25 members present with apologies from Iris Clark and Margaret Woodward.
Norman Clyde-Watson in Chair - welcomed Friends to the meeting and gave notices: -
- The mowing/ grass moving weekend was exceptionally well supported despite awful weather, the grass being moved in double-quick time. Many thanks to those who participated.
- Norman had contacted the Tree Officer at Broxtowe BC regarding the tree at the top of Sandy Lane and the possibility of a Preservation Order. The Reply was that an Order was not possible as the tree had no historical value and not worthy of such. The Group was thanked for its interest in the area and its concern for the future.
- Funding was available for the purchase of the 'whips' needed to plant a hedgerow along with £100 towards additional trees. Householders involved had expressed no objection. Watch this space for the next action needed to implement this initiative.
Norman introduced David Goddard, who had previously spoken on Dragonflies. He gave an illustrated talk on the wildlife, flowers and importance of Bennerly Marsh which is an area of flood-plain near Ilkeston.
This area, little known, lies under the shadow of the viaduct and a disused coal washing plant (now cleared), but has a multitude of wildlife and rare species - 150 bird and 200 plant species including orchids, butterflies, dragonflies, newts, grass snakes, stoats and bats - just to mention a few. It is also an important feeding and nesting area for Lapwing, Golden Plover, Redshank, Snipe and Little Ring Plover.
It is open to visitors and guided walks take place Oct/Nov/Dec and are free! Children may enjoy Pond Dipping sessions in this special area for newts, water scorpions etc. - Contact David for details.
Norman thanked David for a superb show and for sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for this hidden wonderland.
Important
The next meeting is the AGM on Monday 1st November at 7:30pm.
This will be brief and will be followed by a talk by Julie Pescod about the Environment and the New Global Plan - Julie is the Eco Team Project Manager.
AGM Notes.
- Any member wishing to raise any agenda item should send it to Sheila Hardy no later than Thursday 28th October.
- Nominations for election to office should also be made to the above by the same date.
- Current committee members are willing to stand for re-election.
- Subscriptions have been agreed as last year at £4.00 per member payable at the AGM.
- A proposal has been made that visitors should be charged £1.00 per meeting, but this would be refunded if membership was then adopted.
Forward Meetings
Monday December 6th - A social evening, details to be confirmed at the next meeting.
There will be no meeting in January but Work Projects will be advised. Your help and participation will be very welcome and anticipated as usual.
The Meeting closed at 8:45pm
The Friends are always looking for extra pairs of hands to help out or to simply support their work, so...
- to find out when the next work session will take place, click here, or
- to find out about becoming a member please contact us here, or
- to discover what goes into managing the sites click here.
