Present: Mike Rundle (chair) David Cooling, Neil Dandy, Barley Wilson, Ian Wilson, Gill Waldron.
Apologies: Nick Parsons
- Minutes of January 20th and of the AGM were approved. Disappointment at the low turnout of members was noted, and Ian was congratulated on an excellent quiz which received positive feedback.
- Financial Report. The bank account stands at £2210.69, Hall hire payment for AGM made.
- Membership Secretary Report. No changes to membership since January meeting.
- NWT and RWG invitation. The invitations have gone to the 10 varied groups in Norfolk selected for the meeting at the Memorial Hall on 26th March from 10am -2pm. Barley confirmed that the booking system works, this also has a space for food allergies/intolerances which is necessary for refreshment planning. The zoom meeting on March 5th 2pm will finalise the details. It is suggested that participants are welcomed with coffee and Mike will welcome them, followed by Nick co-chairing with NWT. RWG proposes a number of tables for 4 or 6 participants, each to have a theme, such as ‘achievements’ ‘future plans’ ‘difficulties’ ‘volunteer recruitment’ and discussions should be limited to 20-30 minutes, with each table listing one or two points which emerged from discussion. Suggest this until 12.30, break for lunch, plenary session 1.15 – 2.00 when the points on the whiteboard (Neil to source from Maltings) will inform the discussion to be led by NWT? To suggest NWT prepare simple sticker name and group labels for participants. Refreshments to consist of coffee/tea and biscuits to start (Gill), soup (Mike, Barley) and rolls, cheese , pate, hummus, salad etc (Gill).
- Letter from Dani Edwards Mike read the letter from Dani sent via the website to David and Gill. She is the new facilitator for Wensum Farmers and suggests a meeting with RWG to discuss plans of mutual interest such as a pollinator pathway towards Lyng and pond reclamation. This is welcomed by RWG and a meeting will be arranged (Mike). RWG are keen to discuss hedgerow management and perhaps the possibility of registering an interest in beaver release with Natural England.
- Sennowe pond and scrape. Mike had a camera on the pond area for wildlife at night, but only the rear end of a badger was recorded. He will try again with video. The brush is undisturbed. The gate at the end of the railway line leading to the road has been mended by the Sennowe estate with very positive feedback from local walkers. There was a working party on the scrape, of 6 people and a substantial clearance was made. There are new bird feeders. The new locks have been put on and members have been told the number of the combination.
- Future Events It was agreed that there would be no Dawn chorus walk this year. Gill to write to Tom Cook about dates in April or May for the Sennowe Walk. It is suggested to have a butterfly walk in Foxley wood, led by David, probably July. Barley suggests Warham Camp for August for the wild flora and perhaps to have an archaeological talk about it (David to explore with his suggested expert). The community woodland might be useful for a walk for families to identify species, and Barley will investigate the possibility of a biofluorescence walk. Later in the year a barbecue, possibly on the playing field.
- Any Other Business. The Spring Show would like RWG to have a table at the event on April 12th. Barley and Ian will bring some information about those spring bulbs which are a good source of pollination, and an interesting tank, although there are no harvest mice at present. There was brief discussion about an annual Wassail event in January, David will discuss with colleagues.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING Monday April 7th at Stone House, 7.00pm