The WAG Environment Group always welcomes new volunteers since undertaking new projects and initiatives will depend on people bringing ideas forward for consideration and new groups of volunteers to become involved. If you are interested in helping or just want more information please contact us
Latest News March 2018
QEII Finishing Touches
As reported before, the QEII continues to attract an increasing number of families and carers with children. It became apparent last summer that there was a need for more seating, especially for those watching over children using equipment and playing within the under-fives area. The idea of creating a tree feature of three white silver birches, surrounded by a circular tree bench, prompted WAG to seek funding from a sponsor with the balance coming from the SCDC Community Fund. The additional SCDC funds will also allow for the provision of three more simple plank benches in close proximity of the under-fives area. The materials have been purchased and work on preparation and installation will commence early spring. Vintage Travel kindly sponsored the three silver birch trees, which were planted last winter, with the bench being installed in the autumn.
The teak circular bench was co-funded by Vintage Travel and the SCDC Community Fund, for which WAG are very appreciative. The accompanying photo features Steve Eccles, CEO Vintage Travel, SCDC District Cllr. Ray Manning, WPC Chairman Dr Ray Croucher, Cllr Dr Linda King and Alan Fawcitt WAG. Also, those visiting the QEII will be aware of the many native trees which have been progressively planted by WAG, further enhancing the area and amenity value, 50 in all. All the trees were generously sponsored and bear identification/dedication labels. A sponsor board has recently been installed by WAG showing the location of individual trees and their sponsors, see accompanying photo. As with the information boards located in the Community Orchard the design and graphic art work was kindly contributed by Siobhan Brown, many thanks. Also thanks to Francis Pullen (Francis J Pullen Photography) for taking the photographs. WAG would once again like to thank all those who have contributed to the creation of such a wonderful recreational facility covering under-fives to those at the other end of the age scale. In particular WAG recognises the support and cooperation of WPC and the tireless work of our very own ‘Famous Five’ now immortalised by the living play feature of five hazels.
Village Trees (from the News Item November 2017)
The village trees are getting to the stage of looking after themselves. Rockmill End may require a further replacement. The trees are checked during the year and any pruning work done.
QEII Field
The transformation of the QEII play area was completed earlier this year and is attracting ever increasing numbers, so much so that WAG applied for funding from the SCDC Community Chest, after receiving an initial generous donation from Vintage Travel, for the provision of more seating. A circular bench to surround a feature of three white barked Silver Birches, earlier sponsored by Vintage Travel, plus three plank benches to be placed by the under 5’s play area. The planting of sponsored trees was completed last winter bringing the total to 50, plus one planted earlier on the recreation ground. This made it possible to commission a promised sign board listing the trees and their sponsors with tree location identified on an aerial photo of the QEII field. The trees planted last winter were watered as required during the summer and all appear to have established well. The above development activity will complete the current WAG Enviro involvement in the QEII.
Orchard/Woodland
The fruit trees are now well established although some are yet to bear fruit. The trees on vigorous root stocks are making appreciable growth. During our winter check on stakes, ties and labels the original spiral guards will be replaced with expandable mesh guards. Bulb planting has been repeated again this year. The bulbs that were planted last winter gave a good display so thanks to Marion Barber and her team for organising purchase and planting. The wild flower plots also gave a good display and hopefully will begin to spread. The grass is being cut the on a volunteer basis, as well as assistance if some tractor power is needed. The woodland area is beginning to look like a woodland with some excellent autumn colours on display. When the fruit trees have developed further more pruning will be involved so it is planned to run a pruning course so more people can routinely be involved. The planting on Bumpy Drove has been regularly checked and replacements planted where required. It is still planned to make laminated lists of the orchard trees by type and variety to assist people looking round.