At 2.30 pm Roger, David and Mary met with Barbara Collier, Tree Planting Project Officer with South Somerset District Council, on site to discuss the types of trees to be planted in various locations, and to advise on distances between individual specimens.

We agreed that, as shown in the plan, the woodland area would contain standard trees planted approximately 9metres apart. There would have to have a weeded area at base, and be mulched to prevent weed growth in the initial stages of growth. We would aim for this to be an open woodland with no under planting of shrubs.

In the area designated “possible school use” we would plant mixed shrubs and trees, to aim for fairly dense growth that would be suitable for a “wild” play area for children. This thicket would have no tall trees immediately near the power cables which pass across this corner of the site. Before any work is done on this aspect of the site, the spiked railings would need to be removed/made safe, and all half buried remnants removed.

Barbara estimates that we would need approximately 400 whips to cover this area. The orchard area will contain standard trees, and be spaced at intervals of 9metres. Varieties of cider apples and some desert apples with local significance will be used.

Barbara has provided us with a guide to areas of Somerset, and the suitability of various species for those soil types, which we will use in making our final selections.

Information on local apple varieties will be posted to us, plus a model risk assessment form, which might be of use.

We would like to thank Barbara for help in our project, and look forward to having it planted up.

At 7.30 the group met in the pub. Marcus, Debbie, David, Roger and Mary were present.

We reported on Barbara Collier’s visit. Roger informed us that he had received official notification that we had been awarded the Development Grant for our Stage 2 application for funding from the Lottery. This £1500 will allow us to carry out site survey work, and enable us to progress the rest of our application.

Roger is in negotiation with a local Landscape Architect, who will be able to work with us, and eventually, sign off the project when all works have been satisfactorily completed. He is having an onsite consultation to agree terms etc.

We are unable to apply for grass cutting and maintenance equipment in this application, so will have to find other sources of funds.

Roger has been in contact with Wessex Water, and they have made a site visit to examine a tap found near the pumping station. This had been installed about 40 years ago, and would have been necessary for the workers in the old sewage works. We should be able to use the water, but will have to modify the present system, and provide a new standpipe, trench, cover for tap etc.

Various aspects of the details of which tasks we would undertake, and those we would need contractors for, were discussed.

To make the seating area accessible to children, we will need to get rid of nettles and brambles on that area. Mark Doughty has previously indicated that Wessex Water would be happy for us to spray some areas. It would be best to do spraying when weeds are growing vigorously, so we need to get moving. Mary to contact Wessex Water, and the Environment Agency.

Contract work to be done re fencing, paths, gates, seating were discussed. The next working party is on Sunday 26th April, from 10am onwards. The removal of railings is to be completed asap.

Another working party is on Sunday 17th May, from 10am onwards, unless changed.

Next meeting to be arranged when developments with survey etc have made progress.

Mary H Clarke 17th April 2009