Minutes of a meeting of the Ryburgh Wildlife Group Committee held at Stone House on October 27th 2025
Present: Mike Rundle (Chairman) David Cooling, Neil Dandy, Nick Parsons, Barley Wilson, Ian Wilson, Gill Waldron.
1)Apologies: none
2) Finances: The excavation of the scrape cost £600.00 for the driver and £609.84 for the hire of the digger/dumper. Bank balance after paying the driver £1352.17.
3) Membership: stands at 66, one member lost and one new member. Important to encourage more members to sign up to the WhatsApp members site.
Immediate Past Events: a) Biodiversity Awards October 4th Although RWG did not receive an award, (probably the smallest group nominated in its class), it was an interesting and useful day, with some interest from the public and other stall holders. b) Greening Wymondham Mike attended this meeting, there were 25 people from various groups. Gemma from NWT was there and will propose that NWT becomes a hub for groups. There was some discussion about the purpose of this. C) Sennowe walk This was a really successful occasion featuring 5 very ancient trees in Sennowe Park. Tom Cook, Charlie Temple-Richards, and Fergus were there, unfortunately only 7 members. A very interesting and beautiful morning. For the November Newsletter (David)
4) Scrape It was rejuvenated on the 20th and 21st October and is already filling with water, and although expensive, it needed to be done to preserve its viability for the members. RWG committee members helped to focus on what was achievable within the 2 day period available. There is a possibility that the habitat will be expanded by Sennowe , there may be Norfolk Rivers Trust funding available, this needs consideration as to the appropriate role for RWG in such developments. Nick will draft a note on any such extension, to be agreed by Barley and Ian, then Mike will check it out with Steve and incorporate it in a note to Fergus thanking him for assisting with the work done. Steve to be asked to a future meeting to discuss, (Mike). Barley will prepare an article about the scrape excavation with photographs, for the newsletter. It was agreed that there are too many padlocks on the hide and gates, which deter people from filling the feeders – a popular activity with members. Mike to raise this with Steve in the invitation.
4b) Pond Important to observe developments following its restoration, perhaps to follow a policy recommended by Norfolk Ponds Project. It would be an ideal project for a school biology project, Gill to try again to make contact with Fakenham Academy. It was agreed to indicate on the website the access point to the pond from the railway line. We might also observe the pond at the Stibbard crossroads – it may be of interest to compare it, a ghost pond, with the railway line pond which was a zombie pond. Perhaps an article in a Spring newsletter about the increased number of renewed ponds on the estate, and to arrange a specific pond walk for 2026.
5) Initiatives a) Tree mapping There has been some response, and several flyers have been taken from the shop. It was re-emphasised that this is useful for engagement, but a different emphasis from mapping ancient trees for their wildlife value. The latter is work to be done by the committee. It was proposed to have a series of walks in the Spring to measure particular trees and to advertise this for members to attend. b) swallows and swifts Particularly to focus on the precipitate decline in swift numbers in the village in recent years, it is proposed to organise a comprehensive survey of hirundine nest numbers and places, in order to establish where nesting colonies are, to maximise efforts to increase nesting numbers. (Nick, Ian) There was discussion about taking specific measures, making swift boxes, applying for grants (with Maltings help?) to erect boxes, and for example,, play swift calls at the appropriate times. The shop to be asked if they would support a swift nesting box with a camera which could be viewed in the shop. (Neil, Gill) c) Stibbard and North Elmham Mike Gasson (Stibbard) and Ben Earl (N Elmham) have approached for advice about starting a wildlife group. Mike will offer help with structure, and constitution, subsequently maybe a visit to our wildlife sites might be useful. d) RWG Leaflet There was no current consensus for this, although it may still be a useful idea. To be adjourned unless /until a specific indication for it becomes clear. The discussion diverged onto how to engage the youth of our village who are conspicuously absent from all that we do. There are many ideas but this needs further consideration – to be an agenda item for next and subsequent meetings. e) RWG Calendar Gill and Neil, as requested prepared a 2026 calendar from photographs submitted, Simon from Willow has printed it for a subsided price of £7.00 +VAT (20%) Andrew has agreed to sell in the shop only covering direct costs (VAT and banking costs). The selling price of £9.50 was agreed. Simon could only do the price on a single run so 50 were printed. Gill has paid and will take the financial risk (on the basis that committee members will energetically promote it!) Gill will handle sales which come direct from members (David to notify) and manage cash sales, but BACS payment will be made to the RWG account and reconciliation can occur later. The sub-committee had considered gifting a calendar to each of the photographers but it is not a financially viable action. However it was decided to donate a calendar to our President, Tom Cook. (Mike) It was agreed that there are some lovely photos on the calendar which demonstrates the talent available in the membership.
6) UWFG membership RWG are now members, Mike circulates the fortnightly emails and we will see which activities and initiatives are of interest. It was agreed that it is useful to have channels of communication which would not otherwise be open to us.
7) Crisp. Bug hotels They are made, Crisp been invoiced, Barley will liaise about final places for their installation, and Ian will arrange erection and provide photos to Crisp, so that they pay our invoice.
8) AOB a) proposal for a Great Ryburgh website. This is not from the PC, but from Mark Wilson who designed the Keep a Pub in Ryburgh website and is a professional designer. Lesley Weston is co-ordinating a meeting on November 3rd in the Wm Martin building. It was agreed that it was a good plan and RWG would be pleased to be linked. Mike (or Gill) can attend. b) water testing UWFG had sent an email about data sharing between various authorities who were concerned with river water testing. RWG involvement has lapsed. There was comment about the health of the Wensum and any possible role for the RWG in promoting it – a large and controversial topic, which could not be discussed appropriately towards the end of the meeting. c) and d), Mammal list and Neighbourhood Plan were postponed to the next meeting because of time constraints.
Barley highlighted a free on-line talk run by NWT Wilder Communities project, Raising your project’s profile in the media, November 11th 6-7pm, book on the NWT website.
It was agreed to arrange a talk at the AGM, rather than a quiz. (David)
Date of next meeting; Monday December 15th 7.00pm Stone House