PARC

PracticaI Action on Reserves in Cornwall

A wide range of projects features in this PARC programme, involving wet reedbeds, wild heathiands and others. Much autumn and winter conservation work involves cutting things down, be it spindly unwanted trees in our woodlands or dense overgrown reeds from our marshes. This poses the question: "What on earth do we do with all the cut-down wood and vegetation?" It certainly does not go to waste. We convert much of the wood into charcoal and the reeds are used for thatching. So, why not get involved in some of the projects below and assist us with our recycling of natural materials!


For all projects, full details of why, what and how are given by the task leader on the day, plus full tuition on the use of tools and a tour of the site. No experience is needed, just a bit of enthusiasm. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the Trust if you would like further details or to be put on our mailing list for the PARC leaflet.

Victoria Scott, Reserves Officer

Map 1
SUNDAYS 6th & 13th OCTOBER DEVICHOYS WOOD
 We shall be carrying out some warming woodland work on these two tasks. Invasive spindly beech and sycamore saplings will be cut to allow development of the native woodland flora. We shall also be preparing wood for stacking into the charcoal kiln. So do come along with sausages and potatoes to cook on the bonfire.

Meet at the reserve entrance in Perranarworthal at l0.3Oam (Grid Ref: SW 775 381). Lifts from Five Acres at 9.45am or Truro railway station at l0.OOam are available.








Map 2 SUNDAYS 3rd & 17th NOVEMBER NANSMELLYN MARSH
 It's reed cutting time again. This was the most popular task of last year and is sure to be great fun (and very muddy) again. Reed cutting is a traditional activity carried out to maintain the reedbed habitat which is valuable particularly for breeding birds.

Meet at the reserve entrance in Perranporth (Grid Ref: SW 762 543). Lifts from Five Acres at l0.OOam or Truro railway station at 10. l5am are also available.










Map 3 SUNDAY 1st DECEMBER VENTONGIMPS MOOR
 A woodland glade has been created on this Site of Special Scientific Interest. We shall be enhancing it by linking it up with the open heathland habitat to provide a wildlife corridor. There will be another opportunity here to bring along some outdoor "nosh" to cook on the glowing bonfire embers.

Meet at the reserve entrance in Ventongimps village at 1 0.3Oam (Grid Ref: SW 781 514). Lifts froni Five Acres at 1 0.OOam or Truro railway station at 10.1 5am are available.









Map 4 SUNDAYS 19th & 26th JANUARY 1997 RED MOOR
 It's a new year so come along and burn off those seasonal excesses with some energetic heathland management. We will be clearing tall gorse which is invading the beautiful open heathland areas, and widening the paths along the Wilderness Trail. Some boardwalk repair and installation may also be required.

Meet at the grass triangle at Tredinnick Pits at 10.3Oam (Grid Ref: SX 077 623). Lifts from Five Acres at 9.45am or Truro railway station at l0.OOam are also available.










HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Just turn up on site at l0.3Oam (consult the maps). A lift from Five Acres or Truro railway station can be provided for most of the tasks. Please come prepared for the weather - wellies (for safety, those with steel toe caps are best) and waterproofs are usually essential and some gardening gloves if you have them. Don't forget your packed lunch; hot drinks and biscuits are provided. Further information can be obtained on (01872) 73939.
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