Notes on AGM on Thursday 25th November 2010-11-27 Those present: Roger, Debbie, Mary, Colin and David. Apologies from Barrie, Ruth, Marcus, Keith.

Many thanks to Buttle Close residents hosting our meeting. As it was a cold night the turnout was low, but we were glad that we had a quorum!

It has been a busy year with the success of our grant application which has resulted in lots happening on the ground. The site is now more accessible with the installation of the new gates and paths and it now has defined boundaries with the new fencing.

Thicket area and the Orchard (with the successful outcome of the soil sampling) are due to start Nov/Dec Sensory Garden and Pond ongoing in planning and maybe need sub groups to help them along.

There are two points that need our input as a group, firstly, ideas for community involvement to attract new volunteers and secondly to discuss finalising the Management Plan with help from Terry Franklin the ecologist to focus our ideas and intentions of land management for the future of Cowleaze Meadow.

Roger presented the audited report to the meeting. As the Groundworks grant is administered by the Parish council, these figures do not appear in our report.

We have spent in the region of £30,000 on the scheme so far, with more payments to be made foe trees, shrubs etc, and contractors fees in the near future. At present we have a healthy balance in our bank account, and the parish council hold some funds for us.

In the past year we have had a £500.0 grant from SCC (Ann Larpent), but it is unlikely there will be any money from these sources in the next few years, so to enable ongoing maintenance we will have to be careful. David Gordon expressed the committees thanks for all Roger’s work in taking care of the accounts, and dealing with the Lottery people, which was endorsed by the rest of the team.

The landscape architect who oversees the project has advised that some overhanging branches that may become a hazard, should be cut back prior to shrub planting. Permission from the landowner will be needed, and Phil Bartlett contacted.

Digging holes to prepare for apple tree planting is to take place at next work party, on Sunday 28th November. It is proposed to dig the marked circular area to remove turf and soil, to a depth of approximately 30 cms. Debris such as stones, roots etc should be removed. Underlying soil—which seems to be clay- should be loosened, and soil returned to hole. When the trees arrive, the soil will be removed again, the tree stakes put in place, the tree planted to a depth that will keep the graft above soil level, and secured to stake. The hole will be watered.

The soil, plus soil improver and organic fertilizer, will be placed back in the hole, firmed up, and left to its own devices.

Roger hopes to have the stand pipe in place for this date. We need to thank him for using his professional skills to support our project. Election of Officers

The members of the committee have agreed to stay in post. Ruth has volunteered to join the committee, and we are pleased to support her application. The proposal that all should be re-elected was proposed by David, and seconded by Roger, and passed unanimously.

The committee now stands as: Chair Debbie, Treasurer Roger, Secretary Mary, committee members David, Marcus, Barrie, Ruth.

Apple tree planting on 11th Dec. Debbie to publicise. Roger will be unable to attend, but will pass equipment to Mary (post rammer etc) Post are 8ft, and may need to be shortened. Oak tree and holm oak to be moved to new site before apple planting. The hedging saplings can also be planted out on this occasion (depending on number of helpers).

After helpful advice from ecologist Terry Franklin of SSDC, we will cut grass as hay in meadow and woodland area. In the first year we will spray off nettles in this area, and prepare the sites for tree planting. Then we envisage minimal interference (partly due to manpower issues) with hay being scythed July/August time, allowed to lie a couple of weeks to shed seed and dry, then be raked up and stacked as wildlife habitat, close to growing site. Mary to discuss final details with Terry.

We need to provide/purchase a notice board for the site (which needs to be robust, secure and waterproof), and also erect some discreet advisory notices to encourage the safe disposal of dog poo in the bin provided at the site entrance, and designate the seating area as a dog free zone. Marcus is asked to sort out these tasks. The school should be providing some temporary laminated art work to help with this.

We will be applying for a sustainability grant in early January. This will fund three types of materials/activities. Equipment, training and community involvement. We are investigating the purchase of mowing equipment. There should be opportunities for some team members to receive training which will allow them to help maintain the site in coming years (scything, strimming and chain saw use etc.) We are getting information about workshops for local people to attend in things such as sculpture from waste materials, willow weaving, construction of nesting boxes etc. More news in the new year.

Next meeting Thursday 20th January 2011 in the pub.
Mary H Clarke, 27th November 2010