Another year has gone by and I would like to report, (if you do not know this already), the loss of two members of the WCA - the past Chair, John Philips, and committee member Roy Pelham. In the past they had a very active involvement with Whitmoor, be it hedge planting, log weekends or WCA BBQs. Both will be very much missed.

Over this year we have gained two grants. Firstly, from Worplesdon Parish Council, a grant to help with our Chainsaw Refresher Training. The second from SCC for First Aid Refresher Training - courtesy of Keith Witham our SCC Councillor.

Many years ago, a number of WCA members were trained in the use of chainsaws. The ticket allowed us to fell trees and chop them in smaller bits (called cross cutting) whilst being insured through Surrey Wildlife Trust. A refresher course is required every 3 years. With the onset of Covid this time period stretched into 5 plus years. The trainer/examiner told us that we should once again attain our professional certificates. For felling, this means you have to make your first cut right at the bottom, as low as possible. In the past, tree fellers made a cut one meter above ground to take a tree down and then the final cut at the bottom.

This method is no longer allowed. Now it is on your knees, do the cutting and at the moment when one shouts “Timber” you get up and get out of the way PDQ. This last bit is not that easy for those of more mature years. Reader we failed! Cross cutting is the easy bit and we passed that without problems. We also passed on equipment maintenance. Unfortunately now, if a tree blows over, then we have to wait for Surrey CC or SWT for assistance. Officially.

Meanwhile three members took part in the First Aid Refresher course and all passed successfully. Always an important thing on the common, and indeed elsewhere.

Without our proper felling chainsaw tickets no monthly work parties can take place. Impromptu work parties may still happen such as a new fence reqired or something similar. If these works require funding, then that is still available. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules. A railing needs to be re-instated on Footpath 431 running from St Mary’s Worplesdon to the Jolly Farmer. This stretch is muddy and without the railing one might slip into the ditch that runs alongside. Having contacted SWT we were informed it is not our responsibility. Surrey CC is responsible. The man from Countryside Access, even having been given very clear directions, could not find the area in question. I have been warned that if WCA repair the railing then the Association becomes responsible for any mishap that may occur on that path. We are still waiting for SCC to take action.

Report from Adam Bolton, Conservation Manager (West) - Surrey Wildlife Trust

The spring and summer months brought unprecedented temperatures to the UK and unfortunately this contributed to one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent memory in Surrey. Two large fires saw 300ha of Ash Ranges burnt as well as 644ha of Pirbright Ranges along with large fires at other sites in Surrey that aren’t managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust (e.g. Hankley Common). Smaller, but still significant fires were seen elsewhere including a 4ha fire on Whitmoor Common. The fire service were very quick at responding and limited the damage on a very hot day. Away from the doom and gloom of the wildfires, grazing with our Belted Galloway cattle was successful this summer on Whitmoor Common. There had to be some changes to the order in which we wanted to graze as a result of the fire, but all of our target areas were grazed. At the time of writing the cattle are on Jordan Hill and will soon be coming off for the end of the season.

We want to send a massive thank you in advance to all volunteers who help with this work! Surrey Wildlife Trust volunteers will also be working on the site this winter, with scrub clearance having just started on Jordan Hill.’

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The annual Christmas Tree Harvest was held in December. The original event was organised by Mark Havler in the days when he was the “Ranger”, and this popular undertaking has been held for longer than I can remember. More people, for example Surrey Wildlife Trust and Surrey CC, have become involved and permission is needed from both of them.

This year we began our run early to obtain the necessary permission from SCC by sending last year’s email and saying “As you can see from the email below - you approved last year’s harvest and can we do the same again this year?”.

St.Joseph’s organised the troops involved for the 10am until 12.30 pm opportunity, and they were there at 9.30am!

We found it necessary to extend the Christmas Tree carpark as another year’s growth of brambles and bracken had reduced the space. Just as well that we cut the undergrowth as by 10.00 am the car park was packed.

I won’t lose touch with you. We will continue to keep you informed of any major happenings in the Guildford area.

With best wishes for the New Year.

Paul Rijbroek