FRIENDS OF LUDSHOTT AND PASSFIELD COMMONS

2011 was again another very successful year in our support of the NT Wardens Team. We were pleased to be asked by the RSPCA to attend their Gala on Headley Village Green on 1st May. Our stall attracted attention and Chris Webb (Head Warden) was able to explain and discuss, with those interested, the plans for the future management of Ludshott Common. NT goods were also on sale, the proceeds from which go to procure 'added extras' for the wardens to help them in the continuing maintenance of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest under NT care.

Unfortunately we were not able to hold the Family Afternoon in the school summer holidays but we intend this year to hold a Family Ramble on Ludshott, looking at the various plants and hopefully some birds and animals which live there. For those who were able to attend the annual 'Nightjar' walk to see this elusive bird, the reward this year was seeing, as well as hearing them. A great treat, at dusk, on a summer's evening.

We held a very successful Coffee Morning on 5th November at which the prizes for our Junior Art Competition (sponsored by Coomers Ltd) were awarded. This will be happening again this year (2012), look out for posters, details in school and on our website. The NT goods were much appreciated by those seeking Christmas presents and the Wardens' display of photographs and maps describing the work they do attracted much interest.

The sale of Christmas Trees, at Dunelm car park (the main one for Ludshott Common) was the best ever. The weather was fine and bright, mince pies and mulled wine were served and the festive event was much enjoyed by all who came to buy. The trees are young Scots pine, which have a great advantage that when indoors they do not drop their needles. They grow naturally on the Common as 'weeds', and are removed regularly so that the ecologically important open heathland is maintained. So by buying one of our trees the vital conservation work is helped.
The money raised has added to the funds available for the Wardens to equip their new work base, which is being paid for by the Committee. Friends subscriptions, legacies and fundraising over decades has enable this project to go ahead and the Team will move into the finished first phase during the spring.

This year, there will be other guided walks as well as the Nightjar Walk and the Family Ramble, the dates for which will be advertised locally and on our website. The Coffee Morning will be on 10th November at Grayshott Village Hall and the Christmas tree sale on 8th December, as always held on the second Saturday.

New Friends are always welcome, it only costs £5.00/year. Friends are people who love the wonderful open spaces we have locally, whether it be for walking (with or without a dog), horse riding, getting close to nature (eg. bird watching, painting, photography), general recreation in the open air, or just because the Commons are there and need to be conserved. Commons Link, a bi-annual newsletter, is sent out to all Friends. Some Friends also volunteer for manual tasks, newsletter distribution or just making cups of tea. We would be delighted to hear from you.