Dorset

Countryside

No 168 May - July 2014 Reg Charity No 1071723

Volunteers www.dcv.org.uk Who we are, what we do, where, why and how . .

DCV is . . . • Lifts from Wool station (toolstore is nearby)

• A practical conservation group run by volunteers A DCV day lasts . . . since 1972 doing practical work in the

countryside that would not otherwise be done • 10.00a.m. – 5.00p.m. approximately • Volunteers are male and female, from all walks • Breaks for lunch and drinks are included of life and from all over the county • Work is seasonal, e.g. woodlands in winter - hedgelaying, coppicing; in summer dry stone FINDING DCV . . . walling, clearing ponds, footpath work • Organisations we work for include: • Maps with the task programme (at the back of this Wildlife Trust, Heritage Coast Project, Natural newsletter) show the locations of task sites , Amphibian & Reptile Conservation • Look for DCV’s yellow arrows near the worksite or • We work at weekends throughout Dorset red and white tape or the DCV information board • No super-human strength or special skills may show an explanatory note needed, or attendance on every task or even for • If unsure of the worksite try to arrive by 10.00 to the whole weekend - any time is a bonus meet other volunteers. The worksite may be some way off. Lost? give us a call on 07929 961532 DCV offers . . . • Practical care for the environment FOOD, DRINK & ACCOMMODATION • Opportunity to learn new skills - training given • Use of all necessary tools plus training • Occasionally, we hire a village hall, cook supper, • Accommodation on weekend tasks visit the local pub and sleep overnight - karrimats • Beautiful countryside, social events, fun & available! N.B. Book with Peter a week in advance companionship • The charge for a weekend, including Saturday evening meal, lunch Saturday and Sunday, YOU should bring . . . breakfast on Sunday and accommodation, £3.00 • DCV provides free hot/cold drinks and biscuits • Stout footwear (steel toecaps if you have them) during the day - bring your own mug if you wish • Old clothes (wear layers) • On residentials, all volunteers are welcome to come • Tough gloves (we have some to sell/lend) for the evening meal and pub whether working both • Waterproofs, sun block, sun hat, insect repellent days or just one • Lunch • Halls offered by DCV provide separate male and • If staying overnight – a change of clothes, female toilet/washing and changing facilities sleeping bag (air bed/camp bed if you wish) • Up to date tetanus jab • Note: If you have a medical condition or allergies of any sort, please carry a card and bring Reaching a task . . . necessary medicines. If you wish, bring this to the • If you need / can offer a lift, phone Peter Warren attention of the task leader. Please complete the 3 days before a task “in case of emergency” details at the end of the newsletter, and bring on task.

• All youngsters are welcome, but should be EDITORIAL

A BIG thank you to all those volunteers who came on task during the last quarter and braved some of the worst winter weather for many years. DCV had no cancelled tasks that quarter and special thanks must go to Richard and Peter for their willingness to turn out every weekend to ensure the programme goes ahead.

Thanks are due to so many people for initiatives that have now come to fruition. Gareth has completely redesigned the DCV publicity leaflet and is arranging printing and distribution. Well done Gareth for persisting with all the many drafts, comments, amendments and good suggestions. Tony has brought DCV into the 21st century with its very own Facebook page, with the potential to attract more and possibly younger members. Do have a look at this as soon as you can. Thank you Tony for your persistence and for being gentle and understanding with us all. This of course links in with the work that Tess is doing to attract younger members to the group. Richard has been busier than ever having obtained for DCV a QR (quick response) code (looks like a square of squiggles which can be read by a smart phone and brings up DCV’s website). This will appear on the trailer and also on the new A frame blackboard that Richard has also produced, which will be used at task sites to describe the work we are doing that day for the public’s information. The board can also hold DCV’s (new) leaflets. So, if you have any ideas to help the group in any way, don’t be shy, talk about it, let someone know, shout it out! Last, but we hope not least, we know you would all like to welcome the latest member to DCV. Bigger, shinier and faster . . welcome to the new kettle . . and whistle!

A few gentle reminders: - membership fees - they’re still due and it’s still not too late to pay up. - we’ll be working in rivers again this quarter and need to adhere to the clean boot policy - see article in this newsletter. - remember to protect yourself on task this quarter - long trousers and sleeves are best against sun, ticks, bites and stings.

This quarter’s programme is varied and full of interest. Amongst many beautiful places, it also takes us to some of the best coastal sites in the country - how lucky we are that they are in Dorset. However after the wettest winter for 100 years, the constant change to our coastline is more noticeable than ever. In this programme we have several tasks on the coast path. This is important and worthwhile work, improving access for the public and making the coast path more usable for the hundreds of tourists that, by visiting Dorset, put money into the local economy. We hope that these tasks will attract more volunteers out to enjoy the beautiful countryside and learn these valuable skills. Coordinator’s Report Richard Meatyard

