- Location: Lunside Bowling Club
- Date: 04.09.25
- Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Attendees
Sue Nieduszynska (chair), Graham Brandwood, Steve Bullen, Clio Graham, Anne Greenwood, Rebekah Mulligan, Ian Procter, Hilary Short, Chris Workman.
Mark Tanner & Dan Haywood in attendance for the initial part of meeting.
Apologies
David Elliott, Mick Short.
Preliminary items
2.1. iNaturalist
Mark Tanner provided a report & gave a talk explaining the iNaturalist Recording App.
Action
- Mark will design a poster with information on iNaturalist for the Fairfield notice boards.
- SN will share Christine Bennett’s contact with Mark for discussing butterfly data submission to the national recording centre.
- CG will liaise with Mark about recording of winter flush counts.
2.2 Breeding birds
Dan Haywood gave a talk on breeding birds in the Pony Wood.
- Annually there are approx. 140-160 pairs of breeding birds of 40-50 different species across the site. In Pony Wood this year there have been about 20 pairs of breeding birds.
- Dan’s advice on hedges was to encourage them to widen and to grow to around 6ft in height.
Decision
- No access to Pony Wood from 1st March to 31st August.
- When CW does his photographic survey in Pony Wood during the exclusion period, he will arrange to accompany Dan. Alternatively Dan could take the photos with grid references.
Action
- Dan & Mark will liaise about mapping of data
Previous Minutes
Accepted.
Matters Arising
4. Lucy Brook project
- SN said the funding application has been submitted to LEF & to DH Wills Trust for a small amount of match funding.
- The community consultation has resulted in 200 comments on the website & the majority are positive, SN has replied to any queries. If successful, the work will be carried out by Lancashire Wildlife Trust (Steve Cowell)
4.1 Update on contractor activity
- SN has emailed Craig today concerning the unfinished jobs.
- Towneley close barriers and cones need removing.
- The Howson’s gate code was rediscussed. RM notified the group about the code provided by Winston.
4.2 Update on sapling planting in the West Field bays
RM has applied to the tree council and expects a response by early October. Given that we have agreed that the hedge between the Long Pads and West Field should be kept low to enable visibility over the field, new planting will be of low-growing species to enable the hedge to widen.
Decision
- The donated oak saplings to be planted in the west side of West Field.
- Black poplar can be planted in wet areas such as the north end of West Field or Lucy Brook area (if funding successful).
4.3 John Muir Awards
GB has arranged re-membership for the new JM Trust award scheme for the FA. The criteria have been revised, and currently there is one award, the Guardian award, which corresponds to the former Discovery award. This information will be posted on the website once it becomes available.
Action
Add JM awards to agenda for next meeting
5.1 Arable Field
SN reported that the arable field had been cut. Aubrey will do the wildflower margins after 17th September
5.4 Orchard
Orchard. See report AG. The damaged apple tree has been removed & the hole backfilled. It will be replaced with another apple or a plum tree in winter. If an apple, a disease-resistant variety will be chosen.
Decision
To plant a replacement fruit tree this winter.
5.6 No cycling signs
- The sign adjacent to Lucy Brook has disappeared (again). A member of the public has made suggestions that we use humour to design future signs.
- SN said that Mark had successfully managed to get the Fauna path designated as “walk your bike” on google and that this could be used as a positive message to cyclists.
Decision
- Children to design cyclist dismount signs. This could be done on a stall at Apple Day.
- To install an official cyclist dismount sign at the Cromwell Rd entrance of the Reserve.
Action
- IP will contact Veronica to organise children’s sign making
- To obtain a cyclist dismount sign
6.1 Volunteer activities
See report RM. There are good numbers of volunteers on Wednesdays but smaller numbers on Saturdays.
Action
- SN to obtain Barn sweepings from the Graysons containing wildflower seeds to be spread in the Hay Meadow.
- Robin to be asked to put the cattle back into the Hay Meadow to trample the seeds.
6.2 Volunteer job report
See report GB. RM said this new report was very useful & that she could incorporate into the Proposed Tasks report.
Decision
It was agreed that GB’s report was clear and useful and should be continued.
6.3 Proposed tasks for September & October
See report RM
Action
Volunteer tasks for RM.
- Clearing out the leaves from the gully at Towneley Close to be done more frequently & after heavy rain.
- To remove brash from Hay meadow
- To remove blackthorn in Hay Meadow
6.4 First Aid Certificate renewal
- Robin Jackson has organised this at the FMH for 2nd December.
- RM discussed DBS which is thought to be organisation specific. One volunteer has agreed & a second may also.
6.5 Witherslack School “volunteers”
Following the visit SN has been approached about volunteering opportunities for the young people. SN & RM will meet a member of the school staff to discuss further.
7.1 Monitoring Report
See report GB. This report was completed over a week prior to the meeting. GB expressed concerns regarding its accuracy due to subsequent changes in weather conditions, recommending that future inspections be conducted closer to the FFOG meeting date.
Decision
This was accepted.
Action
To add to the agenda for the next FFOG meeting to ensure the timing of GB’’s reports works for both GB & RM.
7.2.1 Mosquito survey update (SN)
Jen Woodward has organised for the second round this weekend & to be carried out by Christine Bennett & helpers. SN will ask Robin to move the cattle out of Hay Meadow for the survey.
Action
SN to contact Fraser & Robin about the mosquito traps
7.3 Grazing
- GB said the cattle need to go in West Field soon as the grass is very thick. The herd is now 15 & 5 are bull calves.
- CG had witnessed the cows escaping on the northwest side of West field a few weeks ago & had informed the graziers.
- Rick Gould continues to monitor. The spread sheet along with a narrative report will be sent out with the minutes. These reports are on google drive.
Action
- SN will contact Fraser & Robin re West Field.
- RM will ensure the west field boundary is checked this coming Wednesday
Standing items
8.1 Arrangements
Andy Lee’s annual tree survey: CW said the new map is not yet completed and for this year the old map should be used.
Action
RM to contact Andy Lee about the annual tree survey
8.2 Financial Control
- John Muir Trust membership £66.00
- Use of Luneside Bowling Club room £10.00
8.3 Organised events
Apple Day 4 October
8.4 Feedback from FA (SN/HS)
Ros Jones will organise another wildlife festival
Link to the minutes of the last FA meeting below:
8.5 Items to report from Trustees (SN)
- There are campers at the triangle again. DB has been in contact with the homeless team.
- Forest School. Dan wants to prioritise a school in Morecambe for activities. FA have agreed funding for transport.
AOB
Chain saw training
AG said that a volunteer has expressed interest in the training.
Decision
It was agreed that it would be beneficial to train a “younger” volunteer.
Action
RM & IP will talk to Craig about chain saw training & what is involved.
Next meeting
6 November 2025. Time & venue to be arranged.