CW minutes 2025

MINUTES COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD, 4 September 2025

2.30pm Lilac Cottage, Bosbury

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

Apologies: Jessie M(treasurer)

Guest: Ruth P joined the meeting at 3pm

1. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING

* SURVEY

This has been drawn up and emailed to members. It was reworked to fit two sides of A4 paper. (Cost of an insert in the Newsletter is £65, we would need to print 550 copies and would get it to the printers. It was agreed that this was prohibitive.)

Action point: CG to collate replies. All to analyse results.

* MOLEHILLS

CG and BvM reported that there has been no sighting of the mole for weeks, probably due to dry weather conditions.

Action point: keep an eye on the Chapel Street playground in case he reappears.

2. CHAIR’S REPORT

All points covered elsewhere.

3. TREASURER’S REPORT

In JM’s absence, CG reported that we have £1093.85 in the current account. This includes the small grant (£250) received from the Parish Council on 4 August.

* BANK

BvM suggested that in future we look at more ethical banks eg Co-op. Currently we are with Lloyds which has a specific account for small community groups.

Action point: BvM to investigate.

* MEMBERSHIP

An option to pay subscriptions by bank transfer was agreed.

Action point: CG to email bank details to those on email list.

4. AGM, Thursday 11 September, 2.30pm

Chair, Secretary and Treasurer to report. As we have no nominations for any of these roles from members, a simple ‘hands up if you agree’ motion to be passed. LB also called for more volunteers to help with the refreshments at meetings.

Action point: CG to create a membership list to keep tabs on who has paid subs and bring it to the meeting.

5. SPEAKERS/ EVENTS UPDATE

Speakers

* Johnny Birks is confirmed to talk on Mammals of the Malverns on 15 January. This is an afternoon event to encourage children to attend. We need to tailor publicity accordingly. Include something in the school newsletter?

* Denise Plume and Dave Lee will speak about Bats and Dormice on 12 February.

* CG suggested a talk on Dark Skies. CPRE Herefordshire are running a campaign and will deliver a presentation and training if there is enough interest (8-10 volunteers). Cradley could become a Dark Skies Community.

* PF said there is a raptor group in Worcester, which was mentioned in the RSPB magazine. There was also a raptor person at the COG hedges meeting who brought live birds.

Farm visits: BvM reported that Amwells Farm in Much Marcle agreed to host a farm visit next year. With the visit to the orchard at Old Country, this makes two farm visits next year.

Craft Evening, November: Dave King has volunteered to make bird box kits. Celia is making stars and clay tops for plant canes. Veronika may make small tree decoration stars separately at Lilac Cottage. PF said that COG gets a supply of Sweet Chestnut from Say it With Wood. This is more long-lasting than pine. BvM said the boxes also need metal plates around the holes.

Action point: PF to investigate sourcing wood and to liaise with Dave King. BvM to source metal plates and supply to Dave.

6. 3pm RUTH P JOINED THE MEETING

Six Inches of Soil screening

The film lasts 1hr 36 minutes. PF said that there is a projector in the village hall we could use. We would need to get a license from Kinema to stream it, which would cost $50. (NB: Kinema may have other films of interest.) There was talk of a panel of 3-4 local farmers/landowners/interested parties to accompany the film eg Rory Johnson of Herefordshire Meadows, a mixed arable farmer, a conservationist, a regenerative farmer (eg Amwells). (The Countryside Regeneration Trust could possibly help with the latter.) Local names suggested included the farm manager for Voss (Ian Perry knows him), and the Perkins whose land lies behind Oaklands (Mike Hames knows them). Ruth mentioned a farmer on Crew’s Hill. She suggested that Ticketsource is a better than Eventbrite for ticketing etc.

Pastures for Life and Herefordshire Rural Hub are both useful organisations to know about.

Action point: Ruth to supply contacts for local farmers. Follow up with an approach to be a panellist.

Feast at the film

Could the Village Store provide Indian food? What would be the cost? Otherwise, we could suggest that everyone brings something to share.

