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News |
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Seaside Birds Early arrivals were in time to see a Peregrine fly by towards Ecclesbourne, but we were all able to watch one later on as it perched some distance away on the cliffs - Alan's telescope came in very handy. We spent some time watching the gulls on and around the beach area, whilst Alan pointed out how to differentiate between species, and stressed that we should call them by their proper names and not lump them all together as "seagulls"! We also had excellent views of Turnstones by the fishing boats and Sandwich Terns diving for fish, as well as Jackdaws, a Pied Wagtail and a Sparrow. Most people were unaware that both Herring Gulls and Sparrows are Red Listed Birds of Conservation Concern. Alan finished his walk and talk with an account of the Hastings Rarities Affair which surprisingly no-one had heard of despite an informative display in Hastings Museum. I believe everyone really appreciated the event and we had some nice feedback at the end. Jill Howell
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Judgement Day The Green Flag is awarded by Greenspace and Keep Britain Tidy. It is given to the best parks in the country, those with exemplary management and maintenance, ease of access, and a dedicated Friends or Volunteer group. After a discussion at the VC everyone walked round the top of Warren Glen, then to the farm to see the changes. Final assessment was at the Coastguard Cafe (lovely cakes!). The feeling was that the morning went very well. The judges seemed impressed by the site, the Friends and the volunteers. One of the tasks of the judges is to highlight any improvements they think could be made. A number of past suggestions have been carried out. The management plan has been revised and lightened, the Visitor Centre has been greatly improved and the farm buildings have been either restored or demolished - already students from the South Coast College are using the old milking parlour as a classroom. One of the requirements of the award is that we should be able to demonstrate continual improvement, and once again the judges will highlight areas where there is room for such improvement. The judges are volunteers themselves, usually working in some aspect of site management, so not only do they bring ideas with them, but take them away to apply elsewhere. We should be notified by July 1st whether we have once again been awarded the Green Flag, but an official announcement will not be until the end of the month. Watch this space! |
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LATEST NEWS - 28TH JULY 2010 "This is tremendous news and a testament to the dedication of all those involved with the Country Park." - Martin Jenks, Parks & Open Spaces Manager, Hastings Borough Council. |
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Grant Application The main aim is to fit out the milking parlour at Fairlight Place Farm with biological monitoring and research equipment, so that the parlour could be used for carrying out species identification and habitat monitoring training days. Money is needed for microscopes, entomological and botanical equipment, field monitoring equipment, identification books etc. The funds would also be used to hire experts to run the training days. Sussex Wildlife is interested in being involved. The second project seeking finance is the printing of more wildlife booklets, similar to the one on wildflowers, on topics such as grasshoppers and birds. These new editions are ready for printing, but lack the necessary finance. If the bid is successful, the money would come from the National Lottery's new grant scheme, Community Wildlife. This aims to bring local people together to discover, enjoy or protect the wildlife in their local area. Funds from £300 to £10,000 are available. The Friends' committee meeting in June agreed to put together the application over the summer with the help of Council Officers.
Steve Peak, Chairman |
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Committee Report - June 2010 Another issue discussed was the scarceness of public seating on the East Hill overlooking the Old Town. Council officers said 'sponsored' wooden benches, dedicated to someone, were expensive to maintain as they became older. Committee members suggested they should be installed with funding from the sponsor covering both the capital cost and the long-term maintenance. The Council's proposal to have a small cafe at the East Hill Lift top station has been supported by committee members, who have asked for the café to include a Country Park Nature Reserve information point. But the committee has formally opposed the idea of having a cycle track running across the East Hill - from the Lift to Rocklands Lane - and from the end of Barley Lane across the top of Warren Glen to Fairlight car park. This scheme is not a definite proposal as yet, but has been included in the draft Hastings Local Development Framework. If the draft Framework is not changed, then any plan for the track in years to come would be much more likely to be given the go-ahead.
Steve Peak Chairman |
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Calling All Friends
Sharyn Hedge Secretary, FHCPNR |
| To contact us, e-mail: FoHCPNR |
Copyright
© 2010 Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve |