​Dear Friends,

We have two dates for you next month (for starters!), Sundays 3rd and 24th July.

Our usual work for the Summer focusses on pulling invasive Himalayan Balsam along Uddens Water where in the past it has got to the point that it has outcompeted the native flora and leaving the banks bare earth when it dies off in the Winter.
The great news is that with the focus over the years, there appears to be very little along our stretch of the river.
That said we have found it has spread into the woodland, so we will need to go in search of that.
As the balsam is not as bad, we are going to start on Sunday knocking back the bracken that is encroaching on our heathland site.
We will then move down to the river and tackle the Balsam.
We may do a little bench maintenance and cutting back encroaching vegetation along the paths too.

Ground conditions are fairly uneven on both sites and may be muddy in the wet woodland, so please wear suitable footwear.
I would definitely advise long trousers as there is a risk of ticks and nettles etc.
The heathland part will be out in the open (although some can tackle the bracken in the surrounding trees if they prefer), but we will in the shade along the river.
Depending on numbers and productivity 😄 , I would imagine by about 10:30 we will be moving from the heath to the 2nd location.

Gloves, tools, hot and cold drinks, biscuits all supplied as usual, but feel free to bring something for lunch if staying all day.

We will be on site from 9am until about 2.30pm, but as always, come and go as it suits.
If you have not been before, please let me have a contact number for yourself and an emergency contact name and number, either by replying to this email or on the day.

Under 16's are welcome if accompanied and let us know if you are working on your DofE as this can count towards it!
 
I will confirm nearer the date what we will be doing on the 24th July, as it will in part depend what we find and how we get on this Sunday.

 If possible, please let me know if you are coming, location details below, but please shout if you need any other information.
Call me if you can't find us on the day.

Andy 🦎
07984 843192

Key for map below -

Blue Circles - PARKING
Either on Uddens Drive just North of the A31
W3W ///newsreel.crop.zealous 
or Ferndown Forest golf club
W3W ///tricky.cheer.year
Black dots - ROUTE TO SITES FROM UDDENS DRIVE
From the Ferndown end follow the trailway along Uddens Water.
Orange Dots / lines - WORK SITES
Site 1 Heathland project
///magpie.something.scorched
Site 2 Woodland and river bank along Uddens Water
///elite.hazelnuts.regal

2022 Future Dates -

Sunday 24th July
Sunday 14th August
Sunday 11th September
Sunday 2nd October
Sunday 23rd October
Sunday 13th November
Sunday 4th December
Sunday 18th December

Find out what we have been up to and our plans for the next 12 months with a photo slide presentation and as always we keep the  "dull" bits to a minimum. :-)
Members have been sent email invites several weeks ago, but everyone is welcome to come along.
If you are not a member, but would like to join and support your local green space, a one off donation of your choosing is all it takes and can be made on the evening.
The only restriction for non members attending is you are not able to vote.

Please indicate if you are planning on coming, so we have enough tea, biscuits and chairs!  
Any queries, please contact us on admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk

Hope to see you there!

This week is Volunteers Week and along with The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Forestry England, the trustees would like to take the opportunity to thank our amazing volunteers for all their hard work. 🌲💚
Already this year 436 hours have been clocked up on practical tasks improving our woodland for the local community and wildlife.
This doesn't even include the admin and maintenance that happens in the background!
We always welcome new volunteers and can find roles for you, whatever your ability or availability.
These pictures are just a small snapshot of what the team get up to, if you want to learn more you would be very welcome at our AGM on Wednesday 15th June.
Our friends at the amazing High Mead Farm will be hosting us for the evening. The meeting starts at 7.30pm and non members are very welcome to come along.
If you would like to become a Friend (member), you would be very welcome to join for a one off donation of your choice. We very much believe that there should be no barriers to joining us, so the amount is absolutely up to you, having your support is what matters. 💚

Thank you again
- Andy 🦎
​
#volunteersweek #ncvo #dorsetforests #forestryengland #dorsetheaths #community #volunteers #dorset #cannonhill #uddens #woodland #tenthanniversary #conservation #highmeadfarm

