‘People and Nature, Making Connections’

22nd June 2016

Notices
1.     Wild Oxfordshire  and FWAG south-east, free workshop
Wild Oxfordshire  and FWAG South East and are working in partnership in an exciting new initiative with Thames Water in the Ock Catchment. There is a free workshop for landowners on 21st July, in Stanford in the Vale. For more information and to book a place contact Hilary Phillips on 01865 407034 or  [email protected]

2. Woodstock water meadows
From 1st June 2016 the Wychwood Project will be managing many aspects of the Woodstock water meadows under a contract from the Town Council.  The Wychwood Project has been interested in the water meadows for many years including writing a conservation management plan for the area in 2014. More recently, as part of the Evenlode Catchment Partnership, they have been involved in restoring a section of the River Glyme just upstream from the meadows to help improve river habitat and river quality and the resulting impacts downstream.

Wychwood Project Director, Sharon Williams, says “We very much look forward to playing a pivotal role in managing this important site for nature conservation. The water meadows offer many benefits to local people including quality of life, health and well-being as well as providing opportunities for education, enjoyment and recreation, helping to attract visitors and preserve links with the local community’s past.  It is a place with plenty of wildlife which gives people the chance to study and learn about, enjoy and have contact, with nature. Look out for some inviting new notice boards that we plan to have in place by the end of the year.”  For more information, please contact:
Wychwood ProjectTel: 01865 815420/3 [email protected]

3.  Refreshed Strategic Economic Plan for Oxfordshire – Public Consultation
OxLEP’s draft refresh of the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) was open to public consultation from 21st April – 27th May 2016. 262 responses from across Oxfordshire were received and collated into a report  http://www.oxfordshirelep.com/sites/default/files/SEP%20Consultation%20Report%20June%202016.pdf   The final SEP refresh will be published later in 2016. Further information on the SEP refresh can be found on  the FAQs page. http://www.oxfordshirelep.com/content/strategic-economic-plan-faqs

4.  Parts of the Cotswolds AONB ranked as one of the darkest areas in southern England
The most detailed ever satellite maps of England’s light pollution and dark skies, released by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), have shown that parts of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are ranked 13th in terms of the darkest skies in England.

The maps were produced using satellite images captured at 1.30 am throughout September 2015. This research comes at a time of increasing awareness of the harmful effects light pollution can have on the health of people and wildlife. That these skies were monitored at 1.30am illustrates just how long into the night England’s lighting spills outside of the Cotswolds AONB.  The Rollright Stones near Chipping Norton already has Dark Sky Discovery Status.  The new maps were produced by Land Use Consultants from data gathered by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in America. The NOAA satellite captured visible and infrared imagery to determine the levels of light spilling up into British skies. CPRE is sending lesson plans to primary schools in order to promote the enjoyment of dark skies. The interactive maps can be viewed by visiting http://nightblight.cpre.org.uk

5.  Shared Landscapes: the reintroduction of red kite in the UK
My name is Miranda (Mandy) Strubel, and I am a PhD student at Oxford Brookes University. I am currently looking for people to participate in my research and though this study might be of interest to some of you. My research focuses on the social aspects of red kite reintroduction and people’s relationships with these birds. After completing six months of fieldwork in the Chilterns, I am now continuing my investigation in Oxford to compare urban and rural, high and low density red kite areas. I would like to include as many different perspectives as possible as this will help me gather a representative sample of people’s views. There are no prerequisites for participating in this study, and you do not have to have any specialist knowledge of red kites. While my research focuses on red kites as a case study, many of my questions are about people’s relationships with wildlife more generally. If you would like some more information about what I’m doing or would like to participate in this study, I would be delighted to hear from you (please email [email protected]).

Vacancies/Voluntary Work

6.  Opportunity with Anne Carpmael Charitable Trust (Withymead Nature Reserve, Goring)
The post of Warden at Withymead Nature Reserve, on the Bridle Way between Goring and South Stoke, will become available from August 2016. The post is a three-year fixed term role. The position is being offered, either as a Volunteer Worker which is unsalaried, but with on-site, rent-free accommodation or as a self-employed free lance consultant, based off-site. Closing date for applications – 5th August.For more information please email [email protected]. or take a look at the website www.withymead.org

Many more training courses can be found on our website http://www.wildoxfordshire.org.uk/directory/

7.  Learn how to scythe. 9th July, Aston Rowant
The course is taking place at the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve near Watlington. It is open to anyone with an interest in learning this valuable technique which is a great way to manage wildflower meadows, nature reserves, orchards, churchyards, nettle patches and even lawns.

