Our main focus this year has again been one of sound consolidation and maintenance. In February we were very fortunate to have the enthusiastic services of several volunteers and their team leaders from the Prince's Trust and they spent 10 days at the site clearing the area between the woodland and wildflower meadow using hand tools. This excellent work made the ancient ditch and mound much more visible and our own site team has subsequently dug out the ditch to get the water running again and completed the levelling of the tree stumps. The Yellow Rattle experiment in the wildflower meadow is now showing results and we will be extending the area of planting with a view to re-establishing the successful growth of wild flowers.
We are continuing to work on a specification for a new and improved boardwalk and are obtaining estimates prior to applying for grants. This will be a costly project but we view it as vital if we are to maintain and enhance this major feature of the Wildlife Area. In the meantime, Nigel Emmerson has been replacing individual slats which have become rotten. Visits by groups of school children, cub scouts and brownies, not to mention families and individuals continue to increase which is very gratifying. 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 again indebted to the small band of volunteers who keep the green path network mown and the site safe for all our visitors. The sad death of Dennis Tubb who was one of our key volunteers will be marked by planting a tree in his memory. He will be very much missed. We will also be planting a tree in memory of borough and county councillor Mike Nevins who gave the Association sterling support as a member of the Management Committee for 11 years. As always, we are so grateful to 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 from Association members, the vast majority of which was gift-aided which adds a significant amount 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 especially as it is now 10 years old and we try to keep some funds in reserve to cover unexpected expenses. Needless to say, your 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