Task Programme

July - September 2022

All Tasks Start at 10am, unless otherwise stated.

Sun. 31 July REIGATE HEATH SSSI & LNR - Heather Restoration. Celebrate Heath Week by continuing our heathland restoration work clearing the litter layers away and bracken pulling. By creating the right conditions Mother Nature will do the rest! Come along and see how the heathland is recovering.
Meet in the Flanchford Road car park. Grid ref: TQ239503/Postcode: RH2 8AB.

Sun. 7 Aug. EARLSWOOD COMMON & LAKES SNCI & LNR - Pond Restoration. Joining forces with Wild Earlswood, returning to the 'lost' pond in the woodland area on this Reigate & Banstead Council owned Local Nature Reserve. We're taking the dry period to really get out all the rubbish & debris to help bring it back to life (when rain does eventually come!).
Meet on the Common by the Joshua Tree/Common Road. Grid ref: TQ277489/ Postcode: RH1 6HG.

Wed. 10 Aug. BUCKLAND POND - Pond Management. MID WEEK TASK A return to & joining forces with our good friends from Buckland Village, to look after their picturesque pond. We'll be helping clear that alien invasive plant Crassula Helmsii, that is in danger of taking over the pond. Jobs for land lubbers too! Catering for those who can't do weekends! Or come and do both!!
Meet by the Pond, off the A25, Grid ref: TQ222509/Postcode: RH3 7BH.

Sun. 21 Aug. BUCKLAND POND - Pond Management. Continuing our pond work. Assuming we're not working in a dust bowl by then, what species can you find?! Meet by the Pond, off the A25, Grid ref: TQ222509/Postcode: RH3 7BH. Wed. 24 Aug. EARLSWOOD COMMON & LAKES SNCI & LNR - Bat Walk. 8 - 10pm Come and discover what bats we have on this Reigate & Banstead Council owned Local Nature Reserve. Bat detectors will be provided.
Meet 8pm in the car park by the lakes. Grid ref: TQ268484/Postcode: RH2 7QH.

Sun. 28 Aug. KITCHEN COPSE SNCI/AW BLETCHINGLEY - Ditch & Fence Clearance. Clearing the eastern ditch of woody debris and completing the removal of the old post and wire fence running along the cross ride at the northern end of the Copse. Come and see how the coppicing we've been doing is fairing in this lovely Sibelco owned ancient woodland, leased to the Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Meet in the track to Kitchen Copse, off Place Farm Road Grid ref: TQ 327523/Postcode: RH1 4QR.

Sun. 11 Sept. REIGATE SCHOOL POND, WOODHATCH, LNR - Pond Management. A long overdue return to this pond outside Reigate School, on this Reigate & Banstead Council owned Local Nature Reserve. The Council have restored it and we'll be giving the maintenance a helping hand clearing away some of the aquatic vegetation to keep a balance between the open water and margins. We'll be joined by Wild Earlswood too!
Meet by the Pond by Woodhatch Road, Grid ref: TQ262486/Postcode: RH2 7NT.

Thurs. 15 Sept. REIGATE HEATH SSSI & LNR - Bat Walk. 7 - 9pm Join us on a bat walk over the Heath. Bat detectors will be provided, so come and discover what bats we have on this Reigate & Banstead Council owned Local Nature Reserve.
Meet 7pm in the Flanchford Road car park. Grid ref: TQ239503/Postcode: RH2 8AB.

Sun. 18 Sept. BUCKLAND POND - Pond Management. Finishing our work for the season on this well known village pond. All we need is water now?!
Meet by the Pond, off the A25, Grid ref: TQ222509/Postcode: RH3 7BH.

Wed. 21 Sept. HOLMESDALE PROJECT SNCI BLETCHINGLEY - MID WEEK TASK Tree Planting Maintenance. We'll be checking on our tree planting, designed to link up the existing woodland blocks to create a 4km woodland. Our version of rewilding!
Meet in the track to Kitchen Copse, off Place Farm Road Grid ref: TQ 327523/Postcode: RH1 4QR.

Coming for the autumn, all the old favourites back in the woods including:
Carrington School
Kitchen Copse coppicing
Redhill Common
Nutfield Marsh sites

SSSI Denotes Site of Special Scientific Interest, namely that it is of national importance and has the highest level of national nature conservation protection.
SNCI Denotes Site of Nature Conservation Importance, namely that it is of countywide importance.
LNR Denotes site is designated as a Statutory Local Nature Reserve.
AW Denotes this wood is shown on the Ancient Woodland Inventory for Surrey

WHAT TO BRING

- Enthusiasm!
- Suitable work clothes - these should be comfortable, but hardwearing and allow ease of movement, but close fitting. Most experienced volunteers work on a layered clothing principle to keep you warm in winter, cool in summer.
- Good waterproofs - just in case! A jacket or cagoule and over-trousers made of waxed cotton, or breathable fabrics such as Gortex is ideal. Don't rely on thin nylon cagoules, they don't keep you warm or dry.
- A pair of work gloves.
- Stout footwear- boots or wellies. If you're buying a new pair get steel toe capped ones for extra protection.
- A pack lunch and drink.
- Hand sanitizer and water to wash with.
- Face Mask
- Sun hats & sun cream.
- Anti - tetanus jabs - not compulsory, but if you come out regularly, we strongly recommend you keep your immunisation up to date.

Everyone is welcome, especially new faces! No previous experience is needed!
You can stay as long or as short as you like. We normally finish around 4pm.
There is no age limit, although volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, or have a designated adult responsible for them.
Each task is led by a skilled & experienced leader, who will explain at the start of each task:
- What we are doing and the reasons why
- How we are going to do it
- Site safety and the safe & correct use of tools
- Covid19 compliant measures

You'll soon find you'll pick it up, and other volunteers will help you too. Before you know it, you'll be having a great time, promoting a worthwhile cause and getting to see some wonderful wildlife and landscape into the bargain. Not to mention the likeminded people you'll befriend! So, why not join us in looking after your local countryside. If you'd like further information, or have any questions to ask, please ring: Simon 01737 242644

COVID 19.
A Volunteer should not attend the task, if they or anyone in their household has coronavirus symptoms, or has tested positive in the previous days. All Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer, face mask, and observe social distancing as appropriate. All Volunteers should bring their own food and drink. there will be no communal tea kit. Water for washing and drinking will be provided. If a Volunteer falls ill or develops a high temperature or other suspected C19 symptoms during the task, they must inform the task leader and leave the site safely immediately. It may be necessary to terminate the task and all volunteers ask to take a test. If a Volunteer falls ill or has a high temperature or other suspected C19 symptoms days after attending a task, they must inform the task organiser.