The trainer is Nigel Adams who has a huge experience of teaching traditional rural skills. He has scythed the wildflower meadow on Prince Charles’ estate at Highgrove and in 2013 was nominated by the Prince as one of his rural heroes.The course will use lightweight, adjustable Austrian scythes and will cover all the basics of how to set up the scythe to fit individual height and build, how to maintain and sharpen it and, of course, mowing techniques. To find out more about this one day course and book a place, visit www.chilternsaonb.org/events or call Neil Jackson at the Conservation Board on 01844 355523.

8.  Gannett Foundation
Via Newsquest titles. Application forms can be downloaded from newsquest title websites. Usually the deadline for applications is early October and decisions are made in November.
http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/gannettfoundation/?ref=fetp

9.  TOE2 and TVERC Recorders’ Grant Scheme
TOE2 is delighted to invite applications for projects that improve the quality, quantity and/or coverage of voluntary species recording in Berkshire and Oxfordshire.  Applications may be standalone grants to support better recording or they may be linked to a larger biodiversity application to TOE2.Please contact us or look at our website www.trustforoxfordshire.org.uk for further information about the Recorders’ Grant Scheme.

10.  Encouraging Bumblebees across Oxfordshire
Bumblebees are not as numerous or widespread as you might expect.  Changes in land management mean there are less and less wildflowers in the landscape, and many bumblebee species are struggling to survive. We can make funds available for projects which benefit bumblebees and other invertebrates by planting native flowers and shrubs in suitable natural habitats and also planting nectar-rich non-native species in more urban locations.  If you are already planning to submit a biodiversity application to TOE2, do consider whether you can increase the scope of your project by creating opportunities for bumblebees.  www.trustforoxfordshire.org.uk

11.  Wetlands Community Days scheme
Please find an early notification and application form for Tranche 5 and 6 for the Rivers and Here is the opportunity to put bids in for the winter 2016 and an opportunity to plan for Tranche 6 for next year.  If you wish to put in a bid we would request that the detail or project description describes what is to be done in the river for the project. This will help give the panel a clearer idea of what the project is aiming to do and help with us agreeing funding the bid.

The deadline for the next tranche 5 of funding is 19 August 2016, with up to £5000 per project.
The deadline for Tranche 6 (Spring/Summer 2017) is 18 February 2017.

The application form and process documents and they can also be located here: http://www.wildtrout.org/content/rivers-and-wetlands-community-days Multiple bids for different locations on different waterbodies/ communities can be applied for by the same organisation.If you have any queries, please call Shaun Leonard of the Wild Trout Trust on 07974 861908 or Stuart Malaure at the Environment Agency on 07766 497290.

Events

12.  RSPB Otmoor- Wild Flower walk 
23 June, 7-9pm
Take a walk on the wild side.  Otmoor is special for much more than its amazing birds. Take this rare opportunity to focus on the wild flowers that splash Otmoor with colour.Non RSPB members £5, 20% discount members and children free.Booking is essential, tel 01865 351163 or email [email protected]

13.  Wild About Glow Worms – Guided Walks 9.45pm to 11.30pm
Fri 24th June. Sat 2nd July. Fri 15th July. Fri 22nd July
Join us for a magical after-dark glow worm spotting expedition!
Bring a torch, sturdy footwear & warm clothing Adults £6, children* £3 (payable on arrival)
Numbers are strictly limited  and booking is essential Call Cathy Rose on 01844 355 506
or email [email protected] Meet at the Aston Rowant NNR car park signposted from the A40 near Stokenchurch, M40 J5  Nearest post code HP14 3YL Due to the late finish this event is unsuitable for young children.  The route does have to involve some steps so is also unsuitable for those with very limited mobility

14.  Fish of Watlington, the Thame and the Thames – our relationship with them: past, present and future, a talk by Dr Iain Naismith
Friday 24th June, 8pm, Watlington Town Hall, OX49 5PS
Fish have exacting requirements, inhabiting a fragile water environment that is easily disrupted by our activities. We make many uses of watercourses that affect fish stocks, having engineered and exploiting them over the centuries for power, navigation, drainage, water supply and wastewater disposal. However, in spite of ignorance of their needs and indifference to their plight, fish stocks have survived and there are reasons to be optimistic for their future in our hands. This illustrated talk will take us through the history of fish and fisheries in the Thames Catchment, our past and present impacts on them and what hope there is now for their future. It will describe both the bigger picture, of what has happened and is happening in the Thames Catchment, and how at the local level our watercourses have been impacted. Watlington Environment Group. Watlington Town Hall, OX49 5PSAdmission free to members, £2.50 for non-members.

