Practical Volunteer Update – October
September 2024
30 September, 2024
Dear Volunteer,
I hope this email finds you well. What terrible wet weather we’ve had over recent days, the temperature has also dropped, winter coats will be out soon.
Whilst Autumn and Winter are meant to be the seasons when we can carry out most of the habitat improvement work on the Commons, sometimes the weather can scupper our plans, especially when using agricultural machinery. Thankfully, weather rarely stops the activity of our hardy team of volunteers who work in the field come rain or shine!
Work parties in October will be no exception – details can be found below. Our Volunteer Autumn Winter Work Programme that details work parties up until the end of December can be downloaded by clicking here.
| Date & time | Site | Task | Meeting point / parking
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Tuesday 1 Oct ‘24 10:00 – 14:30
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Heathland glade management – tree popping/cutting and scything. Task location is w3w shapes.laying.lived – TQ24145 55204 |
The BCC noticeboard on Mill Road. W3W location: face.steps.regime Grid reference: TQ23781 55570
Street parking can be found on Mill Road.
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Wednesday 16 Oct ‘24 10:00 – 14:30 |
Heathland glade management – tree popping/cutting and scything. Task location is w3w shapes.laying.lived – TQ24145 55204 |
The BCC noticeboard on Mill Road. W3W location: face.steps.regime Grid reference: TQ23781 55570
Street parking can be found on Mill Road.
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Thursday 17 Oct ‘24 10:00 – 14:30 |
Heathland glade management – tree popping/cutting and scything. Task location is w3w ending.swing.handle TQ24056 55403
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The BCC noticeboard on Mill Road. W3W location: face.steps.regime Grid reference: TQ23781 55570
Street parking can be found on Mill Road.
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September’s volunteer team cleared a butterfly glade on southern side of Banstead Heath, photo above. In October we’re focusing on lowland heath management not far from Mill Road. Hand tools, PPE and hot refreshments are provided. Volunteers don’t need to stay for the duration, you are very welcome to join us for a morning, afternoon or part of the session. We normally stop for lunch at around 12.30pm so please bring a packed lunch with you if you plan to join us for the day.
Our Information and Safety Awareness Booklet for Volunteers can be found here. We kindly ask that all new volunteers read through this booklet before volunteering with us.
In other news we are very excited that a mixed flock of Herdwick and Beaulah Speckled Face breeds from the Downlands Grazing Partnership are returning to Banstead Downs this week. The sheep are helping to manage and enhance the chalk grassland on the site for the benefit of wildlife.
We look forward to seeing you at a volunteer work party soon.
Best Regards,
Lisa
Assistant Clerk