TMAEG’s first practical project for 2012 will be to begin the work of restoring the Stone Hill pond and its environs.
As local residents will be all too well aware, the pond has become badly silted up over the years, as well as over-shaded by vegetation. So, on the mornings of 26 and 28 January, weather conditions permitting, we aim to start putting this right, using volunteers. Among the works to be done, we plan to remove ash saplings, to coppice some other self-sown trees, to cut out invasive brambles, and to begin the task of removing the silt. As a second priority, we hope also to tidy up the adjacent ditch/stream.
On these two occasions, we will be working in partnership with the national environmental charity BTCV and their ‘Green Gym’ operation. The Green Gym will provide most of the necessary hand tools for the work, as well as the splendid warm up exercises that characterise their projects. We anticipate that the volunteers will comprise a combination of Green Gym ‘regulars’ who work on sites across Milton Keynes (and who bring considerable experience) and our own members (several of whom work regularly on conservation work).
This will be a wonderful opportunity for TMAEG members and other members of the TMA community to become involved in practical conservation work and to learn new skills. Training in respect of safety and in the use of equipment will be provided at the start of each session.
We will need to know the likely numbers of participants in this work. Anyone interested should contact Chris Gossop on 561365.
