Present: John Allen (Engineer), Phyllis Allen (Biologist NW Kent TEC), David Brodie (LEAPS Officer,Environment Agency Kent Area), Alan Cremer (Local Agenda 21 Co-ordinator / Environmental Promotions Officer, Ian Hammerton (Woodlands Trust Joydens Wood Support Group), Kate Harmer (Dartford and Gravesend Building Preservation Trust), David Meade (Woodlands Trust Joydens Wood Support Group), Tony Morris (Kent Wildlife Trust, Ornithological Recorder London Natural History Society, British Trust for Ornithology), Bill Ripper (Dartford Ramblers), Eric Tomlinson (Quality & Environment Manager Dartford Paper Mill, Secretary of the Group), Richard Wiltshire (Dartford Road Allotments Association)

Ian welcomed those attending for the first time.

Recruitment: Following a review of the group's contacts by Ian, it was agreed that the following be approached:

(i) Ian Boulton (University of Greenwich)

(ii) National Farmers Union

1. Apologies for Absence

Tony apologised for not attending the previous meeting as he had not received communications until too late.

2. Comments on Minutes

There were no comments.

3. Actions from Previous Meetings

3.1 Wildlife Garden: it was agreed that it would be better if the letter was sent to Padraig Herlihy.

3.2 Articles for Dartford Informer/QED Website: Ian once again asked for Group members to write articles about their organisations to be sent to Alan and Richard. Eric provided an article on DRIPS (Darent River Preservation Society).

3.3 Local Biodiversity Action Plan: Ian has written to David Fletcher but has not yet received a reply.

3.4 Gardening for Life Leaflet: Richard had obtained another leaflet from B & Q which he thought may be better than his original proposal. Comments for next meeting.

3.5 Trip to Brogdale: this was generally agreed to be a big success despite the weather. Thanks to Richard for his organisation.

4. Group Aims and Objectives

Eric said that he had received no comments on the proposed targets appended to the minutes of the previous meeting. Richard thanked Eric for his efforts and Ian asked the group to consult with their organisations and be prepared to discuss these at the next meeting.

5. QED Website

Richard said the QED website had two articles from the following:

North West Kent Countryside Project

Friends of Joydens Wood Support Group

6. Schools

Alan informed group of work NWKCP had been doing to help a school in Swanscombe plant 300 trees - one for each child.

Richard introduced the Great Dartford Pumpkin Competition for Primary schools.

Phyllis said she would put out feelers for contacts with local schools.

Ian read out his letter on the Biodiversity Group. It was agreed that this would be amended and sent to local schools and colleges.

7. Publicity

Richard had a display of various articles which had been recently published. There had also been an article by Dr Howard Stoate in the Dartford Times.

8. Environment Agency

David Brodie explained the Kent Area Local Environment Agency Plan - Consultation Draft which was available for public comment. Copies were circulated for comments to David by 31/12/98.

The Darent Catchment LEAP is expected to be published next year and will obviously concentrate on local issues. Copies to be sent to AC once published.

9. AOB

1. Tony had received enquries about ornithological records for the Marshes from Nicholas Pearson Associates. He wondered what the background to this was. Alan said he would make enquires.

2. Tony also wanted to know what plans there were for the Marshes. Richard said he understood that the Council would be giving a presentation on the Local Plan. Alan was asked to provide details for the minutes. Subsequent to the meeting I understand Phil Kessel still has to agree dates.

3. Richard said Tredegar Allotments may soon be ready for help from the group.

4. Ian distributed copies of the UK Climate Change Programme Consultation Paper. Individuals to comment.

5. Ian also said that historical aerial photographs taken of Joydens Wood showed an area of healthland which the FJWSG were keen to re-establish.

6. Tony asked whether Dartford Health was being managed to best advantage. He said this was not a criticism of Richard Pullman's work to enhance this habitat. Was there a vision? This could be an item for inclusion in the proposed targets.

7. Kate suggested that the DBC Guide to Services could be expanded to include LA21 items.

10. Dates of Meetings for 1999

5th January

2nd March

4th May

6th July

7th September

2nd November

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