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PROGRESS ON FENCING & GATES Those of you that joined us on Saturday 6th and 13th September will know just how much hard work it took to dig out post holes two feet deep — in what felt like rock! Jack Foster, the Kirkstall Valley Ranger, brought a team of Community Service Volunteers to help and eventually we erected a replacement fence and gate at the bottom of Eleanor Drive, and also at Wood Lane. The money to purchase the fencing and gates was paid for by a Materials Grant from the LCC. We are still awaiting horse stiles and disabled access equipment from Jack. Although, it was physically hard work it was immensely satisfying and worthwhile — hope you think so too. On Saturday 11th October we hope to continue work at Wood Lane, combined with a litter-pick - So come and see what progress is being made!
FoCW MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT FAGLEY BECK As a result of the FoCW making a complaint about the Sewage overspilling into Fagley Beck, we have been assured that there will be a new combined sewage overflow installed by March 2004 which will remedy the current unacceptable situation. We also received a cheque from Yorkshire Water for £150 towards our mission.
DRY STONE WALLING Several members of FoCW have attended dry stone walling courses, which they thoroughly enjoyed. A grant from the BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) for £100 will be going towards insurance, in order that members can continue walling without Jack Foster being in attendance. Amanda Carter, Committee Member, is seeking extra funds to make up the shortfall for the insurance (approx £100). A date has been set — Saturday 15th November — to begin walling. We hope there will be several Trainers in attendance, so if you ever fancied having a go then do come along. Alternatively, if you want to help seek appropriate stones or give moral support you will be most appreciated!
LEEDS FORESTRY DEPARTMENT TREE WARDEN COURSES You may like to know that there are regular FREE courses at week-ends for anyone interested in woodlands. You DO NOT need any previous experience or specialist knowledge just some free time. There are different topics which may capture the imagination. Some members have already booked to go on “Trees and the Law/Grants for Trees” and “Tree Surveys”. Details can be found from any Committee Member or through the following website:
GREENGATES RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Did you know that the above group meet in the Dog and Gun Pub on the last Monday of each month? They may perhaps join us on some mutually beneficial projects. They also have a sub-group called “Greegates Memories” which meet on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss local history. Anyone interested should contact Anne Wallace on 01274 613 219.
NEWS ABOUT THE LEASE Justin Williamson (Leeds City Council Forestry Dept) attended the last Committee Meeting, and updated the group regarding re-negotiating the lease with Thornhill Estates. LCC has drawn up a Management Plan to form a Management Agreement. Although the process is lengthy and complex — it appears that soon it will be finally resolved. This will have a big impact on the group as, with Justin’s expert guidance, we can apply for grants to safeguard and enhance our beautiful woods. There may also be a possibility of lottery money coming our way! Justin has also put a worksheet in for some large tree trunks to be placed between West Wood Cutting Wall and the new fence at the bottom of Eleanor Drive. ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEY GUIDED WALK/TALK FoCW recently commissioned an archaeological survey. Two archaeologists spent over a week walking the woods investigating its many interesting features. If anyone noticed paint on trees, it was used to mark points out for pictures (the paint is biodegradable). Some committee members were shown a few of the sites of interest and were amazed how we could walk past stones, trees, walls etc., without noticing anything unusual about them or realising their historical interest. It was truly fascinating! As a conservation group that actively seek local community involvement we have organised a day where consultants, Blaise Vyner and Phil Abramson will give a short presentation of their findings and then take everyone out into the woods to show them where these sites of archaeological interest are. The date is: SATURDAY 3rd APRIL at Calverley C of E School There will be two sessions to enable as many people as possible to attend. The morning session will begin at 09.30 am and the afternoon one at 1.30 pm. This event is FREE and children are very welcome. IMPORTANT In order to plan the day, please ring 0779 0605878 and let us know which session you can attend. If you decide on the day to join us, that’s fine—just come along. TALES FROM THE AGM HELD OF 25TH FEBRUARY 2004 There was a good turn-out of people interested in the group. We elected the following committee members:
Glenn Gorner, LCC Forestry Officer, gave a stimulating presentation with slides which showed how important it is to manage a wood and not just let nature take its course. As we are a new group, it is important to find out about our woods so that we can best protect them for the future. It is with this in mind, that an archaeological survey has taken place and biodiversity surveys are being planned. This information will be invaluable when preparing a management plan. FUTURE IDEAS You may be interested to know that just some of the suggestions for future projects are:
Some of you may not be able to give practical help on litter picks but may want to get involved in other ways, for example attending meetings and making suggestions for future projects. That’s great. A group like the Friends of Calverley Woods need people with different interests and expertise—so please join us at a litter pick or a committee meeting if you can. Everyone is very welcome. So - if you care about your environment and want to see Calverley Woods maintained as a natural woodland wildlife habitat, then please do get involved. Without people like you it could fall into disrepair and become a dangerous place and eye-sore—somewhere we tell our Children to stay out of! Please don’t assume that enough people are already involved—if everyone interested helped out just once a year this beautiful, tranquil, bluebell wood will continue to benefit the whole community. Please feel free to call 0779 0605878for any further information.
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