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Reserves report Many interesting projects are happening on our nature reserves at the moment. There are too many to mention in detail, so here s a brief run-down. Thanks to funding from the Environment Agency, our access track to Maer Lake is being improved. The Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled us to purchase and restore Cabilla and Redrice Woods. The woods are now bustling with activity in preparation for the busy woodland management season. Several PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) tasks have been arranged there for the coming months, including pond creation, waymarking and a special, festive PARC task called "Fell Your Own Christmas Tree!" I look forward to meeting you on these projects. The St Erth Pits Community Access Project - update Now successfully completed, this project (funded by Barclays Bank and English Nature) has enabled us to enhance our first geological reserve. Thanks to the invaluable assistance of several conservation volunteers and members of the local community, safety fencing, access steps, gates and an information board have been installed. This fascinating reserve was "officially opened" a few weeks ago, so why not pay it a visit and learn about our geological heritage.  Work underway at St Erth's Pits. Photo: Stuart Hutchings Volunteer wardens required The role of the volunteer warden is a varied one that depends upon the extent to which the individual wishes to become involved. As a volunteer warden, your main responsibility is to act as the Êon-the-groundË contact for your reserve; ideally, volunteer wardens live near to their reserves. We currently have vacancies for volunteer wardens on a few of our reserves, including Breney Common, Redlake Cottage Meadows and reserves in the Truro area. Please contact me at the Trust for further details.  Artist's impression of St Erth's Pits from a photograph taken in the 1920's. Illustration Sarah McCartney. Kennall Vale Infrastructure and Restoration Project Kennall Vale is a beautiful site located in the valley of the River Kennall at Ponsanooth. The reserve comprises mixed broadleaved woodland in the valley of the River Kennall, on the site of old gunpowder works. The derelict works buildings and extensive leat system are of considerable archaeological interest. The Trust has received funding from Rural Action, Kerrier District Council, local parish councils and individuals to restore one of the bridges at Kennall Vale and install some safety fencing. Much of the work will be carried out by volunteers and community groups, so if you want to become involved please contact me at the Trust. Victoria Scott  Kennal Vale Nature Reserve. Photo Stuart Hutchings |