Ruth also talked about The Food Conversation, a toolkit for talking about food systems etc. Penrhos Court, Green Cuisine and the Sustainable Food Trust’s Harmony Project, based on Patrick Holden’s book, were also mentioned.

LB thanked Ruth for her attendance and useful advice/information.

7. NEWSLETTER OCTOBER

PF to write about dead hedges. LB to report on the AGM. Also include mention of the survey and future events.

Action point: all copy to CG by 12 September to meet deadline 15 September

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

REFRESHMENTS

LB asked for more volunteers to serve tea and coffee at meetings.

Action point: LB to ask at the AGM. CG to include in email to members.

HEDGE SURVEY

PF reported that there had been no uptake from his shout-out in the Newsletter. He has been helping with Colwall’s hedge survey. CG said that CPRE are looking for landowners who want hedge planted on their land. PF said that finding the landowners is tricky. He suggested we start Cradley’s hedge survey at Chapel Lane playground.

Action point: PF to organise.

9. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

23 October, 2.30pm at Bill’s

20 November, 2.30pm at Clare’s

18 December, 2.30pm at Patrick’s

MINUTES COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD 31 July 2025

2.30pm Fincher’s Corner, Cradley

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

Apologies: Jessie M (treasurer), Patrick F

1. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING

* MEMBER SURVEY

JM has created a survey to be circulated to members seeking opinions on direction of CW etc. She was thanked and the survey discussed and approved. We need to find a way to get it out to members and potential members most efficiently. Apart from the obvious (email), suggestions were including it in the Green mailing (BvM) and distributing with the Newsletter.

Action point: survey to be slightly tweaked then distributed.

* COMMITTEE

It was agreed that we need a couple more officers not just to boost the ranks but as a safety precaution if a current one resigns.

Action point: members to be approached directly and/or emailed.

* REBECCA TULLY TALK

Although there wasn’t a huge attendance (10 people) it was useful to hear what Rebecca had to say about local food networks. It was also a good networking opportunity. Rebecca supplied us with useful contacts, too.

2. CHAIR’S REPORT

* LB, CG and PF met with Lindsay from COG, and he had much to say about fundraising and building connections with other wildlife groups. Lindsay has since emailed with a list of contacts etc.

* LB has contacted Ella Quincy about a farm visit and she has agreed, suggesting April or May next year.

* LB has also contacted Ruth at the suggestion of Rebecca Tully about contacting local farmers and showing the film Six Inches of Soil.

3. TREASURER’S REPORT

In JM’s absence, CG reported that we have £1093.85 in the current account. This includes the small grant (£250) received from the Parish Council on 4 August.

5. SPEAKERS UPDATE

January: Johnny Birks will talk on Mammals of the Malverns.

Other ideas:

* August: butterflies. BvM to contact expert in West Malvern. To tie in with Butterfly Count.

* Sept: possibly Dave Lee on dormice and bats. LB to contact.

* LB suggested someone from Ledbury Ornithological Society to talk on local birds.

* BvM to approach regenerative farmer in March Marcle (Awnells Farm) about a possible field trip.

* Hedgehogs and highways: maybe to tie in with hedge survey.

* PF also suggested that we do an outdoor event about moths ie a moth trap left overnight.

* Screening of Six Inches of Soil, plus possible feast.

Action point: everyone to keep suggesting potential speakers for 2025.

6. CRAFT EVENING, November

It was agreed that small paper tree ornaments (Veronika) and willow stars and seed heads (Celia) to be made.

Action point: Celia and Veronika to be approached. Source of willow/hazel to be established.

7. NEWSLETTER SEPTMBER

BVM is writing about hoverflies. LB suggested adding damselflies and dragonflies. Also upcoming events.

8. MOLEHILLS

No response received from Colin Merker about molehill granules. CG and BvM reported that there has been very little activity from the mole recently. This could be because of the dry weather.

Action point: if molehills reappear, CG to ask Colin Merker re granules.

9. HEDGE SURVEY UPDATE

As PF was absent, we wait to hear if there has been any response for volunteers.

