Recently returning from the valleys of the Rivers Usk & Teifi in mid Wales, I returned to hear that Batman, probably indistinguishable from other Royal Family fancy dress, had seemingly with extraordinary ease scaled the balcony of Buckingham Palace ! Then heard that Government had decided to bye pass the Lords to phase in a Fox hunting ban. Hoping all this was probably a lame joke by an Under 12?s play group during a Young Politicians Rag Week that had performed these crazy charades. Reality later kicked in to find these bizarre events were actually occurring in our capital city. Does the Government not remember that around 450,000 people marched in London to demonstrate and communicate their views against this hunting initiative and support rural matters within our country ? We have responsibility for now and generations to come protect the countryside and all within it. This is not the place for political party debate. It is simply a forum to bring to your attention how vital it is that everyone with an interest in the countryside however remote takes the time to investigate further to become correctly informed about the far reaching implications of this hunting bill and for each individual to respond with their own view democratically. Our countryside needs you !
We are continuing once more our progressive improvement of the river habitat of recent years with some further working parties. Once again we shall be firing up the chainsaws to cut back select alders along our riverbanks. We shall again carry out some work along the roadbridge to farmbridge stretch. Trees designated to be felled along this part are all after consultation and agreement with Charles, the neighbouring farmer. Probably other work in other areas will become apparent after high winds and or river flooding. We are really hoping we have some consistent volumes of rain to refill the aquafiers and the river itself over the coming winter period, a river which has been so low throughout the past year. For our working parties we would appreciate your help by coming along on one or more days. Those that have attended have greatly assisted and have reported enjoyment, with most coming back for more. So please put some working party dates in your diaries now. We look forward to seeing you for the working parties.
Starting at 9.00am, or turn up when you can on the day. We usually go onto late pm early evening. For the January work party meet at the roadbridge parking area, for the February and March working parties meet at the Hatchgate bridge park area. If anyone has a bowsaw that they can bring, they are always useful tools to have. Bring plenty of food and drink to keep you going, either strong boots, wellington boots or waders are advisable. (mainly to enable crossing the little stream when we work up from the Hatchgate bridge)