About our group
Chineham conservation group is a number of volunteers who aim to manage areas of woodland within the parish of Chineham to preserve the natural habitat for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.
Our main aims are:
• to provide opportunities for education through local involvement with schools, youth and other community groups.
• encourage local people to get involved with hands on activities on the sites.
• provide and improve access to the sites for the general public, especially local people.
There are many opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved with our group. You don’t have to be a conservation enthusiast or a wildlife lover but it does help if you have a smile and are willing to get your hands dirty!
There are many ways in which your skills can help our group from photography to administration to just planting a tree or two. So have a read about what we do then send us an email and see how you can get involved today!
Activities
Work party activities are varied and enjoyable and take place in all seasons, all year round.
Summer tasks include:
• stream cleaning of weeds and rubbish
• tree care
• laying and maintenance of paths
• getting involved with wildlife events
Winter tasks include:
• bulb planting
• tree planting
• coppicing
• bush bashing (as much fun as it sounds!)
Some areas of interest
Chineham Woods Local Nature Reserve
Great Sorrell’s Copse, Tollhouse Copse, Long Copse and Guinea Copse all support a huge range of wildlife, and have done so for the past 400 years. Birds and plants, such as the great spotted woodpecker, herb paris and early purple orchid thrive in the woodland habitat. Great Sorrell’s Copse and Long Copse are managed to restore the coppice cycle and regular work parties carry out coppicing and other conservation work.
Tollhouse Meadows
The Environment Agency landscaped this site for wildlife on the edge of Chineham, where Petty’s Brook, a tributary to the River Loddon, runs through the site, and heron can be seen fishing at the water’s edge. Bordered by Tollhouse copse, the site is an excellent wildlife habitat. A skate park and children’s play area can be found close by.
Chineham Nature Trail
Starting from the footpath beside the scout hut on Hanmore road, opposite the turning for Mulberry Way, you can join the Chineham nature trail. For details of the trail, click here.
Work Parties
A list of conservation work parties for 2011 to 2012 can be found in the Work Party Schedule.
If you would like further information, please contact Ann Henty,Chairperson by emailing ann.henty@serco.com or by phoning her on 07963 876440.
