tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41983490417711812822024-03-05T21:06:39.195-08:00Gifford Community WoodlandProtecting Speedy & Fawn Woods for the benefit of the local communityGifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-69506422378523874752021-09-16T00:39:00.009-07:002021-09-16T00:48:37.728-07:00We need your help to keep our Community Woodland healthy! <p>We’ve a great programme of Volunteering Activities coming up this Autumn to help protect the woods from damage from squirrels, deer and rabbits and to continue to clear invasive rhododendrons. </p><p>Join Project Manager, Nev Kilkenny, for a rewarding day in the woods - no experience is necessary and all events are suitable for all abilities. </p><p>If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch at <a href="mailto:gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com</span></a> so we can send you more information. </p><p>We hope to see you soon! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIB92j2c6zKHr2E84iLpMrfBnEfAyC49VDVVhwEK2Rqz6Mx3IE492oVbOuxgHAExvd6R8S5bR8x_gEC6GIaDy8P6SNoDjdBadqNxVudU1SiPFK8_YWqv8GKwWbdeW0rfgQcHuCaaTMYw/s1258/Volunteering-Sarah-TreeGuards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1258" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIB92j2c6zKHr2E84iLpMrfBnEfAyC49VDVVhwEK2Rqz6Mx3IE492oVbOuxgHAExvd6R8S5bR8x_gEC6GIaDy8P6SNoDjdBadqNxVudU1SiPFK8_YWqv8GKwWbdeW0rfgQcHuCaaTMYw/s320/Volunteering-Sarah-TreeGuards.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Details of upcoming events here: <p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Saturday 18th September. 9am – 1pm</b></li><ul><li>Family Volunteering Day – replacing tree guards and weeding</li></ul><li><b>Saturday 9th October, 9am – 1pm</b></li><ul><li>Wood fuel and Rhododendron clearance</li></ul><li><b>Sunday 31st October, 10am – 4pm</b></li><ul><li>Rhododendron clearance with the Lothian Conservation Volunteers (lunch provided)</li></ul><li><b>Saturday 13th November, 9am – 4pm</b></li><ul><li>Wood fuel and Rhododendron clearance</li></ul><li><b>Sunday 21st November, 10am – 4pm</b></li><ul><li>Rhododendron clearance with the Lothian Conservation Volunteers </li></ul><li><b>Saturday 4th December, 10am – 4pm</b></li><ul><li>Rhododendron clearance with the Lothian Conservation Volunteers </li></ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-Jlm6iXf6XCH1WroCwo8sXGyg1di8CV2k4mWhdGExQhV0j8fcqaQVSYNagZj7x7aMnftLmECwVymAItNJaztnPKPDNLxKkoBUekuJ-m-aFhTSQ2iong8D4wgwv_5k9x7xm5-3MQD5yY/s2048/20180320_095235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-Jlm6iXf6XCH1WroCwo8sXGyg1di8CV2k4mWhdGExQhV0j8fcqaQVSYNagZj7x7aMnftLmECwVymAItNJaztnPKPDNLxKkoBUekuJ-m-aFhTSQ2iong8D4wgwv_5k9x7xm5-3MQD5yY/s320/20180320_095235.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-57090324588484514342021-08-31T06:54:00.010-07:002021-08-31T07:02:07.238-07:00Report from our AGM: Celebrating a fantastic year in the woods<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">What a great evening! Thanks so much to everyone who joined us for the Gifford Community Woodland AGM last night. It was so lovely to celebrate the success of the past year with you all - not least raising £75k from Heritage Lottery Fund to manage the woodland and engage the community over the next three years. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-73d017c7-7fff-23bc-04a7-208f6161b8af" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year has been a particularly impressive year thanks to all the epic work of the volunteers involved in Gifford Community Woodland. Thank you to everyone involved!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The AGM began with an upbeat summary of the year’s progress from Chair, Roo Hardy. You can see Roo’s full </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-3fj8YXlc8uRi0eyCGU9tcBFaC4jz3Pw/view?usp=drivesdk" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">AGM report here</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Key achievements include: </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">18 volunteer days</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over 400 new trees planted</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Safety work continues</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Improved drainage to accessible paths</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many individual volunteer efforts</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Outdoor learning for the school, guides and cubs</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">144 community members engaged in woods activities (aged 4-80)</span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 405px; overflow: hidden; width: 539px;"><img height="348" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Xn-N4gh47pvgVzNQJMzhJfZe0Y_wW-m0AE5QUAR8F8mne7ZZW5xSwpd-D5WQS7Wu7G8s94ZwSgthmNuVCAAyAWEUh8KE5gEpwvECR40Gdj6s7_1fxiGIcESx8AY3f6zFQr6gSs7E=w463-h348" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="463" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We loved hearing your thoughts and ideas! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone who came along to the AGM was invited to share what they liked and disliked about the woods. Here’s a summary: </span></p><br /><div align="left" dir="ltr" style="margin-left: -2.25pt;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="315"></col><col width="313"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Likes</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dislikes</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good, drained paths x 10</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nettles</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Benches - a welcome place to rest </span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Litter</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having the small, offshoot paths as well as the main paths</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Improvement </span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Randomness</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Piles of Rhododendrons / Rhododendrons x 5</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Community involvement/Being so involved and inclusive of the village and it’s groups (cubs/school/projects) / There is a real energy here tonight including children/Meeting people in the woods - community x 5</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lack of suitable area for educational activities</span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good mix of varied woodland types/trees x 2</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pollution of Speedy Burn / slurry pollution x 2</span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Local facility for outdoor education is definitely a plus / All the projects that have been done e.g. night wildlife and moth count x 2</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Icy paths</span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning about what’s in the woods from Nev and other volunteers / Working days in the woods / Volunteer activities / Volunteers x 3</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bad parking / lack of parking for non residents (can be inconvenient for residents) x 3</span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am impressed by the amount of work going on</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Horses </span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have been part of my life for 40 years and loved the old woods and love the new woods if they stay as they are now</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bikes (will they damage paths, speed vs pedestrians) x 2</span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lasting benefits - eats up Carbon Dioxide</span></p><br /></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No information about species of trees, plants, insects, animals for visitors to access</span></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The magic of Fawn Wood</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ash dieback</span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No litter</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Paths getting a bit overgrown</span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Changing colours x 2</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Drainage still a problem in places</span></p><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A wonderful, clearly mapped experience</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A place to walk the dog</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I like that it’s there / love moving here to find a community woodland in the village x 2</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Film nights</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Peace / Tranquility x 5</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Co-operation / The Community Feel x 3</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nev bringing his knowledge and positivity</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Donating/planting saplings / New trees growing x 2</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The glorious trees / Nature / Beautiful countryside / Wildness / Wildlife / Beautiful area to walk in x 8</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An asset for the whole community and beyond</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Walking in the snow last winter</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A place to run</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Safe environment for dogs</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being run with knowledge and sympathy for the wildlife/Development has been sympathetic to the wildlife</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greenery</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Access for all very good/ All abilities and all ages can use the woods / Easy walks for all x 5</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 27pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Signage </span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That it is next door to where I live</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr><tr style="height: 0pt;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wildlife</span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1pt; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left: solid #000000 1pt; border-right: solid #000000 1pt; border-style: solid; border-top: solid #000000 1pt; border-width: 1pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 468px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><img height="396" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TYvk-98PC-Ic0yvbsLIsPRPYMo86hr96fOySddOw8jzJf_la3J2s1_LA-YICImtUvDr-Fn8LeR6u9NYKG_QN81vUCXsSAH8F-f8YLeS44-MPzfqNTw9XGVCpKmFpwjt5uGLuenem=w528-h396" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="528" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Things you’d like to see happen in the woods: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We then asked everyone to suggest ideas for projects or actions that they would like to see happen in the woods. It was wonderful to hear such enthusiastic discussion and incredibly helpful to see what projects community members would like to see happen in the woods. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here’s what you said: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ACTIONS:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fruit tree idea / More coppice and fruit trees x 2</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More events </span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Educational chats/walks teaching us about the plants, wildlife and why it’s important to plant native trees etc. Each talk could focus on one topic e.g. trees (what are they/why are they here etc.), bracken (like Nev’s fungi forays but different topics too)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More film nights</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Info on plants </span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leave nettles, thyme great for butterflies</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Structure for learning and events </span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d like to learn about lichens
Shared lunches in the woodland using foraged plants and other shared activities to extend relationships in the local area</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More outdoor craft activities for adults and children - can also earn money for the woods e.g. willow weaving, birch bark craft, bow and arrow workshop for children</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wild cookery classes</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Explain benefits of piles of rhododendrons</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Occasional nature club for pre/early school age - separate from schools</span></li></ul><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Going forward … </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 468px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><img height="389" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/7N9DOUYJg3KQwEodHYeMHh5HdSCpNWGSiOiNSSOEfYxel6o8H5GC3xbLzj9fdbHR1gF2xB6GYosaBeSROMdNgTz2RfV3uid9hOMonJVvsvTsel1zRzRWy9eAl781_7KPQYqx52Is=w518-h389" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="518" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our intention in the coming year is to consider the actions raised at the AGM. We’ll be updating the website soon and making a renewed effort to blog regularly about all the amazing activities taking place in the woods, and help inform the community about the management practices to keep the wood sustainable. Do sign up to get the newsletter at: </span><a href="http://bit.ly/GWoodsMail" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://bit.ly/GWoodsMail</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Community Led Initiatives - have your say!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the AGM, we heard from Cindy Sykes, one of a group of community members who have developed a proposal to plant several fruit trees in a clearing in the woods. Cindy spoke passionately about the benefits of growing our own food, educational events around the fruit trees and the potential for community events such as apple harvesting days. The fruit trees would be planted in such a way as to conserve the ‘wild’ feeling of the woods and would be managed by volunteers. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 468px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><img height="381" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vjhN30mAOuG0lJvsLnNM1k2DhjimJTNxZRWDCIz4raBleOn323UcIG0hWQHSu2i-_T4nlzppNcKFAUFhkYy68bMO7DYaGuUTvjMg5DyuP_vW2Hcie44VVGBs27_X8935apEWCBqc=w507-h381" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="507" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The proposal is being carefully considered by the Trustees to ensure that it fits with the aims of our woods, and has support from the community, and a decision will be made soon. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’d like to suggest a proposal for a community project or an activity in the woods please do get in touch. The starting point is a simple form and conservation with volunteers already involved in looking after the woodland. Contact us at </span><a href="mailto:gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Share your thoughts - come to our next meeting</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gifford Community Woodland is YOUR woodland. Going forward, we’d love to encourage more people living in Gifford and the surrounding areas to enjoy the woods and to take part in our volunteer activities and education events. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ways to get involved: </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get in touch with us by email or social media</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Come to an Open Woodland Meeting - next meeting is on 29th November 2021</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Join a volunteer day</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sign up to our e-newsletter</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apply to be a Trustee</span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks to Buck and Birch </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 468px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><img height="362" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/K6uHD3WJRoE8YRjmoqp8Zc_d4LnBau0y8_eIJbwaB2VONlnHurJTqUc91nR31bmcQH4q5cVv9BocJe5lZ86I0ZuZyYdgbeWSeaW_OQI_k2E-BkhAoLLFRnl_X34g0HQnO-cDOi0H=w483-h362" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="483" /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of you will know that local wild food and drinks innovators, Buck and Birch, have been working in partnership with the woods. They are just about to launch their Birch Vodka with sap tapped from Gifford Woodland birch trees. In return for their use of the woods, they treated everyone at the AGM to a fantastic feast of delicious canapes made from locally sourced plants. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check out Buck and Birch’s website here: </span><a href="https://www.buckandbirch.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.buckandbirch.com/</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Huge thanks again to all the many volunteers working both in the woods and behind the scenes to support our woodland. We look forward to another year of celebrating the tranquility and beauty of Gifford Community Woods with you all! </span></p></span>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-91882437716725177922021-08-28T10:25:00.007-07:002021-08-30T06:07:55.449-07:00AGM REMINDER - 7pm, Monday 30th August<p> Join us in the woods at 7pm on Monday 30th August. </p><p>Find out more about</p><p>🌿 How to get involved</p><p>🌳 What we have done lately</p><p>🌿 Future plans</p><p>🌳 An idea from the local community to plant fruit trees.</p><p>It’s our AGM but it will be very informal and short! It‘s mainly a chance to meet friends, old and new, and to enjoy some delicious refreshments from our friends Buck and Birch.