Meldreth Matters, August 2022

Melwood: Your Local Nature Reserve www.melwood.org.uk We hope that you enjoy visiting this nature reserve, maybe as a detour from the footpath along the wonderful River Mel. We are very lucky to have this species-rich piece of secondary woodland and meadow so close to the village centre. It is an important part of the County and District Council strategy for a nature rich corridor along the Cam and its tributaries and its ‘Doubling Nature’ initiative.

We also hope that you enjoy the articles that Jim Reid, our working group leader, provides for Meldreth Matters from time to time, providing an update on what is happening in the wood as the seasons change and provide new sights and sounds.

We have a core group of volunteers who participate in our working parties and a wider group of people who provide general support for our activities. However, this list has diminished over the years as people have moved away and grown older. We would therefore welcome new volunteers to participate in our working parties. This does not require special expertise, as Jim always explains the tasks required at each working party, including the reason for a particular activity. It is a very friendly group, with coffee and biscuits and a chat at the end of a session. Equipment is provided, but a pair of stout shoes is recommended.

Volunteers have been very appreciative of what they have learned about wood and meadow management and the associated wildlife over the years.

In addition to new volunteers, we are also looking for people who would be prepared to join the management committee. Some members will be standing down in the next few years and it would be good to have some new blood and fresh ideas. Again, special expertise is not required, just a bit of common sense!

Of course, none of the activities in the wood could happen without the contribution from the Parish Council and we are very grateful for their support.

Bruce Huett Secretary Melwood Conservation Group Email: brucehuett@compuserve.com 17