The last quarter of the Winter the weekend we had turnout got the task off to a (scrub bashing) season completed two further good start. The weather on proved to be something of a scallops. Sunday was foul and only four curate’s egg. Although braved the conditions and by The following weekend was unseasonably warm the afternoon tea break the wind one of our occasional visits to weather seemed to alternate had got up to the point where Parley Common and a return between spring like days and just standing up was a to pine clearance which wet and windy, as was well challenge so we had an early seems to be our standard fare demonstrated by the first finish. on ARC reserves. The couple of tasks I have to talk threatened rain largely held Clouds Hill is a familiar name about. off but the wind made the fire from our many Rhody bashing On our first hazel coppicing rather excitable though we sessions at Lawrence’s visit to Studland, Saturday still able to clear and burn a cottage in previous years but was a showery, windy day large number of small and not on this occasion we were on while Sunday was decidedly so small pines. the ARC reserve nearby to spring like. Strangely, given make a start on the invading Mid-February was the one good weather on Sunday and small pine. The weather was and only hedge laying task of the proximity to Poole and superb and the only issue the Winter and for a change Bournemouth, there was a was keeping a tight control on we had some 50 metres of rather disappointing turnout the fire so that it didn’t creep really nice hedge to lay before of 3. off in to rapidly drying heather getting to the sparse section. and Purple Moor Grass. Our return visit to East Gore Over the two bright sunny to continue the pine days some 80 metres of The following weekend the clearance, started just before hedge was laid. theme of pines continued with Christmas, attracted a one of our regular visits to The last weekend in February surprisingly good turnout Newton Gully. This time we was a one day return visit to given the rather dire weather were clearing the reinvading our coppicing work on but it did mean there was no baby pines from a previously Studland. An excellent turnout risk of the fire spreading. Full cleared area where the meant that more was marks go to Terry for actually heather has now established coppiced than we had time to getting one going in the a firm foothold. We also erect deer fences around so pouring rain. celebrated the last bonfire of we will be returning later in the scrub season with baked The first week in February the year to complete this potatoes and toasted welsh was a return visit to our work. cakes. scallop clearing along side the The first weekend in March old railway line at . Unusually there were then was a return to the gorse Saturday got off to slow start two Sunday only tasks in a clearance on Fontmell Down with only two of us but a good row. The first at Upton Wood, that we started last Winter. turnout on Sunday speeded proved a pleasant change as Great weather and a good things along and by the end of we spent most of the time Coordinator’s Report cont’d. . .

planting primroses or preliminary remedial work even had time to put the plug transplanting small beech was done to make access in and do a partial fill. See the saplings. As always brambles safe prior to the restoration website photos. featured, this time it was work that is now planned for With the Newsletter deadline clearing out the ones these and the adjoining road. looming this is all the tasks I attempting to reinvade the The first weekend in April saw have time to report on, on this path side hedge. us in the far west at St occasion. The second Sunday, it was a Gabriel’s, near In addition to DCV’s own case of Time Team DCV at Morcombelake. The plan was website we now, thanks to Tyneham as we “excavated” to reveal and clear out the old Tony, have a presence on the flagstone pavements and sheep wash. With the low Facebook. See article further paths by the cottages. These turnout and rather inclement on in the newsletter on how to are thought to have been laid weather both days this initially join. sometime between 1900 & looked over ambitious but we

1908. Once revealed some did complete the work and Richard

TICKS & LYME DISEASE

Ticks are tiny, flat bodied, blood sucking mites that normally live on wild animals, such as deer, but occasionally may attach to humans walking through grass, rough vegetation, bracken or heathland.

Most tick bites are harmless but, occasionally, the tick carries a small bacterium called Borrelia burghdor feri in its stomach. This bacterium causes Lyme Disease, a relatively rare disease, that can affect the skin and may cause more serious illness.

The highest risk was thought to be from April to October when the tick was most active and feeding, but research has shown that, in certain areas, ticks may be active throughout the year.

How to protect yourself When visiting the countryside keep to open paths and always keep your skin covered (long trousers and long-sleeved shirts) whilst passing through areas of rough vegetation. Tuck trousers into socks if necessary. Wear shoes or boots rather than open sandals. Light coloured clothes will help you to notice ticks and brush them off.

At regular intervals check your clothing and exposed skin for ticks. At the end of the day completely check over your body for ticks, particularly backs of knees, groin, under arms and the scalp.

If bitten, remove the tick as soon as possible, using fine pointed tweezers, a specialist tick tool or a loop of fine thread. Grab the tick by its lower mouthparts close to the skin and pull firmly upwards. Avoid twisting the tick. Wash hands and bite area with disinfectant. Save the tick in a sealed container in case of subsequent symptoms - a target shaped rash, vague flu like symptoms, muscle ache and tiredness. Consult your GP as soon as possible if you suspect you may have Lyme disease. All stages of the disease respond to antibiotics though treatment is easiest when the rash is still present. Great Heath Living Landscape (Originally Urban Wildlink)

