'People and Nature, Making Connections'

8th June 2016 Next issue Wednesday 22nd June, all submissions by 17th June please Notices 1. Wild and FWAG south-east Wild Oxfordshire and FWAG South East and are working in partnership in an exciting new initiative with Thames Water to help farmers to deliver improvements in water quality in the River Ock catchment. Together, we are offering free advice, spreader calibration and cash incentives for metaldehyde substitution. Tim Clarke (FWAG SE) on 07713 333196 [email protected] or Hilary Phillips on 01865 407034 or [email protected]

2. Planning a brighter future for the great crested newt Alan Law, Natural England, 25 May 2016 For many years now, the great crested newt has had to live with a bad name. Despite it being our most threatened newt, it’s gained a reputation for derailing housing development plans and giving developers a headache. The ‘newt stops hospital’ headline has become all too familiar.The great crested newt is a European protected species, and as a result, developers need to apply for a licence from us to disturb them. While our licensing work is critical to protecting important colonies of some of our most endangered species, this work has been criticised in some quarters for being rigid, prescriptive, disproportionate, and unable to offer a pragmatic solution.

But we now have an alternative. Our new approach to protecting great crested newts is now in operation across Woking, Surrey. An organisational licence for Woking Borough Council will enable a long-term approach to the conservation of newts, ensuring efforts are focused on newt populations and habitat that will bring the greatest benefits to the species. It will also simplify the licensing process for developers where newts are present, saving them time and money.

The project uses new technology to test ponds for the DNA of great crested newts, which indicates to developers and planners whether newts are present and saves considerable time over traditional surveying techniques. Development is then guided away from these areas towards more suitable sites, paving the way for much quicker and cheaper development in areas with fewer newts. After that, a plan is put in place to secure the extent of the species and enhance its main conservation requirements. This means identifying the right habitat and management, and agreeing a single licensing framework with the Local Planning Authority. This avoids the need for an individual licence to be obtained for each development and allows instant approvals for most developments, careful design in sensitive locations, and conservation funding delivered on the back of planning provisions.

While the current licensing method places the emphasis on individual newts, rather than the species as a whole, through this project we can enhance populations of the great crested newts at a larger scale.https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2016/05/25/planning-a-brighter- future-for-the-great-crested-newt/

3. Flood Alleviation Scheme drop-in event at Oxford Town Hall, Tuesday 28 June The event will be an opportunity for you to see the route, find out how and why we have selected this route and how we have used your feedback from the public consultation earlier this year. There will also be information available on flood risk and wider benefits.The event will be open from 2-8pm in the Assembly Room at Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1BX. We hope you are able to attend. You will also be able to view the information online from the same day, via our websitewww.gov.uk/government/publications/oxford-flood-risk-management- scheme/oxford-and-abingdon-reducing-flood- risk Facebook www.facebook.com/oxfordscheme/

4. Thames Path National Trail 20th Anniversary Rambling Relay Saturday 9 and Sunday 24 July Join the Thames Path National Trail Anniversary ramble along the Thames Path! To celebrate the Trails’ 20th Anniversary the Ramblers are leading a series of walks along the entire length of the Thames Path National Trail and its extension. Each walk will begin where the previous day finished. Walkers can book onto one or more days rambling along the Thames. T To join a walk you need to book on here via Eventbrite and you’ll receive a ticket which you’ll bring along on the day. Walkers are limited to 50 a day outside London and 100 inside London (200 for the final day) so book soon! For further information please call the Thames Path National Trail Office on 01865 810 224 http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the- ramblers-leading-a-series-of-walks-along-the-thames-path-national-trail-10768308178 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thames-path/news/join-thames-path-national-trail-20th- anniversary-rambling-relay

5. National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP) Annual Report 2015 5 May 2016. The 2015 Annual Report provides the latest results from the programme, which produces population trends for 11 of Great Britain’s 17 resident bat species. All bat species we monitor are considered to have been stable or to have increased since 1999.Four species are considered to have increased since the baseline year of monitoring, while another five species are considered to have stable trends. The remaining two species show some evidence of increases, however the evidence is currently inconclusive and further years of data are required to confirm these trends.

