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Home , Adderbury Lakes, Aston Upthorpe Downs, CS Lewis Nature Reserve, Cuttle Brook, Ewelme Watercress Beds, Kirtlington Quarry

'People and Nature, Making Connections'

4th August 2016 Next issue Wednesday 17th August Notices

1. Volunteer for ’s Water-Blitz Volunteers needed for one day only! Schools, local groups and individuals are invited to take part in the county wide water blitz. Check the water quality of your local stream, pond, ditch or river and help build a water quality picture for Oxfordshire. For your free sampling pack register today by emailing [email protected] and join in on 3rd October. EarthWatch have volunteered to handle the data and map all results on their global water-hub with the resulting data available to everyone involved.

2. Hill End Teacher’s Forum needs you Here at Hill End we offer a range of outdoor learning experiences to schools and other community groups. Calling all teachers with an interest in outdoor learning we want:

 To find out from you what we are doing well  To develop ideas of what Hill End could offer you and your school  To find out what is already happening in your school for outdoor learning and plan how we could support you to develop this further

First meeting: Thursday 22nd September 2016. 4-6pm at The Hill End Centre. Please contact Mandy if you need more information or would like to confirm attendance. Email:[email protected] , phone 01865 863510 – Tuesday- Friday.

3. Charter for Trees, Woods and People – Woodland owners consultation More than 50 organisations, co-ordinated by the Woodland Trust, are leading UK society in a call for a charter that will ensure that people and trees can stand stronger together in the future. This charter, strengthened by support from all corners of society, will provide guidelines and principles for policy, decision-makers, businesses, communities and individuals. For more information on the tree charter - https://treecharter.uk/

Woodland owners and custodians across Britain are being asked to take part in a unique consultation in support of the 2017 Charter for trees, woods and people. The consultation is the only activity specifically aimed at ensuring the views of woodland owners or custodians are reflected in the charter. More than two-thirds of woodlands are held in private hands, so it is vital that the voices of woodland owners/custodians are captured. If you are a woodland owner or custodian, or represent a woodland owner, we would like to record your hopes and fears for the future of your woodland, to ensure that the charter speaks for you, and supports you in your vital role as custodian of the nation’s woodland heritage. The consultation questions should take only five minutes to complete, or longer if you wish to share more stories. To take part visit: www.sylva.org.uk/myforest/charter

4. Living With Environmental Change - interesting policy and practice notes LWEC's policy and practice notes draw out conclusions and recommendations from research funded by LWEC members. They present key findings in non-technical language for public, private and third-sector audiences. Each note is tailored to its target audience; some are intended for a broad and diverse audience while others are more tightly focused on the needs of specific group of research users, for example local government, small businesses or national policy-makers. http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/partnerships/lwec/products/ppn/

5. Biodiversity after the EU referendum - send your thoughts Can you help the Environmental Audit Committee? Deadline: 9th September 2016 The Environmental Audit Committee are looking into how support for biodiversity may be effected after the results of the EU referendum. Please pass this on to anyone who you feel would be interested in letting the Committee know about their experiences.We have put together some questions which you may want to answer. If you have thoughts about one or more of these questions then please let the committee know what you think. CAP funding/new policies:

 Do any of your initiatives to support biodiversity in the UK depend on CAP related payments?  If we could start again with a UK agri-environment policy what would this look like?  Are there any risks to this?  How should future support for UK agriculture be structured in order to ensure there are incentives for environmentally-friendly land management?

More questions can be found on the links below http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons- select/environmental-audit-committee/news-parliament-2015/future-of-natural-environment- after-the-eu-referendum-launch-16-17/ Reply form can be accessed here: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons- select/environmental-audit-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/future-of-the-natural- environment-after-the-eu-referendum-16-17/commons-written-submission-form/

6. Raccoon, mongoose and cabbage among invasive species banned from UK Jessica Aldred. The Guardian 2 August 2016 The north American raccoon, an Asian hornet and an American cabbage are among 37 invasive species that will be banned from being brought into the UK from Wednesday when a new EU regulation comes into effect. The continent-wide rules now make it illegal to import, keep, breed or grow, transport, sell or use, or release into the environment without a permit the listed invasive, non-native plant and animal species.

