Committee Meeting January 2011

Notes on committee meeting held on Thursday 13th January 2011. Debbie, Ruth, Mary, David and Roger were present.

The new plan of the Cowleaze site, drawn up by Paul Brunson in November 2010 was viewed by the group. This does not contain the detailed planting plan which will be the one used by the contractors when they start planting trees and shrubs. We hope that they will be able to start next Tuesday, 18th January. A discussion about the position of some key plants followed.

It was agreed that Paul Brunson should be consulted about the most suitable site for the 3 silver birch already growing on site, and an isolated red chestnut. The triangular piece of grass at the junction of main paths was not really resolved, but a wild cherry is a possibility. The so called woodland area may be appropriate for some of the donated trees to be planted. Mary to contact donors, to confirm if they still wish to donate, and if they want to plant their donated tree—contractor and conditions permitting. The path near the triangle is very boggy at present, and may be best left for the development of a marshy/wet area in the future.

Elizabeth England has agreed to allow the cutting back of some overhanging tree branches along her boundary and the thicket/shrubby area. This is on condition that the tree surgeon uses clean equipment, and does not spread disease to her trees. Phil Bartlett who is to quote for the work, assures us that he always sterilises his chain saw etc.

The contractor is also quoting for raised beds in the seating area to provide planting sites for both the School and the Pre School. These should be ready to plant up in the spring. There is also a further bench required in the seating area.

The apple tree planting is planned to take place on Saturday 29th January, at 10.30am. (weather permitting). Please note attached guidance for tree planting. In order to promote root growth in these trees, a mycrorhizal root growth promoter will be used. This helps make soil nutrients more readily available to plants, and the nutrient status of the orchard soil is not certain. We will also be adding a soil improver.

Roger to contact Monkton Elm nurseries to find if we are eligible for hedge row saplings. Mary to contact Tinknells , heating oil suppliers, to see if we are still on track to receive plants in the spring.

Debbie to ask Marcus if he has sourced a notice board for the site. This will need to be robust.

As the lottery funded part of our project is nearing completion, we are applying for a sustainability grant. This will help to fund the maintenance of the site over the coming years. It is in three parts.

1. Equipment we need a reliable mower, as we will get not help from the district council with all the essential grass cutting, due to cutbacks. A ride on mower would get the job done more quickly than a pedestrian one, but these are expensive. Roger is investigating. We will have to provide a considerable sum from our funds for this. We also hope to get some hand tools for use by working parties.
2. Training various courses in use safe use of equipment and pesticides would benefit the group, and also orchard management.
3. Activities we are hoping to organise some workshops for local children, eg willow weaving, drumming, making sculpture. We should hear a result within 3 weeks of our application being received.

We will be having a launch event to celebrate the initial stages of the project (those funded by Groundworks and the Big Lottery Fund) and to thank all our supporters over the last few years. This will take place in May 2011, and we will be getting help and advice from the Entertainment committee.
Mary H Clarke 14/01/2011