The latest results of the National Bat Monitoring Programme show continued signs of recovery for some species of bat in Great Britain which is encouraging; however it is important to remember that these trends reflect relatively recent changes in bat populations. The results suggest that current legislation and conservation action to protect and conserve bats are having a positive impact, and it is vitally important that this continues. http://www.bats.org.uk/news.php/325/national_bat_monitoring_programme_nbmp_annual_r eport_2015

6. Shared Landscapes: the reintroduction of red kite in the UK My name is Miranda (Mandy) Strubel, and I am a PhD student at Oxford Brookes University. I am currently looking for people to participate in my research and though this study might be of interest to some of you. My research focuses on the social aspects of red kite reintroduction and people's relationships with these birds. After completing six months of fieldwork in the Chilterns, I am now continuing my investigation in Oxford to compare urban and rural, high and low density red kite areas. I would like to include as many different perspectives as possible as this will help me gather a representative sample of people's views. There are no prerequisites for participating in this study, and you do not have to have any specialist knowledge of red kites. While my research focuses on red kites as a case study, many of my questions are about people's relationships with wildlife more generally. If you would like some more information about what I'm doing or would like to participate in this study, I would be delighted to hear from you (please email [email protected]).

Vacancies/Voluntary Work

7. Office volunteer for data entry with Freshwater Habitats Trust The People, Ponds and Water project is collecting a huge amount of valuable data from freshwater surveys through our PondNet and Clean Water projects. The ultimate plan is for volunteers conducting the surveys to enter this data directly onto the project database WaterNet. At the current time we have over a years’ worth of data to check over and enter onto spreadsheets before uploading to WaterNet. This data includes both PondNet survey data as well as Clean Water for Wildlife survey data. This would make a great opportunity for a student or someone looking to gain experience in a working office to join us for a day (or more) a week over the summer, and help input the data so it can be used towards our research.Please send your CV and covering letter to Jo [email protected]

8. Senior Biodiversity & Planning Officer (Oxon) - http://www.bbowt.org.uk/jobs/senior- biodiversity-planning-officer-oxon Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week). We are looking for an experienced and proactive environmental professional to join our Oxfordshire team. As Senior Biodiversity & Planning Officer, you will make full use of your influence and ecological knowledge to help us achieve the Trust’s vision of an environment rich in wildlife, valued by all. The successful applicant will have excellent communication and advocacy skills and a demonstrable understanding of ecological assessment and mitigation, and their roles in the planning and development process. An enthusiasm for working positively with local authorities, developers and partner organisations to secure favourable outcomes for wildlife in the wider countryside is essential.

Training Many more training courses can be found on our website http://www.wildoxfordshire.org.uk/directory/

9. River Fly Monitoring Days Tuesday 9th August at Adderbury 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) If you’d like to book onto either training day, please email [email protected] or give me a call on 01865 775476 ext 236

Funding 10. Thames Water Communities Fund (Quarterly, next deadline 16th June 2016) The aim to support charitable groups within the communities we serve through projects that link to our core business of water supply and wastewater treatmentwhich falls under the following criteria: Water and the environment Our focus is on enhancing the quality of life within urban areas by improving open spaces, especially natural environments that are adjacent to water - for example rivers or canals. By 'environment' we mean the environment in which people live as well as the natural environment. Water and healthy living We support projects that encourage individuals to look after their own health and encourage a healthy lifestyle through the benefits of water. Please note that we only consider projects that are within the Thames Water supply area.http://www.thameswater.co.uk/about-us/3484.htm

11. 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

12. TOE2 and TVERC Recorders’ Grant Scheme TOE2 is delighted to invite applications for projects that improve the quality, quantity and/or coverage of voluntary species recording in and Oxfordshire. Applications may be standalone grants to support better recording or they may be linked to a larger biodiversity application to TOE2.Please contact us or look at our website www.trustforoxfordshire.org.uk for further information about the Recorders’ Grant Scheme.

13. Wetlands Community Days scheme Please find an early notification and application form for Tranche 5 and 6 for the Rivers and Here is the opportunity to put bids in for the winter 2016 and an opportunity to plan for Tranche 6 for next year. If you wish to put in a bid we would request that the detail or project description describes what is to be done in the river for the project. This will help give the panel a clearer idea of what the project is aiming to do and help with us agreeing funding the bid.

The deadline for the next tranche 5 of funding is 19 August 2016, with up to £5000 per project. The deadline for Tranche 6 (Spring/Summer 2017) is 18 February 2017.

The application form and process documents and they can also be located here:http://www.wildtrout.org/content/rivers-and-wetlands-community-days Multiple bids for different locations on different waterbodies/ communities can be applied for by the same organisation.If you have any queries, please call Shaun Leonard of the Wild Trout Trust on 07974 861908 or Stuart Malaure at the Environment Agency on 07766 497290.

