Present: Malcolm Still (Chair), Justin Bettey, Ian Hammerton, David Meade, Peter Fry, David James (Bexley RSPB).

Apologies: Rick Bayne, Jennifer Cooper.

Minutes of last Meeting: These were agreed

New member of the group:

David James form Bexley RSPB joined the biodiversity group meeting. The group welcomed him and hoped he could advise on direction for various projects.

Matters Arising:

Allotment nature project: (Tredegar club)

I conjunction with the North West Kent Countryside Project a large pond has been installed on the site. Over a period of three days the pond was marked out, dug and filled with water. The NWKCP supplied manpower and a mechanical digger from funds originating from the KCC "Ponds for Kent" initiative. The group now has £200 to spend on plants for the pond. JB has written an article on this project, which will appear in the next addition of the Borough News.

News from Groups:

Countryside Project : (No News)

Woodlands: (Joydens Wood)

The Japanese organisation visited Joydens wood with their sculptor and chose a selection of wood branches. IH unfortunately could not attend the opening ceremony in London where the sculptures were on display

Biodiversity day

JB has been contacting local schools, which reside near to parks, such as Bean primary school. The main aim will be to take the children out to the local park to discover Biodiversity. The activities have not been decided but will probably include searching for and drawing of animals, birds and insects. MS stated that Peter Fry could incorporate his Bee Hive demonstration into this event. IH suggested contacting Joydens Wood School in a joint QED/Woodland Trust Project. IH also stated that he regularly give talks on Biodiversity to Schools. Actions: JB Ongoing

Dartford Wildlife Information Project

JB has now collated a list of 50 local groups and has contacted them asking for information on flora and fauna.

Biodiversity day

JB has been contacting local schools, which reside near to parks, such as Bean primary school. The main aim will be to take the children out to the local park to discover Biodiversity. The activities have not been decided but will probably include searching for and drawing of animals, birds and insects. MS stated that Peter Fry could incorporate his Bee Hive demonstration into this event. IH suggested contacting Joydens Wood School in a joint QED/Woodland Trust Project. IH also stated that he regularly give talks on Biodiversity to Schools.

Action: JB to contact Joydens Wood School and discuss the above idea.

AOB:

Birds in Dartford:

David James gave a summary of the types of birds that are in decline within the Borough, which include the Songbird and Kingfisher. David informed the group that Bexley LA had undertaken a "What's in your garden" initiative to try and gain information on birds that had been seen in the Borough.

Action: JB to contact the LA21 officer from Bexley and discuss the "What's in your garden" initiative to see if QED could do something similar.

Dormice

David Meade showed to the group an article from "Mammals UK" journal on Dormice. The article included information on how to identify nuts opened by dormice.

Woodlands walk:

Ian Hammerton informed the group that their will be a "Walk for Woodland" in Joydens Wood on Sunday 21st October 2:15. If anyone is interested then please meet at the Summerhouse Drive entrance.

Joydens Wood Support Group:

IH presented to the group a letter requesting a possible grant to help support them financially as a large repair bill for their mower/tractor had severely depleted their finances. (See attached) Action: MS to take this request to the next steering meeting

Next Meeting: 17th October 2001 6:30 Civic Centre

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