Introduction

I have been struggling to get some work done on Whitmoor. Our volunteers can assist proper contractors to do work, but we can do nothing off our own back. If we do, then we become responsible for any mishaps that may occur.

Therefore, I am happy to say that there has finally been some movement on the repair of footpath 431. This path runs from the Jolly Farmer around the back of Whitmoor Cottage to the church yard of St. Mary The Virgin church. The stretch behind the cottage is not just very muddy but it has a railing. Parts of this railing are missing, and if not that then definitely rotten. If you slip and rely on the rail you may land up in the land drain.

After approximately two years of communication with Surrey CC, it has been decided to remove the railing, as it was doing no good anyway. In its stead the three feet wide path will be widened to 8 feet with a proper road surface.

Fingers crossed the work “should” be done this side of Christmas. When the SCC works start the path will be closed for a few days and I will let you know. I hope that the post-Christmas lunch walk will then be less muddy!

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

Last winter Surrey Wildlife Trust carried out a lot of scrub work on heathlands across west Surrey. This included removing a lot of encroaching scrub from Jordan Hill on Whitmoor Common. This was carried out by contractors and has massively helped improve the quality of the open heathland.

In the spring, SWT’s grazing season began with the normal electric fence compartment grazing taking place on Jordan Hill and the areas adjacent to Salt Box Road. Despite the success of this, the Trust are increasingly looking into the option of using NoFence grazing across our reserves. This is a GPS fencing system that doesn’t require a physical fence, and has numerous practical and safety benefits. We are currently investigating whether or not this would work on Whitmoor Common and hope to provide further updates in 2024.

Thankfully, 2023 was a quieter season for wildfires in Surrey with only 3 or 4 smaller fires to report across SWT managed heathlands. This was much better than in 2022 when we lost 18% of our managed land to fires. We are nevertheless concerned about the rising temperatures and expect wildfires to be a big problem in the future. We are currently investing in training for staff and working to improve fire resilience across our reserves. Finally, as always, we couldn’t do the work we do without the help of our amazing volunteers who have been regularly attending sessions and providing eyes and ears for us across our sites.

The only event that has been successful throughout the years has been the Christmas Tree harvest. This event started years ago under the direction of Mark Havler. I have mentioned all this in the previous newsletters, but I would like to draw your attention to this again.

This year it will be held on Sunday 3 December at Mount Pleasant on Whitmoor Common 10 am - 12 noon. Even if you don’t need a tree, please come along for a glass of mulled wine and/or mince pies.

The Harvest last year raised last December raised £250 for the PTA of St Joseph’s School, Rydes Hill. They told us that the money raised has been put towards an ongoing project - current redevelopment of a grass area with a large willow tree at the front of the school site. This area has a lot of potential to be a great space for all of the children of St Joseph’s but also for parents and visitors to the school to enjoy some shade, prayer, sensory fulfilment, sitting space.

This photo gives some idea of the “before and after” of the project.

Some dates for your diaries.

AGM - Thursday 4 July at 7.30 pm. Worplesdon Memorial Hall in the Halsey Room. This AGM must be held as we hold funds on your behalf which need to be accounted for. Also, I hope that Adam Bolton from SWT will be able to give a short presentation.

BBQ/Summer Picnic - Just a little get-together - Date to be announced in due course.

As no major expenditure is planned - no membership contribution is asked for in 2024. However donations are always welcome.

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

With best wishes for the Christmas and the New Year.

Paul Rijbroek