But the ban will no longer apply when then UK leaves the EU. The 14 plants listed include the American skunk cabbage, which has invaded Scottish marshes and wiped out all of the native flora at one site in the New Forest, Hampshire. Curly waterweed, also on the list, has increased by 41% in 15 years in the UK, while floating pennywort can spread at a rate of 20cm per day.....Read full article at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/02/raccoon-mongoose-and-cabbage- among-invasive-species-banned-from-uk

Vacancies/Voluntary Work

7. Wildlife Trainees: Conservation () x5 – Closing Date: Tuesday 16th August 2016www.bbowt.org.uk/node/20081 1 x Wildlife Trainees (Conservation) Living Landscape Living Landscape trainee roles will involve practical conservation work on heathland, woodland and wetland nature reserves and privately owned land, improving habitats and connectivity. Trainees will also carry out species surveys; work with local community groups and volunteers. 4 x Wildlife Trainees (Conservation) Berkshire Reserves Berkshire Reserves trainees will assist the reserves team carrying out land management work across our nature reserves in Berkshire, you will work on a variety of habitats including heathland, woodland, wetland and grassland. Work will also include site infrastructure maintenance such as fencing, gate repairs and sign installation. There will also be chance to gain livestock experience and opportunity to join in with species and habitat surveys.

8. Student Project Sponsorship The and Milton Keynes Local Nature Partnership (NEP) is looking to support project related expenses for students, up to a maximum of £500. This project is designed to engage undergraduate and post graduate students with the broad objectives of the NEP and deliver relevant, innovative and novel research on Buckinghamshire’s natural environment and its contribution to the local economy, health and wellbeing. http://www.bucksmknep.co.uk/get-involved-2/students/ Applications should be completed by 30 August 2016 and sent to [email protected]

9. Opportunity with Anne Carpmael Charitable Trust (Withymead Nature Reserve, Goring) The post of Warden at Withymead Nature Reserve, on the Bridle Way between Goring and South Stoke, will become available from August 2016. The post is a three-year fixed term role. The position is being offered, either as a Volunteer Worker which is unsalaried, but with on-site, rent-free accommodation or as a self-employed free lance consultant, based off-site. Closing date for applications – 5th August.For more information please email [email protected]. or take a look at the website www.withymead.org

Training Many more training courses can be found on our website http://www.wildoxfordshire.org.uk/directory/ lots of new courses added by University

10. Grassland management, RSPB Otmoor, Oxfordshire 6 November - An introduction to wet grassland 17 November - Oxon Advanced lowland wet grassland: managing wet grasslands into the future There is a charge of £80 + VAT for each course, which includes full information pack, site visit, refreshments and a light buffet lunch. Full details of these courses and how to book onto them are available on the RSPB websitehttp://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/advice/training/habitattraining.aspx Pl ease go to [email protected] or telephone direct on 01767 693308, for any further information, quoting the reference code: NAM 01

11. River Fly Monitoring Days Tuesday 9th August at Parish Institute, The Green, Adderbury, Banbury OX17 3NE (sampling the Sor Brook) Thursday 18th August at Standlake Village Hall, Rack End, Standlake OX29 7SB (sampling the Windrush) The training involves learning how to sample aquatic invertebrates by kick-sampling, how to identify invertebrate groups (such as mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies), and how to interpret findings in order to assess the health of a river. With this training, volunteers will be able to recognise and report any changes in water quality, which might be linked to pollution or other incidents upstream. This monitoring by volunteers supports the Environment Agency’s on-going monitoring programme and is often able to pick up incidents more quickly than the EA can alone. The training lasts a full day, including a couple of hours on the river, with lunch and refreshments provided. Beginners are very welcome. Wellies and waterproof trousers will be needed as a minimum, or ideally waders if you have them. A degree of mobility will be required to get in and out of the river, but if anyone less able-bodied would like to attend, please do get in touch as I’m sure we can arrange to buddy-up. If you’d like to book onto either training day, please [email protected] or give me a call on 01865 775476 ext 236.

