Volunteer Work party of Sunday 18th May 2008 and the plan so far…

Present. Roger Cripps, David Gordon, Mary Clarke, Debbie Welch, Marcus Jubb, Keith Robson, Julian from Landart.

With 2 scythes and a bush strimmer, the seating area of the site was cut. The hedgerow along the back is mostly made up of elder trees. They are very old but surprisingly, are still growing. It was decided to continue to let them grow and cut back in the autumn to encourage new growth.

The next step is to rake off cuttings and spray the perennial weeds (i.e. nettles, docks, and brambles) then sow with wild flower grass seed to enable a permanent seating area to be established

A lot of work was done which goes to show how much can be achieved by a few people in a short space of time.

A big thank you goes out to all volunteers and to all those whom have given help and support. This community project would not be where it is today without their input.

We wish to announce that the project was entered into a competition ‘make over challenge’ run by ROK Building Company and The Western Gazette. Unfortunately we were pipped to the post by a project called MIND based in Yeovil (we were a strong second contender!).

We are hoping to develop this community space not only to conserve and enhance nature but also as a shared, relaxed space for all villagers to enjoy and as a learning facility for our local schools and youth groups.

We are looking for sponsorship, funding and grants to enable this project to move further forward and most importantly volunteers of any age, ability and skill to join our small team of enthusiasts and continue to keep this a growing and viable project. (All tools, donations of relevant plants, bird/bat boxes, benches, etc welcome!)

The next volunteer meeting will now be held on Wednesday 28th May 2008 at 7.30pm at the Duke of York. All Welcome to attend.