The Friends of the Pang and Kennet Valley Countryside Project has been set up to represent all of the people who care about the countryside in the two valleys. The events below are co-ordinated by The Friends and give you the opportunity to come out on practical tasks, learn new skills, meet new people and, above all, enjoy yourself. The tasks usually begin around 10am and finish by 4pm but you are very welcome to come for as much time as you wish to give during these hours. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing, and bring a packed lunch if you are coming for the full day. Hot drinks are usually provided, as are the necessary tools.

The publication of our programme has been severely delayed by the weather that has impacted the whole area over recent weeks and the events listed in the diary attached are subject to change and cancellation until conditions improve.  We suggest that anyone interested in participating in any of them should check with the office beforehand to ensure that it will go ahead before setting out.

For further information please contact the Project Office 0118 930 5336 or see the Website - www.pangandkennetvalleys.org.uk

*The Black Barn at Rushall Manor Farm is situated off Back Lane, between Stanford Dingley and Bradfield. Take the gravel track north off Back Lane to the west of Scratchface Lane. Grid ref: SU 583 723

January

Tuesday 26th - Hampstead Norreys - Scrub clearance - 10:00am
Help the Conservation Volunteers with scrub clearance on Hampstead Norreys Motte.  Meet at the village hall car park in the centre of Hampstead Norreys on the B4009.

Wednesday 27th - Paices Wood Country Parkland – Coppicing - 10:00am
Come along and join CROW and try out this traditional form of woodland management. Meet in the car park at Paices Wood  Country Parkland (through Young’s Industrial Estate). Grid ref: SU 586 638

February

Tuesday 9th - Malt House, West Woodhay - Restoration coppicing - 10:00am
Join us for a day of practical restoration coppicing within Holly Copse ancient woodland as part of the BeWILD project.  Meet at the Malt House, Grid ref:  SU 397 638.

Saturday 13th - Bucklebury Common - Heathland Management - 10:00am
Join the Bucklebury Heathland Management Group with their ongoing heathland management tasks.  Meet at Angel’s Corner on Bucklebury Common.  Grid ref: SU 550 688

Saturday 13th - Hosehill Lake - Nestbox Making Day - 10am - 1pm
Come along and learn how  to make a nest box to help the birds through the spring. Drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm. The main entrance to the reserve is opposite the Fox and Hounds Pub, Station  Road, Theale. Grid ref: SU 649 698

Tuesday 16th - Paices Wood Country Parkland - Coppicing/Scrub Management - 10:00am
Help us to complete the programme of winter work by ensuring the scrub clearance in the heathland area and coppicing are finished.  Meet in the car park at Paices Wood Country Parkland (through Young’s Industrial Estate). Grid ref: SU 586 638

Thursday 18th - Paices Wood Country Parkland - Woodland Treasure Hunt - 10:00am
Come along and explore Paices Wood Country Parkland,  while solving clues to find your treasure! The starting point will be the Country Parkland car park (through Young’s Industrial Estate). Grid ref: SU 586 638). Drop in any time between 11am and 1pm.

Saturday 20th - Braylands Copse – Coppicing - 10:00am
Join BTCV in restoring the hazel coppice at Braylands Copse, Enborne. Meet at Enborne Primary School, Skinner’s Green Lane.  Please book in advance by calling 0118 930 5336 or email nathan.walker@fwag.org.uk

Tuesday 23rd - Easton Meadows SSSI - Scrub clearance - 10:00am
Come and help manage this special remnant of wet grassland by the clearing of willows.  Meet off Rood Hill.  Wellies recommended. Grid ref: SU 418 723

Wednesday 24th - Rushall Manor Farm - Ride and glade creation - 10:00am
Join the CROW volunteers restoring rides and opening up small glades at Rushall Manor Farm.  Meet at the Black Barn. Grid ref:  SU 583 723

Saturday 27th  - Pond Dipping
10:00am – 12:00pm: Paices Wood Country Parkland
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Hosehill Lake Nature Reserve
Come along and try out pond dipping to discover what creatures are living in some of the Kennet Valley’s ponds. We will be at Paices Wood Country Parkland in the morning (follow signs from car park) and Hosehill Lake in the afternoon (follow signs from main entrance opposite the Fox and Hounds Pub, Station  Road, Theale. Grid ref: SU 649 698).

March

Saturday 6th - Pangfield Farm - Hedgelaying Competition - 9:30am
Enter or come and watch the Natural England Countdown 2010 Hedgelaying Competition at Pangfield Farm, Stanford Dingley.  For competitors there are various classes. Refreshments will be available. Entry into the competition is £3.  Parking available.  To enter the competition, please contact the Project office on 0118 930 5336 or email nathan.walker@fwag.org.uk.

Tuesday 9th - Pangfield Farm – Hedgelaying - 10:00am
Come and practice your hedgelaying skills in the picturesque Pang Valley.  Meet at the gateway opposite Pangfield Farm. Grid ref: SU 566 716. Please contact the Project office to book your place 0118 930 5336

Sunday 14th - Bucklebury Common - Heathland Management - 10:00am
Join the Bucklebury Heathland Management Group with their ongoing heathland management tasks.  Meet at Angel’s Corner on Bucklebury Common.  Grid ref: SU 550 688

Wednesday 17th - Rushall Manor Farm - Woodland Management - 10:00am
Join the CROW volunteers to undertake woodland management tasks at Rushall Manor Farm.  Meet at the Black Barn. Grid ref:  SU 583 723

Tuesday 23rd - Greenham Common - Tern raft repairs - 10:00am
Help repair the rafts destined  for the nesting birds of Hosehill Lake Local Nature Reserve.  Please call the project office to book a place for this task and to confirm details.