Welcome to our Conservation Noticeboard. We are very lucky to have a number of very conservation minded residents intent on ensuring that their properties are maintained sympathetically, not just for themselves but the whole community. So herewith a selection of recent initiatives that we will extend and develop moving forward.
WILD PYRFORD – DECEMBER 2021
This month’s programme features Owls, with some startling images from Mike Tibbotts. We also learn about the importance of Owl Boxes and why we all should have a go!
Walk on the Wild Side – 23 October 2021
.Conservation and in particular rewilding were certainly topical this month.
The Walk on the Wild Side Tea Party was held on Saturday 23rd October. The weather was cloudy but dry but the land was muddy & very wet
in places due to rain in the preceding few days.
After the walk whilst eating, there was an opportunity to view a Heritage Conservation Assessment display of various heritage assets in the village andaerial photographs of current Pyrford.
A selection of maps were also displayed dating back to 1575 and this included a fascinating estate map of Pyrford in c1630.
By popular request, Joy gave a shorter version of a talk she had presented to the Newark Dinner the previous Thursday (see picture below). Those attending seemed to enjoy themselves. The Forum hopes to run a similar event in 2022 which will be advertised through the monthly newsletter to those registered as members.
WILD PYRFORD – OCTOBER 2021
This month Tim learns about managing ancient woodland and how to make a bug hotel and why it’s such a good idea.
WILD PYRFORD – SEPTEMBER 2021
September features Mike Tibbots wildlife photography and James Veats of WBC tell us about the great importance of old trees.
WILD PYRFORD – JULY 2021
This month Tim is takes a look at allotments and a roof garden. In addition we’re sure you’ll enjoy a new feature – Mike Tibbot’s Naturewatch.
BEWARE
OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH
There have been several confirmed sightings of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillars in parts of Woking borough and residents are being reminded to avoid all contact with this hazardous tree pest.
Their nests are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, ranging in size – from a ping pong ball to as large as a rucksack. They are white when fresh, but soon become discoloured and brown. The caterpillars have black heads and bodies covered in long white hairs that contain proteins which can cause itchy rashes, eye, and throat irritations. They can also occasionally cause breathing difficulties in people and pets, so should not be touched under any circumstances.
The greatest risk period is May to July when the caterpillars emerge and feed before pupating into adult moths, but nests, even old ones, should not be touched at any time. The caterpillars feed on oak leaves, which can leave the trees vulnerable to other pests and diseases and drought.
WILD PYRFORD – JUNE 2021
Views of the Pyrford Common Ranger and Mike Tibbots, a local wildlife photographer this month as we move into summer.
WILD PYRFORD – MAY 2021
Spring has sprung and Tim is all the more frisky! So for May, more about how spring has impacted a couple of our old haunts.
WILD PYRFORD – APRIL 2021
This month more about the importance of drainage in Joy Sachak’s water meadows and the natural habitats in and around St Nicholas Church.
WILD PYRFORD – MARCH 2021
Here’s a little warmth from last summer as we review Natural Ponds, Bees and a lovely reminder that Spring is fast approaching!
WILD PYRFORD – FEBRUARY 2021
Due to Covid restrictions filming has not really been practical but we’ve had contributions members………
WILD PYRFORD – JANUARY 2021
This month’s edition features views of Pyrford you may not have seen before – i.e. a churchyard ‘close up’!
WILD PYRFORD – DECEMBER 2020
It’s the December Edition of Wild Pyrford and I hope you’re wearing wellies!! We also hope you enjoy the show and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! – Tim & the Group
WILD PYRFORD – NOVEMBER 2020
All you ever wanted to know about avocado wild garden ponds and the guardianship of ancient woodland.
WILD PYRFORD – OCTOBER 2020
Beekeeping in Pyrford and the all about how Victorian drainage of the water meadows is being restored.
WILD PYRFORD – AUGUST 2020
This video by Wild Pyrford features a natural garden pond and the work of Joy and Akeel Sachak to re-wild 100 acres of what was formerly Traditions Golf Course. It is the work of two members of the Forum and will highlight environmental activities in and around Pyrford
NOTE: Wild Pyrford is a series of short videos on YouTube spotlighting Conservation projects undertaken by local residents in the village of Pyrford. In our first programme we visited a Natural Pond and a Golf Course that is being handed back to ‘Nature’. In the months to come Wild Pyrford will visit more local people to discover their Conservation initiatives, from Beekeeping to planting wild flowers, from Composting to maintaining Ancient Woodland. To access Wild Pyrford TV, simply go to YouTube and enter ‘Wild Pyrford’ or visit the website: www.wildpyrford.com
PYRFORD HERITAGE VIDEO – As shown at the 2019 AGM – an ideal Christmas present or stocking filler available for £12 a copy. All proceeds to the Heritage project. See trailer to the left. Order by contacting Cliff Bolton on 01932-347313 or by email at cliff.bolton@gmail.com .
Pyrford Conservation News.
Heritage Assessment Update
The PNF Heritage team have been updating stakeholders in the community on progress and ideas of the heritage conservation assessment work that has been on-going. Woking Borough are now starting to appraise conservation areas in the town and the team have met with them to …Read More »
Wheelers Farm
In 2017, the barn and about 30 acres of the surrounding land were purchased by the Whittle family and restored into the farmhouse curtilage and demesne. The barn has been repaired and refurbished. The land beyond the immediate garden plot is to be maintained as …Read More »
Wilding at the Old House
Joy reports that as May 2020 – “A healthy population of native coarse fish ( including pike and roach) have been identified in the top lake. We have also noted a small hatch of mayflies which suggests a very healthy marine ecosystem. We want to …Read More »
Pyrford Wilding Project
Since taking ownership in 2004 Joy and Akeel have added to the property and recently acquired 100 acres around the house. This consolidates Peatmoor Wood with land between Pyrford Road, the Wey Navigation Canal and the Pyrford Marina up as far as Dodd’s Bridge. Both Joy …Read More »
Old House
It appears that the ‘The Old House’ was originally Lees Farm and the first record goes back to the 12th century when Roger de Leghe was recorded in the area. Originally a single roomed ‘Hall House’ circa 1450-1560. Alterations and extensions were frequent and blended succeeding …Read More »
Footpath 81
Pyrford is criss-crossed by a plethora of footpaths that many residents enjoy on a regular basis. Their upkeep is the responsibility of Surrey County Council and fixing things when they get broke can be a lot of fun. A group of 5 Forum members helped …Read More »
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