</p><p>We are meeting in the open area close to our Welfare Camp, on the left-hand side as you head up from Station Road. We’ve got a marquee canopy and some lights to set up so we’ll be good to go whatever the weather!</p><p>We look forward to seeing lots of you then!</p><p>Minutes of the 2020 AGM can be found by <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZWxJlhULJ3hY5OcbD9-ZF8kI3VqhImLw/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">clicking here</span></a>.</p><p>The Chair's Report for 2021 can be found by <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-3fj8YXlc8uRi0eyCGU9tcBFaC4jz3Pw/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">click here</span></a>, or on the image below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-3fj8YXlc8uRi0eyCGU9tcBFaC4jz3Pw/view?usp=sharing" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1550" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2UAEQbZ3Up52IKrrcIujyjSpJ3QKr2TwdfkbGGZ2eBMhPRET9J9NJVAWlc3__VH5KMBcgSnYTjAWPfXYANP1-pLIEoXiS0xF0RzVyzrX65roIQC_J6Ij8vjaJu7I84K4Cp8xI4hQuJM/w320-h222/ChairsReport-IMG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-61538201123303915822021-08-05T09:07:00.004-07:002021-08-05T09:08:23.373-07:00Summer Newsletter<p>We have just published our <b>Summer Newsletter</b>, which includes lots of useful updates about our funding, new recruits, tree safety works and more!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">To take a look, simply <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iD-amUc8gBEh8YIYwCvPlaiZoNGPzR8X/view?usp=sharing"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CLICK HERE</span></a></b> to view the PDF.</h3><p>Please also note, that the newsletter includes details about our forthcoming AGM which everyone is invited to. It will be on:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Monday August 30th at 19:00</b>, meeting at the Outdoor Cinema area of the Woods.</p></blockquote><p>Again, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iD-amUc8gBEh8YIYwCvPlaiZoNGPzR8X/view?usp=sharing"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">CLICK HERE</span></a> to read the Newsletter and find out more.</p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-86207255472150386662021-07-11T09:54:00.006-07:002021-07-11T10:00:58.018-07:00Insects photographed in Gifford Woods<p> In June 2021 we were lucky to have Dorothy Lyle stay near Gifford Woods, and she took many amazing photos of insects she found in the wood.</p><p>Here is what Dorothy said in her message, below are just some of her pictures but you can <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/XnWPbb9o8C21XxCX9" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to view all her fantastic photos.</a></span></p><p><i>"I spent 10 days in Gifford recently house and hen sitting for my brother Joe Clark. I spent many happy hours exploring the community wood which is a wonderful resourse and took quite a few photos of insects - my passion - while I was there. I have sent records in to iRecord but I thought you might be interested to see some of the photos I took. </i><i>I also moth trapped with Katty Baird one night and she will no doubt have let you have any new moth records."</i></p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/XnWPbb9o8C21XxCX9"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://photos.app.goo.gl/XnWPbb9o8C21XxCX9</span></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/XnWPbb9o8C21XxCX9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1348" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Wzsa9n7Wb8v3nqpdhpITVcHKFr0_95JpP883GJmvd9qphwBLt43LaIZs1yAJJTZOwv6Li0zQoHGwj8mV5R4UzU11kCwdOgbpTkaJFnELcwKu7dBqmOuvUQCRIfF_y0DWpGATV4s-mY/w400-h335/GCLC-Insects.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-82079618798375476642021-06-20T10:14:00.000-07:002021-06-20T10:14:07.908-07:00Join our next Management Meeting<p>Our next Gifford Woods Management Meeting will be taking place on <b>Monday 21st June at 7.30pm</b>. As with all our meetings just now this will be held virtually via Zoom, and anyone from the local community is welcome to join us to give their input into how the Woodland is managed day-to-day.</p><p>Zoom meeting details can be found below, or if you would prefer to raise a matter for the Committee members to discuss in your absence, please email: <a href="mailto:gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com" style="background-color: #a1b896; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com</span></a>.</p><p>Thank you, and we hope to see some new faces on Monday evening!</p><p><b><u>Join Zoom Meeting:</u></b></p><div style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85679310756?pwd=dlZlSEVHQjV6a1dVdWFGSk04S2RtZz09" rel="noopener" style="color: #3c61aa; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85679310756?pwd=dlZlSEVHQjV6a1dVdWFGSk04S2RtZz09</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Meeting ID: 856 7931 0756</div><div style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Passcode: 921131</div><p>[If you've not used Zoom before, instructions can be found <a href="https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-meeting" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">by clicking here</span></a>.]</p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-83441057445801557462021-05-27T01:26:00.004-07:002021-06-05T23:43:31.341-07:00Gifford Woods launches recruitment for two part-time roles, having secured National Lottery & other financial support<p><b>We are today launching the recruitment campaign for two roles, a Project Manager and an Administrator. Job descriptions, including details on how to apply for each role, can be found on the links below. Please note the application deadlines vary for each.</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kE7w37zu5zHeJVDNhIFmkYPwGSeFtJ2R/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Project Manager Job Description (click here to open PDF) </span></a>- closing date is Friday 11th June 2021.</b></li><li><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kcka8OMJ8PzVMfrQq2vHE1hoPtOsVZmR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Administrator Job Description (click here to open PDF)</span></a> </span>- closing date is Saturday 19th June 2021.</b></li></ul><p></p><p>Further information about our new funding can be found here:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>Gifford Community Woodland, the guardian
organisation of Speedy and Fawn Woods on the outskirts of Gifford, East
Lothian, has recently received a <a href="https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/" target="_blank">National Lottery Heritage Fund</a> grant of just
over £75,000. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the
project focuses on supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community
whilst caring for, learning from and sharing Gifford Woods.</p><p class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">The National Lottery Heritage Fund support
means the project team will be able to further engage local people with the
Woods through new initiatives to protect their beauty and role as part of
Gifford’s natural heritage. This grant covers 58% of the overall project costs.
It has been supported by other recent successful fundraising activities,
including a grant of £25,000 from the <a href="https://tweedforum.org/our-work/fallago/" target="_blank">Fallago Rig Environment Fund</a>. Donations
from local people have been critical too, primarily through the recently
launched </span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nK58eOkH4z-GYmQycNJ89ibszO817Gif/view" target="_blank"><span dir="RTL" face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="AR-SA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>‘</span><span lang="EN-US">Friends of Gifford Woods'</span><span dir="RTL" face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="AR-SA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">scheme</span></a><span lang="EN-US">. So far,
over 70 local people have committed to support the woods through regular
giving.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body"><span lang="EN-US">The new funding will enable the recruitment of
two part-time roles, a Project Manager and an Administrator, meaning the Woods
will provide new employment opportunities for local people. Applications are
now open for both positions; anyone interested in applying can find further
details and full job descriptions above.</span></p><p class="Body"><span lang="EN-US">Other activities that the funding will support
include volunteer days and training; school and nursery educational sessions;
youth and adult events to share information about natural heritage plus</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;"> social </span><span lang="EN-US">and
engagement activities for people of all ages, run in conjunction with other
community groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, the grant
will assist with ongoing woodland management to protect and preserve this
ancient place, and with initiatives to aid understanding of the wildlife that
calls Gifford Woods home – such as a repeat of the mammal survey which became a
viral hit back in November when trail camera videos shared online were viewed
thousands of times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Body" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Commenting on the award, Chair of Gifford
