CW Minutes 2026

MINUTES COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD, 26 March 2026

2.30pm, 19 Fincher’s Corner

Present: Linda B (chair), Clare G (secretary), Bill vM, Patrick F

1. APOLOGIES

Jessie M

2. ACTION POINTS FROM LAST MEETING

* Pixiefield verge. CG suggested making the verge the centre of Bee Village activities for 2027 as there is a lot to consider ie land ownership (look at land registry), agreement from residents, management of verge, sign posting etc. It would also be good to coincide with the PC’s planters, one of which is destined for this site.

* Jim the Hedgelayer. BvM reported that he has made contact with Jim P, hedgelayer, who is happy to talk to us about hedgelaying. It was suggested that this take place beside one of his hedges either during winter when he is laying or in summer when hedge has grown, but to be advised by him.

Action point: LB to contact Jim to see what suits him best.

* School gardening club. LB and CG planted a flower bed at the school with the children and with teachers and the head present. It would be good to continue helping them with the Gardening Club after the Easter break. CG is happy to do this, LB and BvM too although can’t commit to every week.

Action point: CG to buy a couple of watering cans with roses as they don’t have any, and to sticker them with Bee Village stickers.

3. TREASURER’S REPORT

The National Landscape grant for £844.65 has been received. Current amount in bank account: £1,761.55.

We can also apply for a Parish Council grant again in June (£250).

Action points: a reminder to spread costs out more evenly over next year so that we don’t scramble to spend it all at the end when applying for the grant.

Mason bee houses: the charge for these was £10 as CW subsidised each one for £10. It was agreed that for any similar projects in the future clarity is needed re ratio of costs etc

4. BEE VILLAGE

Mason bees: PF reported 20 mason bee houses have been installed in the village, including one at the school. One has also been earmarked for the Cubs (not yet installed). The cold/wet weather has meant that the bees are staying put ie there hasn’t been much sign of hatching from cocoons yet.

Action point: CG to find out how many mason bees houses in the village in total ie including ones installed by the WI last year.

Pledge for pollinators: we haven’t received many pledges yet but may get a boost when the pledge appears in the Newsletter.

Action point: CG to contact last year’s Planters for Pollinators people to get them to sign up.

5. CONSTITUION REVIEW

It is time to take a fresh look at the constitution and see if any changes are needed. It was agreed that all committee members do this and report back for the committee meeting.

Action point: CG to circulate constitution. LB to ask members if they want to be a committee member by 1st July in time for the AGM in September.

LB pointed out that she has been chair for three years (as have the other officers) and although she is happy to continue, does not want to make the position exclusive. There was a consensus that involvement by more CW members is to be encouraged (see point 11) to ease the workload of committee members.

6. SWIFT BOXES

PF reported that the wood has arrived. Dave has currently made four boxes and there is enough wood for two more. The cost for the sound speaker is about £28, so with cost of installation and materials, the total is £50 per box.

There was discussion about whether those who aren’t paid up members of CW should pay more. Also, who should put them up? Dave Lee from the Bats project has volunteered, and there was another person suggested via the RSPB. Ledbury Naturalists have run something similar so may know someone. Time is tight on this as all boxes need to be erected by April.

Action points: LB to supply PF with a list of those who have applied for swift boxes. PF (with one other committee member) to assess the suitability of the houses for the boxes. PF or LB to approach Dave Lee.

7. SPEAKERS/ EVENTS UPDATE

General point: it was agreed that we need to have a better understanding of what speakers are going to talk about prior to the meeting. A checklist of technology requirements is also necessary and clear instructions/agreement about payment and invoicing.

Action point: when speakers are booked all the above to be checked.

12 APRIL, 2pm

Visit to Old Country Farm. LB has contacted all those who have signed up with instructions etc.

4 May: Plant Swap

It was agreed that we don’t do this but concentrate attention on the Village Festival in June. instead

17 MAY, 2.30pm

Farm visit to Awnells Farm in Much Marcle. As several committee members can’t do this date, and not many members have signed up yet, it was agreed that we try and change the date to either the 24th or 31st May.

Action point: BvM to contact Awnells.

