​Thanks to our local Councillor George Russell and funding from EDDC we will be installing a bench half way along the old railway line in Stapehill.
The bridleway that forms part of the Castleman Trailway, runs parallel with Wimborne Road West for half a mile with entrances on Uddens Drive and near the Canford Bottom Roundabout.
Since it has been re-surfaced, it makes an ideal wildlife rich green route for the those that find our woodland just a little too far to go.
A bench in a sunny spot half way along will allow for even greater enjoyment of the route.
We will be installing a hard wood bench of the same design (minus carved map) to the ones recently installed along the length of the Castleman Trailway as part of the recent Great Heath Project.
We are very grateful to Linwood Sawmill Limited at Mannington who are supporting the project with locally sourced hardwood at cost price. Amazing! 
As part of the project we will be installing an interpretation panel at the same spot with some local & natural history information.
The scheme also has the support of the Dorset Countryside Ranger Team who are responsible for this section of the Trailway.

​Come and join us this Sunday (10th March) anytime from 9am until 2pm ish. 
We will be working on the Bridleway in Cannon Hill North running along the field edge from the A31 bridge to the high burial mound view point.  (same as last two months).
We will set up near the lower burial mound.
The map shows the main area of work and our base in red.
The blue shows the main access points/parking and route to take to find us. We will put some signs up to point you in the right direction when you get near.

We will be mainly opening up the bridleway that runs along the field edge.  Cutting back the encroaching holly etc

Tasks can be tailored to suit the individual. Gloves, tools, training, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, squash and as many ginger crunch creams as you can eat! Due to popular demand we are back to sausages in rolls for those around after midday.

​Come and join us this Sunday (10th Feb) anytime from 9am until 2pm ish. 
We will be working on the Bridleway in Cannon Hill North running along the field edge from the A31 bridge to the high burial mound view point.
We will set up near the lower burial mound.
The map shows the main area of work and our base in red.
The blue shows the main access points/parking and route to take to find us. We will put some signs up to point you in the right direction when you get near.

We did't get as much done last month as we hoped and we know some of our key players are not available this month, so if you are free, please come along.

There is enough to keep us busy at that location for 
Sun 10th March too.

Tasks to include clearing the encroaching vegetation on the bridleway, burial mounds and path across the recently planted area. There is also some Rhododendron in this area.

Tasks can be tailored to suit the individual. Gloves, tools, training, tea, coffee, squash and as many ginger crunch creams as you can eat! Bacon rolls for those around after midday.

Uddens House (demolished in the 1950's) whose driveway was in the heart of our woodland has been lost in the mists of time, limited to some old photos and genealogical records.
Until now! 
Our history page has been updated with the memories of Betty Rudling who lived and worked there between the wars.
We are grateful to Lin White her daughter (who still lives within sight of the woods and is one of our trustees) for sharing these memories.
She has also shared an account of the Holy Cross Abbey at Stapehill.
A fascinating read and insight through the eyes of a 14 year old girl in 1934.
Have a read and let us know what you think.
If anyone can provide any photos or memories of the woods or surrounding area from times gone by, we would love to hear from you.

​Come and join us this Sunday (13th Jan) anytime from 9am until 2pm ish. 
We will be working on the Bridleway in Cannon Hill North running along the field edge from the A31 bridge to the high burial mound view point.
We will set up near the lower burial mound.
The map shows the main area of work and our base in red.
The blue shows the main access points/parking and route to take to find us. We will put some signs up to point you in the right direction when you get near.

We think there is enough to keep us busy at that location for Sun 13th January
Sun 10th February
Sun 10th March

Tasks to include clearing the encroaching vegetation on the bridleway, burial mounds and path across the recently planted area. There is also some Rhododendron in this area.

This is a task that can accommodate large numbers, so don't be shy. If you have not been before, come along and see what you think, even if it is just to grab a coffee and have a chat. 
We would absolutely love to see a few more Colehillians.. So for those of you who are reluctant to go "south of the road", the next 3 months at least is your opportunity :-)

Tasks can be tailored to suit the individual. Gloves, tools, training, tea, coffee, squash and as many ginger crunch creams as you can eat! Bacon rolls for those around after midday.

Thanks to all those that took part in our 12 Days of Christmas Trail.   
This photo by Helen Hobbs nicely sums up exactly what we were aiming for :-)
You can see more pictures and download the 12 day drawings here
Keep you eye out for new challenges this year or why not come along to one of our Volunteer days.  We will be working in Cannon Hill North (north of the A31) for the next 3 months at least.  Kicking of on Sunday 13th January.

