Organiser: Adrian Palmer

Meeting Point: Community Meadow

Task: As many of you will be aware, the Parish Council has, with the donations of local residents, been able to purchase the area of Community Meadow that was owned by Friends of Christchurch Priory. In January, MCV offered our initial thoughts on how the site is managed going forward with the objective of providing not only a community amenity but also enhanced biodiversity opportunities. Following a Parish Council meeting last month the first steps were agreed to determine what is within the site over this year before developing a management plan. It is planned that some initial clearance work is undertaken on Wednesday that will not disturb nesting birds. This includes;

• Removing the boundary fence between the Community Garden and Meadow
• Removal of low hanging branches of selected trees to provide better access into the ‘hidden’ areas of the site
• Breaking up and levelling of the soil ‘humps’ across the site.
• Cutting back exposed blackthorn whips from recent mowing
• Clearance of low density brambles under a tree where it is clear that it is not nesting habitat.
• Preparatory work for extending hedge alongside property that borders the meadow.

Please do not forget your drinks and wear suitable footwear (and headgear if the sun is still shining), gloves and for volunteers who prefer to engage in the lighter cutting back tasks, your favourite pair of secateurs.

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Every effort will be made to keep to this date, but changes can occur due to weather, logistics, to suit other involved parties or to avoid conflicting events. Generally an email will be sent to volunteers a week in advance with location and details of the task. It is possible that additional sessions will be added , including at weekends if there is time critical, or backlog of tasks to complete.

If you would like to join the list please fill in our contact form.

Tasks are generally planned with the parish council, and wherever possible have a conservation theme. Most tasks are conservation management or maintenance and vary from lighter clearance work e.g. footpaths, bramble, rhododendron and hazel coppice, to heavier work like drainage, revetment or footpaths. Occasionally we do get opportunities to enhance or even create habitat for flora and fauna. 

Volunteers should wear gloves and sturdy footwear, safety glasses and long trousers recommended. Bring waterproofs, sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate and bring your own water/refreshments.