__________________Events on the Downs 11.30 -1.00 Sunday 11th July "Wildflowers" Walktalks with local ecologist Neill Talbot: A small charge of £10.00 will be made for each. To register please contact Robin using the form below.
11.30 - 1.00 Sunday 20th June "Grasses" Walktalks with local ecologist Neill Talbot: A small charge of £10.00 will be made for each. To register please contact Robin using the form below. ________________________________ MEADOW MAKER A New Collection by Sally Stafford 3rd – 30th July It is estimated that 97% of Britain’s wild flower meadows have vanished since the 1930s, and the few that remain are often vulnerable, together with the numerous creatures that depend on them, such as vital pollinators, butterflies, birds and small mammals. The tireless work of conservation charities such as Plantlife has never been more important.
Beginning on National Meadows Day, Saturday July 3rd, our latest exhibition is a celebration of these beautiful habitats, expressed through the encompassing mixed media paintings of Sally Stafford, who has long drawn inspiration from the intricate balance of living colours and changing textures that define unspoilt meadows.
Meadow Maker immerses the viewer in a rare and precious world that deserves to be cherished and protected by us all.
Next and last winter Litter collection If you want to help the last session for this winter will be on: March 27th, 10.00am - 11.30am Meeting Point: Above the designated parking bay on Fountains Hill, as for 27th February. We will be targeting the areas along the Promenade and its woodland edge adjacent to the Gorge and Observatory Hill. Please register with Martin as usual. Use the 'contact us' page on this site to reach him so that his email is kept safe.
Deep Litter Clearance Date : Saturday February 27th 2021 Time : 10.00am - 11.30am Meeting Point : The open area on the south side of Fountains Hill above the the designated parking spaces along the wide curve of Fountains Hill. (as recently please collect equipment from the piles which you will find there and avoid the pavement and ts the members of the public who might be walking/jogging/running there).
Target Area : Depending on the number of volunteers and thus the number of sub-groups into which it would be advisable to split for ease of social distancing, the locations to be cleared will include The north side of the Promenade., the south side and the woodland verge at the top of the Gorge, Observatory Hill and perhaps the west side of Bridge Valley Road.
As always please bring any equipment of your own if you have it to reduce the risks associated with sanitisation, but we will supply what is required to keep you safe. Wrap up warmly and come shod appropriately for conditions underfoot.
Please also register with me in the usual way in advance so that paperwork andequipment required will provide what is needed for everyone. Email at martinandglen@hotmail.com Thanks, and kind regards, Martin 7.00pm Saturday 20th February 2021 Illustrated Zoom Talk: Butterflies of the Downs and Beyond. Last chance for members to register atfodagcontent@gmail.com
10.00am - 11.30am Saturday 27th February 2021 Deep Litter Clearance Meeting Point : The open area on the south side of Fountains Hill above the designated parking spaces along the wide curve of Fountains Hill. (as recently please collect equipment from the piles which you will find there and avoid the pavement and its the members of the public who might be walking/jogging/ running there). Target Area : Depending on the number of volunteers and thus the number of sub-groups into which it would be advisable to split for ease of social distancing, the locations to be cleared will include The north side of the Promenade., the south side and the woodland verge at the top of the Gorge, Observatory Hill and perhaps the west side of Bridge Valley Road. As always please bring any equipment of your own if you have it to reduce the risks associated with sanitisation, but we will supply what is required to keep you safe. Wrap up warmly and come shod appropriately for conditions underfoot. Please also register with me using the below forms in advance so that paperwork and equipment required will provide what is needed for everyone. Thanks, and kind regards, Martin
9.30 am Sunday 7th March 2021 Dead Hedging working party If you are interested in maintaining the hurdles along the circular road and learn new skills register with Robin using the form below.
Regular Activities If you are interested in being involved when our activities resume please feel free to contact us for more details using the forms at the bottom of the page. Deep litter picking FODAG volunteers and friends forage for litter one Saturday morning of the month during the winter from 10 am to 12 pm. If you would like to join the merry band please contact Martin for details.
Butterfly Survey Friends have actively surveyed the butterfly population of the downs over the last 6 years adding to national data. (data is held on our website). If you are interested in being involved please contact Martin on the form below.
Goat and Gully Monitoring A group of Friends keep a regular eye on the Goats in the Gully, making sure they are happy and healthy. Also we are looking to create a similar group who take note of the health of the Victorian steps and it's surroundings. If you would like to find out more or to get involved please contact Martin on the form below.
Conservation Sundays The second Sunday in the Month (this sometimes changes). Doing a range of activities and often asked to bring gloves, loppers and secateurs if possible. please register an interest with Robin on the form below.
Dead hedging the dead hedge working party work to build and maintain the dead hedges. If you are interested in being involved please contact Robin on the form below.