Dear Members / Residents,
As I write this newsletter, it has felt like a quiet year but as I look back there has been much going on and much good work done.
Top of the list of projects has been the laying of the front hedge just after Christmas by the Surrey Hedgelaying Group. A team of 16 experienced hedge layers made short work of creating a stunning boundary hedge made up of Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel and other varieties. Traditional hedge laying involves using the existing stems of trees, and partially cutting through the stems, bending them down horizontally near ground level which encourages new growth from the base and creates a living fence. Then wooden stakes are inserted into the middle of the hedge to offer support. Finally willow or hazel binders are woven in and out of the stakes to secure everything in place.
The beautifully layed hedge will develop over the next year or so as new growth forms and will provide a haven for wildlife and birds. It was funded by a pledge of £1000 from Affinity Water, a donation of £250 from the Surrey County Council Community Fund and a £200 donation from a local resident. Our fundraiser, Peter Morley has been busy behind the scenes! The hedge has been much admired!
As ever, we continue to be indebted to our hard-working Site Manager, Nigel Emmerson who keeps a very thorough and watchful eye on every aspect of the Wildlife Area and leads all the vital work. He has been helped by loyal volunteers – mainly this year the small team of staff from Network Rail on their charity days supplemented by local scout groups and a local team of volunteers from Surrey Choices, Woking who have done excellent work on many occasions. We have also welcomed good numbers of staff from the Pirbright Institute on their charity days. In addition, we use the local skills of Steve Hull and Roy Coverly plus other local residents who help Nigel to keep the green path network mown for our many visitors. To give you a flavour of the many jobs, they include removing fallen trees; coppicing and cutting back vegetation along the green path by the meadow enclosure; pond clearance; pulling up intrusive plants such as Himalayan Balsam and variegated Archangel; clearing the way for the hedge-laying; replacing treads on the Winter Bridge; repairing handrails on the sleeper bridges; chain-harrowing the meadow areas.
As ever, we continue to be indebted to our hard-working Site Manager, Nigel Emmerson
Future Projects:-
During the year, we were contacted by Pirbright Parish Council who are concerned to support us as an important village organisation as local government moves into a new era of reorganisation to create two unitary councils in Surrey. These will replace Surrey County Council and Guildford Borough Council. The Parish Council is very aware that we are part way through a 50 year lease from Guildford Borough Council which expires in 2049 and we have discussed the options with the Chairman and Parish Clerk. We are very appreciative of their concern to keep our future secure.
This letter also invites you to renew your membership into 2026. The enclosed membership form shows details of any members listed at your address. As you may recall, our membership arrangements assume that you wish to continue to be a member unless you indicate otherwise. If you wish to discontinue your membership, if the information shown is incorrect or if you wish to add other residents at your address, please make any necessary amendments and send it back to the Secretary at the address shown below. Your membership continues to be free.
Every year, we are very encouraged to receive donations of all sizes from Association members, the vast majority of which is gift-aided which adds a significant amount through tax reclamation @ 25%. Don’t forget that if you are a UK taxpayer, you only need to sign the Gift Aid declaration when sending your donation – we will process the rest. Thank you for your generosity in 2024 and we send you a heartfelt thank you! Without your support, the Wildlife Area could not continue to exist at the heart of the Fox Corner community and give pleasure to so many.
Another very straightforward way in which you can help us to increase our income is by shopping online through easyfundraising.org.uk. Each time you shop, you can raise money for your chosen charity at no cost to yourself. Participating retailers include Amazon, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, M&S, Ebay etc. All you need do is to register at easyfundraising.org.uk and then log in each time you shop. Search for the Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area in the listing and then shop in the usual way by clicking on the link to access the retailer’s site and make your purchases as normal. The retailers then give us a percentage donation which can mount up and is another significant way you can help us financially!
You are invited to come to our AGM on Wednesday 15 April at 7.30pm in the Church Room at St Michael’s Church. We are delighted that we will be having a speaker from Surrey Wildlife Trust. We do hope you will be able to join us!
With all good wishes and thanks for your support.
Yours sincerely
Catherine Cobley
Chair