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It’s hard to imagine that we are almost at the end of
2008 and as Christmas fast approaches I find myself inevitably
taking stock of my first few months at GWT and, in particular, checking
the progress I am making against the Trust’s plans for
Wyeswood. Starting a new role is always a
challenge and it has never been more so for me than with the Wyeswood
Common Project. I will confess to having had the odd sleepless night (or
two!) worrying about how I would meet all the project outputs on time
and within budget; but for the most part it seems I needn’t have been
too concerned.
Admittedly there has been the odd frustration this
year - working on a new, previously unknown site, in a new area, with a
new organisation, not knowing all the correct procedures, nor what form
to fill in for this or who to call for that, did results in things
taking a little bit longer than anticipated! Added to that the wet
weather this year has unavoidably held caused delays. Not being a girl
who likes the grass to grow under my feet it is fair to say I have spent
rather a lot of time feeling like I am wading through treacle. However,
I am confident that these growing pains will ease and I look forward to
taking Wyeswood into 2009.
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As I get ready for my Christmas holidays I am
already thinking about the new projects that I have lined up for
the New Year. Very recently 34 bird boxes were put up on the
Common by GWT Vice-President, Rodney Morris, Luke Phillips and
Stephanie Tyler. I am eager to get the remaining 6 up before the
next breeding season when we can start checking the boxes for
residents! Of great benefit to these birds will be the hedgerows
that will be planted and restored over the next few months.
Work is also being undertaken to reach an
agreement with a local farmer for both the silage cut and a new
field of spring-sown oats. The latter will include complimentary
wild bird cover strips which in addition to the stubble of the
harvested oats, provide essential seed sources over the winter.
There is a lot do to before the spring though. I have just
issued a large contract to have all the exterior fencing
replaced with stock proof wire netting so the land can be grazed
with either sheep or cattle in the future. As soon as the
contractor is available the water will be connected to the
troughs. |
I am currently gathering quotes for the new access track and car park
and plan to have the planning application submitted in the very near
future. Following a recent site meeting I am also hopeful that we will
see some wetland creation on the reserve after Christmas. It all sounds
very easy when I type but I won’t have peace of mind until the work is
done and the invoices are paid! In the mean time I am going to enjoy my
Christmas break and hope that you do the same!
I am most eager to build up a regular group of volunteers
to help me look after the site so if you have some time to spare I would love to
hear from you whatever your interest!
Annette Murray, Wyeswood Common Project Officer
Phone: 01600 740358 or 07810 853794. Email:
amurray@gwentwildlife.org.
Read Annette's Nov
08 Wyeswood report |
