The work party at Sullington Warren planned for 7th December had to be deferred to the 14th due to storm Darragh. Happily much better weather on that day made for a pleasant morning, participants included those from the National Trust and Sandgate Conservation Society as well as us. Good progress was made on the Bronze Age bowl barrow in clearing vegetation and saplings to encourage much needed restoration of the heath.
The start of a new year brings wishes and hopes. We perhaps make resolutions with these in mind. Some may concern personal matters, like cutting down on chocolate (when the Christmas gifts run out?). Others may be of wider concern, like climate change. Being human we know our resolutions often don’t last. How many survive the month of January let alone the whole year? We might think ‘Why bother?’: especially when breaking well established habits is so hard. Even if we know change is needed for our well being. This is undoubtedly true of our use of fossil fuels, directly and indirectly. We each have a carbon footprint. Making climate responsible resolutions is important for all of us. Like walking instead taking the car for short journeys. It is good for our health as well as the environment. Reuse, repair, recycle rather than throw away. If we break our resolutions there’s no need to give up – try again! It is no good wishing and hoping that others will change if we are not prepared to do so. Setting an example can have encouraging results.
The work party met again on 4th January for preservation work on the chalk grassland on Chantry Hill: a help in fulfilling a New Year resolution to take more exercise! The next opportunity is on 1st February at 10.00am at Foxmead Court, Manleys Hill to clear the pond and surrounding unwanted vegetation. It will be good as ever to welcome new members to share in the work.
On 22nd February there is the first of our Talk and Tea open meetings in Storrington Village Hall at 2.00 pm. The speaker is Neil Hume who is co-author of ‘The butterflies of Sussex’. Everyone is welcome. For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, or offering advice, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website: www.storringtonconservation.org.uk.
Finally, New Year greetings to all who care for our environment.
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