Events

14. Oxford Festival of Nature, 1 – 14th June Lots of great things to see and do www.oxfordfestivalofnature.org

15. Night-time Safari Friday 10th June 7:30pm - 10:30pm Discover what amazing animals come out at night at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre. Learn to use bat detectors to hear bats hunting overhead, lamps to spot newts and frogs in the ponds. For children aged 7 years+. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. £4 per person The contact details for our events are: [email protected]

16. Low Carbon Oxford Week 11-19 June 2016 Pop up green events across our city. http://lcoweek.org/

17. Open Meadows, drop-in Sat 11 June, 11am-5pm A feast for your senses! Follow our new trail and enjoy the colour, scents and special wildlife at Meadow Farm at your own pace. No need to book. Parking limited. Larger groups – please ring organiser. 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 No dogs thank you

18. Wildflower Meadow Walks 13th June 7 - 9pm A guided stroll through the rich tapestry of flowers and grasses at Meadow Farm, led by a member of staff. Book online at www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on , or phone 01442 826774 Meadow Farm Nature Reserve is on the B4011 Thame Road, between Blackthorn and Piddington, near Bicester, OX25 1TW. Enquiries: 01869 245864 or [email protected] Suggested donation: £4 per participant for all events No dogs thank you

19. Watermark at Penultimate Picture Palace 13th June 2016 A fantastically beautiful and thought-provoking film, Watermark is about how water shapes us and how we shape water, and is being shown in partnership with the Oxford Water Network.An evening for swimmers, boaties, researchers, people who like to be visually tickled and anyone who wants to stay alive – because we all need water. Come soak up a showcase of Oxfordshire’s cutting-edge water research; find out about the biggest water challenges we face today, and latest opportunities to get involved in local citizen science- led research, including the Thames Water Blitz and an October water quality hackathon. Book tickets in advance on our website: http://www.uppcinema.com//film/watermark

20. Biodiversity Conservation in the 21st century: what plants should we conserve and where?" Professor Kathy Willis 15th June 2016 6-7pm In this Athena SWAN lecture, Professor Willis will discuss her ongoing research into biodiversity conservation, through examining the relationship between long-term vegetation dynamics and environmental change. The lecture will question which plants we should conserve and where, drawing on her breadth of expertise in biodiversity and the processes responsible for ecosystem thresholds and resilience Professor Kathy Willis became Director of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in 2013 and is also currently Professor of Biodiversity in the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford. For further information and to book your place please go to: www.brookes.ac.uk/events

21. Whitecross Green Wood Wednesday 15th June 10.30am A visit to see a variety of woodland butterflies, hopefully including Black Hairstreak, which is the main species for the wood. Meet in car park through the gate off Fencott Road. SP604149 Leader: Richard Lewington. Organised by Abingdon Naturalists www.abnats.org.uk

22. Moth morning Saturday 18th June 9 am Come and meet the moths from overnight traps at Stonefold, Worsham Lane, Asthall Leigh with Dr Marc Botham, butterfly and moth ecologist. Map Ref SP298116. Limited parking so please car share. For information call Brenda Betteridge 01993 878615 Field Club.

23. Den Building at Pewit Woodland Saturday 18th June, 2-5pm Meet outside Court Hill Centre, Wantage at 2pm to walk together to the woodland for an afternoon of den building, including snacks cooked over the fire pit.Court Hill Centre is 2 miles south of Wantage, along the A338 Wantage to Hungerford Road. The walk is approximately 20 minutes along the Ridgeway Path.£4 per person, with income split between Save the Children Den Day and Sustainable Wantage. Please book so that we can organise refreshments, via Jo at: [email protected] or 07768 767787.

24. Greenham Common Sunday 19th June 7.30 pm Joint trip with Oxford RSPB to find tree pipits, woodcocks, nightjars and maybe a woodlark. Map Ref SU484653. Leader: David Rolfe 01993 773123 / 07583 426446. West Oxfordshire Field club

25. Open Meadows, drop-in Tues 21 June: 5pm – 8pm A feast for your senses! Follow our new trail and enjoy the colour, scents and special wildlife at Meadow Farm at your own pace. No need to book. Parking limited. Larger groups – please ring organiser. Meadow Farm Nature Reserve is on the B4011 Thame Road, between Blackthorn and Piddington, near Bicester, OX25 1TW. Enquiries: 01869 245864 or [email protected] Suggested donation: £4 per participant for all events No dogs thank you

26. The Earth Trust: working towards a sustainable future , Dr Kerry Lock Wednesday 22nd June, 7.30pm The Hall, Christ Church, Abingdon. Organised by Abingdon Naturalists. www.abnats.org.uk

Book in advance

27. Fish of Watlington, the Thame and the Thames - our relationship with them: past, present and future, a talk by Dr Iain Naismith Friday 24th June, 8pm, Watlington Town Hall, OX49 5PS Fish have exacting requirements, inhabiting a fragile water environment that is easily disrupted by our activities. We make many uses of watercourses that affect fish stocks, having engineered and exploiting them over the centuries for power, navigation, drainage, water supply and wastewater disposal. However, in spite of ignorance of their needs and indifference to their plight, fish stocks have survived and there are reasons to be optimistic for their future in our hands.This illustrated talk will take us through the history of fish and fisheries in the Thames Catchment, our past and present impacts on them and what hope there is now for their future. It will describe both the bigger picture, of what has happened and is happening in the Thames Catchment, and how at the local level our watercourses have been impacted. Watlington Environmeng Group. Admission free to members, £2.50 for non-members.