Hi All,
Appreciate it is very last minute, but Paul and Andy will be continuing one of today's tasks by the bridge over the A31 tomorrow (Mon 16th May) from 09:30. 
We will be working on bracing the broken fence, which involves climbing over the fence to start with. 
It is a long time since I have done any fence work and we will be working it out as we go along as what we have planned is not a standard method. 
That said, if you want to come along and puzzle over it with us, please do!  
All tools and gloves supplied (or bring your own gloves if you prefer). Hot and cold drinks and biscuits also provided. 
If fence climbing is not your thing, but you still want to come along, there is some cutting back of overhanging vegetation along the bridleway..... or just come along, say hi and marvel at the work done on the bridleway surface today. 

Anyone who has not already done so will also need to provide their contact details and those of an emergency contact.  This is for our insurance and your welfare.

Change of Date for June work party
Unfortunately I have managed to triple book myself on Sun 12th June, so we will be moving that task day to Wednesday 15th June.
I can also confirm that we will be having our AGM at Highmead Farm on the same day at 7.30pm.
Apologies for the change, why not go and support Wimborne Folk festival on the 12th instead.

Dates for your diary (They may occasionally change and I will add more where possible)

Sun 12th June  DATE CHANGED to Wed 15th June
Wed 15th June  7.30pm Annual General Meeting a Highmead Farm
Sun 3rd July 
Sun 24th July
Sun 14th August
Sun 11th September
Sun 2nd October
Sun 23rd October
Sun 13th November
Sun 4th December
Sun 18th December

Hope to see you soon,
Andy 🦎
07984 843192
admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk

Dear Friends,
After too long a break, we are back in Cannon Hill South with a couple of chunky tasks to complete as well as plenty of less chunky ones...... So something for everyone :-)
The main tasks include repairing the fence by the bridge and repairing and extending the gravel section of path where it gets particularly muddy on the bridleway. 
There are also benches to paint, encroaching vegetation to cut back along the paths and for those that prefer a gentle stroll, bird boxes to visually survey (from a safe non disturbing distance).

All tools and gloves supplied (or bring your own gloves if you prefer). Hot and cold drinks and biscuits also provided.  Please bring a packed lunch if staying all day.
We will be on site from 9am until about 2.30pm. We will base ourselves in the glade picnic area.
For those that have not been before, it is the woodland south of the A31 up Uddens drive, past the Old Thatch and Uddens Trading Estate.  
Follow the bridleway up the side of the field from the first parking area or cut accross from the 2nd one, you can't miss us.

Any under 16s, please bring an adult (we can keep them supplied with tea and biscuits...or they can join in ).  If you are doing your DoE volunteering scheme, this counts towards it and we can fill in the relevant assessment paperwork for you.

Anyone who has not already done so will also need to provide their contact details and those of an emergency contact. 

As always, come along when you are able for as long as wish (occasionally we finish earlier than listed).
Knowing rough numbers in advance is useful, so if possible reply to his email or drop me a message.
Dates for your diary (They may occasionally change and I will add more where possible)

Sun 12th June 
Wed 15th June  7.30pm Annual General Meeting (To be confirmed)
Sun 3rd July 
Sun 24th July
Sun 14th August
Sun 11th September
Sun 2nd October
Sun 23rd October
Sun 13th November
Sun 4th December
Sun 18th December


Hope to see you there,
Andy 
07984 843192
admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk

​Another week day volunteering opportunity this Tuesday 5th April 10am -3pm (or whenever suits!)
Note - This is in addition to this Sunday 3rd April when we will be in Cannon Hill North

