Both indoors and outdoors, we have plenty for you to join us in enjoying this Autumn. Outdoors we will continue the progress we have been making on our Hedgerow Survey around Dunnington under the leadership of hedgerow expert Barry Wright and supported by Ward Committee funding. Discoveries already made include Spindle, a rare species so far north, and a long section of plum trees in one particular hedge.  A section of the parish boundary hedge has been found to contain sixteen different species and another very old section fifteen different species. We have found it is very satisfying to measure the veteran oak and ash trees seen on the horizon from Eastfield Lane – one at 3.70 metres and quite a few above 3.50 metres. To complete the survey, we need as much support as possible, so if you would like to join in or know more please call Linda on 489127 or meet at 5 Church Lane on Friday afternoons at 2.00 pm.   On Friday 17^th October and 21^st November, the Friday walks programme around Hagg Wood resumes, led by FHW committee members Ron Bielby and Linda Maggs. 

For some healthy exercise, we have a cycle ride to New Earswick on Saturday 27^th September led by Olwyn Fonseca, and for cultural stimulation, we have a trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park on Saturday 25^th October to see the extensive displays both indoors and outside in its extensive parklands with numerous fascinating sculptures to be found between its mature trees.  

Indoors, we also have a meeting of Timeline York Plus on Saturday 1^st November and on Wednesday 3^rd December what promises to be a very interesting illustrated talk by FHW member Steve Ashby of the Plant Health Division of DEFRA on the interactions between the health of the plants around us, including trees and ones on which we depend for food, and the many insects and other small creatures in our local environment. The importance of this issue has been underlined by recent concerns over the health of bees and its impact upon the pollination of many of the fruits and vegetables that we expect our plants to yield each harvest time. 

Following our AGM in May, we welcome several new FHW committee members, including Michael Dunn, who has many years’ international experience in Indonesia. Alan Briers, who has taken over as our new Treasurer from Linda Maggs after her many years of sterling service, and Elaine Hudson, our new Membership Secretary. If you have not yet renewed your subscription, please call her on 01904 481520 or complete the Membership form. If you have an e-mail address that would help us keep you in touch with our events - please e-mail it to elainehudson@talktalk.net if you have not already given it to her.  It is well worth belonging to FHW to support our good work and to be able to take part in our many enjoyable activities.