The Stream Project – Two Mile Ash
Briefing Note for Residents and Volunteers
Background
At the beginning of 2012, and following our aim of safeguarding and enhancing the local environment, TMAEG embarked upon a number of environmental projects across Two Mile Ash. Based upon those successful pilots, we are now developing a programme for the autumn/winter of 2012/13 and over the next four months we plan to concentrate first on the Local Park and, specifically, the stream and hedgerow corridor that runs through it. The intention is that this work should be carried out primarily by volunteers.
There has been significant investment in the Local Park recently, notably in respect of the children’s play area and other games/exercise facilities. However, the hedgerow that passes through it has become overgrown and is in need of substantial management. It includes some fine maturing trees that should stay as part of the structure of the Park but, below that canopy, there are self sown trees some of which would beneficially be removed and there are dead shrubs like elder and much bramble growth.
We will also be able to reveal a ‘lost feature’, the stream which has largely disappeared from view. In deciding on the precise details of the scheme we would hope to be able to take account of the views of local residents, including those who take part in the practical voluntary work.
Our Partners and the Practical Sessions
We will be working closely with Milton Keynes Council (MKC), The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and with the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG), and we have the support too of Abbey Hill Parish Council (AHPC). The first two sessions on 20 and 22 September will be carried out as part of the TCV’s Green Gym programme.
We aim to work our way along the corridor, starting at the High Street entrance to the Local Park. The present aim is to continue the work right up to the Play Area. There will be five work sessions in total:
· Thursday, September 20th 0930-1300 (Green Gym)
· Saturday, September 22nd 0930-1300 (Green Gym)
· Saturday, October 20th 0930-1300 (TMAEG/NAG)
· Saturday, November 10th 0930-1300 (TMAEG/NAG)
· Saturday, December 15th 0930-1300 (TMAEG/NAG)
There will be a mid morning coffee/tea break.
The Project’s Aims
In the context of the wider plans of the two Councils for the Local Park, we see the Stream Project as having the following main aims:
· to revive and enhance the hedgerow corridor as an important structural feature within the Park.
· to open up and enhance the stream/ditch that the hedgerow encloses.
The Practical Tasks (to be assigned to volunteers at the project briefing)
These will include:
Enhancing the outside faces of the hedge: trimming the hedge and the ground flora immediately adjacent to it; removal of self sown saplings, brambles and deadwood; removal of ivy etc from wooden bridges.
Providing safe access points to the stream/ditch bed: remove brambles etc.
Working within the stream/ditch: trimming back of vegetation from the stream bed and its banks; clearance to each end.
Creating new openings so that the stream bed is visible from outside.
Litter clearance.
Note to Volunteers – be well prepared and stay safe!
It is strongly recommended that you wear your oldest clothing and that you come prepared for inclement weather. Bring tough gardening gloves and wear sturdy boots, tough trainers or wellingtons. The stream has steep slopes, there are lots of brambles, and many of the tools are very sharp. So please take the utmost care in respect of your own safety and that of the people who will be working alongside you.
Enjoy yourselves!
This is a very important project for TMA and we are sure that you will enjoy the challenges, particularly once you have got going!
First Come, first served!
To book yourself a place on one or more of these sessions please e mail Chris Gossop on [email protected] or ring 561365.