Date for you diary.... Hopefully!
Sunday 4th October we plan to resume our heathland restoration project in Uddens Plantation.
Our volunteer events are fully compliant with the current government legislation, meaning things will be a little different to previous winter task days. 
As we work on Forestry England land, we also need to adhere to their current regulations, which means that although we can accommodate larger numbers, we will be working in groups of 6 on the site with staggered start times.
We are clearing mainly birch and pine from a failed crop to return the are to lowland heathland.

Unless there is a significant change in the weather and plenty of rainfall, it is unlikely we will be having a bonfire in October  (we certainly don't want to set fire to our hard work).
This will give us a chance though to prepare a new fire site closer to where we will be working (less dragging).
NB I wrote the above before the forecast rain, but current FE rules are no fires.

Unfortunately for the time being, you will need to bring your own food and drink with you.  Please bring what you need for however long you are staying.

Tools and gloves will have been safely sanitised and quarantined  before use and will be individually issued for the day. 
You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
We have just invested in some quality saws!

 We are a very inclusive group and welcome new volunteers of all ages and abilities.
We always try to find tasks that suit everyone, but it is worth pointing out a few points about the site we are working on this Winter. 
It is about 15 - 20 mins walk from the road / parking. 
Once off the main track, the ground conditions are quite challenging and uneven from historic ploughing. (see pic below)

We are on site from 9am - 2.30pm, but flexible with timings.  People are generally welcome to come and go as they please, although we do need to stagger start times to meet with restrictions (nobody will need to stay longer than they wish). 

We are now required to record some details from all attendees.  Not only for track and trace purposes, but also in case of emergency.
All information kept following GDPR guidelines.
(If you have already have given this info, you don't need to do it again).
Name -
Contact number -
Emergency contact name -
Emergency contact number -
Any relevant medical conditions you want us to be aware of -

It would also be handy to know if you have a current first aid qualification.

What time are you likely to be with us 9am, 9.30am, 10am or later?
(to allow us to plan work groups)

You can email or bring the contact details on the day.
Please definitely let us know if you are planning on attending and when.

There are location maps and more information here

Lots of information, so please ask if you have any queries, particularly if you haven't been before.



All the above is of course dependent on the current situation! 

It is incredible how the world has changed since our volunteer task day a couple of weeks ago....
Click here to see the pictures of the progress made on a slightly soggy, but very productive and fun day.

As per government guidance we have obviously cancelled our April volunteer work party and most likely will do the same with May.
We will be led by government advice and remain in line with Forestry England's volunteers.

Whilst we are still able to get out and about, please stay responsible while using the woodlands and respect everyone's space.

Stay safe!

This Sunday 8th  will be the final  session until October on our Heathland Project in Uddens Plantation.

We will be in the same location, continuing the amazing work on Site B.  For those not wanting to venture into the more challenging terrain, there will be plenty of dragging and prepping for the fire.

As usual we will be onsite from 9am until 2.30pm, so come along for as long or little as you wish.

For those around at lunch time, we will be cooking something....yet to be decided on the bonfire.... could be jackets, sausages or ......who knows!
Hot & cold drinks and biscuits available throughout....... Maybe even home baked goodies.....
Gloves, tools and training etc provided.
All details and location (including maps) are on our website -
http://www.cannonhillfriends.org.uk/heathland.html

It is always handy to have a rough idea of numbers, so let us know if you are able.

Don't forget......... If you are not up to physical exertions, but you want to stop by for a cuppa and a chat by the fire, you are most welcome.

This task benefits from numbers, so why not bring some family or friends along with you :-)

Look forward to seeing you,
Andy🦎

Awesome day on the heathland project today!  Read about it here

****POSTPONED until 23rd FEB ****This Sunday 9th February will be the fifth month of our Heathland Project in Uddens Plantation.

We will be in the same location, continuing the amazing work on Site B that we started last month.  For those not wanting to venture into the more challenging terrain, there will be plenty of dragging and prepping for the fire.

As usual we will be onsite from 9am until 2.30pm, so come along for as long or little as you wish.

For those around at lunch time, we will have our now legendary bonfire baked potatoes, served with beans and cheese.
Hot & cold drinks and biscuits available throughout....... Maybe even home baked goodies.....
Gloves, tools and training etc provided.
All details and location (including maps) are on our website -
http://www.cannonhillfriends.org.uk/heathland.html

It is always handy to have a rough idea of numbers, so let us know if you are able.