Action point: PF to report on progress.

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

OBJECTIVES FOR NEXT YEAR

It was agreed that we need a couple of clear objectives for 2026 eg a campaign like P4P that involves the whole community and, especially, children. Suggestions included:

Creating a water feature eg a village pond or Flowform water sculpture if we have the funds eg Lottery funding.

Action point: It was agreed that it would be useful to go and recce the orchard area to see what potential it has for other activities eg digging a pond, creating a miniforest. Date to be agreed.

Creating a new wildflower bank opposite CG’s house

Action point: CG to find out who owns the bank.

Making Cradley a ‘Bee Village

Action point: CG to contact other bee villages to see what’s involved.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

4 September, prior to AGM 11 September, 2.30pm, Lilac Cottage

2 or 23 October

6 November

18 December

MINUTES COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD, 25 June 2025

2.30pm, Lutian House, Cradley

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

Apologies: Jessie M

1. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING

It was agreed that CG and PF to schedule a meeting about a potential Cradley Wild stand-alone website and to ask Tony C to attend.

2. CHAIR’S REPORT

* LB reported that she had contacted Ella Q, who has offered to take a group for a farm visit at Old Country Farm.

Action point: LB to firm up.

* The Hunabans, who live on Huntingdon, are leaving a patch of grass they own to revert to wildflowers. It was part of a field and has not been mowed or ploughed for a long time. Ian P has agreed to visit and advise re plants. The Hunabans have put up a ‘Wildflower Area’ sign.

Action point: Ian P to visit.

* Lynn M reported that an area of woodland near her (behind the army truck) has been felled, and dormouse habitat lost. LB put her in touch with Keith, tree warden, who visited her to discuss. There was discussion about the legality of tree felling on private land

This raised a general point about land ownership and whether we should do more relationship building with local farmers and landowners. PF suggested that it was more effective to do this on a one-to-one basis, rather than by leafletting or similar.

Action point: Geoff (local history chap) and Robert the farmer (walking group) to be approached to see if they have who owns what.

* Richard B who manages the verge on the junction of the A4103 and Cowleigh Road has contacted us to say that it has been cut by the council. LB put him in touch with Anne of Verging on the Wild.

Action point: PF suggested we look at land registry maps to see what is privately owned and what isn’t.

LB made contact with the chair of Ledbury Ornithological Society at the Ledbury Community Event. He is happy to come and speak to us next year.

Action point: LB to firm up and suggest topic.

3. TREASURER’S REPORT

In JM’s absence, CG reported that we have £948.10 in the current account. CG has applied for a small grant (£250) from the Parish Council. As yet, no response.

Action point: CG to ask Lindsay from COG to attend a committee meeting and to advise re grants and chat generally.

4. MEADOW WALK REPORT

It was agreed that this was a most successful event with a good attendance (25) and that Rory was an excellent speaker. It was also agreed that a donation of £50 be given to Herefordshire Meadows. PF pointed out that he got the useful long poster of plants and their roots from Cotswolds Grass & Seeds.

Action point: CG to pay Herefordshire Meadows.

5. SPEAKERS UPDATE

Johnny Birks is confirmed as a speaker for January. He will talk on Mammals of the Malverns.

CG suggested we approach the butterfly/moths expert who recently spoke to COG. BvM reminded everyone that there is also a butterfly expert in West Malvern, either could be a potential speaker for May. PF also suggested that we do an outdoor event about moths ie a moth trap left overnight. There was a general comment/discussion about how to involve more children in activities/talks and it was agreed that talks don’t have to have a special ‘child-friendly’ aspect. Johnny Birks is talking at 4pm to attract children post-school.

Action point: everyone to keep suggesting potential speakers for 2025.

6. CRAFT EVENING, November

After the success of last year’s craft evening (to make things for the Christmas Fair), we will repeat it again this year. Celia’s stars and plant supports were a success, and it was agreed that small paper tree ornaments would be good. PF suggested ‘planter kits’ ie wood cut in readiness to make a planter.

