Present: Malcolm Still (Chair), Justin Bettey, Ian Hammerton, Den Collcutt.

Apologies: Rick Bayne, Jennifer Cooper, David Meade.

Minutes of last Meeting 29th August 2001: These were agreed.

Matters Arising:

Allotment nature project:

JB showed the group the article in the Borough News with regards the nature project. MS informed the group that plants had now been planted in the pond. MS has also started to fence off two areas of the site so that there can be tow entrances, one for the allotment side and one for the nature reserve side. The fencing used is constructed out of recycled pallets from Littlebrook power station.

News from Groups:

Countryside Project: (No News)

Woodlands (Joydens Wood Support Group):

Ian Hammerton informed the group that areas of bracken had been cleared in Joydens Wood and that Heather would hopefully return. IH also stated that their will be a "Walk for Woodland" in Joydens Wood on Sunday 21st October 2:15

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 & will contact Jennifer for info. on Bean Country park

"What's in your garden":

JB will be attending a KCC seminar on the successful County initiative on encouraging people to identify flora and fauna in their garden. Hopefully QED will be able to adopt this initiative.

AOB:

Festival: The group discussed next years Festival and agreed that QED should attend, although the location of the QED marquee should be considered with regards to noise from the main stages.

Development of Dartford Marshes: With reference to the planning approval for removal of quarry material from Dartford marshes, JB will be obtaining a copy of the Environmental Statement to see if QED could get involved in some manner, possibly by seeking assurance that stated mitigation measures are undertaken. Also JB will contact Simon Gieke from Groundwork as he apparently has an in-depth knowledge of this project. Action: JB as above.

Next Meeting: 12th December 2001 6:30 Civic Centre.

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