15.  Withymead Nature Reserve – Open Days and Cream Teas
Sunday 26th June 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Enjoy a stroll around Withymead Nature Reserve on the last Sunday of each month in June, July and August and enjoy cream teas in the Study Centre/Wildlife Garden. Entrance to the reserve is free, but donations are always gratefully received. Withymead, Bridleway, Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG8 0HS For more information take a look at the website www.withymead.org , email [email protected]  or phone 01491 875357

16.  Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme drop-in event at Oxford Town Hall,
Tuesday 28 June, 2-8pm
The event will be an opportunity for you to see the route, find out how and why we have selected this route and how we have used your feedback from the public consultation earlier this year. There will also be information available on flood risk and wider benefits. Assembly Room at Oxford Town Hall,  St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1BX. You will also be able to view the information online from the same day, via our website www.gov.uk/government/publications/oxford-flood-risk-management-scheme/oxford-and-abingdon-reducing-flood-risk    Facebook www.facebook.com/oxfordscheme/

17.  Oxford and the Thames: a national hotspot for freshwater wildlife
Wednesday 29 June at 2pm
A talk by Jeremy Biggs of Freshwater Habitats Trust in association with Oxford Flood Alliance.
Venue: South Hinksey Village Hall, OX1 5AS at 2pm on Wednesday 29 June 2016.
The talk is free for anyone to attend but space is limited so to book your seat please drop an email to [email protected] to ensure there is a space available.
More information is available on http://freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/news/oxford-and-the-thames-a-national-hotspot/

18.  Qigong for Summer, Barracks Lane Community Garden
Thursdays 30th June – 21st July 7.45 – 9pm
‘Qigong for summer’ classes are designed to nourish the Heart and Small Intestine, which are working hardest in the summer season. The forms and exercises we will practise are chosen for their ability to balance the Heart qi, nourish Heart yin and calm excess yang, weaving in some heart-based breath meditation too.Cost £50, or £40 concessions. To book please pay a deposit of £25 by 15 June, for details contact Zoe Bicat: [email protected]

19.  Archaeology Night
Thursday 30th June, 6pm-9pm
Hear all about the University of Oxford’s latest research projects in the area. Free (donations welcome) but please book: 01865 407792 www.earthtrust.org.uk

20.  Pond creation and conservation              
Thursday 30th June
This pond workshop will demonstrate why ponds are important and how making new ones can have an almost immediate effect on local biodiversity. The workshops will discuss basic pond ecology and construction techniques and show how new ponds can be successfully made and managed, basic dos and don’ts of site selection, construction and planting, guidance on planning and legal considerations. Facilitators: Rod d’Ayala & Rob Aquilina. For full details and to book email [email protected]

21.  Wildflower Meadow Walks
Saturday 2nd  July 10am
A guided stroll through the rich tapestry of flowers and grasses at Meadow Farm, led by a member of staff.  Book online at www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on   or phone 01442 826774
Meadow Farm Nature Reserve is on the B4011 Thame Road, between Blackthorn and Piddington, near Bicester, OX25 1TW. Enquiries: 01869 245864 or [email protected] Suggested donation: £4 per participant. No dogs thank you

22.  Open Meadows, drop-in
Saturday  2nd July: 2pm – 6pm
A feast for your senses! Follow our new trail and enjoy the colour, scents and special wildlife at Meadow Farm at your own pace. No need to book. Parking limited. Larger groups – please ring organiser. Meadow Farm Nature Reserve is on the B4011 Thame Road, between Blackthorn and Piddington, near Bicester, OX25 1TW. Enquiries: 01869 245864 or [email protected]  Suggested donation: £4 per participant for all events No dogs thank you

23.  Moth Night
Saturday 2nd July, 9pm-11pm
Join us in the Earth Trust arboretum for an evening of moth trapping with Marc Botham. Suitable for adults and older children; younger children will enjoy tomorrow’s Marvellous Moths drop-in session. £5 adult, £2 child; booking essential: 01865 407792. www.earthtrust.org.uk

24.  Marvellous Moths
Sunday 3rd July, 10am-2pm
Drop in to the Earth Trust Centre and find out all about marvellous, magnificent moths! We’ll be taking a look at what was caught in the live moth traps the night before. £4 suggested donation per child, accompanying adult(s) free. No need to book. www.earthtrust.org.uk

 25.  Ewelme Watercress Beds Local Nature Reserve  Open afternoons
3rd July 2 and 4.30pm
Take a self-guided walk round the nature reserve or go with one of our guides Adults £3 – accompanied children free  Relax with a cup of tea and cake beside the stream No need to book.  No dogs please except guide dogs and sensible footwear is advisable.

