Present: Malcolm Still (Chair), Justin Bettey, Jennifer Cooper, David Meade, David Sharpe (B&Q) and Rick Bayne
Apologies: Ian Hammerton.
Allotment Nature Project (Tredegar Allotments): MS & PO are continuing to work with this project. Clearing has been undertaken. MS stated that he has had several discussions with Railtrack with regards to land owned by them adjacent to the allotment. MS discussed the potential for using this land within the scope of the nature project. MS suggested converting it to use as a city farm with various types of animals.
JB also took photos of the allotment site so that a before and after log can be kept.
Borough News article: JB stated that he would try and put an article together. Once he has completed this he will attach it to the minutes for comments. Please note that comments will have to be received by JB within a few days of members receiving the minutes if changes are required. The article will include a mention of B&Q's support and supply of equipment.
Actions: JB to put a short article together and circulate it with the minutes. If no negative responses are obtained by JB from group members then the article will go into the Borough News.
Group Aims & Objectives: The group agreed the Aims & Objectives with just a few minor changes. (See attached).
B&Q: David Sharp the 'Sustainability Officer' from B&Q gave a brief summary of B&Q's policy on environmental goods it supplies including using FSC (Forestry Stewardship Certified) wood. David also undertakes staff training on environmental/sustainability issues. The group thanked David for supplying tools and materials for work on the nature project at Tredegar Allotments.
Countryside Project: Rick and Jennifer gave the group an update on the projects that the Countryside Project are currently involved in. These included:
Rick also mentioned that in April there would be the National Spring Clean Week, and that the river Darent will be the focus in Dartford.
Woodlands: (Joydens Wood) DM stated that areas of Joydens Wood had been cleared to allow planting of Oak trees. Also in March areas of Pine trees will be cut down
The group discussed the issue of the static residential site. It would seem that new sites are erected with the consequence that trees are cut down to make room. Apparently this exercise is not reported in the planning application notices. JB stated that this had been an ongoing problem for a few years. JB has investigated this and was informed that the chairman of the group (MS) should speak directly to the officer who is managing this issue.
Action: MS to contact Maurice Butler 01322 343434 ext. 3342
The group made two requests for JB to take back to the Council.
1) Why can a Biodiversity Action Plan not be undertaken in Dartford?
JB stated that the main reason is finances and resources that are not available. Also there is no legal requirement to undertake a BAP, therefore resources are used for legally required services. But JB is to liase with KKC on the Kent wide BAP
2) What happened to the Borough maps on Biodiversity that P.Kessel had?
These are habitat survey maps and are available on DBC computer system. As it happens MS brought one to the meeting. Two copies were also given to the group by P.Kessel.
AOB:
RB stated that the CP is to trial a garden accreditation type system in Bexley.
The group requested that a letter of thanks be sent to B&Q for their supply of tools and materials
Action: JB to send letter
MS stated that it would be a useful exercise to collate a list of companies who could/would supply goods or materials to QED groups or other community groups.
RB & JC suggested that someone from the North Kent Protection Society be invited to the next meeting
Action: JB to invite Dennis Darling
JB mentioned that as a future article in the Borough News then the group could setup a 'So what's in your garden?' competition for children. There could be a prize for the winner. For example a free Pizza at Pizza Hut, and the sponsor could receive free advertisement within the article in the paper.
JB to discuss at next meeting
NOTE: Malcolm, could you please supply an agenda for the next meeting.
Next Meeting: Wed. 11th April 6:30
Biodiversity Group Objectives
To maintain and where practicable, to enhance:
Quality Environment for Dartford 'Biodiversity Group'
Hello and welcome to this article, which has been put together by a local community group, actively involved with the environment. So lets start at the beginning
What is Biodiversity?
It is a word used to describe all the different types of animal and plant species in a certain area, from the smallest micro-organisms to the largest plants and animals
Is their any Biodiversity in Dartford?
Yes! Plenty. Dartford is full of animal and plant species, many of which you can find in your back garden.
What is this group about?
The group was born a few years ago and was initiated by the Local Agenda 21 strategy within Dartford. The group discusses Biodiversity issues and has the following objectives.
Biodiversity Group Objectives
To maintain and where practicable, to enhance:
What is the group currently doing?
One of the most interesting projects that the group are involved with is the Nature Project. This is the regeneration of land at Tredegar allotment site. Originally it was to be set aside for allotments but the group arranged that some of the land could be turned into a nature reserve. The objective will be to preserve and protect the wild land to maintain the natural animal and plant species and to encourage more to settle into the area. It is envisage that when the project is complete then local schools and groups can visit the site to learn and study nature and Biodiversity.
Biodiversity facts in Kent/Dartford
What can I do to help?
Another good idea that you can do TODAY is to undertake a wildlife survey in your garden. You can do this by studying your garden over a few days and noting all the different animals and plants that you see. It maybe useful to draw what you see and use a magnifying glass for small insects and then use books from the library to correctly identify them.
Why not get your school involved and arrange for a group of students to do a survey in their back garden and then connect all these surveys together to get a Biodiversity map of Dartford.
PLEAE CONTACT THE NUMBERS ABOVE IF YOU ARE INTERETED IN THIS SCHOOLS PROJECT.
Hopefully we will have more of these Biodiversity News items, and have some competition quizzes to get involved in.
Until then thanks for reading and remember to get searching in your garden for wildlife!!
(The group would also like to take this opportunity to thank B&Q for their support in supplying tools and materials for use on the Nature Project.)
END: Return to the QED Biodiversity Group home page ...