Don't forget......... If you are not up to physical exertions, but you want to stop by for a cuppa and a chat by the fire, you are most welcome.

This task benefits from numbers, so why not bring some family or friends along with you :-)

Look forward to seeing you,
Andy🦎

Wishing you a very Happy New Year, it is time to burn off those mince pies! We will be continuing our heathland restoration project this Sunday 12th January.
We will be in the same location as before Christmas, but will most likely make a start on Site B as it is close to the existing fire site (unless we have some enthusiastic "draggers" attend).

As usual we will be onsite from 9am until 2.30pm, so come along for as long or little as you wish.

For those around at lunch time, we will have our now legendary bonfire baked potatoes, served with beans and cheese (I will remember it this time!).
Hot & cold drinks and biscuits available throughout.
Gloves, tools and training etc provided.
All details and location (including maps) are here

It is always handy to have a rough idea of numbers, so let us know if you are able.
We have said it before, but it is worth repeating, if you are not up to physical exertions, but you want to stop by for a cuppa and a chat by the fire, you are most welcome.

This task benefits from numbers, so why not bring some family or friends along with you :-)

Look forward to seeing you,
Andy🦎

​PS I forgot to add our photos from last month, you can see them here.

Future dates for your diaries with planned tasks -

Sunday 9th February   - Uddens Plantation - Continuing Heathland project
Sunday 8th March - Uddens Plantation - Continuing Heathland project
Sunday 5th April - task TBC
Sunday 3rd May - task TBC
Sunday 14th June - Uddens plantation - Himalayan Balsam pulling along Uddens Water
Sunday 12th July - Uddens plantation - Himalayan Balsam pulling along Uddens Water
Sunday 9th August - Uddens plantation - Himalayan Balsam pulling along Uddens Water
Sunday 6th September
Sunday 4th October - 
Sunday 1st November - 
Sunday 29th November - 
Sunday 10th January 2021 - 

Read about the progress we have made on our Heathland restoration project click here for the report and pictures.

We are continuing our heathland restoration project this Sunday 3rd November
Click here for all the details.
It would be great to see you there.

We also have our provisional monthly conservation task dates for next year Click here

After a day at work, our construction team volunteers installed a superb green oak bench halfway along the old railway line section of the Castleman Trailway in Stapehill.

With funding gratefully sourced by Cllr George Russell (retired) and using local timber at a great price from Linwood Sawmill at Mannington the bench was constructed by Jeff, one of our volunteers.
Jeff also kindly donated some scalpings and was involved in the instalation.... In the rain!

The bench compliments the two existing benches in Cannon Hill and Uddens that we installed on behalf of the Great Heath Project along the route of the Castleman Trailway.

The tree lined half mile route along the old railway line is regularly used by those less able, due to the level surface and close proximity to civilisation.
There is now a sunny spot halfway along it to stop and rest a while.

Volunteer Conservation day  Sunday 8th September 9am-2.30pm working either side of the bridge over the A31.
We will base ourselves (and the trailer) on the north as there is more space.   Easy to access from either side of Uddens Drive.
​ 
Gloves and tools provided are provided, 
Most of the tasks are along the paths, so not too challenging terrain, but please dress for brambles, gorse and the ever variable British weather.

Work to include cutting back vegetation along the paths, bench and way marker maintenance.
Possibly some path surface scraping for anyone feeling particularly energetic.

Plenty of tea,coffee, hot chocolate, squash & biscuits supplied.
No bonfire or sausages, so bring something with you if you need more than tea & biscuits to sustain you!  
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 :-)

See map below.  (Blue triangles - parking/access. Yellow star - base-trailer location. Red dots - main work areas)  Can't find us on the day? Call 07984 843192  

This is the the last of our summer works programme before we start the super exciting heathland restoration project next month in Uddens Plantation.
Future dates confirmed - Sundays 6th October, 3rd November, 1st December (All planned to be working on the above project).

It's always helpful to have a rough idea of numbers, so if you are coming along, please let us know if you can by  emailing, commenting on the Facebook post, commenting on the blog, dropping me a text or maybe sending a carrier pigeon :-)

Don't forget you are welcome to come along for as little or long as you like, starting at a time convenient to you.
- Andy