For all those who had
reservations about the proposed development at
Elvington Airfield and its impact on the peace and
quiet we could continue to enjoy in our local
countryside, including Hagg Wood, there has recently
come the good news that the proposed development has
been turned down by the Planning Inspector. His report
reflects many of the concerns FHW members have raised
over the proposed development, so the effort of all
those who wrote to him or attended the public inquiry
hearings has helped to have had an impact which many FHW
members will welcome.
We again
have a full programme of activities indoors and outdoors
for you to enjoy. On 11th February at 8pm,
Chris Fawdington will be giving an illustrated talk
on the impressive work which he and his
volunteer-colleagues have been putting in to restore
Howsham Mill, which is set in idyllic surroundings
south of the A64 between York and Malton, to its former
glory as a magnificent fully working watermill. Barry
Wright, our hedgerow expert, will also give a brief
update on the work we have been doing making progress on
the Dunnington Hedgerow Survey. On Saturday 14th
February between 10am and 1pm, we will be combining our
monthly Conservation Working Party with a Tree
Planting session as part of the Tree for All
campaign that is sponsored through the Woodland Trust,
whose Community Woodland Network we are members of. So
if you would like to take part in this positive
contribution to our local environment, come along and if
possible, bring gloves and a spade. We will meet at 10am
at the wood end of Intake Lane, so join us for as long
as you can.
On March 31st at 7.30pm, we are invited to
join Terry Weston
our
local expert ornithologist and wildlife photographer,
will be giving another of his lavishly illustrated
talks, this time on the beautiful wildlife he has
discovered in Brazil, many with feathers
attached, and to which we are invited by courtesy of
Dunnington Conservation Group.
For some
healthy exercise, we have a cycle ride to
Buttercrambe and local woods on Sunday 5th
April. Following our AGM at 8pm on Wednesday 27th
May, Sheila Nix will be giving an illustrated talk on
Exploring Pockington Canal, that provides a 9.5 mile
habitat for wildlife and has many heritage features
between Pocklington and the River Derwent. On the
afternoon of Sunday 7th June, we will be
having a guided tour of the Lower Derwent Valley
Nature Reserve hosted by Craig Ralston, of English
Nature, who last year gave us a wonderful talk on the
conservation work he has been directing there.
Our monthly Conservation Working Parties also
continue on Saturday mornings,
and we have plenty of useful things to do in the wood,
in the bluebell area and elsewhere, so we would be very
pleased if you can join us.
We also have Friday Woodland Walks led by
local countryman Ron Bielby on the 20th of
February and March at 2pm. Once the new leaves appear,
the Hedgerow Survey will begin again every Friday
at 2pm, so again there is plenty of opportunity for you
to take part in our many practical activities.
We always welcome new members, so if you have not yet
joined, Elaine Hudson on 01904 481520 will always be
glad to hear from you.