At last year’s AGM, Gary Powell, hundreds of new opportunities Senior Reserves Manager, for people to enjoy and help Sites include land at Amphibian Reptile Conservation conserve the natural Hampreston and High Mead Trust, talked about an exciting environment. These include Lane, Award Road, Ferndown new collaborative project aimed events and activities to allow Common, Delph Wood, at protecting some of the most people to learn new skills, enjoy Arrowsmith Copse, Dunyeats valuable natural heritage in south the outside spaces around them, Hill, Corfe Lodge Road, Upton east Dorset. DCV was very meet new people and volunteer Heath, Beacon Hill, Cottage happy to make a donation to this to help wildlife. Farm (Happy Bottom), Ashington worthwhile cause and we are Paddock, Barrow Hill, Wimborne now able to bring you news of Investment in the future of Road, Rushcombe Bottom, the latest position. Dorset's heritage Parley Common, Tricketts Cross, DWT’s Director of Operations, Lytchett Bay and Holes Bay. Land purchased to benefit Brian Bleese said: “The people and wildlife in Dorset purchase of this land is a real The full Great Heath Living Thanks to the outstanding grant investment in the future of Landscape project cost will be of £2.7 million from the Heritage Dorset’s heritage, and will make £4.7 million, £2 million has Lottery Fund (HLF) and £2 a huge contribution to the quality already been secured and £2.7 million from local fundraising, of our natural environment for million awarded from the Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and decades to come. We are very Heritage Lottery Fund - further its partners* have now excited about the next phase to funds need to be raised by public purchased 20 lots (almost 1500 help local people and appeal. acres) of outstanding wildlife communities benefit from the habitat as part of the major new wealth of wildlife around them.” conservation project in east Dorset, Poole, Bournemouth and For more information: Christchurch, ‘The Great Heath The Great Heath Living www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ Living Landscape’. Landscape and Urban Living the_great_heath Landscape in Dorset will deliver www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/hres/ Historical-Introduction The areas purchased include: the following exciting objectives: Twitter @dorsetwildlife and Lytchett Bay, Upton Heath, o To provide enhanced facebook.com/dorsetwildlife Holes Bay, Parley Common and opportunities for visitors and Sally Welbourn at Dorset Wildlife Ferndown Common. These sites local residents to enjoy and Trust on 01305 264620 provide habitats for many rare learn about the area's and threatened species, fantastic natural heritage including the Dartford Warbler o To improve physical access to and all six UK reptiles, including local green space close to *The Great Heath Living the nationally rare smooth snake high density urban areas Landscape is a partnership of and sand lizard. o To develop relationships with Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Erica local landowners in order to Trust, Poole Harbour Connecting dozens of sites enhance conservation Commissioners, Borough of across the area management of land in Poole, Dorset County Council The project will link two private ownership and to open Countryside Service and outstanding areas of natural up access to more Amphibian and Reptile heritage; the New Forest greenspace in the area. Conservation Trust. The project National Park to the Wild o To provide increased is supported by Bournemouth Purbeck Nature Improvement involvement and volunteering Borough Council. Christchurch Area (NIA), with high quality opportunities for people in a Borough Council, East Dorset access and interpretation to variety of wildlife habitats on District Council and Natural connect dozens of sites across the urban margin England the area. o To improve access to the marine environment on the Now the land has been fringes of Poole Harbour to purchased, a three-year access improve its conservation and engagement project will value and increase public begin across the Great Heath awareness and enjoyment Living Landscape to create Spotlight on DCV task site

The cliffs around (Bruce, 1989; 2001). The beach the preventative officers in the Mills provide is rocky with boulders and novel Moonfleet by J.M. Falkner, excellent exposures of Upper ledges. Somewhere around here 1898. Jurassic, Corallian strata and was the landing place for the some Kimmeridge Clay. The very successful smuggler French Morley (1994) repeats a story of sections are fossiliferous, having Peter and the ledges which form French Peter and the Crown Inn numerous trace fossils and many a natural dock, might well have (the Smugglers' Inn). Latour sedimentary structures. The been used for landing anchored his cutter off the beach Corallian limestone, sandstone contraband (Bruce, 1989; 2001). here at one day and clay strata, about 60m thick Note, incidentally, that there is and made his way up the cliff in the cliffs at Osmington Mills, also "Frenchman's Ledge" path to the Inn. The landlord who are Oxfordian in age. The halfway between here and Bran knew him well offered him gin Oxfordian Age of the Late Point, to the east. instead of the brandy which he Jurassic lasted from 157.1 to normally drank, and giving signs 154.7 millions years ago. The In the 18th Century Osmington that all was not well, pointed to Corallian Group was deposited in Mills was a remote wooded the great fireplace, still visible in the later part of this, after the coombe with a rough track inland the pub. French Peter, realising upper Oxford Clay of the earlier to Osmington village, down that a Revenue Officer was part. Conditions were generally which smugglers would have hiding, announced that he had a shallow marine and the ancient brought pack-horses for chill in his bones and asked for a latitude and climate transporting their goods. The fire in the hearth to warm him. Mediterranean. Dorset was then coast has retreated a little since While the Revenue Officer had at about 37 degrees north and it then but would not have been been in the pub in advance the probably rather warmer than the much different. The pub, the landlord had told him frightening present Mediterranean because Smugglers' Inn was much stories about French Peter. coral reefs were present in smaller and known originally as Smugglers certainly could deal southern England at this time. the Crown, and then later as the with the enemy in a particularly There are some corals in the Picnic Inn (Morley, 1994). In the vicious way because on one Osmington - Ringstead cliff 1790s it was headquarters of a occasion a Preventative Officer sections but they are not foreign smuggler chief, as this was thrown over the cliff near abundant here. Dinosaurs were was an excellent well-hidden Durdle Door. The Officer was living on the nearby land and place to land fine goods from soon smoked out of the chimney ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and France. French Peter, as he was and fell out through the fire to the ammonites were present in the locally known, was really Pierre laughs of the smugglers. He was sea. Latour or la Tour (Morley, 1994). given a brandy and allowed to He had a fast, lightly armed get away defeated! Latour was In the distance, and where you cutter, L'Hirondelle (The very successful with his will often see a cormorant drying Swallow). His local accomplice smuggling and it is said that later its feathers, lie the remains of the was the landlord of the he married the landlord's wreck of the Minx. This was just Smugglers' Inn, Emmanuel daughter and settled in France, a coal barge which lost her Carless. The Board of Customs living on his fortune. moorings on Portland in 1927 had, at one time, five cutters in and is wrecked on the part of Weymouth trying to catch him (For more on smugglers in Dorset Pool Ledge known to the locals and there was a price on his see Hathaway (1994) as West Maze (Bruce, 1989). head. Presumably he had to use Source: Osmington Mills, Dorset - various different parts of the coast to avoid capture, and, Corallian - Pt. 1 Introduction Geology Cliff falls are common here in of the Wessex Coast of Southern perhaps, he was one of the these fragile cliffs. The original England - Ian West steps were alongside the users of the nearby Smugglers' Romsey, Hampshire privately owned slipway, built Path on White Nothe, a steep and Visiting Scientist at: long ago by coastguards and in chalk path, scene of a dramatic Faculty of Natural and capture of a man in league with Environmental Sciences, World War 2 used for a lifeboat Southampton University,