Action point: Celia and Veronika to be approached. Dave King possibly about the planter kits.

7. NEWSLETTER JULY/AUGUST

August: CG to write about verges and the Cradley RVNRs. LB to write a report about the meadow walk. Also upcoming events

8. MOLEHILLS

No response received from Colin M about molehill granules.

Action point: CG to chase.

9. VERGES

CG and LB are joining Anne (VoW) and Cherry (verge guardian) to help clear scrub from verge on Friday 4 July at 1.30pm.

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Themes for next year

Following some discussion it was agreed that the following themes be kept in mind to inform our events for 2025: water, habitats, pollinators, birds, trees. (BvM pointed out that Bella Johnson knows a great deal about forestry and can be consulted if necessary.)

Hedge survey

PF is waiting to see what response we get from the article in the Newsletter. Hopefully there will be enough interest to generate a July event.

Action point: CG to email members if response not sufficient.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

17 July, 2.30pm: Bill’s house

4 September, prior to AGM 11 September, Lilac Cottage

2 or 23 October

6 November

18 December

COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD 29 May 2025

2.30pm The Hurst, Bosbury Road

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

Apologies: none.

1. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING

PF pointed out that regarding item 6 in the last minutes, hedgerow mapping should include the whole parish, not just the area under National Landscapes.

2. CHAIR’S REPORT

LB ran through the schedule for upcoming events. Which are:

25 June: Rory Johnson, Herefordshire Meadows. Meet 2.30pm outside Village Hall. [later notice says 2-4pm]

10 July: Rebecca Tully on Food Alliance, 7pm, Village Hall.

No meeting in August

11 September:  AGM plus talk on Eco Churches. 2.30pm, Village Hall.

9 October: Dr Ian Hague on Saving the River Wye and water pollution etc

13 November: Maker’s event for Christmas Fair.

11 December: Di Hefferan on Mason bees.

It was agreed that speakers’ fee should be £50. If they don’t charge, it is to be given to a charity of their choice.

Action point: Speakers for next year need to be booked soon. See point AOB for two suggestions.

3. TREASURER’S REPORT

JM reported that although we are in a comfortable place financially (£xxx in bank account), the insurance payment (around £200) is due soon.

David Armitage (National Landscapes) is happy with our application for a grant for next year (LB thanks JM for her work on this).

It was agreed that money be allocated to create a website. This prompted a discussion on what the website/internet presence should include and what we expect it to deliver.

Action point: meeting to be scheduled to discuss further.

4. HEDGE WALK REPORT/ HEDGE SURVEY/LITTER PICK

PF reported that the walk was a success with a good attendance (13 people) and engagement. Several of those who attended would be interested in helping with the village hedge survey. This would not require much financial outlay as it is relatively low-tech and can be carried out on mobile phones. It does, however, need a good number of volunteers.

Action point: PF to draw up a timetable. CG will then email members to see who is interested. The aim is to hold a preliminary survey in late July.

Litter pick report: LB reported that five people attended the litter pick. The reduction in numbers was probably due to the date (bank holiday weekend/half term).

Action point: It was agreed that the next litter pick be held in September and start at the school.

Action point: JM pointed out that every activity needs a risk assessment. Should we create a litterpick one retrospectively?

5. POINTS ARISING FROM MEETING WITH COLIN MERKER

Parish council grant (£250) is potentially available.

Action point: JM and CG to apply. LB to supply last year’s application for ref.

National Lottery potential funding

There was discussion about what project could be funded if we received a substantial sum of money. (Colin Merker will help us apply for Lottery funding.) Suggestions included a Flowform water feature (BvM) which attracts frogs etc and has a calming effect, and a Miyakwaki mini forest (PF). It was agreed that Chapel Lane playground could be a good spot for either.

Action point: meeting to be schedule to discuss further.

There was talk about leasing land from local landowners for a project possibly funded by Lottery money eg mini forest etc.

Action point: Colin Merker to be asked if he knows of anyone with a spare field.

6. PLANTERS FOR POLLINATORS UPDATE

All planters in place and potted up.