26.  Chimney Meadows
Monday 4th 6 pm
Joint meeting with the Wychwood Flora Group for a guided tour of this BBOWT reserve with Lisa Lane. SP 354 013. Booking essential as parking is limited in the designated BBOWT car park on the left at the entrance to the reserve. Contact person: Brenda Betteridge 01993 878615

27.  Off with their Heads! – Ian Gourlay
Tuesday 5th July 2016, 7:45-9:15pm
Why does Oxford have so many problems with city trees, what should we plant, and why perhaps should we take a “leaf” from the French? Using examples of tree plantings in Paris Ian Gourlay will discuss Oxford’s trees, present and future. Ian Gourlay is a former wood anatomist at the Department of Forestry (now Plant Sciences) and is involved with The Forest of Oxford group, The Oxford Tree Club, the Wychwood Project, Oxford Organics group and Oxfordshire Garden’s Trust!
Old School Room, St Peter’s Church, First Turn, Wolvercote, Oxford, OX2 8AQ. Visitors: £2, Members: FreeContact Sandra Simpson, [email protected]  www.anhso.org.uk

28.  Open Meadows, drop-in
Sun 10 July:  11am – 5pm
A feast for your senses! Follow our new trail and enjoy the colour, scents and special wildlife at Meadow Farm at your own pace. No need to book. Parking limited. Larger groups – please ring organiser. Meadow Farm Nature Reserve is on the B4011 Thame Road, between Blackthorn and Piddington, near Bicester, OX25 1TW. Enquiries: 01869 245864 or [email protected] Suggested donation: £4 per participant for all events No dogs thank you

29.  Botanical Illustration
Sunday 10th July, 10am-4pm
Learn some invaluable tips and techniques from RHS Gold Award winning botanical illustrator Romilly Swann. For beginners/intermediates. £30; booking essential: 01865 407792

30.  Geology of the Lower Windrush Valley – Summer Walk
Thursday 14th July, 6.30pm
A guided walk, led by Lesley Dunlop of the Oxfordshire Geology Trust, looking at the geology and changing landscape in the Lower Windrush Valley.
Walk length is approximately 2 miles long and will start and finish at the Rose Revived pub in Newbridge. Please meet in the car park at the Rose Revived at 6.30pm.
This event is FREE but please book by contacting the Lower Windrush Valley Project at [email protected] or via the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1604411609878386/

REGULAR WORK PARTIES

ANNE CARPMAEL CHARITABLE TRUST
Withymead and Little Meadow Bridleway, Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG8 0HS
Regular Monthly Volunteer Day – currently on hold
[email protected]. http://www.withymead.org

ASTON ROWANT NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE VOLUNTEER GROUP
Regular group meets every Monday from 9am – 4pm. School visits and event dates variable
Aston Rowant NNR near Watlington is one of the country’s most important nature reserves.
Site management tasks are led by our experienced site managers and may include scrub clearance, path maintenance, fencing, species protection, interpretation and even livestock husbandry. Members of the group can do tasks according to their ability and will gain valuable skills for career development or personal achievement as well as enjoying the social side of volunteering! We also need helpers for public events and school group visits.
Hot drinks, gloves and safety equipment provided and travel expenses are paid. Please bring lunch, warm and waterproof clothing plus sturdy footwear.No experience necessary as training for all tasks is provided on the day. Please contact Mick  Venters   [email protected]  01844 351833

ASTON UPTHORPE
The last work party of this winter – Sunday 14th February 2016. All work parties meet at the grain dryer (SU550844) and we start at 10:00. We usually finish around 13:00, although we occasionally stay a little longer in ideal conditions. We will be carrying out scrub-clearing operations.  Please bring stout footwear, outdoor clothing, a drink and a snack. We normally supply some tools, but if you have your own, please do bring them.  Please contact me in advance ([email protected] or 01865 391727) each time if you intend to come. We occasionally have to cancel in seriously adverse weather.

