Present: Mike Rundle (Chair), Neil Dandy, Barley Wilson, Ian Wilson, Gill Waldron
Apologies: David Cooling, Nick Parsons
- Finance: Current account stands today at £1824.83. Mike (treasurer) will circulate annual accounts for discussion at the next meeting.
- Membership: David reported that he and Tim are making progress on a membership form which can be completed via the website.
- Scrape: Both Ian and Neil have visited the scrape recently and found it to be in a healthy condition but lacking water. Mike and Ian have put up the fence again, Mike has asked Steve for a key to the padlock to access feeders. RSPB advice is that partial feeding can recommence in October. Mike will contact Steve to discuss this. Mike and Gill will spend time at the scrape in the next few weeks and send reports to David for the newsletter.
- Pond: Water Crowfoot, Broad Leaved Pondweed, several species of Charophytes, Water Boatmen and a Green Sandpiper have been seen at various times on the pond. Mike has had email correspondence with Fergus about Sennowe’s expectation of management to the pond over the next several months. This is minimal, their position is generally to leave well alone. It was agreed to have a maintenance party to clean up in Spring, checking new growth from tree stumps and to consider what clearance may be necessary after the winter. An agenda item for the New Year.
- Swift Initiative: David has emailed those members who responded positively about having a survey of the opportunities for swift boxe(s), copying to Ian who will arrange the visits. Ian is making a prototype box on the lines of Dave Gittens template, and will investigate whether white uPVC is an economic choice for the top and sides. Using marine plywood in 8×4 sheets, he estimates the cost will be around £20. It was agreed that a price around £100 for 2-3 boxes and a caller would be a good offer to residents. Near neighbours might be able to share a caller. Barley and Gill have discussed using the shop window for advertising, and Moira is very happy to do this, suggesting November as a good time. Gill will discuss contents with Moira, Ian will bring a box to the next meeting. An information sheet will be part of the display and available as a flyer in the shop (David?)
- Events attended: The Wendling Beck project presentation was rescheduled and Barley could not attend. Mike will ask Dani to add Barley as a newsletter contact for RWG so that she gets information asap.
- Future Events: There is a talk on Trees at Gressenhall on October 22nd, Prof Carl Sayer from Norfolk Ponds Project is speaking on ‘Ghost Ponds’ at Mileham Village Hall November 17th30-9.00 . £5, no booking required. There is a talk on LNRS at Downham Market on November 19th, and another at Aylsham on December 7th. On November 26th at Witlingham Country Park, a talk on swifts and swallows. All these are listed in the UWFC newsletter, circulated to the committee by Mike.
For members; It is proposed to have a Maintenance Party to clear the path which accesses the Common.10.30 Sunday 29th November .Meet at the Beet Pad, Wellington Boots and Gloves. Inform members (David), Health and Safety info (Neil), buy appropriate safety glasses (Ian), inform John Savory (Gill).
Amelia Courtauld has offered a talk on Beavers in the Glaven Valley. It was agreed to ask her to do this at our AGM in February, Ian will contact her about a date.
Since the meeting, Ian has confirmed that on February 2nd 2027, there will be a joint presentation after the AGM, from Ursula Juta of the Norfolk River’s Trust, and Amelia Courtauld, the landowner hosting the beavers.
Dani has offered to talk on Local Farming. It is proposed to feature this together with a meal in the Hall, perhaps sausage and mash, on Friday January 15th. Mike to discuss with Dani.
Any Other Business: Neil has discovered that Crisp have not received pictures of the Bug Hotel they sponsored as agreed, he asks that Barley and Ian send him all the relevant photographs they have. Also Barley to give dates suitable for Willow Den pruning for him to forward to Crisp.
Date of next meeting: Provisionally Monday November 16th (Mike to check with David and Nick)