| HOOKED ON
BIRDS
SPRING WAS HERALDED by the return of summer migrants to the park.
The sky was soon full of Sand Martins, Swallows and Swifts while
the bushes were bursting with warblers. They quickly settled down
to breed and are now busily rearing young. Scarcer passage birds
included Black-necked Grebe, Dunlin, Greenshank and three species
of Tern. On the wetlands, Lapwing, Redshank, little and Great
Crested Grebe all produced young. Mallards have been particularly
triumphant; one female has 10 well-grown youngsters! Five melodious
Turtle Doves have been heard, listen for their soft 'purring'
song. Hobby and Kestrel are seen regularly.
Although summer can seem quiet, surprise birds do appear. Last
year was Manx Shearwater, this year? There's always something
to see. Why not try identifying some of the 40 species of butterfly
and dragonfly or the myriad of plants on site?
BOB HOOK (VOLUNTEER) |
WOODWORKS!
THIS YEAR MARKS our first 'WoodWorks!' festival, a celebration
of woodlands and woodland products - from firewood to furniture.
The idea is to explain the great value of woodlands, how they
work, and provide the raw material for an amazing range of products.
'WoodWorks!' will be packed with demonstrations and chances to
'have a go' and explore traditional crafts such as bodging and
carving, watch modern forestry machinery in action, turning a
tree into many useful products, and even try your hand at archery!
We will also have locally grown trees, information on woodland
wildlife, and ideas to help you support our local woodlands.
Look out for the '1st International Woodland Games' and test
your skills on the 'twig flume' or your strength in 'throwing
the log'! Fun and amusement guaranteed!! |
EDITOR'S COLUMN
Summer is here and the fun at the Forest Centre starts today
with the return of Bob the Builder. Later in the month you'll
be spoilt for choice for things to do during Forest Fever and
Summer Treefest - details of both are here.
I do hope you will be able to join us for some of these great
activities.
Look out for a train on the Marston Vale line called 'Community
Forest'. We are delighted and proud that Silverlink Trains chose
to name a train after the Forest. My thanks to everyone who made
that possible. Next time you come to the Community Forest or Country
Park, consider taking the train to see a different side of the
Forest and help the environment.
The Forest Centre has got off to a flying start, breaking even
in our first year, We all know that there is sill much hard work
ahead, but it creates a firm foundation for the future. Thank
you to all those who have helped and supported us.
Judith Feline |
| ANNUAL REVIEW
THE FOREST TEAM and our partners achieved a huge amount last
year. Thousands of trees were planted, many by volunteers; farm
conservation schemes made a significant contribution to wildlife
habitat; new trails were opened; a heritage project was launched;
Members and Volunteers was established; village greening work
was done and arts projects completed. Plans for the future are
set out in our new business plan.
Important 'behind the scenes' work will lead to major Community
Forest projects in partnership with developers and planners; for
example the restoration of landfill sites. The Forest Team has
started to complete some of the projects planned for 2001/2002
and we are looking forward to continuing progress. The Annual
Liaison Meeting at the Forest Centre at 7.30pm on Wednesday
25th July is the ideal opportunity to find out more about what
is happening in the Forest and everyone is welcome to attend.
|
CHANGING LANDSCAPES:
CHANGING LIVES,
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
I AM VERY PLEASED with the way the project is going, partcularly
the responses of people I have contacted. Their enthusiasm in
coming forward to be interviewed and their willingness to have
their memories tape-recorded for future generations will make
the project a success to be proud of for all the participants
and volunteers.
If you are interested in being interviewed or wish to help with
the project as a volunteer, please contact me at the Centre.
CARMUA SEMERUO.
carmela.semeraro@marstonvale.org
|
- FOREST CENTRE -
DISCOVER THE MAGIC IN NATURE!
The Forest Centre and Marston Vale Millennium Country Park are
the perfect destination for summer fun. Enjoy 8km of surfaced
trails that wind around the perimeter of the Park; safe for walking,
pushchairs, wheelchairs and cycles, and if you don't have a bike
you can hire one from us for only £3.
The Wetland Reserve is a great place to see wildfowl and other
birds - two hides provide shelter and cover so you can see them
but they can't see you - remember to bring your binoculars!
The Forest Centre has a licensed Cafe Bar, a gift shop full
of unique and quality crafts, toys and books and an interactive
exhibition to keep the children entertained, while outside is
an adventure play area.
We are open 7 days a week from 10am-6pm (10am-10pm Fri & Sat
during July & August) - why not visit and discover the magic for
yourself? |
