MINUTES OF MEETING of the committee of RYBURGH WILDLIFE GROUP
Held at 5, Station Road, Great Ryburgh on 30th March 2026, 7pm.
Present : Mike Rundle, Nick Parsons, Ian and Bartley Wilson.
Apologies: David Cooling, Gill Waldron and Neil Dandy
1. Finance. Today’s bank balance is £1,426.15
2. Membership:
David reported current membership at 63 households with nine subs outstanding.
David raised his concerns of a general malaise or lack of engagement amongst the members. This was discussed. The general opinion amongst those present was that the attitude of the members has always been low levels of engagement but nevertheless the membership has remained solid or grown. It has always been the case that the members of the committee carry out the great part of any work required and of course, they recognise that that is what members of the committee do!
Barley said that we are not reaching non-members in the village. She accepted that a big proportion of members are inactive but still support the group. She thought this is as good as we will get. Ian said that the committee will always be chasing for new members but the group has a lot of positives and we simply must push on as in the past, but try to be new and imaginative. Nick felt we cannot berate ourselves if people do not come to events. He is very pleased if the group’s efforts result in people thinking more actively about the environment, et cetera.
There was general support for David’s idea of a committee outing to Titchwell. Nick volunteered to drive us all in his people carrier if he is available on the date decided.
3. Scrape. Nick observes that use of the scrape is minimal and perhaps members are put off by having to get through padlocks, and not being able to replenish the feeders. Mike will raise this with Steve.
4. Pond. Ian has visited and observed that few plants have yet grown or emerged and there is a little blanket weed on the pond by the railway line. Nevertheless, there are insects present and the committee supported the idea of a pond dipping event later in the year during school holidays, providing the ponds show promise.
5. Initiatives. The committee agreed with Nick that members responses to the numbers of hirundines last year were too imprecise and that if we are to establish a meaningful record of numbers the committee must do it. We must have a word with John Hopkins asking him to count Swift and swallows in Mill Road. Nick will do the middle of the village and Ian and Barley their end. Mike will contact John.
Barley pointed out that NWT are holding an online presentation “making room for swifts” on 23rd April which one or more of the committee may be able to take part in and report back. NWT will be sending out invitations the week before. It will be held at 6pm.
Tree mapping. Nick is of the opinion that there is merit in the group surveying the trees in the village as a “doomsday” record. This can be progressed during the year.
6. Ben Earl. 8th April, Earth Day Gressinghall 1-0am-4pm. Ian, Barley and Mike will staff a stand for the Group at this event. Ian proposes to bring a tank with pond life and details/examples of bug hotel making.
7. UWFG. Ian, Barley and Mike intend to attend the events on 14th April and 13th May.
8. Bug Hotels. Ian advised that a bug hotel has been erected at All Saints school, Stibbard, and is well received by Sue Daniel’s the nursery manager who is arranging photographs which will be provided to Crisp in recognition of their donation. Barley is waiting to hear from Flagship with a position for the next bug hotel in the village.
9. Future events: Sennowe walk 26th April. David says that four members have indicated they will come (excluding committee members). Gill enquires whether We might have a early morning Spring walk this year to coincide with a Sunday breakfast the Pop up pub group are thinking of holding. No date as yet. This item was overlooked and not discussed but it might attract people who would not otherwise join a walk. Explore further?
10 AOB. Barley thought ENBIS – the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service might have a pack to assist villages. She will enquire further. Nick reported the happy news that the barn owl boxes in his meadow appear to be occupied by two barn owls this year.
Date of next meeting: First Monday in the month – May 4th. Venue to be announced.