Funding 12. Postcode Lottery The trust above distributes charitable funds generated through the Postcode Lottery. In 2016, the Trust will invite applications that encourage lasting benefits by bringing people together to improve local ecology and habitats, encourage bio-diversity and benefit the wider environment. Their next funding round opens on 1st Sept and closes at the end of Sept http://www.postcodelocaltrust.org.uk/

13. TOE2 Oxfordshire’s Independent Environmental Funder General environmental grant scheme The next deadline for applications to the TOE2 environmental grant scheme is the 28th March. Most grants are up to £5,000 but grants can be awarded up to £10,000 depending on the nature of the project and the level of funds available. Thanks to Grundon Waste Management and Oxfordshire County Council for supporting the TOE2 grant scheme. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your project ideas - 01865 407003 [email protected] or visit our website www.trustforoxfordshire.org.uk and follow us on Twitter @TOE2_Oxon

14. Earthwatch Earthwatch Europe are seeking innovators to pitch new and exciting ideas that aim to re- engage the public with nature, in a bid to win £5,000 seed funding, and a working partnership with Earthwatch staff.On the evening of the 15th September, Earthwatch Europe (a global environmental charity with the aim of ‘promoting the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment’) will host an exciting event at the Royal Geographic Society (RGS), London entitled “Lost Connection – how can we re-engage people with nature?”. The aim of this public event is to generate and explore novel ideas to help tackle our growing disconnect with nature. This will follow on from the release of the State of Nature Report 2016 (released on the 14th September), which highlights the ongoing decline of the UK’s species and habitats, and the urgent need to re-engage the public with nature, for multiple benefits. The event will take a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style format with five shortlisted applicants pitching their innovative ideas to an expert panel and live audience. The winning idea will then be voted for (by the panel and the live audience), with the winner receiving £5,000 seed funding and a working partnership with Earthwatch Europe staff, who will help to turn the winning idea into a reality.We would like to invite you (and any other interested parties) to APPLY NOW with your ideas.https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FSCDWS3

The deadline for applications is noon, Friday, 12th August 2016. If you have any questions about the contest, please get in touch with our friendly support team on [email protected].

15. Gannett Foundation Via Newsquest titles. Application forms can be downloaded from newsquest title websites. Usually the deadline for applications is early October and decisions are made in November. http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/gannettfoundation/?ref=fetp

Events

16. Upton, Burford evening walk at Middle Lane Thursday 4th August at 6.30 pm Park on B4425 (continuation of Sheep Street, Burford) near turn for Little Barrington. SP243124. Leader: Tony Florey 01993 775020. Field Club

17. Clumps Club Thursday 4th and Friday 5th August, 9am-5pm School holiday club for 12-14yr olds. Join us on Thursday for a Survival and Bushcraft adventure and/or be a Wildlife Warden for the day on Friday. £30 per child per day; booking essential: 01865 407792. More information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk All events take place at the , Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

18. Damsels & Dragons Thurs 4 August: 10.30am – 12.30pm, For children 5years. Book online atwww.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on or phone 01442 826774 Meadow Farm Nature Reserve is on the B4011 Road, between Blackthorn and Piddington, near Bicester, OX25 1TW. Enquiries: 01869 245864 or [email protected] donation: £4 per participant for all events www.bbowt.org.uk/meadowfarm No dogs thank you

19. – Owen Green Saturday 6 August 1.30 – 3.30pm An opportunity to examine the 166 million year old Bathonian Middle Jurassic limestones a nd an opportunity to collect fossils from the spoil heaps of Washford pits. Meet at Mill Lane , Kirtlington SP4941 1979, where limited car parking is available. Email [email protected]

20. Watercress Beds Local Nature Reserve Open afternoons Sunday 7th August 2 and 4.30pm Take a self-guided walk round the nature reserve or go with one of our guides. Adults £3 - accompanied children free. Relax with a cup of tea and cake beside the stream No need to book. No dogs please except guide dogs and sensible footwear is advisable.http://www.chilternsociety.org.uk/

