Newsletter 8
This year we want to build on the great start that we have already made on several projects in the area and hopefully start on more – but we will need your help! At the end of this newsletter you will find a list of dates and activities we have planned so please put the dates in your diary and if you are interested in helping with any of the projects please let us know so that we can keep you personally updated. You can contact us on ewp2010@btinternet.com.
Bat Boxes
Last year we installed nearly 80 bat boxes in Clowes Wood and around Terry’s Pool. This year we want to install more but we also need to find out if any bats are using the boxes already put up. If you can help with installing the bat boxes come along and join us on Saturday 25th February (see details below) and there may be an opportunity for a bat box survey (weather permitting) as we will have licensed bat handlers with us who will be able to check the bat boxes and show any residents to us.
It would be helpful if you could let us know in advance if you are willing to help so that we can plan how many boxes we can install.
We also hope to take the opportunity to install some dormouse survey tubes in Clowes Wood. Dormice are important as a “flagship species” – if dormice are present then you can be sure the environment is as good as it can be and will support a wide range of other woodland species. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust have a long-term project underway in Clowes Wood to encourage dormice so a view of the current population is necessary.
Bird Boxes
This year we would also like to help our feathered friends by installing more bird nest boxes around the area, but first we need to make them. We are hoping to hold a workshop on Saturday 24th March (details below) and again need all the helpers that we can get. If you have your own tools so much the better, but it is not necessary. Let us know if you are interested.
Earlswood Fete
Saturday 23rd June will be Fete Day in Earlswood and we will be there!
We hope to have a stall offering wildflower plants, bird boxes and bat boxes for sale, together with information on the projects we have started and hope to undertake in the future.
Butterfly Survey & Moth Recording
Again we will be running our Back Garden Butterfly Survey, a form will be attached to the next newsletter.
Thanks to everyone that returned their forms (if you still have one to return it is not too late). We are busily collating all of the information and will report back in the next newsletter.
Several members also ran moth traps in their gardens throughout the year and again we hope to share the results in the next newsletter. If you would like to join in, we have moth traps that you can borrow, and we hope to set up a “moth morning” later in the year so you can come along and see what it is all about. Once again let us know if you are interested.
Benches
Later in the year we hope to clean up the benches around the lakes, many people have commented that they are looking a bit tired and in need of some TLC. We will let you know when a date has been set for this.
And Finally……..
Our AGM this year will be held on Tuesday 15th May at Earlswood Village Hall. We hope to see as many of you as possible. We would welcome your views on what we have done up to now and help us to shape the activities for the future.
Hope to see you at one of our activities,
Bob
Dates for your Diary 2012
Saturday 25th February – Bat box survey – 10.00 am – Malthouse Lane Car park
Saturday 24th March – Bird box workshop – 10.00am – Malthouse Lane Car park
Sunday 15th April – Woodland Walk – 2.30pm – Clowes Woods Car park
Saturday 21st April – 1st Reptile Survey – 10.00am – Malthouse Lane Car park
Sunday 6th May – Dawn Chorus Walk – 4.30am – Clowes Woods Car Park
Sunday 13th May – Spring Walk – 2.30pm – Clowes Woods Car park
Tuesday 15th May – AGM – 7.30pm – Earlswood Village Hall
Saturday 23rd June – Earlswood Fete – 12noon to 4pm – Malthouse Lane Car park