Woods Roo Hardy said: </span><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span><i><span dir="RTL" face=""Arial Unicode MS",sans-serif" lang="AR-SA" style="mso-ansi-language: AR-SA; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;"><span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL"></span>“</span><span lang="EN-US">We are thrilled to have received this
support thanks to National Lottery players and are excited that not only can we
continue to look after the woods for future generations, but that we can also
engage local people of all ages in the Woods. Our Gifford Woods play a major
role in our natural heritage, but they also aid the physical and mental health
of our local community.”</span></i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">Read the full Press Release <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s8lRfvXyhwRY--wrzNthxLasaNqH4DIV/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">by clicking here</span></a>. </p></blockquote>
Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-46768720760813381352021-04-30T09:41:00.007-07:002021-04-30T09:41:57.515-07:00Introduction to Tree Care session - Saturday May 8th at 10am<p>Hello, all lovers of our community woods!</p><p>Spring has sprung and everything is beginning to look green and gorgeous. You will have noticed that we’ve had to do some tree safety felling. But we have also planted lots of new baby trees, which we have to look after if they are going to thrive. Could you help us to do this?</p><p>Come along to our introduction/try out session to find out more so you can feel confident and expert to assist with this vital activity. We are meeting on <b>Saturday May 8th at 10.00am</b> at the Railway Track path. Nev will show us how it’s done. Everyone welcome, and you don’t need to be super-fit for this volunteering role!</p><p>You really need protective gloves - ideally gardening or outdoor work ones (We have spares if you don't have your own). If you have them, please also bring secateurs, a small sickle or a hand fork. But don’t worry if you haven’t got these things. Only the gloves are vital.</p><p>The plan is to clear the weeds that could choke our young trees, check if any saplings are dead, and replace their protective tubes.</p><p>We'll observe current social distancing regulations but please bring a flask and a snack for break time if you want to.</p><p>You do need to let us know if you are coming for track and trace contact purposes. Contact Nev by email <a href="mailto:gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com">gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com</a> to confirm.</p><p>Do come along and have some fun! This is another great chance to really feel part of our woods by doing an important job in looking after the trees of the future.</p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-11873283155807686792021-04-15T12:00:00.006-07:002021-04-16T00:41:40.999-07:00Join our next Management Meeting, or share your thoughts in advance<p>Our next Gifford Woods Management Meeting will be taking place on <b>Monday 19th April at 7.30pm</b>. As with all our meetings just now this will be held virtually via Zoom, and anyone from the local community is welcome to join us to give their input into how the Woodland is managed day-to-day.</p><p>Zoom meeting details can be found below, or if you would prefer to raise a matter for the Committee members to discuss in your absence, please email: <a href="mailto:gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com" style="background-color: #a1b896; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com</span></a>.</p><p>Thank you, and we hope to see some new faces on Monday evening!</p><p><b><u>Join Zoom Meeting:</u></b></p><p><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85795911363?pwd=WFZ5VERnckFlNWtNdUZ1K1lldnM5QT09"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85795911363?pwd=WFZ5VERnckFlNWtNdUZ1K1lldnM5QT09</span></a></p><p>Meeting ID: 857 9591 1363</p><p>Passcode: 149916</p><p>[If you've not used Zoom before, instructions can be found <a href="https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-meeting" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">by clicking here</span></a>.]</p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-27186751778845910602020-12-06T08:46:00.002-08:002020-12-06T08:47:29.532-08:00 Video Volunteering Guide - How can you help around Your Gifford Woods?<p>Although we've managed a few socially distanced volunteering days in the woods this year, it has been difficult to get as many people out to help us do all the tasks required to manage an ancient woodland.</p><p>But we know many of you will want to help further, and maybe do so at a time that suits you and your family...so to help, we have produced a short video below where our Project Manager Nev (with a bit of help!) talks you through a few of the tasks that need to be done to our younger trees.</p><p>Watch the video below, and please do let us know if this is helpful and we'll some more!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zloosC5Hz1A" width="320" youtube-src-id="zloosC5Hz1A"></iframe></div><p>You can also see and share this video further at:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Facebook: <a href="https://fb.watch/2cM-j-KbLJ/"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://fb.watch/2cM-j-KbLJ/</span></a></li><li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Gifford_Woods/status/1335623699735703552?s=20"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">https://twitter.com/Gifford_Woods/status/1335623699735703552?s=20</span></a></li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-88193859271897571392020-11-07T23:30:00.001-08:002020-11-08T02:02:39.819-08:00Our most secretive residents<p>We were very lucky to have local mammal recorder Graham Checkley back in Our Gifford Woods recently to again monitor some of the activity. This time Graham brought his trail camera along to study our most secretive residents, and he managed to capture quite a few additional users of Gifford Woods as can be seen in the video below (<a href="https://youtu.be/3j7J3Drxtsk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">also available on our YouTube channel by clicking here</span></a>)!</p><p>Here's an update from Graham to describe what he did and what he found:</p><p><i>"If you walk through a woodland at dusk or dawn you may be lucky enough to encounter a Fox going about their business. But most of the mammal activity takes place at dead of night, and that's why a trail camera is so useful; it operates in infrared and is motion triggered, so it doesn't bother the animals at all.</i></p><p><i>My first camera deployment was in the Speedy Wood, where I recorded Fox and Roe Deer, but Nev suggested that I checked out the Fawn Wood too and I was very glad I did.</i></p><p><i>I recorded Badger, Brown Hare, Fox, and what looked like Wood Mice at both of the Fawn Wood locations I checked, while Roe Deer were an additional species that only frequented the quieter trails.</i></p><p><i>It's intriguing to see the number of species that can coexist on a small section of a woodland trail. You can see Pheasants at dawn, mice at night, and Foxes at the odd hours in between; survival is so often a matter of timing.</i></p><p><i>But there's also the question of daytime survival. Badgers have sets, Foxes have lairs and Mice have nests, but Brown Hare and Roe Deer simply hunker down and try to be invisible. That's what makes visitor behaviour so important.</i></p><p><i>So if you do take a walk in the woods, especially at dawn or dusk, please try not to disturb our secret residents.".</i></p><p>A big thank you again to Graham for all his work and sharing this with us.</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3j7J3Drxtsk" width="560"></iframe></p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-80645293061822735742020-11-07T00:00:00.006-08:002020-11-07T00:34:45.620-08:00AGM Update, in case you missed it!As previously publicised we held our 2020 AGM digitally this year. On Monday 2nd December various Trustees, members of the management group and attendees from the wider community met to hear an update on progress over the last 12 months, and give their thoughts on some activites and plans for the next year. Thank you to everyone who took the time to be there.<div><br /></div><div>To see a copy of the presentation which the Trustees shared, which includes a financial update, <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J5e5eqR1jSmxlK5QENHiaNjtiJxw53QX/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">please click here or on the image below</span></a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J5e5eqR1jSmxlK5QENHiaNjtiJxw53QX/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1808" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySOsXDVzQAGdtLCVIZjjI7tD5LDF8FytXxgTC639KoRZOFrB9dXQMZY6VmQhmWqaRoJh0LJfSs0_Y9np7sdEQrkYA_9oBNrBzne4VffsdFgVrdsz4y54gr9r0JdfVirwVsd6nw5SbJqE/s320/AGM-Welcome-Slide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>As was mentioned at the AGM, whilst new Directors are appointed as a part of the formal AGM, our regular Management meetings are open to <b>any members of the community who wish to attend</b>. The next of these will be held (via Zoom) on <b><span style="color: red;">Monday 7th December at 7:30pm</span></b>. If you wish to join, please email <a href="mailto:gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">gifford.woodseh41@gmail.com</span></a> and we shall send you an invitation.