I would normally volunteer with the Dorset Council Rights of Way team on a Tuesday, but this coming week they are not running a session, so we are taking the opportunity to have another go at clearing some of the Rhododendron that is adjacent to the heathland site. 
Volunteers from the RoW group and our own are equally welcome to come along!
Details as before for this Tuesday -
Although we have completed our main work on the heathland restoration site until the Autumn to avoid disturbance of ground nesting birds and reptiles etc, we have identified a task that will support it.
We will be cutting and stacking invasive Rhododendron in the pine plantation surrounding the heathland to stop it spreading onto the site. This will involve cutting it and stacking it neatly where it is. By not dragging it around we will minimise the risk of impacting nesting birds (Rhododendron does not have the three-way forks in their branch structure that can support a nest). We will not be having a bonfire until the Autumn to avoid the risk of wild fire and disturbance to the wild life.
Hot and cold drinks, biscuits, gloves and tools supplied as always. Bring some lunch if you are staying long enough.
For those that have been to the heathland restoration sessions, we are virtually in the same place.
The work site is just 10 minutes walk (some say longer 🙂 from the nearest parking off Uddens Drive (North of the A31)
If you stick to the main vehicle track through Uddens plantation, you can't miss us, but I will put up some arrows. Work site - SU 05587 01601 W3W /// fear.marked.width
Parking - SU 04997 01187 W3W /// older.tributes.foot
​(Or a little further up Uddens Drive, where parking is available on both sides of the road. Please don't block the gates).
All welcome (under 16s to be accompanied).
If you have not been before (or recently), we will need your name and contact number and also an emergency contact name and number.
Dress for the weather and ground conditions which may be a little wet.
Ideally let me know if you are planning to come along, but it's not essential if you fancy it at the last minute.
More maps

Kind regards,
Andy 🦎
07984 843192
​admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk

Dear Friends,
Well this month didn't quite go as planned with regards to the Tuesday sessions (we did manage two which were really worthwhile) and unfortunately that will also be the case for this coming Tuesday as alas I am still testing positive for the "plague"!
We WILL be back out this coming Sunday, the 3rd April from 09:00 - 15:00 and I am delighted to say we will be back in Cannon Hill North for the first time in way too long....
We will set up at the burial mound view point where we will be reinstalling the display board.
There are lots of little tasks that can be done, some of which are local to base, while others involve a bit of a walk (for instance painting benches).

It would also be great for a bird box survey to be completed.   A visual one from a non disturbing distance to check they are still there and even better, if they are being used. Hopefully the map will be enough detail to find us, but please ask if you are unsure.  We will pop an arrow up where the 2 routes meet so you know you are heading the right way.

All tools and gloves supplied (or bring your own gloves if you prefer). Hot and cold drinks and biscuits also provided.  Please bring a packed lunch if staying all day as with the end of the bonfire season there will be no sausages of jacket potatoes.

Any under 16s, please bring an adult (we can keep them supplied with tea and biscuits...or they can join in 🙂).  If you are doing your DoE volunteering scheme, this counts towards it and we can fill in the relevant assessment paperwork for you.
Anyone who has not already done so will also need to provide their contact details and those of an emergency contact. 

As always, come along when you are able for as long as wish (occasionally we finish earlier than listed).
Knowing rough numbers in advance is useful, so if possible reply to his email or drop me a message.

Next month we will be in Cannon Hill South on Sunday 15th May where hopefully we will be able to top up and extend the scalping on the muddy patch of the bridleway, as well as bench maintenance and bird box survey etc.
June, July and August traditionally see us pulling the invasive Himalayan balsam along Uddens Water.  Dates to follow.

Hope to see you there,
Andy 🦎
07984 843192
admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk

Apologies - Cancelled due to illness

This is our second and probably final go (for the time being) at clearing some of the Rhododendron that is adjacent to the heathland site. 
Next Tuesday 29th March there will be a volunteer task day in Cannon Hill North based at the viewpoint burial mound.
Details as before for this Tuesday -
Although we have completed our main work on the heathland restoration site until the Autumn to avoid disturbance of ground nesting birds and reptiles etc, we have identified a task that will support it.
We will be cutting and stacking invasive Rhododendron in the pine plantation surrounding the heathland to stop it spreading onto the site. This will involve cutting it and stacking it neatly where it is. By not dragging it around we will minimise the risk of impacting nesting birds (Rhododendron does not have the three-way forks in their branch structure that can support a nest). We will not be having a bonfire until the Autumn to avoid the risk of wild fire and disturbance to the wild life.