DCV FACEBOOK PAGE

DCV have joined the modern age with our new Facebook group page. Facebook is a worldwide on-line social networking service and its promotional capabilities are huge. With our new DCV group page we hope to present ourselves to a wider and arguably a younger audience, at zero cost. The group page is also open and interactive, meaning that anyone (once approved by me) can post/upload details of forthcoming tasks, comments, photos, videos, links etc. relating to DCV, conservation and associated topics.

If you’re not already registered on Facebook, it takes just a few minutes to create your own account. You can find the login page by clicking on the Facebook icon on our DCV website or via your internet search engine. Registration requires the bare minimum of personal details i.e. name, date of birth and e-mail address, as shown below:

If you decide to sign up you can tailor your personal account and do such things as find friends, create events, share pages, links etc. and more importantly join and invite friends to group pages such as ours. You can also adjust the privacy settings easily so that you’re not bombarded with unwanted items. Don’t be intimidated, it’s simple to use once you’ve got the hang of it - just have a play!

Once logged in, search within Facebook for Dorset Countryside Volunteers and click on the button to join the group. You will then receive notifications (unless you specify otherwise) every time someone has posted something onto the group page.

Please do e-mail if you have any queries: [email protected] Anthony (Tony) Hogwood ASH DIEBACK

Description trees sent from a nursery in the when the bark is scratched Chalara dieback of ash is a Netherlands to a nursery in should show green underneath - serious disease of ash trees Buckinghamshire, England. if it shows brown, it is dead. caused by a fungus called Further finds in trees in the wider Chalara fraxinea (C. environment have since been It will take some time for fraxinea). The disease causes confirmed in a number of places, symptoms to show on ash. The leaf loss and crown dieback in mostly on the eastern side of disease presents distinctive affected trees, and is usually England and Scotland, and lesions, lots of dieback, later the fatal. mostly concentrated in the east leaves start to wilt, black or and south-east of England. In brown staining on leaflets and Method of spread May 2013 the first wider- leaf stalk, leaves continue to wilt, Local spread, up to some tens of environment case was found in go brown or black but retain miles, may be by wind. Over south-west Wales, which is the hanging on branches. Later longer distances risk is most farthest west site in Britain that a diamond shaped lesions show likely to be through movement of wider-environment case has on stems caused by disease diseased ash plants. Movement been confirmed. The first case in penetrating the wood. of logs or unsawn wood from Dorset was confirmed in summer infected trees might also be a 2013. From Monday October 29, 2012, pathway for the disease, the government implemented a although this is considered low It appears that it kills young trees ban on the import of ash plants risk. quickly, while older trees have a into the UK and on the greater resistance (though they, movement of ash plants, seeds Outbreak stage too, usually eventually die). and trees into and around the Ash trees suffering with the UK. The ban does not extend to infection have been found widely C. fraxinea is treated as a the movement of ash timber or across Europe since trees were quarantine pest under national firewood except from sites where first reported dying in large emergency measures and any the disease has already been numbers in Poland in 1992. suspected sighting must be found. These have included forest reported. trees, trees in urban areas such The Forestry Commission's as parks and gardens, and also Identification Chalara helpline: 08459 33 55 77 young trees in nurseries. Identifying the problem in spring (open 8am - 6pm every day) Between 60 and 90% of is tricky - ash comes into leaf [email protected] Denmark’s ash population has late, depending where you are, it http://www.forestry.gov.uk/ been lost. First confirmed in the could be May or early June. To chalara UK in February 2012 when found check if healthy, a young branch, in a consignment of infected Boardwalks

Boardwalks are put in for two main reasons. 1: To provide a safe path over difficult terrain such as bogs, marshes and streams that would not otherwise be visited. These boardwalks may be long, have handrails in dangerous places and may be around wetland reserves. This protects the fragile habitat. 2: Used to cross areas that are seasonally wet on public footpaths, thus preventing damage elsewhere. DCV normally put in the later, often short sections (the amount we can construct in a weekend) and usually on the coast path for the County Council.

A boardwalk consists of four main parts; Stob, Crossbeam, Stringer and Decking. The customer usually supplies the materials and in lengths that are economic to buy. Sometimes wood left over from another job may also be used. At first glance one might think were on earth do I start. Ask the client which wood is which and separate them out. There may also be local variations in design and construction.