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, to echo the words of our new Chair, a big thank you to our out-going Directors for all their hard work.</div>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-49573114374048487622020-10-22T01:33:00.001-07:002020-11-01T14:03:46.124-08:00AGM Reminder, & copy of 2019 Minute<p>We just wanted to remind you all that the Gifford Woods AGM will be held in a couple of weeks, and also provide you an opportunity before then to read and review the Minutes of our 2019 AGM.</p><p>You can read and review the 2019 AGM Minute (held on 2nd September 2019) <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dS-4Gyw2s7HN4L0NDxCI6JIU781DaFDo/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">by clicking here</a>.</p><p>As for this year, please remember that the 2020 AGM will be held on Monday 2nd November at 7.30pm, digitally via Zoom (details below). Joining Instructions for this Zoom Meeting are:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88258889331?pwd=a2FLM1Yzdk1oNHFVS1loS29OUXJBdz09">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88258889331?pwd=a2FLM1Yzdk1oNHFVS1loS29OUXJBdz09</a></li><li>Meeting ID: 882 5888 9331</li><li>Passcode: 474745</li></ul><p></p><p>If you've not used Zoom before, you can find out more at: https://zoom.us/. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-76637500339933832382020-10-07T11:38:00.005-07:002020-10-07T11:41:18.185-07:00AGM - Monday 2nd November, 7:30pm<h3 style="text-align: left;">Our Gifford Woods AGM will be held on <span style="color: red;">Monday 2nd November at 7.30pm</span><span>, digitally via Zoom (details below)</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hear brief updates on what has been happening in the woods.</li><li>Brief AGM – hear latest on charity finances & activities.</li><li>Have your say on the future of the woods; we want to hear what you think.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>All from the comfort of your own home - so please join us if you can!</b></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">Joining Instructions for this Zoom Meeting:</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88258889331?pwd%3Da2FLM1Yzdk1oNHFVS1loS29OUXJBdz09&source=gmail&ust=1602157132932000&usg=AFQjCNGxjB0cYF9Kb0sp68ycZiQMDJZGDQ" href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88258889331?pwd=a2FLM1Yzdk1oNHFVS1loS29OUXJBdz09" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.6667px;" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/<wbr></wbr>88258889331?pwd=<wbr></wbr>a2FLM1Yzdk1oNHFVS1loS29OUXJBdz<wbr></wbr>09</a></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">Meeting ID: 882 5888 9331</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">Passcode: 474745</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p>If you've not used Zoom before, you can find out more at: <a href="https://zoom.us/">https://zoom.us/</a>. </p><span><!--more--></span><p><br /></p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-20937428929448767142020-09-30T09:41:00.001-07:002020-09-30T09:41:27.030-07:00PARKING - please read this important information before you visit.<div>There is NO PARKING AT THE WOODS or nearby.</div><div><br /></div><div>We ask all of our visitors to park in Gifford village centre, which is just a short walk away. </div><div>Please do not park anywhere on the track, or nearby roads. These are busy with residents' parking/access and must be kept clear.</div><div><br /></div><div>The quickest walking route from the village is along Station Road (which you will see to the left of the Village Hall as you look towards it).</div><div><br /></div><div>You'll find our Welcome sign on the track that leads up to the woods (you'll come to this just after you've passed the junction of Station Road and Tweeddale Avenue on your walk). </div><div><br /></div><div>We hope you enjoy your visit and thank you for your co-operation.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvb3_wpUlC8LMEEeoOjYIA3LKc61MLsDPiHpYzcxk2_RtHe05maks7xgViAny84na8y0T98HYTanpu1HRxHCpvX2jMYq2nYlzkEwOdKbRqkrhXX2lNivxqvZDHs22k-dtFlEUPxz5gkG0/s2048/Gifford+Community+Wood_Panel_021019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="2048" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvb3_wpUlC8LMEEeoOjYIA3LKc61MLsDPiHpYzcxk2_RtHe05maks7xgViAny84na8y0T98HYTanpu1HRxHCpvX2jMYq2nYlzkEwOdKbRqkrhXX2lNivxqvZDHs22k-dtFlEUPxz5gkG0/w400-h275/Gifford+Community+Wood_Panel_021019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-29984960886161669312020-09-28T11:23:00.005-07:002020-09-28T11:24:49.505-07:00Recent Bat Survey<p>We're pleased to report that Graham Checkley worked with us in early September to carry out a bat activity survey of the Community Woodland.</p><p>Graham recently sent us this update -</p><p>"Why study bats? Well, to quote the Bat Conservation Trust, <i>"Bats are a vital part of our native wildlife... They can tell us a lot about the state of the environment, as they are top predators of common nocturnal insects and are sensitive to changes in land use practices."</i>. But for me there is also the excitement of watching them flutter across the darkening sky, and the sheer detective work of finding out what they are up to.</p><p>From Nev I was already aware of potential bat hot spots within the community woodland, so I just needed to walk around the site and decide where to deploy my bat detectors. I settled on 2 places, the clearing on the east side of the Fawn Wood and the wooden bridge over the Speedy Burn, as they seemed likely to attract a different mix of bat species. Bats will often follow linear features when they are commuting or feeding, and the woodland clearing seemed to provide a delightfully sheltered woodland edge. By contrast the Speedy Burn snakes through the southern part of the community woodland and some bats will choose to feed along streams.</p><p>I deployed my Anabat express bat detectors for 7 days at these 2 locations. The express works pretty much like a hand-held bat detector, but they have the advantage of recording and time-stamping all of the recordings for subsequent analysis. This allows you to identify the species present, quantify the recordings and study the pattern of overnight activity. You can also be at home enjoying a G&T while the detectors are hard at work!</p><p>I'm pleased to report that both locations had above average bat activity and 3 species present (Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle [see image below] and a Myotis species, probably Daubenton's). As I suspected most of the Myotis activity was along the Speedy Burn, no mean feat in a rather cluttered environment, while the woodland edge was the place preferred by the Pipistrelle species.</p><p>Most importantly bats were recorded emerging at or before sunset, particularly on the edge of the Fawn Wood. This suggests that the bats are roosting in the immediate vicinity, and some of the pre-dawn activity suggests possible swarming activity before heading away to roost.</p><p>In practice this means endoscope checks for bat roosts before tree work, and local householders should watch out for emerging bats. You may have some unsuspected lodgers!"</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdWirjYSDHGJen_rD8naE4EQcYz2Sr-5PcE3NXsFcZrawO1Xu9MiccgCgOi9IVu18Xg4_ebsEoJ-n9iWQqmLz9TUwJYowJGO_RqhJ_pNWM097thOz8-2jIhD3CpSAzShPaipWMpmjeVE/s2048/20191209_100009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdWirjYSDHGJen_rD8naE4EQcYz2Sr-5PcE3NXsFcZrawO1Xu9MiccgCgOi9IVu18Xg4_ebsEoJ-n9iWQqmLz9TUwJYowJGO_RqhJ_pNWM097thOz8-2jIhD3CpSAzShPaipWMpmjeVE/s320/20191209_100009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEt1n1aDHLW8o4r_tNm97CUW5NluqRj6pge0nfs1e6iFofAsxHfOVcKiZkD0AQ5C4X8esh2VU0GeV7vjPdTcNSzFbVvySY11SZ01CORAlKhK-5i09_QaW8kI6nUs7LuM6Qq5uWcakNx0/s2048/Soprano+Pipistrelle+IMG_3118+FOC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEt1n1aDHLW8o4r_tNm97CUW5NluqRj6pge0nfs1e6iFofAsxHfOVcKiZkD0AQ5C4X8esh2VU0GeV7vjPdTcNSzFbVvySY11SZ01CORAlKhK-5i09_QaW8kI6nUs7LuM6Qq5uWcakNx0/s320/Soprano+Pipistrelle+IMG_3118+FOC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Soprano Pipistrelle </i></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-18833547192711980132020-08-27T09:38:00.008-07:002020-08-27T09:40:48.468-07:00Fungi Foray<p>Saturday 5th September, 10.00am-2.00pm</p><p>Join mycologist Neville Kilkenny, Research Associate of <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk/" target="_blank">The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh</a> and member of the <a href="https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/" target="_blank">British Mycological Society</a>, for an educational and entertaining walk through the woods, discussing the wild fungi that are encountered. You will learn about the role the fungi play in ecosystems, the species that are considered the best edibles, and the perils of collecting those that aren’t!