Wednesday 30 May 2012
Thanks for Comments
A few of you have sent comments by e-mail - all complimentary. Keep them coming!
Annual Auction
Alexanders are now advertising the annual auction of hay cutting and aftermath grazing
http://www.alexanders-agval.co.uk/auctions/annual-portholme-meadow-mowing-grass-sale-and-aftermath-grazing
This means that the 'roads' are likely to be cut a few days before the auction which is on 13 June.
Note the way measurements are in ARP = Acres, Roods and (Square) Poles.
http://www.alexanders-agval.co.uk/auctions/annual-portholme-meadow-mowing-grass-sale-and-aftermath-grazing
This means that the 'roads' are likely to be cut a few days before the auction which is on 13 June.
Note the way measurements are in ARP = Acres, Roods and (Square) Poles.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Friends of Portholme Blog Launch
Following a trial with a few Friends this blog is being 'launched' more widely this evening. Please use the comments function to let me know what you think (provide you are happy for others to see it). If you want to contact me personally please use the new email: portholme@gmail.com or phone or text me on 07941 261346.
Also use these contact details to let me know of any news you want posted.
Suggest you bookmark this page. (However if you don't the site comes up as the second 'hit' if you google "Friends of Portholme".)
Regards
Tim Fryer
Chariman Friends of Portholme
Portholme Update
The Chairman apologises for not giving any updates for a while (and for not providing a summary of the 31 March Meeting). In brief....
The 31 March Meeting was attended by 14 existing Friends and two new Friends.
John Rea reported that the Wardens (Fisheries Keepers) were all 'up and running', with a few problems already dealt with successfully (including help from PCSOs). LAA have provided two mobile phones for reporting problems (eg camping), they are: 07587 322423 or 07884 724525
LAA were very happy with the progress made. An issue for the LAA is the repairs to the bridge to Alconbury Island by 'Old Garkies Mill' - it should provide vehicle access.
Both Brampton and Godmanchester in Bloom continue to be keen and supportive of the Friends and Anglia in Bloom are already aware of the example it sets for local involvement and collaboration.
The Chairman offered to attempt to clarify the complicated ownership etc in a new map (see earlier post).
The next event would probably be a guided walk and the next meeting would probably follow a meeting with Natural England .....
The meeting with Natural England was on 15 May and involved the Chairman of LAA and Justin Tilley who has responsibility for all the local SSSIs. Justin was very supportive of the Friends and of the way in which LAA approach their stewardship of our wonderful SSSI. Unfortunately Alexanders, who act as Land Agents for the LAA, were unable to attend but they are fully involved with the management and protection of the Meadow and are currently working on proposals for a higher level of Countryside Stewardship.
The possibility of the Friends providing working parties was discussed. Until Justin has done a proper survey of the site it is difficult for him to know what we may be able to do - but the offer was definitely noted by Natural England.
The 31 March Meeting was attended by 14 existing Friends and two new Friends.
John Rea reported that the Wardens (Fisheries Keepers) were all 'up and running', with a few problems already dealt with successfully (including help from PCSOs). LAA have provided two mobile phones for reporting problems (eg camping), they are: 07587 322423 or 07884 724525
LAA were very happy with the progress made. An issue for the LAA is the repairs to the bridge to Alconbury Island by 'Old Garkies Mill' - it should provide vehicle access.
Both Brampton and Godmanchester in Bloom continue to be keen and supportive of the Friends and Anglia in Bloom are already aware of the example it sets for local involvement and collaboration.
The Chairman offered to attempt to clarify the complicated ownership etc in a new map (see earlier post).
The next event would probably be a guided walk and the next meeting would probably follow a meeting with Natural England .....
The meeting with Natural England was on 15 May and involved the Chairman of LAA and Justin Tilley who has responsibility for all the local SSSIs. Justin was very supportive of the Friends and of the way in which LAA approach their stewardship of our wonderful SSSI. Unfortunately Alexanders, who act as Land Agents for the LAA, were unable to attend but they are fully involved with the management and protection of the Meadow and are currently working on proposals for a higher level of Countryside Stewardship.
The possibility of the Friends providing working parties was discussed. Until Justin has done a proper survey of the site it is difficult for him to know what we may be able to do - but the offer was definitely noted by Natural England.
Pat Doody Guided Walk 21st June at 6.30pm (with boat trip option)
If you have an idea of a place to put a copy of this poster - feel free to put one up (as long as it's legal).
Tuesday 15 May 2012
Guided Walk evening 21 June 2012
CHANGED TO WALK ONLY AT 6.30 - see 22 May Post
The next planned Friends of Portholme event will be a Guided Walk by Dr Pat Doody on Midsummer Evening - 21st June. The walk will start at Godmanchester Lock. Currently there is very little litter - so previous arrangements for a litter pick have been cancelled.
The next planned Friends of Portholme event will be a Guided Walk by Dr Pat Doody on Midsummer Evening - 21st June. The walk will start at Godmanchester Lock. Currently there is very little litter - so previous arrangements for a litter pick have been cancelled.
New Map for Friends
At the meeting on 31 March 2012, it was suggested that a new map of the Meadow would be useful. If you click on it you should be able to see it better. This is an attempt to show the various ownership and management issues on one graphic. It is very much a first attempt - feedback is welcomed. If your comment suitable for public consumption try posting a comment! If you want to make the comment private please e-mail portholme@gmail.com.
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Wildlife Update
From Phil Rothwell on 1st May:
Common Terns arrived back on the river on 22nd April
Swallows in small numbers on the 23rd April plus two house martins by the railway bridge on the 24th.
Skylarks were doing well but the flood will have caused first nests to be lost but thankfully in the third of the Meadow with least dense population. Corn Buntings are active and probably about three pairs although one was in the flooded area.
Chiffchaffs, whitethroat and black cap singing on Saturday 28th by the lock and a kingfisher by the marina..
Swifts over head last night - 30th .
One Little Egret on may day morning by the railway bridge.
A Tawny Owl was sitting outside the owl box in Island Hall garden in early April but now seems to have been displaced by stock doves.
Some Swans, moorhens and coots nests lost to the flooding and high river levels.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)