The Stob usually a square section, is the pointed oak stake that we spend so long digging into the ground. On solid ground shorter stakes are used but on soft ground we may have to use longer stobs. Great care has to be taken to mark out where the holes are to be dug, as we have occasionally had to re-dig one when it doesn’t match up with the rest of the section. Often we may have to use longer sections for the stobs and cut them off later to use further on. They should be dug in so they are square on to the path to allow the crossbeam to be fitted flush. One section of board walk should be approximately one meter wide by about two and a half meter long. Four stobs per section, or for greater stability six stobs, the extra ones in the middle of each section. Once the stob is in place and vertical using a spirit level, they can be backfilled with stones and soil and tamped down firmly. We are now ready to fit the crossbeam.

The Crossbeams also usually made from oak, are load bearing and fixed to each pair of stobs to give extra support. They prevent the stobs from twisting, turning and subsiding. Once cut to length they are drilled to allow either a coach screw or coach bolt to be fitted and tightened with a spanner.

The stringer is the long length of timber that is bolted to the crossbeams. This is the rail the decking is nailed to.

The decking is the bit we finally see and walk on. The planks are laid transversely over the stringers and can either be flush or overlap. Flush looks neater and is more difficult to vandalise but the overlap method is stronger and allows a little extra width. Assuming the stringers are parallel, a master deck plank is measured and cut, using this all the other deck planks are cut. The alternate method is to cut the decking after, but this does use more wood. The deck is placed on the stringer and pre-drilled before nailing.

Pictures of boardwalk construction at Osmington July 2013 The Important Use of Tools

We have several boardwalk construction tasks this quarter and so here is some information on the tools you will need to use.

Post hole spade This has two handles and is operated like sugar tongs. The hole is started with a normal spade until no more can be got out. Then the soil is loosened either with a spade or an iron bar. The post hole spade is heavier but does manage to bring out a decent amount of soil and the hole is to depth in no time.

Tamping bar This usually has a point one end and a flat tamper the other. These bars are heavy and a really good tool for firming the soil around the post. Some stones can be used. Tamp down at regular intervals during the back filling.

Post level This has an elasticated strap to attach to any size post and can show the post level on both sides. Do keep an eye on this as you are back filling and tamping the hole. The post needs to be vertical.

Hand saw Old saws are good for most wood cutting but if you are cutting oak then it is best to buy new. They aren’t expensive, just an expense, part of the job. Try to use level if you can especially on parts of the boardwalk that the public are going to see. Use in smooth strokes and don’t force it too much especially when it is a long way into the wood as sometimes accidents happen and a bent saw can occur.

Wood drill bit These are different to the normal everyday bit we have at home. On the boardwalk they are used to drill out a hole for the coach bolt. They have a point that centres the drill and a blade that cuts the wood. Don’t drill too fast and draw the drill out from time to time to clear the cut wood and so it doesn’t jam. Do have spare, they are easier to break than normal drills.

Cordless drill Many of us have them but for this job we need power. These drills are often rated by the voltage of the battery. Some drills are 12volt but a lot of new ones are 18volt. Usually the client will supply one with a spare battery fully charged. Drilling through oak can drain a battery. We may have to drill hundreds of holes. Try to use the drill level, ask another volunteer if it’s straight. An old fashioned hand powered drill is good for a back up especially when drilling the planks.

Spanner To tighten the nut onto the coach bolt or just the coach screw. Open ended spanners are cheap and do the job but can be long winded especially if there isn’t much room to turn them. A ratchet spanner can be left on the nut to be tightened. One stroke tightens the nut then the reverse stroke leaves the bolt in the same place ready for the next tightening stroke.

Nails You get what you pay for. Cheap nails bend more easily, expensive nails don’t (most of the time). The need for pre-drilling the nail hole is paramount especially in oak. Drill a pilot hole most of the length of the nail. Also one may have to use a lump hammer to drive nails into oak. An ordinary hammer can be used to nail the planks CLEAN BOOT POLICY

Help protect our native Crayfish Our native Crayfish - the White Clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) - are under threat. The creature is very susceptible to a virulent fungal disease - crayfish plague that can kill them. This disease is carried by the non native North American Signal Crayfish ( Pacifastacus leniusculus) which is present in our rivers and streams.

Don’t be the one to spread water-borne disease, or invasive aquatic species! We can inadvertently carry this disease on our wellington boots and waders. The fungal spores can remain viable for 6-22 days without a host under wet or damp conditions.

What can we do? We have been asked by the DWT to follow the Check Clean Dry procedure. We need to make every effort to ensure this disease is not carried from one stream to another.

Please ensure your boots and waders are cleaned, disinfected

and dry before entering any river or stream

For further information - Have a look at these web sites http://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/hres/Crayfish%20Code http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140328084622/http://www.environment- agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/crayfish_and_river_users_pdf.pdf

NB: This is a practice we should be following for all pond and stream related tasks so that we don't inadvertently cause cross contamination. 28 & 29 June River Hooke, Kingcombe, Balsam pulling 12 & 13 July Bere Stream, Milborne St Andrew, Mid Dorset Balsam pulling

DCV Promotions 2014 Sweatshirts with DCV Logo

Orders ready for collection in approx 30 days from date of ordering Cost only £17.50 all sizes Collared Sweatshirts available at £18.95 Also available - Polo Shirts men sizes up XXL Ladies fit available sizes 8 to 24. Both at £13.50 T-Shirts £9.50 Baseball caps £7.95 Children sizes available on all above items Sweatshirts £10.50 Most colours available Orders to Brian Thompson with cheque payable to: Dorset Countryside Volunteers ASSOCIATION ORCHIS LINK

Members of Orchis will be visiting for the weekend commencing Friday 16th May 2014.

