Present: Mike Rundle, Chair, Barley Wilson, Ian Wilson, Gill Waldron
Apologies: David Cooling, Neil Dandy, Nick Parsons
- Finance: Today’s balance is £1419.83. Mike has circulated Treasurer’s accounts to year end July 31st For consideration at the next meeting.
- Membership: Numbers are static. Membership digitisation is on hold until Tim has time to set it up for us.
- Scrape: Mike has taken down the broken door leading to the bird feeders and put up a notice about ceasing feeding at present subsequent to RSPB advice. Gill went to the hide to report on an hour’s observation as arranged in late July. At 7am the area was completely dry and virtually silent, apart from a pheasant and 5 greylag geese flying through – nothing else was sighted apart from some wood pigeons, rooks and jackdaws. Mike will repeat the exercise for August, Gill for September.
- Pond: Many paw prints are visible in the muddy area on the beach, still a reasonable amount of water in the pond and it remains clear. Mike’s camera failed to pick up any mammals coming down for water. Mike and Ian will revisit to erect two cameras.
- House Martens Swallows and swifts: Quite a positive response for mapping such that specific areas in the village of active nest sites have been highlighted. Residents have expressed an interest in the endeavour. There was discussion about how to proceed with a firm plan for next year. It is probably not sensible to purchase bulk numbers of swift boxes because different architecture requires different styles and finishes. Perhaps we could make some, perhaps get sponsorship? Various local businesses could be canvassed for support. Neil to enquire from Crisp whether the Maltings have identified any nests? It was agreed to invite David Gittings from Colkirk to our next committee meeting to help plan the next steps. Ian will invite him.
- UWFG: No new events, Barley will go to the Wendling Beck visit.
- Bug Hotels: Barley has photographic evidence that all three are in use. Have Crisp been thanked for their sponsorship, with photos as planned? (Neil)
- Future Events: Potentially a talk about swifts – to decide after next meeting
A talk/visit to illustrate drought problems for farming and wildlife? Mike to ask Dani from UWFG for suggestions as to suitable speakers.
To investigate possible visit to the Glaven Beaver project -Ian will contact.
To arrange a sausage and mash evening and quiz night in the Hall.
All suggestions need to be firmed up and dated.
- AOB: It was decided that RWG would not take a table at the Village Show on September 6th.
Date of next meeting: Monday September 14th 2026, Stone House