VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER  

COVID-19

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Programme introduction  We are currently not able to operate our volunteers conservation programme because of Covid 19, but we hope to resume something like ‘normal’ service just as soon as we can. However, some individual members have been able to keep in touch with some of our sites close to where they live. This sound use of exercise time is very much appreciated by both the local communities and the LDCV as a whole. It is making a difference on the accumulation of the ‘little and often’ principle, especially at this time of year when growth is really happening. Extra care and vigilance are required just now and the safety of both volunteers and resident communities remains paramount.

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While the formal volunteer programme is currently suspended, we are setting out a programme of work that really does need to be done, but without specific dates just now.

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Mossgate School, Heysham  Having now completed the new dipping platform, we are able to carry out restoration work on the old dipping platform, to allow more children to have access to the pond. Children have already been involved in planting up the pond. There is also management work required in and around the woodland extension.

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Great Wood School, Bare  After completing a new dipping platform, the pond will need work doing on it, including thinning the amount of duckweed, strimming around the pond edge and keeping the paths clear of brambles. Weeding will be required around the young trees planted over the winter. A final tree cage will need to be taken down in the school grounds. Further wildflower seed sowing will be undertaken.

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Penhale Woodland, Heysham  Checking and weeding the trees and shrubs planted over the winter. Clearing the pathways and topping up with bark chippings, to allow the residents to safely walk around the wood.

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Bare Lane Station  Although no passenger trains are currently running on the Morecambe line, we do need to replace some of the rotting half-barrel planters on the two platforms. Hedge weeding will be required in the signalling compound and additional weeding is needed in the car park border. The wild flower areas at the ends of the platforms will also need suitable management work to enhance diversity.

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Bee and butterfly garden, Hazelwood farm, Silverdale  Two sections of dry stone wall are in danger of collapse, which would allow cattle to gain access! Learn the process of dry stone walling. Other garden management work will be required in the garden itself.

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Belmount Farm meadows and newly laid hedge, Slyne  An annual portion of the meadows will need to be strimmed and raked off to lower fertility and enhance diversity. The hedge will need checking and weeding to help the new plants to become established. The copse will need checking and some canopy raising may be required.

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Thurnham wildflower meadow  The site has been monitored during lockdown. It will be good to see how well it has done. Selective weeding and cutting required.

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Please note that in view of Covid 19, health and hygiene measures must remain centre stage on work days. Tools will need carefully allocating and to be kept for the duration of workdays. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves, but we are looking into providing volunteers with a new pair of gloves that will be their own to look after. Tools will need to be wiped down at the end of each work day. Please bring packed lunches as normal and provide your own hot/cold drinks if required. We may be able to resume providing hot drinks at some point, if people bring their own mugs and remain responsible for keeping them clean. Hand sanitiser will be made available, but please bring your own and a towel if you prefer (we suggest a hygiene kit of soap/sanitiser, towel and flask of hot water for washing hands at break times.) Social distancing will be put in place, since most sites are big enough to do this quite effectively. Please help us to help you and reassure us all over health and hygiene.

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KEEP YOUR GLOVES, YOUR TOOLS and YOUR DISTANCE!!

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May 2020