Hot and cold drinks, biscuits, gloves and tools supplied as always.
For those that have been to the heathland restoration sessions, we are virtually in the same place.
The work site is just 10 minutes walk (some say longer 🙂 from the nearest parking off Uddens Drive (North of the A31)
If you stick to the main vehicle track through Uddens plantation, you can't miss us, but I will put up some arrows. Work site - SU 05587 01601 W3W /// fear.marked.width
Parking - SU 04997 01187 W3W /// older.tributes.foot
​(Or a little further up Uddens Drive, where parking is available on both sides of the road. Please don't block the gates).
All welcome (under 16s to be accompanied).
If you have not been before (or recently), we will need your name and a contact number and also an emergency contact name and number.
Dress for the weather and ground conditions which may be a little wet.
Ideally let me know if you are planning to come along, but it's not essential if you fancy it at the last minute.
More details and maps -http://www.cannonhillfriends.org.uk/heathland.html

Kind regards,
Andy 🦎
07984 843192
​admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk

​Dear Friends,
With the approach of Spring and nesting birds season, our heathland restoration work is drawing to a close until the Autumn.
I have managed to squeeze in an extra day for those free on Tuesday. I normally volunteer with the Dorset council Eastern area green spaces team on a Tuesday, but as they are not running volunteer tasks in March, I am opening up the opportunity for their volunteers to join us if they wish.  This Tuesday will be on the heathland site and I will be seeing if there are any other projects we can do for the rest of the month without disturbing nesting birds.

I will be on site from 9am until 3pm on Tuesday (We may also finish earlier depending on the weather), but as always feel free to start and finish as you wish.
On Sunday, we will be starting at 9am, but as it is our last session with the fire I am going to stay on and let it burn right down before putting it out.   Therefore I will probably stay until dusk, so if anyone wants to join me gazing into the embers, they are very welcome.   May even do some jacket potatoes!

Usual information -
We are continuing our heathland restoration project, so the tasks mainly comprise of cutting and dragging pine & birch from the heath to the fire site.
The ground conditions are a little challenging in places, but there are easier areas for the less adventurous.
There will be a bonfire (providing it is not too windy) and we will knock up some culinary delight for brunch.
Hot and cold drinks, biscuits, gloves and tools supplied as always.
The work site is just 10 minutes walk from the nearest parking off Uddens Drive (North of the A31)
If you stick to the main vehicle track through Uddens plantation, you can't miss us.
Parking - SU 04997 01187   W3W /// older.tributes.foot
​(Or a little further up Uddens Drive, where parking is available on both sides of the road.  Please don't block the gates).
Work site - SU 05587 01601  W3W /// fear.marked.width
This is definitely a task where we benefit from as many people as possible.
All welcome (under 16s to be accompanied).
If you have not been before (or recently), we will need your name and a contact number (for track and trace) and also an emergency contact.
Dress for the weather and bear in mind sparks from the bonfire.
Ideally let me know if you are planning to come along.
More details and maps -here
Kind regards,
Andy 🦎
07984 843192
​admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk

New faces very welcome!
We are on site from 9am until 2.30pm (We may also finish earlier depending on the weather), but as always feel free to start and finish as you wish..
We are continuing our heathland restoration project, so the tasks mainly comprise of cutting and dragging pine & birch from the heath to the fire site.
The ground conditions are a little challenging in places, but there are easier areas for the less adventurous.
There will be a bonfire (providing it is not too windy) and we will knock up some culinary delight for brunch.
Hot and cold drinks, biscuits, gloves and tools supplied as always.
The work site is just 10 minutes walk from the nearest parking off Uddens Drive (North of the A31)
If you stick to the main vehicle track through Uddens plantation, you can't miss us.
Parking - SU 04997 01187   W3W /// older.tributes.foot
​(Or a little further up Uddens Drive, where parking is available on both sides of the road.  Please don't block the gates).
Work site - SU 05587 01601  W3W /// fear.marked.width
This is definitely a task where we benefit from as many people as possible.
All welcome (under 16s to be accompanied).
If you have not been before (or recently), we will need your name and a contact number (for track and trace) and also an emergency contact.
Dress for the weather and bear in mind sparks from the bonfire.
Ideally let me know if you are planning to come along.
More details and maps here
Kind regards,
Andy 🦎
07984 843192
​admin@cannonhillfriends.org.uk
Sunday task days for your diary -
6th March