March 2024

Friends of Carpenters Wood (FOCW)

Meeting

Monday 11th March 2024, 2pm

at

Whitegates, Shire Lane, Chorleywood, WD3 5NT

Present: Barbara Green (BG) (Chair), Sue Hall (SH) (Minutes), Malcolm Green (MG), Dorothy Freedman (DF), Shamoon Karimjee (SK), Claire Casey (CC), Stephen Hall (SH), Robin Hurley(RH), Janet Mason (JM), Rosie Seddon (RS), Rob Benson (RB), Rosemary Allen (RA), Lara Diesbecq, CMS (LD), Julie Rees, TRDC (JR). Alex Laurie, TRDC (AL).

LD introduced herself as the Communities and Volunteers Co-ordinator for The Countryside Management Service, ie our point of contact with CMS.

JR and AL introduced themselves as the Tree and Woodland Officers at Three Rivers District Council, ie our points of contact with TRDC.

  1. Apologies: Andrew York, Stephen Ramsey, Terry Bell, Martin Free, Anne Pickard, John McAllister, James May, Richard Harvey, Rebecca Harvey, Kallum Wright (CMS).
  • Matters Arising – from last minutes 9.10.23 not already on the agenda:

Footpath Signs at Whitelands entrance and Barrell arch entrance – JR reported that these appear to have ‘fallen off the list’ for Herts CC.  JR to investigate.  Action JR

Broken Disc Markers – MG reported that FOCW had ordered new disc markers but that these were not the same as the current markers.  AL suggested that a bulk order be made by TRDC to replace all of our disc markers.  MG and DF agreed to confirm numbers for each type of marker.  Action MG and DF, and Action AL.

  • Green Action Plan for 2024-29

BG reiterated that, having received no Interim Plan over the last financial year, we are now running two years behind with our Green Action Plan.  AL outlined that Kallum Wright from CMS will be drawing up the draft Plan this year for adoption of a new Green Action 5 Year Plan in April 2025.  Consultations with FOCW will take place in the Autumn.

BG asked about the possibility of TRDC supplying benches in advance of the Plan, as these were promised two years ago.  AL agreed to see if this was possible.  Action AL

AL and JR agreed to walk the woodland in the next few weeks to provide advice about ongoing tasks for the volunteer group. Action AL and JR

  • Treasurer’s report –

We have a healthy balance of £710 with £122 spent during the year on gloves and glasses.  Our main source of income is from our attendance at the Parish Quiz Night which brings in roughly £400 each time.  This year’s Quiz Night will take place in November.

BG explained that Stephen Ramsey would be standing down as Treasurer as from this meeting.  Stephen is one of our founding members and has continued as Treasurer for 16 years!  We thank him whole-heartedly for all the help and support he has given us over the years.

Rosie Seddon (RS) has kindly agreed to take on the role of Treasurer, and her appointment was agreed by all present.

With the change of bank signatory needed, it may be necessary to consider a change of bank if Barclays proves difficult.  MG mentioned that Metro Bank had been recommended as a viable alternative for charitable concerns.

  • Report on Progress
  1. Work covered since September 2023
  1. Holly removal from the Carpenters Wood Triangle, the south side of Hillas Wood, and along Boundary Path.
  2. Bramble reduced along the Bramble Ramble Ride as per the Plan.
  3. Bird boxes cleaned and renovated where necessary.  All 19 small bird boxes are active but owl boxes need expert investigation.  MG mentioned he will try again to contact Philipshill Wood Group who appear to have access to an owl specialist.  Action MG
  4. Bramble removed from around all newly planted trees.
  5. Laurel removal as necessary.
  • Membership Update – results of recruitment drive.

BG outlined the actions taken to recruit new members.  The results were impressive, with 14 new members signed up!  All new members have integrated well into the group and most have been attending regularly.  With so many new members at volunteer sessions it may be helpful in the short term to wear name stickers.  Action DF

  • Tool review
  1. MG reported that he had explored a second battery for the brush cutter, which was going to cost roughly £250.  JR and AL were asked whether TRDC might be able to fund this item as the current battery only runs for approx. 23 minutes.  Action AL 

We only have one current member trained on the battery brush cutter.  Another couple of volunteers would be welcome. MG agreed to investigate shorter courses for battery operated brush cutters.  Action MG

  1. MG reported that Chorleywood House Estate Friends group have offered FOCW their Petrol Scythe.  This is a large piece of kit which seems to have been ‘temperamental’.   It was agreed that it would be difficult to transport into our woodland and could be difficult to manage.  It was agreed that we reject this offer.  MG agreed to inform Friends of CWHE  Action: MG
  2. LD agreed to investigate whether CMS could bring their mechanical scythe along to a session when the CMS volunteers attend the woodland.  Action LD.
  3. DF requested that two further medium loppers be purchased and this was agreed.  Action MG.
  4. JR and AL agreed that, because of the expansion of the group, if we needed to buy a significant number of tools, then we may be able to request funding from TRDC.  AL agreed to investigate whether TRDC have a volunteers’ budget.  Action AL
  • Volunteer work plan for Spring/Summer
  1. All paths and bridleways to be kept clear.
  2. Continue with bramble clearance along Bramble Ramble.
  3. DF mentioned metal items dumped in the woodland which need removal.  It was agreed FOCW would collect items and place by Farm Track entrance for removal by TRDC.  DF to inform TRDC when ready for collection.  Action DF
  4. Way marker replacements across the woodland (once supplied by TRDC).
  5. Hedges along the farm track – LD informed us that they were still too immature for layering.
  6. If benches supplied, then volunteers could instal.
  7. General litter pick.

NB. It was noted that CMS have obtained quotes for new notice boards at both entrances into the woodland. LD agreed to investigate progress of purchase and installation.  Action LD

  • Web-site Update

DF is currently in charge of the Website.  BG asked if any new volunteer might be interested in taking on this task.  It is not onerous, involving a couple of photo downloads and a short piece after each session at most.

Action: ANYONE INTERESTED?

  •  A.O.B.

Petrol Brush Cutter – The petrol-powered brush cutter was put up for sale, but with no response, as it needs significant repairs.  It was agreed that the tool would be donated to Tool Aid for charity.  Action MG

First Aid Courses – Ideally the group should have a minimum of two first aiders at each session.  LD to provide dates of courses.  Volunteers for First Aid Training to be requested.  Action BG and LD.

Update of First Aid Boxes – SH agreed to check the First Aid boxes.  RS suggested that when the box has been checked that items could be sealed and dated so that we know whether they have been used.  Action SH

Archaeological Survey – SH raised a query regarding archaeological surveys of the woodland. BG recalled this being done years ago by John Morris from The Chiltern Society.  SR has also collected historical information on the woodland.  JM agreed to try to contact John Morris, SH to liaise with SR.  Action JM and SH.

  •   Date of next meeting

It was suggested that our meetings should take place on one of our Thursday session times to maximise attendance.  All agreed.

                      AGM – Thursday, 5th September 2024 at 10.00am