Action point: CG to email Planter People about photographing their planters for the village show.

Action point: CG to contact local press and other media when we have a good set of images to spread word about the campaign and encourage others to do similar.

7. NEWSLETTER JULY/AUGUST

July: worms by Celia plus a para on hedge walk, P4Ps and Rory’s event.

Action point: PF to write a para on hedge walk and send to CG. CG will then compile all four elements and submit to eds.

August: topic tbc.

Action point: suggestions welcome

8. VERGES

CG has emailed Anne (VoW) and Cherry (verge guardian) and they are happy to guide us re scrub clearance on verges.

Action point: CG to fix date and drum up a working party.

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

FUTURE SPEAKERS BvM has contacted Johnny Birks who is happy to talk to us about one or more of four different topics.

Action point: his talk on Mammals of the Malverns to be scheduled for January 2026. BvM to ask him what time of day would suit him best.

BvM also knows of someone who can talk about butterflies as does PF via COG.

COLWALL ORCHARD GROUP CG suggested we ask Lindsay from COG to come to a future committee meeting so we can pick his brains about funding etc, and to create a collaboration between our two groups.

Action point:  CG to contact Lindsay.

AGM/membership

The two-levels of membership was discussed ie full membership (£5) which would permit discount admission to talks, and guest membership to receive emails but pay full amount for entry. Both count as membership numbers. Also how to pay subs at AGM ie bank transfer preferable. PF pointed out that raising our own funds shows us in good light to get other funding.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

It was agreed that Thursday afternoons at 2.30pm suit everyone. The following dates were confirmed:

26 June: PF’s house

31 July: BvM’s house (note new date)

COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD, 17 April 2025

2.30pm, Lilac Cottage, Bosbury

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

Apologies: none.

1. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING

Molehills: CG emailed Colin Merker, Derek Scully and Janita about a meeting to discuss what next. Janita has replied.

Action point: CG to fix up time and place. BvM also to attend.

2. TREASURER’S REPORT

We have £818 in the current account. It was agreed that this is a healthy position to be in, but not to get complacent. See point 6 about applying for next year’s funding to National Landscapes.

3. PLANT SALE, 5 May, 10-12am, outside the church

It was agreed that we sell the hazel teepees made at Celia’s, plus any plants anyone can bring. PF, LB and CG will man the stall (although PF is also doing a talk on hedges and looking after the Tools for Self-Reliance stall).

Action point: those manning the stall to arrive at 9am. CG will bring the banner, string, kitty and leaflets. Plus Planters for Pollinators sign.

4. VERGES

CG and LB met with Anne Crane from VoW on 13 April. They looked at two current RVNRs, which were looking good and species rich. They also assessed the possibility of creating other RVNRs on Bosbury Road by Pixiefields and at the junction with the main road, opposite Beverly’s Hill, currently left as scrub (ideal wildflower conditions). It was agreed that a consultation with nearby residents and Parish Council essential before proceeding and that clear communication is vital throughout. Signs to be created to explain.

PF pointed out that Land Registry maps (available online) indicate who owns what.

Action point: a working party to be organised to clear the scrub (mostly hawthorn) on the RNVRs.

Action point: CG to contact the verge surveyor about what is possible/who owns what.

Action point: LB to inform Sarah Herriott (who suggested area opp Beverly’s Hill) of the process/progress.

Action point: LB to ask Anne Crane where VoW get their signs made.

5. JUNE NEWSLETTER

Bill agreed to write a piece on hornets. To run alongside another on pollinator-friendly plants and a heads up of future events.

It was suggested that all members to be emailed to see if they would like to contribute ideas/features with the aim of drawing up a 12-month schedule.

Action point: all copy to CG by 10 May.

Action point: CG to email members inviting them to contribute.

6. NATIONAL LANDSCAPES

Suggestions of ways to spend funding included: LB said money to pay PLI was essential. This is £180 and is due in August/September. JM suggested a publicity budget for leaflets, posters etc and for equipment eg extra litter picks. Money is also needed to pay speakers (average cost, £50) and hire of village hall. We will also need to pay for signage for verges.

