Attended by David, Debbie, Marcus, Roger and Mary.
The work party on Sunday 28/02/2010 did not achieve much as the weather was wet. The fence next to the kissing gate on east side of area was repaired, and vegetation overgrowing the stream was cut back. When the water level drops, we need to clear debris from the stream bed. Mary to request help with this task from the lenghtsman.

A visit to the site by the contractor and landscape architect took place on Friday 19th February. The contractor hopes to start work by the end of March. Preliminary notices have been place at each end of the site, to give warning that work will be taking place. People are requested to keep to public footpath, and keep dogs and children away from any ongoing works. We apologise for inconvenience, but these measures are unavoidable.

Wessex Water have completed the soil sampling on Thursday 4/2/10, and sent samples to the lab. We expect to hear some results when Ruth Barden of WW returns from leave on Monday 8th March.

The details of contractors tasks were discussed. Briefly there will be a hard central path along the lane leading to the site. This will be a strip about 1.5m wide, and will accommodate wheelchairs, buggies etc. It should not be affected by vehicles, whose wheels should straddle the strip. Inside the site there will be a hard path from the pumping station to the gate at the northeast corner of the site ( a continuation of the current track.) there will also be hard pathways in the seating area, and around the central bed.

The fencing will enclose the seating area and will be rustic post and rail with stockproof mesh, normal post and rail with stockproof mesh, and three strands on wire on wooden posts marking some boundaries.

We aim to keep the seating area secure, but to maximize wild life movements. Dogs will be excluded from the seating area. In the fencing bordering the path there will be a pedestrian gate, and in addition a field gate incorporating pedestrian access to allow access for tractors, grass cutters etc. The field gate will normally be kept locked. At the main entrance to the site there will be a new field gate, which will be slightly inboard of the present one, and also a pedestrian gate, as at present.The three stranded wire fence will continue from the pumping station along under the horse chestnut trees, and round the corner to the elder tree.

The contractor will complete this work in the spring. The second phase will occur in the autumn when planting of shrubs, trees hedging and orchard will take place. In the intervening time we can organise the mowing of paths, and the planting in preparation for wildflower areas. David is to find local supplier of Yellow Rattle seeds, which can reduce the vigour of grasses. The designation of these areas is dependant on the outcome of the soil testing, and cannot be finally decided yet.

There will be another work party on Sunday 14th March, from 10am onwards. We will look at site and discuss preferred locations for planting (including sponsored trees), and any other outstanding matters. There will also be work on making the water supply ready for the contractor.

For any more information on the project, ring Mary 240363, Roger 241608 or Debbie 241756