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Press Release Nov 04
Clayfield in the winter
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Local Group Awarded Environmental Grant
Friends of Clayfield Copse (FOCC) are very proud to announce that they have been awarded a grant from Local Heritage Initiative of about £8000 to increase use and knowledge of this wonderful woodland area in north Caversham.
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The projects this money will fund are:
- Improving access across the site so that everyone regardless of their current fitness can enjoy it all year round.
- Setting up this website.
- Producing a new leaflet informing everyone about the wildlife and history of these woodlands.
- Hosting a third Woodlands Day at the Copse on Saturday 4th June 2005.
The footpaths from the car park to the woodlands will be improved as a 'mega-task' early in the year and it is hoped that many local people will volunteer to help out over a weekend. The existing muddy 'clay field' paths make it very difficult for all except those fit and in wellies to get around the site. The improvements will enable even parents with children in push chairs and people using wheelchairs to get to enjoy a bit of the countryside close to their homes. It is hoped that those seeking to start getting a bit fitter by taking up walking to improve their health will also be encouraged by the new paths.
The website and leaflet will give lots of information about the wildlife and heritage of the woodlands that make it so special.
Woodlands Day will be a celebration of this beautiful site and the wildlife and crafts associated with traditional management of our local Chiltern woodlands. FOCC hope to have green-wood craft workers, working horses from the Working Horse Trust, a saw mill, log splitting, exhibits from wildlife and craft organisations, birds of prey displays, dog activities. (Very popular last time!) a variety of walks and talks for all ages, and, as it is part of Reading Borough Council's Children's Festival, lots of children's activities. There will also be a barbeque and teas just as previous years. This weekend is also World Environment Day and Woodland Day will be an appropriate local event contributing to global activities to look after our Earth. The day will attract visitors from all over Reading but FOCC particularly welcome all local residents to come and enjoy a day in their woods. Entrance and all activities [except for teas and BBQ of course] are free.
Anyone who would like to help out for a short while on the day or with the construction of the footpaths in the Spring, will be very welcome.
FOCC have been carrying out traditional management of these woods, off Caversham Park Rd, since 1989 working with Reading Borough Council Parks Dept. Clayfield Copse was the first of several Local Nature Reserves to be declared in Reading in 1991. FOCC volunteers meet on the first Sunday of every month in the car park at 10 am. Next one is on 5th December. Everyone, regardless of fitness, is welcome as tasks are tailored to suit what each person can do and how long they can stay. It is great fun – give it a go!
LHI is a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, Nationwide Building Society and the Countryside Agency
We acknowledge our sponsors on all our communications.
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