Thank you very much to everyone who made it to our task in January. With great relief we have now planted and guarded all 1500 plants! Over the next couple of months we will concentrate on clearing birch and pine from the heathland on Esher Common.
Although spring is still several weeks away, there are hints of better things to come. Many birds including Mistle and Song thrushes are beginning to sing to proclaim their territory. The male catkins of the hazel tree have expanded during February and are releasing their pollen, which are caught by the tiny red stigma along the hazel branches.
As an early warning, the countryside team will run our task in March a week earlier than usual. We hope you will still be able to attend.

Conservation Volunteers

Date: The next volunteer day will take place on Wednesday 24 February 2010.
Meet: Horse Shoe Clump Car Park (O.S. Map Explorer 161 London South, Grid Reference TQ126627).
Time: 10.00am.
Task: Scrub clearance on Esher Common (along the pylon line).

All equipment is provided along with tea and biscuits and you can stay for as long as you like. A Countryside Ranger will be on hand to answer any questions about species of plants and animals that will benefit from the days task.

If you have a little spare time on your hands and feel like making a real difference to your local environment, then why not join? A chance to gainknowledge of wildlife and conservation, get some fresh air, exercise and make new friends, are just some of the benefits that being an Elmbridge Volunteer can give you.

For more information |please contact the Countryside Team at Leisure and Cultural Services.