BARTON FIELDS GREEN TEAM, Abingdon
All are welcome to join us. Tools provided. Wear old clothing and wellies or stout shoes
Alternative tasks are available. Refreshments will be provided. Tasks may change
Please let us know if you are coming. Contact David on:  01235 529151

BARRACKS LANE COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT
See website  –  -http://www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk for full details

BBOWT WORK PARTIES :
1.  Blenheim Farm Community Nature Reserve, Charlbury
Occasional work parties and events only.  Contact Mark Bradfield on [email protected] or 01865 775476 ext 217 to join.
2.  CS Lewis Community Nature Reserve, Risinghurst, Oxford
Meet on the 1st Sunday of the month, (alternate months only at present).  Contact Mark Bradfield on [email protected] or 01865 775476 ext 217 to join.
3.  Friends of Chimney Meadows Volunteer group –  A friendly mixed group if volunteers that works from 10am to 4pm at Chimney Meadows nature reserve every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Carry out various Habitat management related tasks. Contact Robert Lawrence or Louise King.  E-mail:  [email protected]  or  [email protected]
4.  Chinnor Hill (1 mile E of Chinnor)
Meet on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Contact Mike Turton on 07877 897939 to join.
5.  Cothill Fens Nature Reserves (Lashford Lane and Parsonage Moor), nr Abingdon
Meet every 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Elene Walton 01865 775476 [email protected],
6.  Oxfordshire Midweek Team
Every Wednesday take on practical tasks on various reserves in Oxon.
Transport provided from HQ (Littlemore).  Contact Andy Gunn 01865 775476 a[email protected]
7.  Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, nr Didcot. Meet alternate Fridays for wildlife gardening or reserve maintenance tasks.  Contact Mark Bradfield on [email protected] or 01865 775476 ext. 217 to join.
8. Rushbeds Wood/ Lapland Farm
First Sunday of every month Sept through March.  Meet 10 am, usually at gateway SP667154.  Ring to confirm.  Bring lunch if staying all day.  We are a small but very active, welcoming group..  A varied reserve with woodland and hay meadows.  Contact: Becky Woodell  01844 238399
9.  Upper Ray Meadows Work Party
Meets fortnightly in summer and weekly in winter on Tuesdays carrying out practical tasks across the Upper Ray Meadows. Tools and training will be provided, as will tea and biscuits!  Bring your own lunch, waterproofs and suitable footwear.  Contact Andy Collins on [email protected] or 01869 245864 to join.
10. Whitecross Green Wood
Every Sunday except 1st Sunday of the month, Sept through March.  Ring to confirm.  Meet 10 am in reserve car park SP600150.  Bring lunch if staying all day.  We are a small but very active, welcoming group.  The reserve is nationally known for its butterflies, especially hairstreaks.
Contact:  Becky Woodell 01844 238399

BOWLER’S COPSE
Bowler’s Hazel Copse, near Wendlebury, Bicester – restoration and maintenance of an old hazel copse remnant.  A very small restored hazel copse with ongoing maintenance work. Map reference SP 5620
Hand tools and drinks provided – small group maximum 8.
Contact:  Mike Pearce  [email protected] – 01869 243 967 07894 641 739  or Jane Burrett [email protected] -01869 241823

CUTTLE BROOK NATURE RESERVE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTIES
Come and join our friendly teams on this lovely nature reserve in Thame. Work parties are held twice a month, on the last Wednesday and third Sunday. Meet in the scout hut car park (next to the Southern Road recreation ground), at 10am. All ages and abilities welcome.
For more details see the website: www.cuttlebrook.org.uk or email: [email protected]

EARTH TRUST REGULAR WORK PARTIES
Join our friendly teams to carry out practical land management tasks across all the Earth Trusts sites. All levels of experience are welcome, work is very seasonal and all training and safety equipment is provided. Further details of all our groups can be found at www.earthtrust.org.uk/volunteer or email [email protected]
1.     Thursday Group (weekly) – Abingdon
Our Thursday group has gone from meeting once a month to once a week and carries out work at Radley Lakes and Abbey Fishponds. Contact Lucy Tomkinson for more information: [email protected] or 07982 218493.
2.     Friday Group (weekly) – Little Wittenham
Weekly work party carrying out site maintenance at the Earth Trust’s flagship site in Little Wittenham. Meet at the Earth Trust Centre at 9am. Contact Steve Wrigley for more information:[email protected] or 07570 671980.
3.     Sunday Group (monthly) – site varies
This group meets on the second Sunday of every month and works on different Earth Trust reserves, depending on where they are needed. Contact Kerry Lock for more information: [email protected] or 01865 409408.
4.     Abbey Fishponds, Abingdon (monthly)
Our Abbey Fishponds volunteers meet on the first Saturday of every month at 9.30am. Contact Lucy Tomkinson for more information: [email protected] or 07982 218493.

