. Not as hard as it may sound, and with those spectacular views to enjoy all day. NB: Look out for DCV signs for the lay-by parking and then our route onto the ridge. And bring suitable footwear for the steep ground. The ridge is very exposed to whatever the Atlantic weather may send our way, so do come with appropriate clothing in case of wind or rain.
18 & 19 September: Upton Wood, Poole-Purbeck border Upton Wood OS 195 In recent years this urban fringe site has almost become a permanent fixture in our quarterly task programmes. This is no bad thing if we are to judge the worth of our tasks to local people. Because of its closeness to where people live there are probably more visits to enjoy this small area of natural green space than at many of our task sites out in the rural countryside. And this small site has lots to offer: a mix of woodland, some grassland and scrub, streams, and even some heath and a heathland mire. It’s the heath and mire that get our attention on this visit. Invading birch, bramble and others scrub from the adjacent woodland are an ever present threat, and if left these heathy habitats would soon be overwhelmed. So with loppers and Meet & Park bows saws we shall be pushing the invaders back to the woodland On Pony Drive edge. And for the adventurous there’s the challenge of getting to scrub deep in the mire among thigh high tussocks of purple moor- grass. NB: The mire ranges from damp to distinctly muddy and very wet – bring wellies if you have them, otherwise walking boot type footwear is fine on the damp parts.
25 & 26 September: Abbotsbury Castle, West Dorset
We return to this amazing site to continue the erosion repairs started earlier in the month. If the weather is kind and clear we can enjoy the views extending for miles along the coast. But do remember to bring stout footwear, and suitable clothing just in case the weather is out to test our resolve. See task on 11 & 12 September for more details and the location map.
Sunday 3 October: Goathorn Peninsula, Purbeck Goathorn OS 195 This task takes us deep into Rempstone Forest and to the remote southern shore of Poole Harbour. Hidden among the pines are groups of ‘nodding donkeys’, pumping oil from Britain’s main onshore oilfield. Our task takes us close to one of these pumping stations. On parts of the peninsula the plantation pines have been removed to restore heathland. This is where we have our task, among heathland Meet at Norden clearings cutting out re-invading pine and other scrub in our usual Park & Ride ruthless ways with loppers and bowsaws. But there will be no fire. Think about it – bonfire, dry heathland and oilwell – no we don’t want to be responsible for Dorset’s biggest fire. NB: We may be required to sign in at BP’s control centre. Try to arrive by 10.00am at the Norden rendezvous for onward travel to the centre and then the task site. If late make your way to the task site via Rempstone Farm along forestry tracks – we will try to get some DCV arrows in place to mark the route. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : August - October 2010
Sunday 10 October: Upton Wood, Poole-Purbeck Upton Wood OS 195 We return to this area of natural wild space sandwiched between urban fringe housing and the Upton by-pass. Despite this context and its small size the area packs in a whole variety of wildlife habitats, from woodland to wetland. For local people it’s a place to come and enjoy a more natural environment. On this occasion we shall be working in the woodland, removing rhododendron. This can grow into dense thickets excluding hazel and other types of woodland understorey, and preventing access. Meet & Park Rhododendron is an introduced shrub and has almost no On Pony Drive value for our native wildlife. Our choice of weapons: bowsaws and loppers, and maybe a fire for the disposal of victims if conditions are suitable.
16 & 17 October: West Moors, East Dorset West Moors OS 195 The cutting season has returned and once again we shall be giving some valuable help in managing the Castleman trailway, a path and cycleway that runs along the old Meet & Park Braeside Road Poole to Ringwood railway. On this occasion we are back at West Moors where the trailway skirts alongside an MoD establishment and important quiet area for heathland wildlife. We have been asked to cut out yet more of the gorse that is overrunning the trailway, smothering heathers and rendering the local reptiles homeless. There is a slight problem though. The MoD site contains mega volumes of petroleum, so one of DCVs mighty bonfires could be a little risky. We shall need to move all we cut along the trailway to a safe burning site. This may involve using a trailer, so some logistic skills will be required. NB: The meeting place is where the road ends at an MoD security gate. We may have to move to another nearby road connection to the trailway if we don’t get the keys – look out for the instruction board if late.
Springhead OS 183 23 & 24 October: Springhead, Fontmell Magna, North Dorset
We return to these tranquil gardens set around a lovely spring fed lake (see task on 14 & 15 August). This Meet & Park time we get to see the lake at close hand – very close Springhead indeed. We have been asked to put in some wood ST 873 169 revetting along parts of the bank that are collapsing from erosion. We had a similar task last autumn. So there will be some of us familiar with the job and the perils of getting splashed by those working in the water! Needless to say bring wellies or even waders if you have them. There’s also plenty of dry side jobs for those less inclined to get wet.