Our main project for this year has been to improve the front boundary. New blackthorn whips have been planted along the entire length which will be the foundation of a layed hedge in 5 years time. We are also thinning out some of the trees and shrubs behind which will help the whips to have more light and space and give a better view across the Wildlife Area from this important vantage point. We have also carried out some more improvements in the woodland area to improve the path and the access point over the bund and taking out a few more trees to allow the rest to grow more strongly. For this, we were fortunate to receive funding from Cllr Mike Nevins' County Council allocation for local projects in his ward.
Visits by groups of school children, cub scouts and brownies, not to mention families and individuals continue to increase which is very gratifying. We have also tried to increase the involvement and interest of our younger members and hope to be able to implement some of their ideas in 2009. Our website (www.foxcornerwildlife.org.uk) receives an encouraging number of 'hits' and our colour leaflet is particularly popular in local libraries. We are very fortunate to have the skills of Carolyn and Chris Guest who keep the website updated on a regular basis and Nigel Emmerson whose photographs bring the site to life as the seasons change.
On site management, we are indebted to the small band of volunteers who keep the green path network mown and the site safe for all our visitors. As always, we are so grateful to the members of Pirbright Parish Council who add the seasonal mowing of the Wildflower Meadow to their paths and greens contract. This sort of financial help is always particularly welcome as maintenance funding is almost impossible to get from elsewhere.
This time last year, we were very encouraged to receive donations of all sizes, the vast majority of which was gift-aided which added 28% to funds through tax reclamation. Running a Wildlife Area of 14 acres requires some funding in addition to the work done by the Committee and our wonderful volunteers. Our public liability insurance cover, for example, has become a significant expense over the few years, the mower needs regular maintenance and we try to keep some funds in reserve to cover unexpected expenses. Needless to say, your continued support and generosity will be much appreciated. If you are a UK taxpayer, you only need to sign the Gift Aid declaration when sending your donation - we will process the rest.
With all good wishes and thanks for your support.
Yours sincerely
Catherine Cobley
Chairman
PS: Our AGM will be held end March/early April - details to follow.