JM suggested we have an annual theme for activities eg habitats as pollinators have had dominance this year. PF said that hedgerow mapping comes under the National Landscapes boundary, and the Colwall example could be applied in Cradley and Storridge.

CG suggested generating an online presence eg a simple website with events and an ‘about us’ page. Is there someone local who could do this at a reasonable cost? JM said that we need to assess the purpose of this and what we hope to achieve.

Action point: a working party to discuss what online presence would look like, it’s purpose etc.

Action point: JM to draw up a budget plan/list of potentially funded projects/items to submit to National Landscapes. Also to point out what we give back to the community ie that the money is spent for the common good.

7. P4P UPDATE

LB told the meeting that the target of 110 planters for pollinators has been met. If there is a demand, we may raise the number. As it has been a successful, community event, there may be a demand/reason to run something similar next year.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

BvM reminded the meeting that there is a heap of molehill spoil at The Mound that would be good in planters if mixed with compost.

BvM attended a talk by Johnny Birks, author of The Pine Marten, at the Malvern Bookshop. It was agreed that he would make a good potential speaker for 2026.

Action point: BvM to contact Johnny Birks to see if would be interested.

Garden visit, 2 June. JM said that all places had been taken. No offers of car share yet, but LB and CG said they would be happy to oblige.

Committee: LB reminded everyone that committee officers are open to all and any nominations are welcome at the AGM.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

It was agreed that Thursday afternoons at 2.30pm suit everyone. The following dates were confirmed:

29 May

26 June

17 July

COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD, 27 March 2025

2.30pm, 19 Fincher’s Corner, Cradley

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

Apologies: Jessie M (treasurer),

1. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING

Molehills: as it’s almost a year since five members of CW have been raking and removing spoil, it was agreed that it is time to contact the Parish Council to point out that the trial period is over, and to reassess.

Action point: CG to email Derek S who heads up the Environment Group at the Parish Council.

Funding and grants: we are still waiting for money from National Landscapes. JM has chased and David A says it will arrive but there have been delays.

Should we apply for another grant from Parish Council for 2026?

Action point: LB to write to David A to put our case for more funding for next financial year.

2. LITTER PICK REPORT

LB reported that the litter pick was a success with a good turn-out. Several bags of purple litter were collected which were picked up in good time.

Action points: it was agreed that CW will hold litter picks every couple of months, starting in May. LB to contact Rebecca Tully to ask when she is doing hers and how we can co-ordinate.

3. PLANT SALE, 5 May

Celia and CW members have cut enough hazel to make 12 teepees. (It was agreed that willow is not used as it grows.) These are to be sold at the plant sale. Celia has suggested two dates for making the teepees. Other suggestions for our stall include selling plug plants grown for P4P. Jars of pollinator-friendly plants like we had at the Summer Fete last year.

We also have leaflets left over from previous events.

Action point: LB to confirm date for teepee making with Celia. CG to alert the membership.

Action point: PF, LB and CG agreed to man the stall, although PF is also doing a talk on hedges and looking after the Tools for Self-Reliance stall.

4. PROGRAMME FOR 2025

Speakers and events now confirmed until November.

Action point: CG to email members with confirmed programme. Also to ask Di H if she can do the date in December. Litter picks to be included on programme.

5. MAY NEWSLETTER

A composite feature comprising: BvM on bioabundance, JM on frogs and toads, PF on upcoming hedge talk. Alternative: BvM on hornets.

Action point: all copy to CG by 10 April.

6. MEMBERSHIP

It was agreed that the annual membership fee of £5 stands. This permits members to have discounted entrance to events and to receive emails. Non-members to pay full amount.

Money to be collected annually at the AGM on 11 September and by BACS.

8. VERGES

CG and LB are meeting with Anne from VoW on 13 April. They will look at current RNVRs and assess possibilities of others suggested by members, and also consider action re the one cut or two cut proposal from Herefordshire Council.

