A BIG THANK YOU FROM THE FRIENDS OF SHARPHILL WOOD

By Jo Miller
The Friends of Sharphill have had a very busy year and would like to say a big thank you to all that helped, supported and volunteered over the last 12 months. These include Rushcliffe Borough Council, Notts Wildlife Trust, Explorer Scouts and the two lads working towards Duke of Edinburgh Awards, BTCV and our regular dog workers who do litter picks as they walk their dogs. Also to all who have attended any of our work parties, ensuring that the nature reserve at Sharphill Wood continues to be managed and cared for. We hope that you are able to spare some time to help us on work parties in the future to continue the work at Sharphill Wood.
So, the last two work parties have gone really well. The end of November’s work party saw 29 people attend. This included 19 explorer scouts, two lads completing their DofE award and three new volunteers to help with the planting of the whips (saplings). The Explorer scouts also planted the Queen’s Jubilee Oak in the wood, and 250 of the saplings were planted on that day, making a fantastic start to the planting. The social evening at the Test Match on the 13th was very well attended and a good evening was had by all.
The extra work party on the 8th December was rearranged to the 12th December due to the poor weather conditions. This work party still saw six volunteers turn out at short notice. A productive day was had and a further 250 saplings (approximately) were planted getting us almost halfway there.
Unfortunately, there has recently a spate of damage being caused to the gates installed by Rushcliffe Borough Council, which is not only causing repeated repairs but damage to the wood and possibly its wildlife.
If you do see any anti-social behaviour please telephone Rushcliffe Borough Council on 0115 981 9911 or use the police non-emergency number 101.
The Boxing Day Walk, as always, was well attended and is always a great way to burn off some of that Christmas Pud, taking a slow relaxing walk through the wood and having
a natter.
On to 2012 and the new year is now upon us. The Friends of Sharphill will be starting the year with an extra work party (8th January) and then our normal work party on Sunday 22nd January.
This is to make sure the planting is completed as quickly as possible to give the saplings  the best possible chance (weather permitting). Please keep an eye on our website at sharphillwood.org, our Facebook page, or email sharphillwood@yahoo.co.uk for further updates.