Present: Justin Bettey, Ian Hammerton, Den Collcutt, David Meade (Chair).

Apologies: Peter Fry.

Malcolm Still

The group expresses its deepest sympathies to Malcolm who was taken ill last week and wishes him well and a speedy recovery.

Minutes of Meeting of December 12, 2001: These were agreed.

Matters Arising:

Allotment nature project: (Tredegar club): JB to contact the NWKCP and find out when the shrubs for the pond are to be delivered. Action: As above

News from Groups:

Countryside Project: (No News)

Woodlands: (Joydens Wood Support Group): Ian Hammerton informed the group that contractors have finished thinning parts of the wood and the main paths have been re-instated. IH also mentioned that effluent septic tanks from "Stone Hill Park" were overflowing and polluting part of the wood. A group of walkers noticed the smell and the flowing effluent. IH informed the group that he has discussed the issue with a Mr Ken Follit at Dartford Borough Council but to no avail. Action: JB to investigate

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. JB was contacted by Swan valley school in Swanscombe. They would like to get involved with some environmental projects as sustainability is now included within part of the national curriculum. JB had a meeting with them and presented a LA21/QED presentation to a class of children. Actions: JB to contact the school to see what projects they would like to get involved with.

"What's in your garden": JB presented to the group the "What's in your garden" project, but the group felt it was not suitable for QED due to cost and potential lack of interest from the community. The group did however discuss a possible project that the whole of QED could get involved with. This project would involve promoting to schools a wildlife watch on their school grounds. The aim would be to assess by use of a questionnaire (produced by QED) how wildlife friendly their school grounds are. The winner could be presented with a prize e.g a trip to Howlett's Zoo (financed by QED). There could also be an award ceremony at the Civic Centre with the Mayor presenting. Action: To be raised at Steering meeting.

Festival: The first festival meeting went ahead just after Christmas. MS attended this meeting but for reasons discussed above could not report back to the group.

Development of Dartford Marshes: JB passed the EIA report to DM who will assess the mitigation measures and report back to the group.

AOB: None

Next Meeting: Wednesday 20th March from 6:30 Civic Centre.

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