PF reported that the verges near Birchwood had been trashed by wide vehicles

9. P4P UPDATE

Compost has been collected from the Wyche and Dymock. Lavender plants have been bought at a discount. Starter kits (compost, label, lavender plant, seeds) are to be distributed on 12 April at the school. Sixty residents have signed up so far.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Buryfield orchard: PF reported that the WI have mulched the trees and bought a new one to replace the one that died. He pointed out that the ground where they have been planted is very wet and not ideal growing condition..

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next committee meeting will be held on Thursday 24 April, 2.30pm, Lilac Cottage.

COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD, 27 February 2025

2.30pm Lutian House, Cradley

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

Apologies: Jessie M (treasurer),

1. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING

Membership fee: there was discussion about whether a two-tier membership (active members, non-active members) is a good idea. PF pointed out that agreeing to be on the email list makes you a member, and it is good to have a decent membership number when applying for grants etc.

Action points: everyone to give it more thought. JM is preparing a report.

2. LITTER PICK 9 March, 2.30-3.30pm

It was agreed that meeting point to be Fincher’s Corner. Participants urged to bring hi-vis vests, gloves and litterpicks if they have them. CW has six of each. People to be paired up and set off up Chockbury Lane. LB has purple bags.

Action points: LB to arrange collection of purple bags. CG to email members to remind them of date etc. CG to create four posters to put up around the village.

3. PLANT SALE, 5 May

Celia and CW members have cut willow and hazel. Celia will make sweet pea supports to sell at the Plant Sale. ‘Living’ willow also available.

Action point: LB to email about availability of willow to members wishing to make living structures. A date in April to be fixed to make supports under Celia’s guidance.

PF said he is available to set up the stand. More volunteers needed to people it.

Action point: Jan Dampney to notify us re timings.

4. PROGRAMME FOR 2025

Speakers and events now confirmed until September.

Ideas for others:

Warden at Knapp Nature Reserve for Spring/Summer 2026 when orchids are in flower.

Action point: BvM to contact.

Ian Hague, Save they Wye, October or November.

Action point: LB to contact.

5. APRIL NEWSLETTER

April issue: a composite feature comprising Ian Perry about forthcoming floral walk: PF about his hedge survey; BvM on bio-abundance; CG shout-out about P4P.

Action point: all copy to CG by 10 March.

6. FUNDING AND GRANTS

All invoices have been submitted to National Landscapes by JM.

Should we apply for another grant from Parish Council for 2026?

7. CHAPEL LANE, MOLEHILLS

CG reported that she met with Janita and Diane M to suggest letting the grass grow longer to create a more wildlife-friendly habitat. The response was that this would be a health and safety risk (molehills now concealed); the mower is too big to mow a narrow path; and there is not sufficient variety of species to make this worthwhile. They are however prepared to let the verge by the fence to grow.

BvM suggested asking Rory Johnson of Herefordshire Meadows to take a look and advise. If he thinks growing the grass is beneficial, then to resubmit the idea to the PC.

Action point: BvM to contact Rory.

8. VERGES

Diane M has informed CG that all c and u roads should be mown just once a year. However, last year no one reapplied to stop the spring mowing and they were mowed twice.

Action point: CG to ask Diane if a previous application can be resubmitted.

Following an email from CG to members, various verges have been nominated not to be cut. What is the follow-up ie should we ask VoW to advise? If these are c and u roads, they should be covered.

9. P4P UPDATE

LB reported that 12 April has been set to distribute compost and starter packs at the school. Lavender plants have been ordered from the Hop Pocket. Flyers to be distributed at the start of March. A meeting with LB and CG and the WI to be held on 7 March.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Buryfield orchard: PF and LB have pruned the trees and laid cardboard. PF reported that the WI tree is diseased and has been all along. Frank Mathews will not refund money so a new to be ordered by WI. The pear tree is still to be pruned.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

The next committee meeting will be held on Thursday 27 March, 2.30pm, VBvM’s house.