EWELME WATERCRESS BEDS and LOCAL NATURE RESERVE TASKS
First Saturday and third Wednesday each month Ewelme Watercress Beds Centre. Near Wallingford. SU641916.   Bring Wellies. Details of tasks from Tom Stevenson on 01491-836888 or email http://[email protected]
Also on the web site at http://www.ewelmewatercressbeds.org

FRIENDS OF ASTON’S EYOT
Aston’s Eyot is a 13 hectare site in East Oxford where the Cherwell meets the Thames, and is managed by a community group.We have a work party on the last Sunday of every month, 2.30 – 4.30pm, followed by a picnic tea.Meet at the entrance at the bottom of Jackdaw Lane.Wear strong shoes or boots, and bring gardening gloves.
Contact Ruth Ashcroft, 01865 248344, or [email protected]

GREEN GYMS
Green Gyms help people become physically and mentally healthier by taking part in practical nature conservation activities to improve their local environment. Everyone is welcome to join.
CHILDREN : Under 16s accompanied by a guardian are welcome.
WE PROVIDE All tools, training and refreshments.
PLEASE WEAR old clothes and sturdy shoes or boots (trainers not advisable).
TETANUS : Please ensure that your tetanus inoculation is up to date. For more information, see the website http://www.tcv.org.uk/greengym/how-green-gym-works

The Oxfordshire Green Gyms are now all run by volunteers and are based at Abingdon, Bicester, Chipping Norton, Sonning Common and Wallingford. For contact details see below.
1.  Abingdon Green Gym
We meet on Saturday mornings 9.30-12.30 at a variety of sites in and around Abingdon.
For more information please contact Lesley Bosley  via 07503 724717  [email protected]  Website: www.abingdongreengym.org.uk
Blog: www.abingdongreengym.blogspot.com
2.  Bicester Green Gym
Please ring 01869-600952 to let us know you’re coming, or email via the website. Mobile on the day: 07708 400781 http://www.bicestergreengym.org
3.  Chipping Norton Green Gym
Meets on a Wednesday or Thursday  mornings.  Contact Jenny Harrington 01608 643269 email: [email protected]. http://www.chippygreengym.org/.
4.  Woodstock Green Gym
Meets on a Wednesday morning.  Contact Philip Redpath 01993 810820 email: [email protected].
Website: http://www.woodchipgreengym.org.uk/.  Mobile on the day: 07769 500667.
5.  Sonning Common Green Gym
Full information and map references on http://www.greengym.org/sonningcommon
6.  Wallingford Green Gym
Contact: Jennifer Brooker, Wallingford Green Gym co-ordinator
01491 826157  [email protected]  http://www.wallingfordgreengym.org.uk

HENLEY WILDLIFE GROUP WORK PARTIES
Work parties are both social and recreational. Hand tools only are used.
We meet at 09.30 and finish about 12.30.

There are two sites:Mill Meadows: maintenance of ponds, stream and wildlife areas. First Wednesday of each month. .Valley Road Chalk Bank: maintenance of woodland, grassland and chalk bank areas. Meet behind Knappe Close (SU 75258194). For more information please contact Sally Rankin, Home 01491 578633, Mobile 07941 207687.

HILL END CENTRE, EYNSHAM ROAD, FARMOOR
Volunteers are invited to help maintain the Centre’s grounds both as a wildlife conservation and educational resource. There’s a variety of tasks: footpath maintenance, weeding and cutting out the invasive plants; protecting habitats and food for wildlife; occasional planting and pruning; building maintenance; surveying and keeping records of the plants, birds, butterflies and bees. Come for entire sessions or just the occasional hour. Tools are provided. See www.hillend-oec.co.uk     Contact David Millin on 01865 863510 or [email protected]

KINGWOOD AND PEPPARD COMMON VOLUNTEERS (KPCV)
Kingwood and Peppard Common Volunteers (KPCV) meet on the first Monday and third Saturday of each month. The work parties run from 9:30am to 12:30pm, and volunteers are welcome for all or any part of that time. The commons are located between the B481 and Stoke Row Road and our work consists mainly of heathland management – caring for the heather in the woodland glades, removing competing species such as bracken, bramble and silver birch. We also maintain and improve the many informal footpaths on the commons.

