Catching up… The Bat Walk went very well, and all the families who came managed to both “detect” bats and and actually see them. The best place was the pond in the corner of the Upper Meadow, probably because they were feeding on the midges that gather there.

The Discover Festival continues with lots of local events. This Friday 26 September at 2 pm there is a Wild Walk in Yate to discover autumn wildlife, fungi and wild edibles with local naturalist Ed Drewitt on ramble around Goose Green. No dogs allowed except guide dogs.

Meet at Goose Green on the Frome Valley Walkway, at the entrance on Oak Close, BS37 5TW. Booking required – press the Book Now button on http://www.southglos.gov.uk/events/wild-walk-discover-autumn-wildlife-fungi-and-wild-edibles-2/

And this Saturday 27 September you can “Discover the sun!” starting 11 am at St. Nicholas’ Family Centre, Chargrove, Yate, BS37 4LG.  Discover more about the sun at this astronomy talk with the Cotswold Astronomy Society plus outdoor observation session using solar telescopes (weather permitting).

No dogs allowed except guide dogs. Age: 12 plus. Booking required – press the Book Now button on http://www.southglos.gov.uk/events/discover-the-sun-astronomy-talk-and-use-of-solar-telescopes/

Many more Discover Festival events are listed here: http://www.southglos.gov.uk/discover-festival/#!/

Paul Hulbert at the Wapley Footbridge

We reported previously that Network Rail’s original plans for raising the footbridge from Shire Way to Wapley Common had been rejected by South Gloucestershire Council.

Network Rail have now produced much more realistic plans, with a bridge width of 3 metres which will accomodate bikes and pushchairs safely. They presented their plans to Dodington Parish Council’s Planning Committee yesterday evening, and the plans will be made more widely available shortly.

The bridge needs to be modified to cope with the electrification of the main railway line. There will be a temporary footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists while work takes place, but unfortunately the temporary bridge will not be suitable for pushchairs.

Work is likely to restart in November, with the bridge being closed from December to March.

It’s time to go detecting again! Join Avon Bat Group for a twilight stroll in search of bats. Bat detectors provided. Wear warm clothes and boots and bring a torch. Meet at 7.15 pm at the Shire Way entrance to Wapley Bushes (opposite Cherington, Yate, BS37 8YA)

This workday will be our annual stream clearance where we hope to clear the central watercourse through the main woodland. This work is required to preserve the habitat of the rare local thin-spiked wood sedge. You are welcome to come along and please wear walking or wellington boots and bring some gloves.
Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, 10.00am.

Today was the second judging session for this year’s South West in Bloom awards. This time judge Grenville Johnson visited Yate and Dodington In Bloom to carry out the judging for the Neighbourhoods Award. Grenville prefers the word “assessor” rather  than judge, as like all In Bloom judges he gives groups lots of helpful hints and tips. Here Tim Fairhead and Malcolm Stephen are showing him part of the woodland at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve.

The pruning workshop at Wapley today, which was led by local fruit tree expert Mr Fruit (Graham White) was very interesting.

Members of Wapley Bushes Conservation Group were joined by colleagues from Friends of Yate Common, Bradley Stoke in Bloom (Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group) and and Downend and Bromley Heath (Friends of Leap Valley).

Today was the first judging session for this year’s South West in Bloom awards. Judge Michael Foy visited Yate and Dodington In Bloom to carry out the judging for the Pennant Award. He is seen here with Tim Fairhead and Paul Hulbert at the Orchard for the Future.

Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant which spreads along riverbanks, smothering native plants and causing flooding. The easiest way to control it is to pull it up.

Join us for free Big Pull mornings this summer. Everyone is welcome. 10am – 1pm on Saturdays 28 June and 12 July, meeting at the far end of Celestine Road, Yate BS37 5HB.

Wellies, trousers and long sleeves recommended. Gloves, equipment, guidance and free refreshments will be provided.

For more information or if you have access needs, please contact communityspaces@southglos.gov.uk,  call 01454 863556 or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/bigpull