21. Pond Dipping Sunday 7th August, 10am-2pm Join us to discover what’s living in our pond during this month’s Earth Trust Sunday Drop-in. Use a net to get a closer look and then be inspired to create a clay creature. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book. More information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

22. Woodland Adventure Wednesday 10th August, 10am-12pm An expedition for 5-8 year olds. Use your detective skills to discover the Earth Trust’s woodland, where we’ll explore, build and play. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book. More information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

23. Woodstock Water Meadows Open Day Thursday 11th August from 10.30 – 3pm Family Open Day for local people and visitors to come and find out more about the water meadows and the diversity of wildlife that call it home. On offer will be opportunities to meet the resident cows, identify native and non-native flowers, discover the creatures that live in the water and explore ways to use wood, plus many other attractions for all the family. For more information, please contact: Project, Tel: 01865 815420 [email protected] www.wychwoodproject.org

24. Otmoor Sky at night Friday 12 August 8.30pm-10.30pm Otmoor is special for much more than its amazing birds. Take this rare opportunity to look for the Perseid meteor shower, and look at the stars and planets under the big open skies. Non RSPB members £5, 20% discount members and children free. Booking is essential, tel 01865 351163 or email [email protected]

25. Discover and Play Friday 12th August, 10am-12pm Forest School for the under-5s. Join the Earth Trust for a morning of play and discovery in our woodlands. Forest School offers hands on learning experiences in a natural environment. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book. More information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

26. Meteor Shower Walk Friday 12th August, 9pm-11pm Enjoy a starlit walk on the before settling down to watch the Perseid meteor shower. Bring a flask of hot chocolate! Suitable for adults and older children. £5 adult, £2 child; booking essential: 01865 407792. More information can be found on our websitewww.earthtrust.org.uk All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

27. downs and oven bottom SSSI Sunday 14th August 11 am. For summer butterflies, chalk grassland flowers, buzzards, red kites, wheatear, corn bunting and stone curlew. About 1 mile east of Blewbury on the A417, opposite the left turn to Aston Upthorpe and , turn right onto a steep unclassified road. After about half a mile, park at the large grain building on the right. Bring a packed lunch. The walk is about 4 miles with moderate gradients. SU 550844. Leader: Malcolm Brownsword 01235 850668 . West Oxfordshire Field Club

28. Sling Walk Monday 15th August, 10am-11.30am Bring your baby for a ramble around our nature reserve. A great opportunity for you both to get our in the fresh air and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside with other local parents. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book. More information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated.

29. Wildlife Wednesday at Wallingford Castle Meadows Wednesday 17th August, 2pm-4pm Our roving Wildlife Wednesday visits a different Earth Trust community nature reserve during each school holiday. This summer, come out and play at Wallingford Castle Meadows (OX10 8DL); learn about local wildlife and have lots of outdoor fun! £2 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free; no need to book. More information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk

30. Family Day at Rushy Common and Tar Lakes Tuesday 23rd August, 11am – 3pm Hosted by the Lower Windrush Valley Project: Come and explore Rushy Common and Tar Lakes with pond dipping, an open bird hide and more. Rushy Common Nature Reserve and Tar Lakes are located on Tar Road, just south of Witney (SP 38066 07409). Booking advisable: 01865 815426 or [email protected]. This event is free but donations to help us cover the cost of the event are welcomed. https://www.facebook.com/events/647924688706279/

31. Woodland Adventure Wednesday 24th August, 10am-12pm An expedition for 5-8 year olds. Use your detective skills to discover the Earth Trust’s woodland, where we’ll explore, build and play. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book. More information can be found on our website www.earthtrust.org.uk All events take place at the Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, OX14 4QZ unless otherwise stated