Until the new year, you can follow our family friendly festive trail (less than 2 miles) See here for details

Volunteer Conservation day  Sunday 2nd December Cannon Hill South
​ 
We will be in the same place as the last few months, south of the A31  off Uddens Drive (Just up from the Old Thatch on Wimborne Road West).  Postcode for SatNav BH21 7BG  If you get to the gravel track up by the A31, you have just missed us in the woodland on the left.
See the map below if you are not familiar of the site.
The red dot is roughly where we will be.

Any problems on the day call 07984 843192

We will be onsite from 9am until 2pm.
Come for the whole session or drop in for as long as you want.

Tools, guidance, gloves, Tea, Coffee, squash and biscuits will be freely available.
Weather permitting we have a bonfire with bacon rolls around Midday.  
We have switched to bacon as we have had a "bacon windfall" :-)

The ground can be fairly uneven in places and when we have a fire, there is obviously the risk of sparks.  Please dress accordingly for that...and the weather. 
We can usually find tasks to suit all ages and abilities.

For any youngsters coming to join in for their DofE etc, please bring an adult.  They are very welcome to join in or if they want to chat and drink coffee, that is absolutely fine too :-)

Tasks to include -
1.Clearing and burning more of the dug out Rhododendron.
2. Tidying up the glade area, including managing the brambles by containing them in one area.
3. Cutting back overhanging branches on the tracks to make it easier for cyclists and horse riders.
4. Scraping back the main tracks.
5. Checking and clearing out bird boxes.
6. Litter picking.

Bad Weather
Just a note on bad weather - High winds is the most likely to prevent a task going ahead.  Significant snow would also stop us.  Rain usually wouldn't, although we may finish earlier!
If we need to cancel at the last minute we will endeavour to post on the www.cannonhillfriends.org.uk/blog  and www.facebook.com/groups/saveuddenswoods/ 

If in any doubt call 07984 843192 to check.

Dates for 2019 coming soon.... No really they are!

Look forward to seeing you and please spread the word

Although not essential, it always helps to now how many people we are likely to have.
If you can let us know then great.  admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk  

​Volunteer Conservation day  Sunday 4th November Cannon Hill South
​ 
We will be in the same place as last month, south of the A31  off Uddens Drive (Just up from the Old Thatch on Wimborne Road West).  Postcode for SatNav BH21 7BG  If you get to the gravel track up by the A31, you have just missed us in the woodland on the left.
See the map below if you are not familiar of the site.
The red dot is roughly where we will be.

Any problems on the day call 07984 843192

We will be onsite from 9am until 2pm.
Come for the whole session or drop in for as long as you want.
The location map and tasks and details below is relevant for the rest of the year.

Tools, guidance, gloves, Tea, Coffee, squash and biscuits will be freely available.
Weather permitting we have a bonfire with sausages around Midday.  

The ground can be fairly uneven in places and when we have a fire, there is obviously the risk of sparks.  Please dress accordingly for that...and the weather. 
We can usually find tasks to suit all ages and abilities.

For any youngsters coming to join in for their DofE etc, please bring an adult.  They are very welcome to join in or if they want to chat and drink coffee, that is absolutely fine too :-)

Tasks to include -
1.Clearing and burning more of the dug out Rhododendron.
2. Tidying up the glade area, including managing the brambles by containing them in one area.
3. Cutting back overhanging branches on the tracks to make it easier for cyclists and horse riders.
4. Scraping back the main tracks.
5. Checking and clearing out bird boxes.
6. Litter picking.

Bad Weather
Just a note on bad weather - High winds is the most likely to prevent a task going ahead.  Significant snow would also stop us.  Rain usually wouldn't, although we may finish earlier!
If we need to cancel at the last minute we will endeavour to post on the www.cannonhillfriends.org.uk/blog  and www.facebook.com/groups/saveuddenswoods/ 

If in any doubt call 07984 843192 to check.
Remaining 2018 Volunteer Task Days -

Sun 2nd Dec 2018

(2019 dates - still working on it, out soon ) 

Look forward to seeing you and please spread the word

Although not essential, it always helps to now how many people we are likely to have (particularly when we are purchasing sausages).  If you can let us know then great.  admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk  

Kind Regards,

Andy Hartstone