OXFORD CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS 
For details of the next task contact Tim Bletsoe  Oxford Conservation Volunteers   0790 995 7344.  No experience is needed. We’ll provide all the tools and training and will collect volunteers from the two pick-up points.1) Outside the Lamb and Flag Pub on St. Giles at 9.20 am

2) Outside the Tesco on Cowley Road at 9.30 am

We aim to return you by 5.30 pm. You don’t have to tell us that you’re coming, just turn up at a pickup point on Sunday morning, or meet us at the site itself if you prefer. We provide tools, training and hot drinks. Under-16s welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Bring a packed lunch and wear old clothes.  We aim to be back in Oxford by 5:30pm at the latest. For more information visit our web site or email [email protected]

OXFORD COUNTRYSIDE RANGERS
Join our friendly Thursday group to carry out practical land management tasks across all the Oxford City Council sites. Our regular volunteering group is a great way to gain practical conservation experience, meet new people, get fit and spend time in the great outdoors.   All levels of experience are welcome, work is very varied and all training and safety equipment is provided.
Updates are sent out each Thursday to those on our mailing list, but for more information contact Carl on 07801625245 or https://www.facebook.com/parksoxford

OXFORD PRESERVATION TRUST
Come and join our friendly teams to carry out practical land management tasks on Oxford Preservation Trust’s nature reserves. All levels of experience are welcome. Work is very seasonal, and all training and safety equipment is provided. Our regular work parties are at:
Wolvercote Lakes – first Friday every month
Heyford Meadows – third Thursday every month
We also have regular work parties on OPT sites at Boars Hill.
Please contact Rachel Sanderson on 01865 242918 or email [email protected] for more information.

OXFORD URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP
OUWG holds weekly Sunday work parties 10am-1pm at Boundary Brook Nature Park.
Come and help Oxford Urban Wildlife Group to manage this thriving nature park, which now has SLINC status. You can choose your task from a variety of jobs.  A warm welcome guaranteed.
If you would like to work on other days, please contact Alan. Old clothes and stout footwear are advisable.  Some gloves available but bring your own if you wish.  Stop a bit longer for a hot drink at the end of the work party.
Please ring the Warden, Alan Hart, for details on 07979 608 013 (or if no answer 07901 120 308) and ring on the day, before setting out, to check it is still on. If the gate is locked when you arrive ring him for access. www.ouwg.org.uk

SHOTOVER WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAYS
Second Sunday of the month.  9.30-2pm
Shotover Hill and Brasenose Wood: including coppicing, heathland work, species recovery programme and restoration of marshes.
Evidence-based conservation led by Shotover Wildlife ecologists.
Tools and gloves provided. Please bring drink; and lunch if staying into the afternoon.
Contact Ivan Wright to be added to email circular for notification of the meeting place and task. [email protected]

ST MARY & ST JOHN CHURCHYARD (Cowley Road, East Oxford).
Volunteers are invited to help maintain the churchyard as a wildlife conservation area.
Work sessions are currently Wednesday mornings, 10-12,  but please check with Ruth Ashcroft [email protected] or 01865 248344.
There’s a variety of tasks: weeding out the invasive plants; strimming specific areas while protecting habitats and food for wildlife; occasional planting and pruning; surveying and keeping records of the plants, birds, butterflies and bees. Come for entire sessions or just the occasional hour. Tools are provided.  See http://www.ssmjchurchyard.org.uk

ST MARY’S FIELDS, KIDLINGTON, CONSERVATION WORKING GROUP
Maintenance & conservation work on SMF nature reserve. Meet in St Mary’s Church car park at the end of Church Street, tools and gloves provided, wear wellies or boots, no meeting if heavy rain. Info [email protected]

WITNEY WOODLAND VOLUNTEERS
We meet every Monday at 10 am under the clock by Waitrose in Witney to do a range of interesting and rewarding conservation projects in the Witney area, finishing at midday. Further details are on our website at http://www.witneywood.org.uk.