The Group
A local resident called Christine Aymes contacted the council with a view to litter picking parks in her local area.
Discussions about the community and the parks led to the creation of the 'Friends of Loddon Vale Parks Group' - which includes King George V Playing fields, the small open space on Lower Brook Street, Victory Park and Glebe Gardens, which all follow the River Loddon's path.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust have kindly agreed to help write a wildlife management plan for Glebe Gardens, so that the group's activities can exceed litter picking and incorporate tree planting, stream clearance, education and events etc.
Similar work is being carried out in Victory Park and King George V Playing fields by the Basingstoke Field Society who are going to collect data about flora and fauna.
The Launch
The launch of the group took place on January 31st in Glebe Gardens and was very well attended with people being drawn out by the prospect of getting involved with their local parks.
There was something for everyone, although the circus workshop run by Justin Tyme was the hot favourite
The Wildlife Trust were on hand to answer questions about wildlife in an urban setting and there was an opportunity to win Festival Place vouchers upon completion of our parks questionnaire. The winner is yet to be drawn so watch this space!
Christine Aymes, Founder of the Group (pictured right) talks to Maria MIller MP who came to help promote the Group at the launch.
Website
The group launched their own website in August 2009. Click here ( http://www.flvp.co.uk/ ) to access current news and information.
Your support is key to the success of this new community group. For further information please contact Christine Aymes on 07780 600758 or email her at christineaymes@hotmail.co.uk.
Image by Christine Aymes
For more information on the events we have planned for 2010, please see the leaflet below.
The Big RSPB Birdwatch in Glebe Gardens
On Saturday 30 January, Friends of Loddon Vale Parks teamed up with the local branch RSPB to participate in the annual Big Garden bird watch. The event took place in Glebe Gardens.
Peter Hutchins of the RSPB who was on hand to provide expert advice, he reported that "the event seemed to go well, particularly considering the just about above zero temperatures and it being a Saturday shopping afternoon." At least 27 people attended and participated, including the Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Brian Gurden and ten Scouts from the local pack.
During the birdwatch several groups were taken around the gardens to look for and watch birds. A list of findings can be found below. Highlights of the event were the two Blackcaps, the many winter aconite and snowdrops coming in to bloom and, for some, the opportunity to find their own birds, tell others of what they see at home and elsewhere and, generally, have the chance to speak and be listened to about their wildlife sightings and interests.
A short summary of this event will be placed in the February edition of the RSPB Basingstoke Local Members Group Newsletter.
It is hoped that this will become an annual event and that next year there will be more participants both of the human and feathered variety!