32. Withymead Nature Reserve – Open Days and Cream Teas Sunday 28th August 2.00pm – 5.00pm Enjoy a stroll around Withymead Nature Reserve on the last Sunday in August and enjoy a cream tea in the Study Centre/Wildlife Garden.Entrance to the reserve is free, but donations are always gratefully received. Withymead, Bridleway, Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG8 0HS For more information take a look at the website www.withymead.org , email [email protected] or phone 01491 875357 The reserve is open at other times by appointment

33. Geo-walk around Churchill village, led by Owen Green Sunday 28th August 1.30 – 4.00 pm. The birthplace of William ‘Strata’ Smith, “Father of English Geology”, finishing at the Sarsden and Churchill Heritage Centre and a new display on the life of William Smith. Meet at the William Smith memorial (SP 283 242), street parking around the village. [email protected]

REGULAR WORK PARTIES

ANNE CARPMAEL CHARITABLE TRUST Withymead and Little Meadow Bridleway, Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG8 0HS Regular Monthly Volunteer Day - currently on hold [email protected]. http://www.withymead.org

ASTON ROWANT NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE VOLUNTEER GROUP Regular group meets every Monday from 9am – 4pm. School visits and event dates variable NNR near Watlington is one of the country’s most important nature reserves. Site management tasks are led by our experienced site managers and may include scrub clearance, path maintenance, fencing, species protection, interpretation and even livestock husbandry. Members of the group can do tasks according to their ability and will gain valuable skills for career development or personal achievement as well as enjoying the social side of volunteering! We also need helpers for public events and school group visits. Hot drinks, gloves and safety equipment provided and travel expenses are paid. Please bring lunch, warm and waterproof clothing plus sturdy footwear.No experience necessary as training for all tasks is provided on the day. Please contact Mick Venters [email protected] 01844 351833

ASTON UPTHORPE [email protected] or 01865 391727

BARTON FIELDS GREEN TEAM, Abingdon All are welcome to join us. Tools provided. Wear old clothing and wellies or stout shoes Alternative tasks are available. Refreshments will be provided. Tasks may change Please let us know if you are coming. Contact David on: 01235 529151

Hay Raking after mowing earlier in the week (weather Thursday, 25th permitting). Lunch provided. Friday, Saturday 26th 9:30 am We will be joined by our 27th August friends from Abingdon Green Gym on Saturday 27thAugust Preparing seed-beds for sowing Wednesday 14th Sept 9:30 am native plants Preparing seed-beds for sowing Saturday 24th Sept 9:30 am native plants

Wednesday 5th Oct 9:30 am Tasks to be decided

Saturday 15th Oct 9:30 am Scrub clearing

Wednesday 26th Oct 9:30 am Barton Fields Fungus Foray Saturday 5th Nov 9:30 am Scrub clearing

Wednesday 16th Nov 9:30 am Tasks to be decided

Saturday 26th Nov 9:30 am Tasks to be decided

BARRACKS LANE COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT See website - -http://www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk for full details

BBOWT WORK PARTIES : 1. Community Nature Reserve, Charlbury Occasional work parties and events only. Contact Mark Bradfield [email protected] or 01865 775476 ext 217 to join. 2. CS Lewis Community Nature Reserve, , Oxford Meet on the 1st Sunday of the month, (alternate months only at present). Contact Mark Bradfield on [email protected] or 01865 775476 ext 217 to join. 3. Friends of Volunteer group – A friendly mixed group if volunteers that works from 10am to 4pm at Chimney Meadows nature reserve every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Carry out various Habitat management related tasks. Contact Louise King [email protected] 4. Hill (1 mile E of Chinnor) Meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Contact Mike Turton on 07877 897939 to join. 5. Cothill Fens Nature Reserves (Lashford Lane and ), nr Abingdon Meet every 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Elene Walton 01865 [email protected], 6. Oxfordshire Midweek Team Every Wednesday take on practical tasks on various reserves in Oxon. Transport provided from HQ (Littlemore). Contact Roseanna Holt [email protected] 01865 775476 7. Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, nr . Meet alternate Fridays for wildlife gardening or reserve maintenance tasks. Contact Mark Bradfield [email protected] or 01865 775476 ext. 217 to join. 8. / Lapland Farm First Sunday of every month Sept through March. Meet 10 am, usually at gateway SP667154. Ring to confirm. Bring lunch if staying all day. We are a small but very active, welcoming group.. A varied reserve with woodland and hay meadows. Contact: Becky Woodell 01844 238399 9. Upper Ray Meadows Work Party Meets fortnightly in summer and weekly in winter on Tuesdays carrying out practical tasks across the Upper Ray Meadows. Tools and training will be provided, as will tea and biscuits! Bring your own lunch, waterproofs and suitable footwear. Contact Andy Collins on [email protected] or 01869 245864 to join. 10. Whitecross Green Wood Every Sunday except 1st Sunday of the month, Sept through March. Ring to confirm. Meet 10 am in reserve car park SP600150. Bring lunch if staying all day. We are a small but very active, welcoming group. The reserve is nationally known for its butterflies, especially hairstreaks. Contact: Becky Woodell 01844 238399