28. RSPB Otmoor- Wild Flower walk 23 June, 7-9pm Take a walk on the wild side. Otmoor is special for much more than its amazing birds. Take this rare opportunity to focus on the wild flowers that splash Otmoor with colour.Non RSPB members £5, 20% discount members and children free.Booking is essential, tel 01865 351163 or [email protected]

29. Oxford and the Thames: a national hotspot for freshwater wildlife A talk by Jeremy Biggs of Freshwater Habitats Trust in association with Oxford Flood Alliance. Venue: South Hinksey Village Hall, OX1 5AS at 2pm on Wednesday 29 June 2016. The talk is free for anyone to attend but space is limited so to book your seat please drop an email to [email protected] to ensure there is a space available. More information is available on http://freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/oxford-and-the- thames-a-national-hotspot/

30. Wild About Glow Worms - Guided Walks 9.45pm to 11.30pm Fri 24th June. Sat 2nd July. Fri 15th July. Fri 22nd July Join us for a magical after-dark glow worm spotting expedition! Bring a torch, sturdy footwear & warm clothing Adults £6, children* £3 (payable on arrival) Numbers are strictly limited and booking is essential Call Cathy Rose on 01844 355 506 or email [email protected] Meet at the Aston Rowant NNR car park signposted from the A40 near Stokenchurch, M40 J5 Nearest post code HP14 3YL Due to the late finish this event is unsuitable for young children. The route does have to involve some steps so is also unsuitable for those with very limited mobility

Geology of the Lower Windrush Valley – Summer Walk Thursday 14th July, 6.30pm A guided walk, led by Lesley Dunlop of the Oxfordshire Geology Trust, looking at the geology and changing landscape in the Lower Windrush Valley. Walk length is approximately 2 miles long and will start and finish at the Rose Revived pub in Newbridge. Please meet in the car park at the Rose Revived at 6.30pm. This event is FREE but please book by contacting the Lower Windrush Valley Project at [email protected] or via the Facebook event:https://www.facebook.com/events/1604411609878386/

REGULAR WORK PARTIES

ANNE CARPMAEL CHARITABLE TRUST Withymead and Little Meadow Bridleway, Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG8 0HS Regular Monthly Volunteer Day (1st Saturday in month) 10 am – 1 pm Tools and refreshments provided. Different tasks each month – do the whole 3 hours or just drop in when you can.01491 872265. [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 Aston Rowant 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 The last work party of this winter - Sunday 14th February 2016. All work parties meet at the grain dryer (SU550844) and we start at 10:00. We usually finish around 13:00, although we occasionally stay a little longer in ideal conditions. We will be carrying out scrub-clearing operations. Please bring stout footwear, outdoor clothing, a drink and a snack. We normally supply some tools, but if you have your own, please do bring them. Please contact me in advance ([email protected] or 01865 391727) each time if you intend to come. We occasionally have to cancel in seriously adverse weather.

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

Barton Lane A pond survey Wed 20th April 9:30 am opposite Litter pick Sophos Barton Lane Himalayan Balsam removal Sat 7th May 9:30 am opposite from Willow Carr Sophos Barton Lane Wed 25th May 9:30 am opposite Tasks to be decided Sophos Barton Lane Himalayan Balsam removal Sat 18th June 9:30 am opposite from Willow Carr Sophos Barton Lane Wed 29th June 9:30 am opposite Tasks to be decided Sophos

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 on [email protected] or 01865 775476 ext 217 to join. 2. CS Lewis Community Nature Reserve, Risinghurst, Oxford Meet on the 1st Sunday of the month, (alternate months only at present). Contact Mark Bradfield [email protected] or 01865 775476 ext 217 to join. 3. Friends of Chimney Meadows 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 Robert Lawrence or Louise King. E- mail: [email protected] or [email protected] 4. (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 Andy Gunn 01865 775476 [email protected] 7. Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, nr Didcot. Meet alternate Fridays for wildlife gardening or reserve maintenance tasks. Contact Mark Bradfield on [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 at www.earthtrust.org.uk/volunteer or [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, Sonning Common 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 Stoke Row 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 Shotover 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. [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.

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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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