11 JUNE, 7pm, Richard Comont, bumble bees.

27 JUNE, Village Festival

It was agreed that we take a stand at the festival. PF suggested that Tools for Self-Reliance have part of it and that we display a mason bee box, a bird box and a swift box as examples of what we do. Also plants for sale and leaflets etc.

Action point: LB to find out cost of table.

9 JULY, 7pm: Nigel Hands, Adders.

AUGUST: picnic at COG tbc.

SEPTEMBER: AGM and film tbc

8 OCTOBER, 4pm: Nicola Benhamada, raptors

NOVEMBER: craft evening

DECEMBER: Christmas Fair

It was agreed that we insist on a table either in the main hall or outside as previously we were tucked away in the local history room and were easy to miss.

2027

JANUARY: Nature quiz with Paul M

FEBRUARY: Johnny Birks, pine martens

MARCH: Keith Alexander, terrestrial invertebrates expert with a specialist interest in saproxylic (decaying wood) invertebrates and veteran trees tbc.

LITTER PICKS: to be slotted in as and when.

8. PLOT OF LAND FOR COMMUNITY USE

LB proposed that we find a small plot of land ie quarter of an acre that we can develop as a wildlife-friendly site where villagers esp families can come and learn about nature-friendly practises. This will need a working group to manage.

Action point: BvM to approach Rupert D to see if he can spare a patch (where the allotments once were).

9. MAY NEWSLETTER

BvM has written a piece of the dangers of pet flea and tic treatment. PF to write Tree of the Month on apple trees. (Black Poplar for June.) Also include Bee Village update and future events.

10. MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION

It was agreed that the £5 membership be renewed pa at the AGM. Anyone wishing to join/pay at other times to pay the full amount.

11. GREATER MEMBER INVOLVEMENT

To ease the workload of committee members it was suggested that working parties involving membership be instigated. Several people have come forward to say they would like to do more but do not wish to be on the committee. Working parties could include hedges, verges, Cradley Brook, swift and mason bee boxes etc.

Action point: LB or CG to email members to assess amount of interest/commitment.

12.  ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business.

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

16 April, 2.30pm. Lutian House

28 May, 2.30pm, Lilac Cottage

25 June, 2.30pm, The Hurst

23 July, 2.30pm, Fincher’s Corner

3 September, 2.30pm Lutian House

MINUTES COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD, 26 February 2026

2.30pm, The Hurst, Cradley

 Present: Linda B (chair), Jessie M (treasurer), Clare G (secretary), Bill vM

 1. APOLOGIES

Patrick F.

2. ACTION POINTS FROM LAST MEETING

Most have been completed. Outstanding: contact hedgelayer (PF, BvM). Wildflower seeds to be sown and grown on (All) Contact Verging on Wild (CG).

3. CHAIR’S REPORT

All matters covered elsewhere.

4. TREASURER’S REPORT

JM reported that the invoices, expenditure spreadsheet and objectives have been sent to David A. Total applied for: £844.65. We hope to hear/receive funds in six weeks or so. We can also apply for a Parish Council grant again in June (£250).

Action points: costs to be spread out more evenly over next year so that we don’t scramble to spend it all at the end.

5. BEE VILLAGE

Mason bees: PF reported that Dave has made 24 bee houses and 18 hatching boxes. Di will distribute along with cocoons and tubes within the next few days. It was agreed that each recipient pay £20. Does Di have an explanatory leaflet to hand out to accompany them?

Action points: final number to be confirmed. CG to send bank details to PF.

School: LB and CG met with the school to discuss involvement. They agreed to have a mason bee house. We shall plant up a raised bed and supply plants. Should the Cubs have one too?

Action point: PF to liaise with Tony Copp about installing bee house at the school. LB and CG to liaise with school about the planter.

Seed swap: see point 6

Other elements: a bee-friendly verge working with Verging on Wild, and other bee habitat creation. Also child-friendly activities eg bee crafts. PF suggested we include an item in the Newsletter about those who have done bee-friendly things eg the Hunabans’ wild patch.

Action point: CG to contact Verging on Wild about wildflower verge by Pixiefield.

5. SWIFT BOXES

PF reported that he has ordered materials for swift boxes and DK will start work on those soon. No sounders, speakers, power supplies, timers and cables have been ordered.