BOWLER'S COPSE Bowler's Hazel Copse, near Wendlebury, Bicester - restoration and maintenance of an old hazel copse remnant. A very small restored hazel copse with ongoing maintenance work. Map reference SP 5620 Hand tools and drinks provided - small group maximum 8. Contact: Mike Pearce [email protected] - 01869 243 967 07894 641 739 or Jane [email protected] -01869 241823

CUTTLE BROOK NATURE RESERVE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTIES Come and join our friendly teams on this lovely nature reserve in Thame. Work parties are held twice a month, on the last Wednesday and third Sunday. Meet in the scout hut car park (next to the Southern Road recreation ground), at 10am. All ages and abilities welcome. For more details see the website: www.cuttlebrook.org.uk or email: [email protected]

EARTH TRUST REGULAR WORK PARTIES Join our friendly teams to carry out practical land management tasks across all the Earth Trusts sites. All levels of experience are welcome, work is very seasonal and all training and safety equipment is provided. Further details of all our groups can be found atwww.earthtrust.org.uk/volunteer or email [email protected] 1. Thursday Group (weekly) – Abingdon Our Thursday group has gone from meeting once a month to once a week and carries out work at Radley Lakes and Abbey Fishponds. Contact Lucy Tomkinson for more information:[email protected] or 07982 218493. 2. Friday Group (weekly) – Little Wittenham Weekly work party carrying out site maintenance at the Earth Trust’s flagship site in Little Wittenham. Meet at the Earth Trust Centre at 9am. Contact Steve Wrigley for more information:[email protected] or 07570 671980. 3. Sunday Group (monthly) – site varies This group meets on the second Sunday of every month and works on different Earth Trust reserves, depending on where they are needed. Contact Kerry Lock for more information:[email protected] or 01865 409408. 4. Abbey Fishponds, Abingdon (monthly) Our Abbey Fishponds volunteers meet on the first Saturday of every month at 9.30am. Contact Lucy Tomkinson for more information: [email protected] or 07982 218493.

EWELME WATERCRESS BEDS and LOCAL NATURE RESERVE TASKS First Saturday and third Wednesday each month Centre. Near Wallingford. SU641916. Bring Wellies. Details of tasks from Tom Stevenson on 01491- 836888 or email http://[email protected] Also on the web site at http://www.ewelmewatercressbeds.org

FRIENDS OF ASTON’S EYOT Aston’s Eyot is a 13 hectare site in East Oxford where the Cherwell meets the Thames, and is managed by a community group.We have a work party on the last Sunday of every month, 2.30 - 4.30pm, followed by a picnic tea.Meet at the entrance at the bottom of Jackdaw Lane.Wear strong shoes or boots, and bring gardening gloves. Contact Ruth Ashcroft, 01865 248344, or [email protected]

GREEN GYMS Green Gyms help people become physically and mentally healthier by taking part in practical nature conservation activities to improve their local environment. Everyone is welcome to join. CHILDREN : Under 16s accompanied by a guardian are welcome. WE PROVIDE All tools, training and refreshments. PLEASE WEAR old clothes and sturdy shoes or boots (trainers not advisable). TETANUS : Please ensure that your tetanus inoculation is up to date. For more information, see the website http://www.tcv.org.uk/greengym/how-green-gym-works

