News archive
February 2008
Friday, 29 February 2008
Broadwater Warren - News Update
consultation responses. Having taken on board the many comments so far, we have developed a plan with Trueplan (UK) Ltd in Tunbridge Wells that we intend to submit for planning permission in the early part of 2008. Our aim is to have a single main car park half way along Broadwater Forest Lane (at what is the second gated entrance to the reserve when travelling from the A26). Two car parks, as suggested in a couple of consultation responses we have received, is just not feasible at this stage, either financially or practically. We accept the advice of those people who suggested that we aim for the top end of our original '20-30 car' estimate, and we are also planning an overflow facility. We do not plan to stop parking in the other gateways although we will encourage use of the car park. We will need to have access to the gateways as work progresses, but will try our best not to inconvenience anyone. Once the car park is in place, we will discourage use of the unofficial access from the lay-by on Broadwater Forest Lane just off the A26 because its use continues to generate fly-tipping. We ask for your understanding when we make this change. The car park will be sensitively landscaped. We are proposing height restriction barriers (1.9m)
and locked gates overnight to deter fly-tipping and other inappropriate use of the car park. People will be able to view the planning application on the Wealden District Council website, at their offices, and local parish councils will be sent copies. We hope to finish the car park by autumn 2008.
The combustible toadstool! - As with all new RSPB reserves, we have been undertaking exhaustive surveys in this first year so that we don't inadvertently damage interesting features and creatures when we start work. This autumn, we found a fungus that proved to be new for Sussex. Called Fomitopsis pinicola (and rare enough not to have been given an English name), it has the distinction of having a lacquered cap which melts if burnt!
Volunteering opportunities - Volunteers are hugely important to the RSPB, and we are just beginning to develop a range of opportunities at Broadwater Warren, the first of which is a programme of work parties so that local people can get involved on Sunday 20 January and Sunday 17 February. We meet at 10.30 am at the second gate (counting from the A26). Wear your oldest clothes and strong boots/wellies, and please bring lunch and waterproofs. Please contact Caroline for further details. Over the next few months we will be looking for volunteers who can offer skills as varied as office support and biological recorders for the reserve.
Environmental Impact Assessment - We are still on track for completing the EIA by spring 2008. This, complete with all the official written responses we have received, will be submitted to Forestry Commission for final consultation. So there is still plenty of chance to get your thoughts and comments to us to be
included.
New Map - We have created a temporary visitor map which we will make available around the reserve. We
will develop a proper printed map next year.
Survey news - Surveys have also shown healthy populations of Common Lizards - in summer, the tiny black
babies particularly like to sunbathe on the giant logs at the 'central crossroads'. 'Plant finds' include Royal Fern and Wild Service Tree, while we also recorded the Mother Shipton moth (which has what looks like the face of a witch on its wings!) and White Admiral butterflies. Bat and Common Dormouse surveying is underway, and the discovery of an ancient drovers' track by the pond has been an exciting development in the archaeological surveys. More results in due course.
Events—spring 2008
Sunday 16 March. Drop-in at Groombridge Village Hall. 10.30am - 4.00pm. Drop in when and as you want. Displays; RSPB staff on hand to answer your questions.
Wednesday 16 April, Guided Walk. 2-4pm. Meet at Gate 2. Learn about our plans for the reserve. Limited to 20 places; booking essential. Telephone Mary-Anne Walsh on 01273 775333 to book a place.
Saturday 10 May, Archaeology walk 10 am - lunchtime (approx 2-3 hours). Meet at Gate 2. Guided walk to look at the archaeological finds on the reserve. Limited to 20 places; booking essential. Telephone Mary-Anne Walsh on 01273 775333 to book a place.
Sunday 22 June, Meet the RSPB. Staff and volunteers will be at the 'central crossroads' on the reserve (see map) from 10am - 4pm to explain our plans and answer your questions to anyone who wants to drop by.
If you would like to find out more about Broadwater Warren, please contact:
Caroline FitzGerald, Broadwater Warren Site Manager
RSPB, Unit 10, Sham Farm Business Units
Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JA 01892 752 430
caroline.fitzgerald@rspb.org.uk
Friday, 1 February 2008
Annual Coach Trip 2008 - Fingringhoe Wick, Essex
This nature reserve is owned by the Essex Wildlife Trust and is situated about five miles south of Colchester. It is a beautiful spot on the banks of the River Colne, overlooking salt marsh and farmland. It has a varied habitat including heathland, scrub and grassland, and a large lake overlooked by several hides; there are two nature trails. In May the birds we should expect to see include nightingales, a variety of warblers, woodpeckers and turtle doves.
There is a visitor centre with a shop and toilets. Light refreshments only can be obtained but no sandwiches so it is essential to take a packed lunch. There is no entrance fee but a donation of a minimum of £1 is invited to help the work of the Trust.
The coach fare will depend on the number going but should be no more than £15. Times and pick-up points will be arranged once numbers interested are known.
Fingringhoe is a lovely spot and well worth a visit.
For further details please visit the events page or contact Barbara Bentall 01732 352852