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUMJCRRo6bQdzPwOiqzBnbcmimgHqbmnLkA0VF1WCHUDZYt9_pAq5uzheDbOauKD5_JvuvcavXOaVxntL36yy-yZPL9TllgRvoeIDwXuYDnUOuF9lahCmVENoxeMJx0vfCNcdiXLxCKk/s1104/FungiForay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="1104" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUMJCRRo6bQdzPwOiqzBnbcmimgHqbmnLkA0VF1WCHUDZYt9_pAq5uzheDbOauKD5_JvuvcavXOaVxntL36yy-yZPL9TllgRvoeIDwXuYDnUOuF9lahCmVENoxeMJx0vfCNcdiXLxCKk/w513-h93/FungiForay.jpg" width="513" /></a></div><br /><u><br /></u><p></p><p><u>BOOKINGS:</u></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tickets from Beech and Birch</li></ul><p></p><p>or</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Call 01620 810 417 or email <a href="mailto:nev@fungi.co.uk">nev@fungi.co.uk</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Tickets: £20.00 </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Children under 12, tickets cost £5 and can be paid for on the day. <b>Advance booking required. </b>Numbers limited 2 max 2 children per paying adult.</li><li>Bring a packed lunch and don’t forget a basket! </li><li>Please wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. </li><li>Sorry – no dogs please!</li><li>Please maintain social distance at all times.</li><li>We cannot guarantee edible fungi will be found on this foray.</li><li>Meet after the Bridge of Station Road at the entrance the woodland </li><li>Please park in the village.</li></ul><p></p><div><br /></div>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-74723691195362769552020-08-21T06:15:00.012-07:002020-08-21T09:02:27.598-07:00Filming & Theatre Activity<p>We’d like to alert all users of Gifford Woods to some exciting activities taking place over the coming week (from Sat 22 Aug). We are hosting the cast & crew of <a href="http://www.gridiron.org.uk/" target="_blank">Grid Iron Theatre Company</a> to the woods as they are filming a brand new play called <i>Doppler</i>. Whilst the play was originally planned to be performed outdoors to a live audience in Edinburgh, with the COVID situation this has not been possible despite everyone’s best efforts. But as it has been in rehearsal for the last few months and they are ready-to-go, they have decided to create a filmed version and approached Gifford Woods to act as host.(There will be no audience in attendance.)</p><p><i>Doppler </i>is an adaptation of a satirical Norwegian novel by writer Erlend Loe which focuses on a man who decides to abandon his family and move to the forest. Always planned as an outdoor performance, Grid Iron’s <i>Doppler </i>has been in development for two years with Zoom rehearsals starting in early July, followed by a period of outdoor, socially distant rehearsing under strict health and safety regulations. </p><p>Please be aware that you may see the cast & crew around the woods over the next week or so (& around the village as they are staying locally to reduce carbon footprint), and if you could be conscious of your noise levels when in the woods they would be very grateful. Although do please feel free to chat to the team to find out more about what they are up to.</p><p>The company will be taking a 'leave no trace' approach, and they have been liaising closely with our Project Manager Nev. Grid Iron will also be making a donation to the woodland in recognition of our involvement.<br /><br />Thank you, and we’ll be sure to let you know once the film is available to watch - we're looking forward to seeing Gifford Woods play a starring role!</p><div><b><u>About Grid Iron:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gridiron.org.uk" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="658" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQ8VogfqpIMtycE46EkJKSt-2yFhKMoJlvheey1oQSxq9qUI_9PvEKt6nXuClmbeDghh0oNR6XlULiSWzJdUQ5kDy6g2ubNCOoI_YQnNavhU71jOdf_seqf9pokkr90NmhjdPU2T0tPQ/w168-h150/GridIronLOGO_BW.jpg" width="168" /></a></div></u></b></div><div><div>Grid Iron are an Edinburgh-based company specialising in site-specific theatre, and a registered charity supported with regular funding from Creative Scotland. Over 25 years they have produced shows for the Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, National Theatre of Scotland & other partners, in places including Edinburgh Airport, Ratho Climbing Centre, an oil rig warehouse, shops & bars.</div><div>See: <a href="http://www.gridiron.org.uk/">www.gridiron.org.uk</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/gridirontheatre">twitter.com/gridirontheatre</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/outlander-star-appear-first-outdoor-edinburgh-festival-fringe-play-confirmed-year-2928880" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="805" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgKtV_y-DA_5_rpo3LtlnhCl_gsRB1ksu8TOCyFw4TqtQKWsNk6ukfMBy4U7uBHuRh4xp3D8F9Xm4LCugO2xs9kLzuYSHHAAl4odh_EkTXnV3w8JHKJEtJxwCgPowZp8S2n14CDiUdso/w410-h270/doppler.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-67105602683215771402020-06-30T11:26:00.003-07:002020-06-30T11:28:33.244-07:00Become a Friend of Gifford Woods<div>We hope you’ve been enjoying our Gifford Woods this beautiful spring. The woods have come into their own for lots of us, using them for our daily exercise, peace, or simply enjoying the beauty and wonders of the natural world. Maybe you have been able to enjoy them more during the time you would have spent commuting or perhaps they have become your outdoor gym. So many of you have told us how much you value and enjoy this special place more than ever during lockdown.</div><div><br /></div><div>However it does cost money to maintain and protect our woods. We are entirely self-funded, meaning we must raise all funds ourselves to cover ongoing core costs. Every year we need to raise approximately <b>£18,000 </b>for tree planting, safety work, public insurance, supporting our amazing volunteer team, and funding our project manager for the highly-skilled and practical work needed to manage the woods.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you share our passion for this amazing resource, will you consider helping us by signing up to become a regular donor as a <b>‘Friend of Gifford Woods’</b>? We understand that these are challenging and insecure times, but if as many of our supporters who are able, agree to give a modest regular sum, we can do this!</div><div><br /></div><div>We will always continue to seek grants from funding sources, but our Friends scheme will strengthen those applications by demonstrating support, as well as use, in the village. We have a range of flexible donation options to suit all budgets and payment methods. You can check this out in the form overleaf. Please consider if you might be able to help us. Every little helps!</div><div><br /></div><div>Please note that everyone in the village is already a member of Gifford Community Woodland, has a vote at our AGM and a say in how we care for the woods. But by becoming a Friend, you will be helping preserve the woods to enjoy now and into the future. </div><div><br /></div><div>So please consider completing the form which can be <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nK58eOkH4z-GYmQycNJ89ibszO817Gif/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b><font color="#3367d6">downloaded by clicking here</font></b></a>, and then return it by hand or by post to: Adam White (Chair), The Shamba, Tweeddale Crescent, Gifford, EH41 4QZ.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paper forms are also being delivered to every home in Gifford, so either check your doormat or look out for yours arriving soon. In addition, we will soon have forms available at our main sign on Station Road, so please direct other visitors and users of the woodland there should they wish to support us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, and we hope you continue to enjoy your Gifford Woods.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nK58eOkH4z-GYmQycNJ89ibszO817Gif/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">DOWNLOAD THE FORM BY CLICKING HERE.</font></a></div>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-17518480493995027062020-06-07T12:01:00.004-07:002020-06-08T01:13:37.822-07:00Dangerous trees in Gifford Woods - Update on our Tree Safety Work<div class="separator"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia pro"; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">As we've mentioned previously, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia pro"; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">windy weather earlier this year has highlighted that
some trees needed our attention to make them safe for all users of the
woods. Below is a bit more information on what we've been doing and why.</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Dead
standing birch trees</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Birches are not often particularly long-lived trees and once
dead, start to rot from the top down. Obvious indicators are bracket fungi such
as the birch polypore and the hoof fungus. Although dead standing wood is an
important habitat for many birds, insects and fungi, dead birch is particularly
unstable and in a high wind or if someone bangs into a tree or shakes it, the
top 1 – 1.5 m of the tree can drop suddenly. Where these trees are close to
paths and neighbour’s property, we make it a priority to either reduce these or