The Oxfordshire Green Gyms are now all run by volunteers and are based at Abingdon, Bicester, Chipping Norton, and Wallingford. For contact details see below. 1. Abingdon Green Gym We meet on Saturday mornings 9.30-12.30 at a variety of sites in and around Abingdon. For more information please contact Lesley Bosley via 07503 724717 [email protected] Website: www.abingdongreengym.org.uk Blog: www.abingdongreengym.blogspot.com 2. Bicester Green Gym Please ring 01869-600952 to let us know you’re coming, or email via the website. Mobile on the day: 07708 400781 http://www.bicestergreengym.org 3. Chipping Norton Green Gym Meets on a Wednesday or Thursday mornings. Contact Jenny Harrington 01608 643269 email:[email protected]. http://www.chippygreengym.org/. 4. Woodstock Green Gym Meets on a Wednesday morning. Contact Philip Redpath 01993 810820 email:[email protected]. Website: http://www.woodchipgreengym.org.uk/. Mobile on the day: 07769 500667. 5. Sonning Common Green Gym Full information and map references on http://www.greengym.org/sonningcommon 6. Wallingford Green Gym Contact: Jennifer Brooker, Wallingford Green Gym co-ordinator 01491 826157 [email protected] http://www.wallingfordgreengym.org.uk

HENLEY WILDLIFE GROUP WORK PARTIES Work parties are both social and recreational. Hand tools only are used. We meet at 09.30 and finish about 12.30.

There are two sites:Mill Meadows: maintenance of ponds, stream and wildlife areas. First Wednesday of each month. .Valley Road Chalk Bank: maintenance of woodland, grassland and chalk bank areas. Meet behind Knappe Close (SU 75258194). For more information please contact Sally Rankin, Home 01491 578633, Mobile 07941 207687.

HILL END CENTRE, EYNSHAM ROAD, FARMOOR Volunteers are invited to help maintain the Centre’s grounds both as a wildlife conservation and educational resource. There's a variety of tasks: footpath maintenance, weeding and cutting out the invasive plants; protecting habitats and food for wildlife; occasional planting and pruning; building maintenance; surveying and keeping records of the plants, birds, butterflies and bees. Come for entire sessions or just the occasional hour. Tools are provided. See www.hillend-oec.co.uk Contact David Millin on 01865 863510 or [email protected]

KINGWOOD AND PEPPARD COMMON VOLUNTEERS (KPCV) Kingwood and Peppard Common Volunteers (KPCV) meet on the first Monday and third Saturday of each month. The work parties run from 9:30am to 12:30pm, and volunteers are welcome for all or any part of that time. The commons are located between the B481 and Road and our work consists mainly of heathland management – caring for the heather in the woodland glades, removing competing species such as bracken, bramble and silver birch. We also maintain and improve the many informal footpaths on the commons.

OXFORD CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS For details of the next task contact Tim Bletsoe Oxford Conservation Volunteers 0790 995 7344. No experience is needed. We'll provide all the tools and training and will collect volunteers from the two pick-up points. 1) Outside the Lamb and Flag Pub on St. Giles at 9.20 am 2) Outside the Tesco on Cowley Road at 9.30 am We aim to return you by 5.30 pm. You don't have to tell us that you're coming, just turn up at a pickup point on Sunday morning, or meet us at the site itself if you prefer. We provide tools, training and hot drinks. Under-16s welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring a packed lunch and wear old clothes. We aim to be back in Oxford by 5:30pm at the latest. For more information visit our web site or email [email protected]

OXFORD COUNTRYSIDE RANGERS Join our friendly Thursday group to carry out practical land management tasks across all the Oxford City Council sites. Our regular volunteering group is a great way to gain practical conservation experience, meet new people, get fit and spend time in the great outdoors. All levels of experience are welcome, work is very varied and all training and safety equipment is provided. Updates are sent out each Thursday to those on our mailing list, but for more information contact Carl on 07801625245 or https://www.facebook.com/parksoxford

OXFORD PRESERVATION TRUST Come and join our friendly teams to carry out practical land management tasks on Oxford Preservation Trust’s nature reserves. All levels of experience are welcome. Work is very seasonal, and all training and safety equipment is provided. Our regular work parties are at: Wolvercote Lakes – first Friday every month Heyford Meadows – third Thursday every month We also have regular work parties on OPT sites at Boars Hill. Please contact Rachel Sanderson on 01865 242918 or email [email protected] for more information.

