Conference govt02::basingstoke

573.0. "Basingstoke Conservationalists" by UBOHUB::HOLLANDS_C (I'm going mad - wanna come too?) Sat Jun 13 1992 17:23

    Basingstoke Conservation Volunteers meet up every Sunday to carry out
    important management work around the local countryside. They could be
    clearing scrub from an archaeological site such as Basing House or
    Woodcott Longbarrow, or perhaps digging a pond in Pamber Forest to
    provide a habitat for aquatic wildlife. They could be planting trees,
    clearing ponds or coppicing, but whatever it is, it's always
    worthwhile. In addition to work projects, volunteers are also given the
    chance to attend courses on traditional crafts such as hedgelaying,
    stone wall building, tree felling and many more. They also encourage
    social events, as well as joint activities with other groups.
    
    Everyone is welcome to join in any activity, age is no barrier, though
    children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 14
    will only be allowed to use certain tools. Everyone works at his or her
    own pace, and no special skill is required as all basic training is
    given. Their aim is to have an enjoyable day in the countryside doing a
    valuable job of work in a SAFE way. They DO NOT carry out work which
    would normally be done by a waged person, it is work which would not
    get done. They desperately need volunteers for the planned work
    detailed below. If you're interested in joining in any activity please
    contact Rachel Lock (membership secretary) Basingstoke 472365, or Keith
    Tullett (project co-ordinator) Basingstoke 477203.
    
    
    14th June   FLEET POND. Boardwalk Construction
                A continuation of a project started in May, to complete
                this boardwalk through a muddy area on this superb
                Reserve.
    
    21st June   PAMBER FOREST. Access improvements
                Improving access to the Forest for walkers. Creating
                barriers to prevent the entry of Motor cycles and horses
                at certain points.
    
    28th June   A VISIT TO SELBOURNE AND NOAR HILL RESERVE
                Travelling as a group to Selbourne, then it will be left
                to the individual to explore the village and some of its
                walks. Meet at Noar Hill at 5ish for a picnic tea, followed
                by a walk round the Reserve, and a visit to the pub in the
                evening.
    
    5th July    PAMBER FOREST. Ride widening and Tree felling
                Opening up more of the Forest to improve the ground flora.
    
    12th July   SOCIAL WEEKEND. To be arranged
    
    19th July   YATELY COMMON. Heathland restoration
                Joining forces with a Natural Break group to carry out some
                form of Heathland improvement.
    
    26th July   BASING HOUSE. Summer scrub cutting
                This could be a routine cutting back of regrowth on the 
                earthworks or a thinning of shrubs and trees in the field
                near the toolshed (and the Millstone pub...)
    
    2nd August  A VISIT TO MARWELL ZOO
                This may also be combined with a visit to one of the
                reserves in the Winchester area, such as St. Catherines
                Hill
    
    9th August  MAPLEDURWELL FEN or BLACK DAM. Summer grass cutting
                Cutting and clearing grass on one or other of the sites in
                the morning. In the afternoon visiting the rich Greywell
                Fen Reserve for a guided walk.
    
    16th August BLACK DAM NATURE RESERVE. Boardwalk construction
                This will include boardwalks, waymarking, path creation and
                other such projects
    
    23rd August PAMBER FOREST. Stream revettment & meander work
                A dam built a couple of years ago has been partially damaged.
                Carry out repairs and try to improve the flow of water
                round the meander that was created 4 years ago.
    
    29th/31st   ROSTHERNE NATURE RESERVE, CHESHIRE Residential
    August      This project will probably be one of walkway construction,
                at Wynbunbury Moss Reserve, described as 18" of peat
                floating over 90ft depth of water. Accomodation will depend 
                on numbers going, but is likely to be a local village hall.