fell them entirely.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WEmw9NUn3DvTUBzqp5WnjVI584KXM-IuqLMf-b6nFFXdCfdti-i0lkItniND791mrbcJjmBqRLMhi12KJhQtFn1DGW_P9geA76ba0fXpFOkoF_35vFzNz40zLVRZOsxzJ0aP9bR0MLs/s966/RottenTree-Birchx2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="966" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WEmw9NUn3DvTUBzqp5WnjVI584KXM-IuqLMf-b6nFFXdCfdti-i0lkItniND791mrbcJjmBqRLMhi12KJhQtFn1DGW_P9geA76ba0fXpFOkoF_35vFzNz40zLVRZOsxzJ0aP9bR0MLs/s320/RottenTree-Birchx2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Sycamore
trees and cankers</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many
of the sycamore trees in the woodland are affected by a <i>Nectria</i> fungus
closely related to Coral Spot which is the fungus that looks like little orange
dots on the fallen twigs. However, unlike Coral Spot it forms deep cankers in
the trunk and branches of the trees and makes all the timber above the canker,
often several tonnes worth, highly unstable. The fungus can also cause a butt
rot which undermines the base of the tree leaving little to support the entire
trunk and canopy. Often these are particularly large trees and extremely
dangerous. Where we have such trees close to the path network, we must put
public safety first and fell them. If the trees are away from the paths and not
a high threat to passers-by or a boundary fence, we will leave them for nature
to take its course.<span> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyJ_8QoAJcqQ7WITPjQZ8-ubqwTUkCG7-Wer4-YRDB1fUp7bwJZHu_mvOah8Jsd3JCAo5BA7GGppUVbM-umIupEeef98PhFHQ3HOQWvgLHKTAiiBsbFnsisWyVMrscdg_UW5WR3MBbRI/s976/RottenTree-Sycamorex2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="976" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyJ_8QoAJcqQ7WITPjQZ8-ubqwTUkCG7-Wer4-YRDB1fUp7bwJZHu_mvOah8Jsd3JCAo5BA7GGppUVbM-umIupEeef98PhFHQ3HOQWvgLHKTAiiBsbFnsisWyVMrscdg_UW5WR3MBbRI/s320/RottenTree-Sycamorex2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><b>Dead or dangerous oaks<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span>Some of the oak trees in the woodland are extremely
old. In fact indicator fungi found in the woods suggest there has been a
continuity of oak here since it returned after the retreating ice at the end of
the ice age. Several of these fungi are heartwood rot fungi and do not pose any
significant risk as the tree does not require the heartwood to function and a
hollow cylinder can make a very strong structure. However, if a white rot
fungus, such as Honey Fungus, gets into the base of these trees the become very
dangerous. By the nature of such a long-lived species, they can become very
large and extremely tall. Most of the larger oaks in the woodland are at least
60 cm in diameter, if not broader still and at least 12 m tall. When trees like
this fall and they will at some point, they can cause a lot of damage and so it
is important that we take them down in a controlled manner to limit the damage
to other trees and danger to the public.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94_Om-iUtDnLd09qEbDdpUdz3-VZhsnnsetTDJD9DmplmxwmKgfzSWJvt3a6Qd3kXUe9t9eJSUDvB2ftLx6WqKy-pnK_VbBzG0Rk2YVl_JM0A-iKcOewMH1ZZ09EYI9SIug20i6MVrXM/s1376/RottenTree-Oaks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94_Om-iUtDnLd09qEbDdpUdz3-VZhsnnsetTDJD9DmplmxwmKgfzSWJvt3a6Qd3kXUe9t9eJSUDvB2ftLx6WqKy-pnK_VbBzG0Rk2YVl_JM0A-iKcOewMH1ZZ09EYI9SIug20i6MVrXM/s320/RottenTree-Oaks.jpg" /></a></div><span><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><b>Hung Branches<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>These probably speak for
themselves! There are many dead branches in the canopy of the woodland and
mostly these are fine until a storm with high winds brings them down. If they
fall to the ground, they are harmless – it is best not to wander around a
woodland in a storm though! However if the branches don’t reach the ground and
get snagged in other branches, particularly where they hang directly over a
path, we need to climb the tree and cut them out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWyIWF6DO-8F5trEZvOw1x24rovtjgV4Nmyn2FlOyTkmkcfRiyAa5pHZYgNUJP40Zv_RScaU-DLJaZNOw9OWB8L3Kntly5BmrDqWM5IJmJ_JCHosPBlFDCuh7QHFgH7vy_BrEt4t3o0s/s685/HungBranches.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWyIWF6DO-8F5trEZvOw1x24rovtjgV4Nmyn2FlOyTkmkcfRiyAa5pHZYgNUJP40Zv_RScaU-DLJaZNOw9OWB8L3Kntly5BmrDqWM5IJmJ_JCHosPBlFDCuh7QHFgH7vy_BrEt4t3o0s/s320/HungBranches.jpg" /></a></div><span><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p> </o:p></span><b><i>Chalara</i>, Ash Dieback</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>This tree disease has affected
many of the ash trees in the community wooldand and there is nothing we can do
to stop it infecting more trees. Typical signs are leaf wilt and diamond shaped
scarring in young shoots at the point the shoots start to branch. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp09qaK2k3RBfEEMxwSIJ8p-mZK0-bdQxDmVX5LP8MnfU96YywkR8rIJUxIhHw_Yc4RkHiAiCXdNTypBD26OQyDWhPBWSz-ZerMs9oyz9DMKjBsCHCVTyGW6y79BhNaLDqJNkJ1zT2Al0/s416/AshDieback.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp09qaK2k3RBfEEMxwSIJ8p-mZK0-bdQxDmVX5LP8MnfU96YywkR8rIJUxIhHw_Yc4RkHiAiCXdNTypBD26OQyDWhPBWSz-ZerMs9oyz9DMKjBsCHCVTyGW6y79BhNaLDqJNkJ1zT2Al0/s320/AshDieback.jpg" /></a></div><span><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mature trees tend to leaf up
irregularly and the real test for the woodland will be whether these trees leaf
up at all next year.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Forestry Scotland advise that ash trees are extremely
important for biodiversity. Fallen ash leaves decompose rapidly, forming rich
soils with little litter accumulation compared to most other native tree
species. It also casts a very light shade, and the ground flora tends to be
lush and species rich. Where possible, diseased or dead ash trees should not be
felled or removed from woodland, nor should ash trees be thinned from stands
pre-emptively. These trees, whether living or dead, have value for
biodiversity. Furthermore, some may prove to be more tolerant to Chalara than
others, and may therefore provide material for future breeding programmes. If
trees have to be felled for health and safety reasons consider leaving the
felled trunks intact on site where possible, since the dead wood will continue
to be valuable for biodiversity. Promoting natural regeneration of ash is recommended.
This allows natural selection to favour any tolerant individuals present in the
population. Since this trait is heritable, continued recruitment of a large
quantity of regeneration may be required to build up the population of tolerant
individuals.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Nesting Bird season<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The season for birds to nest in Scotland is from 1<sup>st</sup>
Feb to 31<sup>st</sup> August. We would always plan scheduled tree safety work
to not coincide with the nesting season. However, if we recognise that is
dangerous during that period, we have to make a decision whether the tree or
hanging branch presents a threat to the public using the woodland. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Key points regarding the law relating to trees and hedges
are as follows:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Only a Tree Preservation Order, the Hedgerow Regulations
1997, or a nature conservation site designation can secure the long‐term
protection of trees, hedgerows or woodlands. Other temporary protection can be
secured by means of planning conditions on development, and designation of an
area as a ‘Conservation Area’. </li><li>The presence of nesting birds (protected under the Wildlife
& Countryside Act 1981) can delay, but not prevent, the felling of trees,
hedgerows and woodlands. </li><li>Work to hedgerows, trees and woodlands can take place at any
time of year, but the onus is on the person doing the work to avoid committing
an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Hedges, trees and
groups of trees are always someone’s property. Subject to certain constraints,
outlined below, the owner is allowed to do whatever they want with their
property. </li><li>Public safety issues can override other management and
planning considerations, and even the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
Dead, dying or dangerous branches or trees are specifically exempt from Tree
Preservation Order control.</li><li>If a branch or even a whole tree has become a safety hazard,
it can be removed at any time to make it safe. However, if there is a
reasonable way of removing the safety risk while allowing the birds to finish
nesting (e.g. by a temporary path closure which does not cause any practical
problems), the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 requires that such
alternatives be considered.</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The woodland was assessed for dangerous trees at the
beginning of February this year. A list of trees that required attention was drawn up and contractors were asked to submit quotations to complete the
necessary work. It was our intention to complete this work before the end of
that month or at least as early as possible. We accepted a quotation from a
contractor but could not proceed with the safety work due to lack of funding.
