Conservation Day December 2011

Redhill Common: north slope at the pond site. 30 students cleared scrub and trees from the north side of the pond. A significant area was cleared and they all worked hard and with enthusiasm. Small branches were burned and log piled up for collection. This task follows on from previous visits to open out this area and reinstate a grassland surrounding the pond which itself is planned for restoration in the future. Clearance of trees and scrub might at first appear destructive but it increases habitat diversity for various plants and animals along the forest edges created. Edge habitats are often more productive and the grassland will encourage new birds, insects and small mammmals, as well as bats. The glade will also provide a more attractive environment for people walking through the woods.

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July Conservation Day

Nutfield Marshes: 30 pupils were praised for their excellent conservation work on clearing a channel of choking typha reeds. They formed a big team and worked hard together both in the stream and on dry land clearing willow coppice. They were a superb bunch and were highly regarded as one of the best RGS conservation teams that Reigate Area Conservation Volunteers has seen. Very well done folks!

If you want to do MORE conservation in your own time ... contact Mr Collins for RACV details: YOU can save the World, starting in your own back yard!

Next RGS conservation day: December 13

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Earlswood Common conservation

20 Bronze DofE pupils worked incredibly hard all day on conservation activities in Earlswood Common. The Countryside Manager for Reigate Borough Council visited the team and was impressed by their commitment and enthusiasm. A cold but dry day - ideal for felling invading scrub (mainly alien sycamore - devoid of wildlife) along the Greensand Way (where it runs along a raised embankment hiding a Victorian sewer - piping Reigate's sewage to the sewage works down the road!). The pupils were brilliant - on task all day, delightfully enthusiastic and dedicated to the job. They opened up some good "window views" overlooking the lake and left the place with more diverse habitats for wildlife. Excellent job folks, very well done!

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Conservation Day Nutfield Marshes

30 3rd Year pupils went down to Nutfield Marshes - a nature reserve being established near Mercers Park. They worked on clearing a pond of invading reed mace (bull rushes) and surrounding willow. They managed to clear a substantial amount in just a day. This counts towards their Volunteering section.