On Thursday 20th May Martin Fine (facilitator), Paul Brunson (landscape architect) Roger and I met to discuss progress.
The contractors are continuing to lay hard paths and level soil on site. They have now commenced to erect fences around the seating area, which should soon be enclosed. Paul Brunson is to meet them on site frequently to inspect progress. So far there are no problems.

We also discussed contingency funding, which may be required in the light of alterations to the plans due to the results of soil testing. In addition we have to consider the possibility of a sustainability grant to fund some aspects of site maintenance for the first few years of the project. This can be available as the project reaches completion.

On Friday 21st May Roger met with Nick Routh, Estates Manager for Wessex Water. He has not visited the site before, and seemed happy with the progress made. Because some changes have been made to the layout, he requires a modified plan to be filed with his office, and the management plan also needs to be updated. The management plan is being updated.

The work party on Sunday 23rd May cut the grass paths, scythed some grassy areas, and raked grass (to help reduce soil fertility, and allow the emergence of less coarse grasses).
The turn out was poor, so we must try to get more help from all you volunteers at our next event. This will take place on Sunday 27th June, from 10am onwards.

We intend to resume monthly workparties from now on, always on the last Sunday of the month. If you would like to help, but find this time inconvenient, please let us know, and we can see how to help.

For more information contact Mary 240363, Roger 241608 or Debbie 241756 Mary H Clarke 1st June 2010