On Saturday 17th we will be on task Dry Stone Walling at Chapman's Pool, Worth Matravers. All members of DCV are welcome to come and join us on task.

On Saturday evening in Church Knowle village hall we will enjoy a meal with some entertainment after and again all are welcome to come and join us. In order that the catering works satisfactorily we will need to know who would like to attend and a token charge of £5 is made for the meal.

If you would like to join us on Saturday evening please contact me or Helen. If you would like to be more involved in these French exchange weekends please contact me for more information.

Terry Gillott 01202 765611

Socials

The annual Pancake Day celebration was well attended and as usual food and conversation were varied and rewarding. A puzzle was set – if 12 people attended and ate at least 3 pancakes each, how many eggs were used, how much milk? We didn’t come to a conclusion. Many thanks to Peter for the marathon cooking event.

The evening walk at Badbury Rings was a peaceful end to a busy day. To the sound of birdsong we walked through ancient woodland which contained the most amazingly shaped old oak trees, the woodland floor provided bluebells, wood anemones, and primroses. The meal at The Red Lion was outstanding – the slow cooked belly pork, well!!

This quarter sees a bring a dish event which will take place at Peter’s at 7.45 on Thursday 29th May. Please bring a dish and bottle of your choice. It would help if you inform Peter if you would like to attend.

Following the task at Studland on June 14th it is hoped there will be a BBQ. Please check the website or call Richard to check for details nearer the day.

Helen Gorman D C V DIARY May — July 2014 DATE TASK SITE CLIENT WORK

3 & 4 May Ringstead, West Dorset Dorset County Council Step building and path work

10 & 11 May Osmington, West Dorset Dorset County Council Steps and boardwalk

17 & 18 May St Alban’s Head, Purbeck Dorset County Council Dry stone walling

17 May, Saturday Evening meal with our Church Knowle village hall Book with Helen or Terry friends from Orchis 6:30pm Cost £5.00

24 & 25 May Osmington, West Dorset Dorset County Council Boardwalk and steps

29 May, Thursday Bring a dish - Peter’s at 7:45pm Please let Peter know if plus a bottle attending

1 June, Sunday Tyneham, Purbeck MOD, Tyneham Farm Project Various

7 & 8 June St Alban’s Head, Purbeck Dorset County Council Dry stone walling

14 & 15 June Studland Heath, Purbeck National Trust Boardwalk

14 June, Saturday Possible BBQ following Please contact Richard for task details

22 June, Sunday The Quarr, Friends of The Quarr Various North Dorset

28 & 29 June River Hooke, Kingcombe, Dorset Wildlife Trust Balsam pulling West Dorset

3 July, Thursday DCV meeting At Viv’s 7:45pm

5 & 6 July Greenlands, National Trust Ragwort pulling Godlingstone, Purbeck

12 & 13 July Bere Stream, Milborne St Dorset Wildlife Trust Balsam pulling Andrew, Mid Dorset

19 & 20 July The Fleet, West Dorset Dorset County Council Boardwalk

26 & 27 July The Fleet, West Dorset Dorset County Council Boardwalk

2 & 3 August Tyneham, Purbeck MOD, Tyneham Farm Project Various

2 August, Saturday Possible evening event Please contact Richard for following task details DCV mobile: 07929 961532 (task hours)

Remember to keep a note of the DCV mobile phone number, or check out the website - www.dcv.org.uk 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 : May – July 2014

3 & 4 May: Ringstead, West Dorset Much of our task programme this summer is centred along Dorset’s Ringstead OS 194 wonderful coastline. And we start in a spectacular location on Burning Cliff, high above Weymouth Bay. There are long sea views to the horizon, in the west broken by the Isle of Portland. To the east white cliffs dramatically frame the chalky hulk of White Nothe, the highest point on this part of the coast path. Burning Cliff is on softer ground. Here the coastal paths erode easily. Rain and the pounding from walkers can turn them into slippery slopes and muddy hollows, which Meet & park at then set ruggedly hard in dry weather. DCV has worked on these paths South Down car over many years but it has been some time since our last visit. We shall park be installing some steps, and levelling and making good uneven lengths of path. So there will be lots of different jobs. We work in pairs or threes to share the task at hand - plenty of opportunity for friendly banter and gazing at the sea far below. NB: Look out for DCV arrows or a white sign board by the car park track showing where to park and for the route down to Burning Cliff.

10 & 11 May: Osmington, West Dorset Osmington OS 194 This weekend we move a little further west along the coastal cliffs and can again enjoy sea views across Weymouth Bay to the Isle of Portland. Here the coast path is hemmed in by a scrub lined cliff top and fences bounding a holiday park. Steps down to the coast path have slipped and eroded, while on the coast path itself a section is poorly drained and becomes a muddy morass in wet weather. We shall be repairing the steps Meet & park at village hall (SY725 827) at and, on the muddy section, further extending the boardwalk that 10am for a lift to work we started last summer. Constructing a boardwalk may seem site or follow signs rather complicated. But it’s really a sequence of jobs that are quite easily mastered, from digging post holes to joining up the wood and banging in a very large number of long nails. And with some experienced volunteers on hand you will soon be admiring your handiwork. There will be hot teas and coffees brewed by our trusty stove, and a mix of biscuits chosen by the task leader! The task continues later in the month.