OXFORD URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP OUWG holds weekly Sunday work parties 10am-1pm at Boundary Brook Nature Park. Come and help Oxford Urban Wildlife Group to manage this thriving nature park, which now has SLINC status. You can choose your task from a variety of jobs. A warm welcome guaranteed. If you would like to work on other days, please contact Alan. Old clothes and stout footwear are advisable. Some gloves available but bring your own if you wish. Stop a bit longer for a hot drink at the end of the work party. Please ring the Warden, Alan Hart, for details on 07979 608 013 (or if no answer 07901 120 308) and ring on the day, before setting out, to check it is still on. If the gate is locked when you arrive ring him for access. www.ouwg.org.uk

SHOTOVER WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAYS Second Sunday of the month. 9.30-2pm Hill and Brasenose Wood: including coppicing, heathland work, species recovery programme and restoration of marshes. Evidence-based conservation led by Shotover Wildlife ecologists. Tools and gloves provided. Please bring drink; and lunch if staying into the afternoon. Contact Ivan Wright to be added to email circular for notification of the meeting place and [email protected]

ST MARY & ST JOHN CHURCHYARD (Cowley Road, East Oxford). Volunteers are invited to help maintain the churchyard as a wildlife conservation area. Work sessions are currently Wednesday mornings, 10-12, but please check with Ruth Ashcroft [email protected] or 01865 248344. There's a variety of tasks: weeding out the invasive plants; strimming specific areas while protecting habitats and food for wildlife; occasional planting and pruning; surveying and keeping records of the plants, birds, butterflies and bees. Come for entire sessions or just the occasional hour. Tools are provided. See http://www.ssmjchurchyard.org.uk

ST MARY'S FIELDS, KIDLINGTON, CONSERVATION WORKING GROUP Maintenance & conservation work on SMF nature reserve. Meet in St Mary's Church car park at the end of Church Street, tools and gloves provided, wear wellies or boots, no meeting if heavy rain. Info [email protected]

WITNEY WOODLAND VOLUNTEERS We meet every Monday at 10 am under the clock by Waitrose in Witney to do a range of interesting and rewarding conservation projects in the Witney area, finishing at midday. Further details are on our website at http://www.witneywood.org.uk.

WYCHWOOD PROJECT, WEST OXFORDSHIRE Practical work-parties carrying out a range of land management tasks. All work-parties run from 9.30am to 3pm Please bring suitable gloves and refreshments [email protected] Foxburrow Wood, Witney: 15th September General maintenance. 6th November. Learn how to coppice. 17th November. Learn how to prune fruit trees. Wigwell Nature Reserve, Charlbury: 21 July. Ragwort pulling. 28 July. Ragwort pulling - in conjunction with Cotswold Wardens. 7 August. Ragwort pulling. 20th October. Scrub clearance - and the opportunity for a fire? 4th December. Scrub clearance - and the opportunity for a fire? 15th December. Scrub clearance - and the opportunity for a fire? Grimes Meadow - opposite Cogges Manor Farm, Witney: 18th August. Willow logs to take away. 2nd October. Scrub clearance - and the opportunity for a fire?

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Copyright © 2014 Wild Oxfordshire, All rights reserved. www.wildoxfordshire.org.uk Biodiversity and Partnerships Officer: Our mailing address is: Hilary Phillips Manor House [email protected] Little Wittenham Oxon Communications Officer: OX14 4RA Clare Mowbray [email protected]

Tel: 01865 407034

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