Pauline Diplock already has swifts and has requested an additional box. PF suggested that other boxes be positioned nearby eg on Village Hall, local houses if they are tall enough.  BvM pointed out that he has seen swifts nesting in buildings at head height.

We still need someone to put them up. Dave L suggested someone at the Bat Talk. Ledbury Naturalists have run something similar so may know someone. Also the RSPB man who met with Linda could advise.

Action point: boxes to be made. Numbers of people requesting boxes to be confirmed. Cost of boxes to be finalised. Someone to put them up to be firmed up.

7. SPEAKERS/ EVENTS UPDATE

General point: it was agreed that we need to have a better understanding of what speakers are going to talk about prior to the meeting. A checklist of technology requirements is also necessary and clear instructions/agreement about payment and invoicing.

Action point: when speakers are booked all the above to be checked.

Refreshments: CG to bring apple juice to future meetings for children.

12 MARCH 4pm

Let it Bee: creating gardens to support bees by Anna Stankiewicz of Herefordshire Meadows, plus launch of Cradley Bee Village. Flyer to be handed out with pledge for pollinators for folk to sign up. We will also hold a wildflower seed swap. Those signing up to the pledge to receive a badge and/or sticker.

Action point: CG to email everyone to encourage them to bring eeds and to outline the Pledge for Pollinators idea.

12 APRIL, 2pm

Visit to Old Country Farm

11 people have signed up so far. The limit is 17.

4 May: Plant Swap tbc

As there is no plant sale this year, we could have a stand outside the church for a plant swap and to sell plants grown from seeds, bird boxes etc. Could we have a stand at the Village Festival, too?

17 MAY, 2.30 pm

Farm visit to Amwells Farm in Much Marcle.

11 JUNE, 7pm, Richard Comont, bumble bees.

September AGM and screening of Six Inches of Soil

JULY: Nigel Hands to talk about Adders.

AUGUST: picnic at COG tbc.

SEPTEMBER: AGM and film

OCTOBER: Raptor expert tbc.

NOVEMBER: craft evening

OTHER EVENT IDEAS

BEETLES CG suggested approaching Keith Alexander, terrestrial invertebrates expert with a specialist interest in saproxylic (decaying wood) invertebrates and veteran trees.

Action point: CG to follow up and suggest March 2027.

NATURE QUIZ: Paul M back again in January.

Action point: JM to ask Paul if he is free and when is a good date if so.

JOHNNY BIRKS BvM suggested asking Johnny back in 2027 to talk about pine martens in Feb. This was agreed.

Action point: BvM to follow up.

Sammy Fraser, Wild Spaces Officer at Butterfly Conservation. Has spoken to HWT in the past so might speak to us.

LITTER PICKS: to be slotted in as and when.

8. SCHOOLS AND CUBS

School: LB and CG had a successful meeting at the school, see above.

Action point: LB to approach Tony C to ask if gardening club is going ahead ie is a teacher available to run it? If so, when?

Cubs: LB has emailed Stuart D about Cubs involvement with Bee Village. We can provide plants/seeds to fill their planters and a mason bee house.

Other child-friendly ideas included telling them about ‘interesting’ insects eg the Bee Fly, the Hairy Footed Bee, hoverflies. A workshop on making a hoverfly lagoon. Gearing the raptor talk towards children.

9. WORKING WITH THE WI

The Craft Club which meets on Mondays in the Village Hall are going to knit bees and ‘yarn bomb’ the village over the summer.

Action point: keep the WI in the loop with Bee Village activities. Tell them about the Pledge for Pollinators.

10. NEWSLETTER APRIL

JM has written a piece on natural alternatives to pesticides and weedkillers. Copy also to include future events, bee village shout-out, and tree of the month.

Action point: PF to write tree of the month. What is it? All copy to CG by 16 March to meet deadline.

BvM to approach Pete Creeber (sp?) about flea treatments for pets with a view to interviewing him for a piece for future Newsletter.

11. WILD KINGDOM’S MAP OF DREAMS

BvM drew everyone’s attention to this. Its aim is to connect nature-friendly projects across the UK driven by people power. It’s easy to pin your name on mapofdreams.wildeast.co.uk

Action point: everyone to pin their name. CG to pin Cradley Bee Village.