Since then, volunteers with the necessary experience have stepped forward to
help us begin this work. Only trees that pose a significant threat to the
public are being worked on and all identified trees and those in the felling
line are carefully checked for bird’s nests as well as the target felling area
on the ground. With the increased footfall within the woodland, as many people
use it as the destination of their permitted recreation, it has made this
safety work all the more urgent and it would not be appropriate to close all
the affected paths within the woodland until the end of the nesting season.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br />Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-19012702348878202012020-03-11T00:35:00.001-07:002020-03-11T00:35:45.268-07:00Record of Gifford Woods Biodiversity<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A summary of the total formally recorded biodiversity
within the woodland has now been brought together. This is a fantastic record of all biodiversity within our woodland, and will serve as a record for now and into the future.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is rather
lengthy, but anyone wishing to investigate all the detail, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18D1569EwWVssCoHI_l1JAftDKxXkPG-6/view?usp=sharing"><b><span style="color: blue;">click
here to view an online spreadsheet with all the data</span></b></a>. </span></span>Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-84012492566425110112020-03-11T00:29:00.001-07:002020-03-12T14:44:12.931-07:00Fossil Find in Gifford WoodsOn a recent volunteering day in Gifford Woods an unusual find was made by Gordon Steele, and thanks to Ian Watson you can now read all about it below...<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Rugose Coral Fossil Find<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Speedy Burn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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(Found by Gordon
Steele, 22<sup>nd</sup> February 2020)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The finding of a fossil, tropical water, Rugose Coral
specimen in the Speedy Burn in the Gifford Community Wood not only sounds
unusual but actually is. It raises many questions about how it might have come
to be there? A very good question was raised by the finder: “How does a fossil
of a tropical sea species of coral end up in Gifford?” Here is what I, a
retired local geologist, believe to be a possible explanation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Beneath the soils & underlying glacial clays of the
Community Wood lies a substrate of Early Carboniferous rocks of the lower Tournaisian
series of the Dinantian Epoch (approximately 350 million years old). Corals are
generally found in limestones, which are shallow marine rocks, whereas the
rocks in the Gifford area are predominantly braid plain, fluviatile sandstones
& shales with only infrequent marine incursions. However, slightly younger
(geologically speaking), approximately 340 million year old, Visean, fossiliferous,
limestone sequences do occur not too far away in various parts of East Lothian
(eg at Barns Ness, Skateraw & Longniddry shoreline outcrops). The most
likely origin of this find probably invokes Ice Age transportation by glaciers
moving west to east across the region, perhaps eroding the coral from the
limestones which form the substrate about 3km west of the wood at East Saltoun
(see the excerpt from the Haddington<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>area Geology map, Sheet 33W).<o:p></o:p></div>
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The last few kilometres of the coral’s journey, via one or
other of the 15 glaciations of the last 2 million years, is geologically very
recent. In order to move from its likely tropical sea origin, we need the much
longer time span of continental drift. What is now Scotland was at or perhaps
just south of the equator when the limestones were first forming in coral reef,
tropical lagoons. Over the ensuing 340 million years, the plate has gradually
drifted north over 50 degrees of latitude to Scotland’s now far from tropical
climate as part of NW Europe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although from an amateur visual inspection of this fossil
(see the attached photos), we cannot be certain of its name & type, a good
candidate would seem to be Caninomorph (ie similar to a dog-tooth), as per the
figure taken from a recent Belgian paper on Rugose Corals of the Carboniferous.
Many of the Early Carboniferous subdivisions in Europe are named after these
type localities in Belgium: eg, Dinant, Tournai & Visé, etc, which lead to
the geological names such as Dinantian with its subdivisions of Tournaisian
& Visean.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After travelling several thousand miles over nearly 350
million years, being variably buried and exhumed & latterly encased in ice,
this specimen deserves more than a casual glance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Ian R Watson MSc DIC FRGS<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-66867818667721886682020-02-04T09:25:00.001-08:002020-02-04T09:25:25.296-08:00Management Meeting Minutes - 28th January 2020The latest Management Meeting for Gifford Woods took place last week, attended by various members of the Management team and local community.<br />
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You can view the minutes by <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5vsZKoOiAcCYUxTcmhHWW5OZGFCc2ZUaUhQQlByX3Frb1E4" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">clicking here</span></a>.<br />
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Many thanks.Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-14392764332992190692020-01-26T03:53:00.000-08:002020-01-26T03:53:24.737-08:00Next Gifford Woods Management Meeting: Tue 28th Jan, 7:30pm<div>
The next Gifford Woods management meeting is taking place this Tuesday (28th January) at 7:30pm in the Todrick Room (the room on the ground floor of Gifford Village Hall). </div>
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This is where the key management, fundraising and finance elements of the woods are discussed by the management team, but anyone is welcome to join if they'd like to. </div>
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Following this meeting, we will share an update on the paths project and other activities - so watch this space! </div>
Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4198349041771181282.post-76951701651631838902020-01-26T03:16:00.001-08:002020-01-26T03:16:59.688-08:00Moth Survey in Gifford WoodsWe have been lucky to have Katty Baird working with us for the last year undertaking a moth survey. This really helps us understand the importance of the biodiversity of the woodland, and how we best manage it moving forward.<br />
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Katty recently sent us this update:<br />
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<i>"I had a fantastic year recording moths in Gifford Community Woods (Fawn & Speedy Woods). If you were walking in the woods at dusk, you may have seen bright lights shining through the trees or on your morning dog walk you may have noticed my black traps sitting on an old white sheet spread on the ground. The lights attract the moths (there are several theories, but nobody can quite decide why this is so) and they fly towards the trap, spiralling around the bulb and fall into the large bucket below. Here they can safely rest until morning when I come along, count them and identify them, before releasing them back into the undergrowth. </i><br />
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<i>"Moths are a really good group of insects to monitor to give us an idea of how healthy a habitat is. They are relatively easy to catch and identify and if we find lots of different types of moth this usually indicates that there is a good variety of plants, insects and other animals. </i><br />
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<i>"The good news is that I found over 180 different moth species in my year of looking! This is a really encouraging number and indicates the woodlands are already a fantastic place for wildlife. With further management to look after what is already there and perhaps increase the variety of plants growing around the woodland edges I’m sure even more moths (and other insects, birds, bats etc.) will flourish here."</i><br />
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<b>Yellow dots show positions of light traps during 2019. Between 3 and 5 traps were set on nine different nights at approximately monthly intervals between 1st March and 25th November.</b></div>
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And for those interested in more scientific details in the findings:</div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b>Moth Survey of Gifford Community Wood 2019:</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666;">Actinic light traps were left overnight in Fawn and Speedy Woods (locations shown on map) on nine nights at approximately monthly intervals between 1st March and 25th November 2019. In October some larval leaf mines were also recorded. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;">183 species of moth were recorded, including four species aggregates (Lesser Common Rustic/Common Rustic, Pale November/November Moth, Uncertain/Rustic and Marbled Minor agg.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;">17 species were new to the hectad NT56. </span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Selected species:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #666666;">September Thorn (Ennomos erosaria). Larvae feed on oaks, birches, limes, beech – uncommon and very local in Scotland and the only Lothian records are from Clerkington, Haddington.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;">Dotted Carpet (Alcis jubata). Larvae feed on lichen. Occurs in mature woodland and scrub, quite widespread in Scotland and has been recorded from several East Lothian woodlands. One specimen was recorded in 2019 from the wet Birch/Sallow area of Speedy Wood</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;">Figure of 80 (Tethea ocularis). Larvae feed on poplars & Aspen. Only recorded in Scotland since the 2000s, it is species that seems to be spreading rapidly north and is becoming more frequently recorded in southern Scotland.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;">Lilac Beauty (Apeira syringaria). Larvae feed on honeysuckle, ash, privet. A species that seems to be spreading north and has become increasingly widespread in East Lothian in recent years.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666;">Early Tooth-stripe (Trichopteryx carpinata). Found in broadleaved woodland. Locally common in Scotland, appears to be spreading in East Lothian with most records only from recent years.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Further survey would certainly increase this list, in particular of the micro-moths. To maximise moth (& other invertebrate) diversity, maintaining a variety of tree species and age structure is important. Some close-canopy areas need to be retained but encouraging a greater diversity of ground flora along open rides would attract more non-woodland specialists. Moths are relatively mobile invertebrates and as the Community Woods form an integral part of wooded fragments from the Tyne at Haddington to Yester Estate, there is much scope for woodland-dwelling species to move between these areas and recolonise and establish in new areas as habitats improve.</span></div>
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And finally a few pictures of what was found:</div>
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Gifford Woodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08246859522548532843noreply@blogger.com0