17 & 18 May: St Albans Head, Purbeck Our task this weekend takes us to the high limestone headland that St Albans Head OS 195 juts far out to sea at St Albans Head. This is an open landscape, a patchwork of fields defined by low drystone walls. Many were built centuries ago, the only way to enclose the land and contain livestock. The walls can last for ages in this windswept landscape. But over time stones crack and crumble from the winter battering by wind and rain, and are dislodged by plant roots and livestock. Without maintenance the wall leans and parts collapse. These days this is seen all too often, the need for the walls having been lost in modern farming. Fortunately there is a great revival in restoring the distinctive character of limestone walled landscapes. We shall be doing our bit by repairing a section on the long drystone wall that borders the coast path high above Chapman’s Pool. The skill of walling is easily picked up. It’s all about finding the right shaped stone to fit the right place. There will be experienced volunteers on hand to provide guidance and help. And we have fantastic views to admire all day. NB: On Saturday we shall be joined by our twinning friends from Meet at car park Association Orchis. So do come and enjoy some friendly, mixed SY 964 775 language banter and confusion! The task site is very exposed. The weather can change from a bone chilling misty gloom, to driving rain or hot sun glistening off the sea far below, all in a day. Please come with suitable clothing for all weathers. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : May – July 2014

24 & 25 May: Osmington, West Dorset Osmington OS 194 On this return visit to the coast path above Weymouth Bay we hope to complete the boardwalk started earlier in the month. There may also be a few more steps to reposition and level on the path down from Osmington village. This part of the coast path is very well used, being close to Weymouth and coastal holiday parks. It provides wonderful sea views over the bay, and of Portland Harbour and to Meet & park at village the Isle of Portland beyond. On this bank holiday weekend the path hall (SY725 827) at could be busy, with lots of people to admire our work. We shall be 10am for a lift to work working in twos or threes along the paths, with someone showing site or follow signs what to do. At the end of the day there is the satisfaction of seeing the new boardwalk snaking along the route ahead, and a fresh flight of steps ascending the slope above. As usual there will be lots of tea and coffee, hopefully taken while lazing in warm sunshine.

Tyneham OS 194 & 195 Sunday 1 June: Tyneham, Purbeck Those who have previously come along to this site will know that we have been helping with an ambitious project to restore the setting of the old Tyneham Farm. The farm along with the nearby village and surrounding land was requisitioned by the wartime government in 1943 for training use by British forces. Peace came but the army stayed. The area is now part of the Lulworth firing ranges. Inadvertently this has given us a glimpse into the past - of village buildings, the everyday rural occupation of their occupants and school life before the changes brought by the second half of the 20th century. The main restoration is now done. But there always seems to be something more to do: uncovering old stone paths, cleaning out the ford, cutting the wild flower meadow, repairing stone walls. We’re never quite sure what the next task will be, though it’s always interesting with lots of jobs to choose from. So do come along and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this site. NB: Park at the far end of the visitors car park (SY 882 802) at the end of the lane – the old farm lies beyond over the bridge and up valley to left. Or we may be in the old village that you will pass just before the car park. Look out for our trailer, yellow arrows or white sign board.

7 & 8 June: St Albans Head, Purbeck St Albans Head OS 195 High on the Purbeck limestone a plateau of hard rock pushes out to sea. St Alban’s headland is an exposed landscape, a place of open fields and low drystone walls. In years past the rough built walls of locally dug stone contained the grazing livestock and excluded them from crops. They provided shelter from the worst of the weather. The walls were long-lasting, needing only occasional repair. But as farm labour was lost from the land, wire fences became easier to erect and maintain. Many drystone walls fell into disuse, slowly breaking down. More recently the value of these walls in defining the landscape has been appreciated. More and more are being restored and maintained. On this occasion we shall be giving some tlc to the walls that surround the car park. These are the first walls that visitors see up close. So it’s important they look good. As usual there will some experience wallers on hand to provide guidance on what to do. We work together so there is lots of chat and banter, and fresh brewed Meet at car park teas and coffees from our trusty stove. SY 964 775 NB: The task site is high up, the sea only a short distance away. The weather comes straight off the ocean, be it low cloud, rain or a burning sun. Sometimes all three in a day. So bring suitable clothing for all weathers. D C V TASK PROGRAMME : May – July 2014

14 & 15 June: Studland Heath, Purbeck This weekend we have a change from our recent cliff top locations to the Studland Heath OS 195 much gentler surrounds of this National Nature Reserve on the southern edge of Poole Harbour. Here Studland peninsula separates the harbour from the open sea of Poole Bay. Most retains a wild character – from open heathland to coastal dunes, and then the wide beaches that attract so many people for a day out by the sea. Relatively few venture inland to explore the network of tracks and paths that weave through woodland, heath and wetland. Here tranquillity abounds. We shall be improving access along a section of path near the shore of the harbour by constructing a length of boardwalk. By now we should be experts, having honed our skills on boardwalks further west along the coast path. If you missed these tasks we still need you. There will be the ‘experts’ on hand to provide guidance and we work together sharing all the different jobs. Meet here for NB: Rendezvous on the Studland ferry road, at the roadside parking onward travel area by the track. This site can become a hot suntrap. So bring a suitable hat and your sunscreen. And for those coming on Saturday, after the task we hope to organise a BBQ somewhere nearby. (Even if you can’t make the task, do come along). Please book - phone Richard or Peter closer to the day for details.