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

WEBSITE: it was agreed that we need to give this further thought ie what is its purpose, what do we want it to do? Generally it was agreed that it is good to have an internet presence, but it needed clearer ‘signposting’ ie headings, and perhaps a home page with a mission statement or similar. In the meantime, we have a new Facebook page to populate with content.

Action points: to be discussed with Tony C. Everyone to take more pics at events that can be used on Facebook.

ROLLED-OVER MINUTES

RORY’S JOHNSON’S IDEAS

- Buglife’s B-Lines project which runs along the length of the Malvern Hills.

- Local farmers: he has contacts with various HM have worked with.

- Funding: are we eligible and should we apply for NatureSave Trust Awards? Maybe next year, when we have a specific project in mind and have a clearer idea about our objectives and strategy.

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

26 March, 2.30pm, Fincher’s Corner

16 April, 2.30pm. Lutian House

28 May, 2.30pm, Lilac Cottage

25 June, 2.30pm, The Hurst

23 July, 2.30pm, Fincher’s Corner

3 September, 2.30pm Lutian House

MINUTES COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD 22 January 2026

2.30pm, Lilac Cottage, Cradley

Present: Linda B (chair), Jessie M (treasurer), Clare G (secretary), Patrick F, Bill vM

1. APOLOGIES

There were no apologies.

2. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING

Outstanding action points: hedgelaying man; survey slip for meetings.

SOCIAL MEDIA: CG has set up a Facebook page and will email members with details and to encourage them to sign up to Whatsapp.

CRAYFISH SURVEY: LB has written to Robert but has not had a reply.

3. REPORT FROM JOHNNY BIRKS TALK

This was well attended and well received: 39 people attended and there was good feedback from audience and from Johnny Birks. JM pointed out that the timing (4pm) could be one reason for the larger number. Not many children attended (four).

4. CHAIR’S REPORT

All matters covered elsewhere.

5. TREASURER’S REPORT

We currently have £1,204.51 in the account. JM reported that invoices etc must be sent to David A (National Landscape) by February. There are several outstanding invoices from speakers (Rebecca Tully, Herefordshire Meadows, Save the Wye). We are about £500 short of the amount to claim/spend before April. Suggestions included materials for bee tubes and swift boxes, also publicity material for Bee Village (badges, stickers).

Action points: LB to create a document specifying when the talks took place, cost and supplier. PF to get a pro-forma invoice from Say it With Wood. More suggestions of spend required.

6. BEE VILLAGE

Mason bees: PF reported that there have been requests for 16 mason bee houses. A group will attend Di’s de-tubing on 29 January. She is prepared to donate surplus grey tubes/smaller tubes. It was suggested that we instal public mason bee tubes, perhaps at each of the three churches and the school, if someone is prepared to look after them.

Action points: PF to ask Di where to source boxes to house cocoons. An instruction leaflet to be produced to accompany each mason bee house.

Bee hotels: PF suggested we make some community bee hotels. CG and LB pointed out that the Buzz Club are doing research into best practice ie some bee hotels sold in garden centres etc are poor quality and would not encourage bees.

Action point: Cradley Wild to join Buzz Clug as a community member. CG to action.

Publicity: CG has designed a logo and flyer to launch the Bee Village. JM suggested that the bee on the logo be named, perhaps in a competition. The logo could also work as a badge or car/window sticker saying ‘Cradley Bee Villager’.

Action point: CG to cost stickers and badges.

School: It was agreed that school/Cubs involvement in the Bee Village is key.

Action point: LB to arrange a meeting with the school.

WI LB and CG had a productive meeting with Sue and Pam from the WI (held after this meeting on 23 Jan). A report will be circulated later.

Other elements to consider: a wildflower seed swap (see Rory’s notes at end) a bee-friendly verge working with Verging on Wild, and other bee habitat creation. Also child-friendly activities eg bee crafts. PF suggested we include an item in the Newsletter about those who have done bee-friendly things eg the Hunabans’ wild patch.

Action point: CG to contact Verging on Wild about wildflower verge by Pixiefields.

