newsletters
The Noak Bridge |
 |
|
http://www.nbnrs.org.uk |
Nature Reserve Society |
Newsletter - Spring 2019 |
Around the ReserveDuring the last few months, time permitting, I have walked the Reserve and found it to be in good condition - a big thank you to all members and to our Ranger Mark who have attended the monthly work parties - excellent work.On one of my walks I ended up having a number of conversations with residents who were making use of the mild weather and bright sunshine, and received some very good feedback regarding the Reserve. The Eco Container was a great hit with a young family along with two pensioners who had lived in the area for over 22 years. We are still actively trying to get the information board completed and installed. It was mentioned by a few others that although they understand we have to cut back the bushes and vegetation, they thought that in some areas we had left the area looking as though it had been brutally attacked. Since these works have been undertaken you will agree with me that new growth is starting to come through and is looking very good. All ponds have vastly reduced levels with the exception of Puckles and Meadow. A number of seats/benches are now in a very poor state of repair and in need of replacement. Your Committee have arranged for the replacement of three of the benches which were in the worst condition and this work will hopefully be undertaken within the next month in readiness for the warmer weather. The cost of these will be sponsored. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Ranger Mark and Basildon Borough Council for arranging and repairing our Main Entrance Gate in Eastfield Road. I would like to bring to all our Members' attention that although you will be receiving this Newsletter there are a very high proportion of you who have not yet paid the 2018-19 subscription. This is greatly impacting on our costs in providing not only our four Newsletters but also the hiring of a venue for our AGM. The amount which you are asked to pay is £3.00 and £1.50 for Seniors per household/year. This would not even buy a can of coke and a bag of crisps. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who along with your membership fee make a further donation towards the Society Funds. Last year the AGM was sponsored by a committee member, as were the refreshments which historically are always sponsored by a member of your committee. I have no doubt that you all care about your Nature Reserve, which is the Jewel in the Noak Bridge Crown, however we do need your support to help maintain the Reserve and Society. If you feel the same as I and your Committee please rectify the situation and continue your membership. David Braithwaite Reeds and RushesReeds are tall stiff perennial grass-like plants growing together in groups near water.A rush is a stiff aquatic or marsh plant having a hollow or pithy stem and small flowers. Many different types of reeds and rushes have been found in the Reserve including Reed Canary-grass, Toad Rush, Branched Bur-reed and Soft Rush. Having reeds and rushes in and around ponds with their lush coloured foliage and natural architectural look play an important part in attracting wild life. A wide range of invertebrate live amongst the mixture of vegetation around the pond margins and the flowers of the reeds and rushes attract hummingbirds, dragonflies and butterflies. For thousands of years people have used reeds and rushes for clothing, rooftops, basketry, floor mats and shoes. They can be used to make screens or a backdrop in the garden. In some countries reed houses are built on marsh land or reed islands as in Lake Titicaca, Peru.
Bird Song Walk on Sunday 14th April 2019 at 10amMeeting at the Reserve Entrance in Eastfield Road.You are all welcome and please do bring along family, friends and neighbours. |
 |
Helping to protect Noak Bridge Nature Reserve |
|
newsletters
home | map | about | wildlife | galleries | society | links | Facebook