Sunday 22 June: The Quarr, Sherborne, West Dorset The Quarr Sherborne OS 183 We return for a mid-summer visit to this small nature reserve on the northern fringe of Sherborne. As the name suggests the site covers an old quarry. Part was landscaped but rather undervalued as a local greenspace. A boost to its value came with its designation as a local nature reserve, and the site was brought into care by a local Friends group. Local people are encouraged to visit to explore the geological past of old quarry faces and the developing wildlife habitats. Good access is important. We shall be providing the Friends group with some valuable assistance, such as on path maintenance, turning nuisance nettle patches into compost heaps and cutting out hogweed - a brute of a plant - from the newly establishing wildflower meadow. There are also thoughts of improving the Meet & park at ponds but arrangements may not be ready for this task. Look the Quarr out for latest task details on our web site closer to the task date. As usual there will be breaks to enjoy our fresh brewed teas and coffees, and a variety of biscuits.

Kingcombe OS 194 28 & 29 June: River Hook, Kingcombe, West Dorset Himalayan balsam is an introduced plant from the Himalaya. It escaped into the wild and has spread along river banks, into fens and just about any uncultivated ground with wet soil. A scatter of balsam poses little threat to the native vegetation. But it can grow in dense stands reaching a height of 3m during the summer months, shading out almost all competition. In habitats of high conservation value its abundance can be a serious problem. We return to a section of the River Frome and some fen woodland to see if our blitz on the plant over the last few years has had any effect on its abundance. Hopefully it has and like ragwort control the balsam can now be kept to an occasional presence with far fewer plants to pull this time. If Meet at Pound not.....well the strategy will need a re-think. cottage NB: Meet at Pound Cottage at 10.00am for onward travel. If SY 554 989 late look out for our white instruction board 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. * This task has a clean boot policy (see article) D C V TASK PROGRAMME : May – July 2014

5 & 6 July: Greenlands, Godlingstone, Purbeck Studland & Greenland OS 195 It’s that time of year again, when we go walkabout on grassland, stooping and filling sacks with a yellow flowered plant. Yes it’s the ragwort pulling season. This year we only have this one task. Hurrah some might say. But if you’re suffering withdrawal symptoms from last year’s up close encounters with ragwort then this is the task for you! Even if not, we need your help. We return to the small secluded fields on the southern shore of Poole Harbour which are being restored back to natural grassland and heath. Unfortunately this has enabled an invasion of ragwort. In abundance they can seed far and wide, hamper management and once cut are palatable but poisonous to livestock. So pulling helps to keep its abundance in check and maintains the safe grazing that is essential to encourage the rich variety of other flowers, butterflies and insects. Over the last few years our ragwort ‘harvest’ has noticeably reduced its presence in the fields – well that’s what our client tells us. So hopefully there will be a lot less to pull this year. Meet here for NB: Rendezvous on the Studland ferry road; if late follow the DCV yellow onward travel to arrows along the track to a parking area in one of the fields. If it’s sunny park in field this site can become a hot suntrap. So bring a suitable hat and your sunscreen. We’ll bring lots of cooling water and squash for lazy breaks during the day.

12 & 13 July: Bere Stream, Milborne St Andrew, Mid Dorset Milborne St Andrew OS 194 This weekend we return to the banks of this small chalkland stream to resume battle with an ‘outbreak’ of Himalayan balsam. This introduced plant has colonised river banks and wetlands across the country, becoming a nuisance in the conservation of our natural habitats. It’s only an annual but incredible numbers of seedlings can appear each spring. And they grow fast, by mid- summer easily overtopping the native plants and suppressing them with dense shade. Fortunately they are easily pulled up – though the really big ones can put up stiff resistance - and once removed that’s a whole lot less seeds to start another generation of plants next year. We made a start on the balsam colony in the headwaters of the stream last year, the priority being to dramatically reduce and push back its spread and thereby reduce the risk of colonisation into valuable wetlands further downstream at Bere Regis and beyond. We shall be pulling as many of the balsams as possible, between lazy breaks on the streamside in the summer warmth (hopefully!). NB: Rendezvous at the Post Office in Milborne village centre on A354 Dorchester to Blandford road for onward travel to a parking Meet at Post Office on area, probably on south edge of village between Manor House main road for onward travel possibly to South and Dairy House. If late look for DCV board with instructions on of village near to the Dairy at where to go. Bring wellies for splashing about in the stream, or dairy at Manor Farm Manor Farm boots for banksides on rough ground. And as balsam here often grows among nettles and sometimes bramble 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.

* This task has a clean boot policy (see article)

19 & 20 July and 26 & 27 July: The Fleet, West Dorset Over these two weekends we hope to be building an impressive length of boardwalk overlooking the Fleet. It’s a great chance to experience the distinctive character and tranquillity on this part of the coast. Here calm tidal waters are protected offshore by the great pebble bank of Chesil Beach. At times, and especially in a coastal mist, it’s like being in a separate world isolated behind the high barrier beach that runs unbroken, disappearing into the distance. The paths bordering the Fleet are mostly on clay. With a liberal passing of trampling feet they can turn to a sticky morass in wet weather and uneven, rock hard ground in dry. Fine for those with suitable footwear, but then not everyone comes sensibly shod. Hence the improvement offered by a boardwalk. We expect the task to be in the vicinity of Moonfleet Manor. The arrangements are not finalised so look out for details on our web site closer to the task date or phone Richard, Peter or Doug on where to meet and park.