5. SWIFT BOXES

Pauline D already has swifts and has requested an additional box. PF suggested that other boxes be positioned nearby eg on Village Hall, local houses if they are tall enough.  BvM pointed out that there is one on the church tower which could be moved. Dave K is happy to make boxes from a template created by the RSPB.  We need someone to put them up.

Action point: PF to talk to Dave. BvM to approach church re box on tower. CG to email members and PF to Whatsapp before April to see who wants one. Also to include in the Newsletter. 

7. SPEAKERS/ EVENTS UPDATE

12 FEBRUARY 7pm

Denise Plume and Dave Lee will speak on bats and dormice. They will need a projector, screen and laptop to show their slides. PF to action.

12 MARCH 7pm

Nature Quiz, with quizmaster Paul M.

12 APRIL, 2pm

Visit to Old Country Farm

17 MAY, 2.30 pm

Farm visit to Amwells Farm in Much Marcle.

11 JUNE, 7pm, Richard Comont, bumble bees.

September AGM and screening of Six Inches of Soil

JULY: summer picnic tbc.

PF pointed out that the meadow at Colwall Orchard could be a possibility as it is set up for this already. He will ask Lindsay.

AUGUST: walk tbc.

SEPTEMBER: AGM and film

OCTOBER: Raptor expert.

OTHER EVENT IDEAS

ADDERS BvM has emailed Nigel Hands professional herpetologist (reptile and amphibian expert), aw response

BEE VILLAGE: we may have to slot in two additional meetings re Bee Village in May as there is no Plant Sale this year. We also need a speaker to talk about creating a wildlife-friendly garden.

Action point: LB to approach HWT, Herefordshire Meadows and other local organisations to see if they can recommend someone to talk about wildlife- (particularly bee-) friendly gardening.

LITTER PICKS: to be slotted in as and when.

REFRESHMENTS: LB thanked Celia for taking on refreshment duties at meetings. She will buy supplies and invoice. If she can’t make a meeting, volunteers will be needed to step in.

8. PARISH COUNCIL

CG has emailed Colin M to request a meeting but has not had a response. She mentioned that a new Parish Council Member, Sarah W, is keen to be involved with Cradley Wild and the Bee Village in particular.

9. HOW TO ENCOURAGE MORE CHILDREN TO EVENTS

JM pointed out that two of the children who came to the Mammals of the Malverns talk were late because they had been to after-school club. Something to bear in mind. There was also no refreshment for children eg squash, and no age guidance given on publicity.

Action point: it was agreed that we should create targeted child-friendly events (maybe over summer holidays and with Cubs) around bee village. LB suggested making hoverfly lagoons as suggested on Buzz Club website.

10. NEWSLETTER MARCH

PF to write 750 words about why hedges are beneficial for bees, specifying which plants and offering tips on how to plant/maintain. Also future events and bee village shout-out.

Action point: all copy to CG by 16 February to meet deadline

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

WEBSITE CG reported that Tony C requested that we look at the Cradley Wild section on the village website, discuss and feedback to him. JM suggested that we consider what we want the website to achieve and what content will deliver this.

Action point: all committee members to look at the website and report back at next meeting.

ROLLED-OVER MINUTES

RORY’S J’s IDEAS

- Buglife’s B-Lines project which runs along the length of the Malvern Hills.

- Local farmers: he has contacts with various HM have worked with.

- Seed Swap: set up a wildflower seed swap service next summer to help members create their own mini meadows. You only need about 4g of seed per m2. This would tie in with the bee village idea, see below.

- Workbook: he supplied a copy of the Middle Marches Community Trust workbook which is a useful template/guidance for our own projects. LB has forwarded to Chair of Parish Council.

- Funding: are we eligible and should we apply for NatureSave Trust Awards? Maybe next year, when we have a specific project in mind and have a clearer idea about our objectives and strategy.

SIX INCHES OF SOIL

To be screened at the AGM in September. CG reported that she has registered with Kinema and to screen the film for 40 people costs $100 (about £73).

Action points: LB to approach Ruth P re panellists nearer the time. Rory J may also help.

10. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

26 February, 2.30pm, The Hurst

26 March, 2.30pm, Fincher’s Corner

16 April, 2.30pm. Lutian House