COMMITTEE MEETING, CRADLEY WILD, 31 January 2025

2.30pm. Lilac Cottage, Bosbury

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

Patrick F

Apologies: Bill vM

1. PLANTERS FOR POLLINATORS

LB reported that this initiative is gathering momentum. Meetings have been held with Pam and Sue from the WI and the word is being spread via the Newsletter and flyers which will be distributed in late Feb. CW will contribute £200 towards plug plants.

The WI is applying for a grant from the Parish Council. Sue H has also organised laser printing of labels.

LB and CG and Pam from WI had a meeting with Mrs Jones at the school. She is happy for P4P to hold a morning there to distribute compost and starter packs.

JM wondered what happens if more than 110 people sign up for planters.

Action points:

The WI to give us a list of expected costs.

Plug plants to be ordered and pro-forma invoice given to JM by mid-Feb, to send to National Landscapes. LB

2. VERGING ON WILD TALK, 13 Feb

LB reported that SW still to respond to emails but otherwise all looks set.

Action point: committee members to arrive at 6.30 where possible to help with set-up, entrance fee and refreshments

3. CW PROGRAMME FOR 2025

The following events were agreed.

13 February: Sally Webster, Verging on the Wild.

Xx March: Litter pick, date to be confirmed. JM has been solo litter picking. It was suggested that this be rolled out to see if any other members would also like to pick around their patch.

We may also hold a seed sowing for Plants for Propagators in March.

12 April, 10am: P4P compost drop at the school

26 April, 2pm: Ian Perry’s nature walk around village

5 May Plant Sale, Village Hall. CW to have a stand with WI to promote P4P tbc

18 May: Patrick Fleming’s hedge survey

25 June. Rory Johnson, Herefordshire Meadows

28/29 June 5/6 July: Village Open Gardens. P4P judging?

10 July: Rebecca Tully, Food Alliance

August: no meeting, though PF suggested another hedge survey.

11 September: AGM and talk re Eco churches

Suggestions for future speakers

* The warden from The Knapp and Paper Mill Nature Reserve.

* Dr Ian Hague, Save the Wye

* Dr Johnny Birks, zoologist and chairman of The Mammal Society

* Archie Miles, Herefordshire tree expert and author

* Ella Quincy on dormice

* John Hughes formerly of Shropshire Wildlife Trust on fungi

* A regenerative farmer eg Ben Taylor-Davies (Regen Ben), or the woman farmer in Bishop’s Frome.

4. MEMBERSHIP

There was discussion about the £5 membership fee, which is due in September every year. JM suggested that membership benefits ie what does membership buy, be spelt out, this is where the money went last year, this is where it’s going. Should there be two levels of membership ie one for active volunteers, one for those with more passive engagement? It was also suggested that a call for membership be included in future CMS Newsletter features.

Action point: JM to draft a proposal.

5. CMS NEWSLETTER

Next deadline: 16 Feb. LB suggested more child-friendly features be included.

Action point: CG to write about moths for March issue, and to send P4P flyer to run as a full-page ad. PF to write about hedges in subsequent issue.

6. WILLOW CUTTING

Celia has a source of willow (Ivan) which can be used to make plant structures and/or to plant.

Action point: a date/time to be fixed for people to come and cut.

7. MOLEHILL UPDATE

The molehill spoil in the Chapel Lane playground is considerable. Currently five CW members take it in turn to rake/remove. CG suggested that part of the playground, currently grass and not used for sport etc be allowed to grow long and wild. This would conceal some of the molehills and would not require mowing.

Action point: CG to talk to Janita and/or other Parish Councillors to see if they can be persuaded.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Project log: JM suggested that a spreadsheet be created to keep track of all CW’s various activities and to ensure that none drop off our radar. This was agreed.

Action point: JM to create.

Bluebell Wood: PF reported that the two-acre Bluebell Wood on the road to Mathon is for sale. It was agreed that it would be good to keep it for villagers but how to do this?

Action point: funding and crowd funding possibilities to be researched.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS

The next committee meeting will be held on 27 March, 2.30pm, PF’s house.