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08/05/08. Conservation work (2, 1192). Cutting back blackthorn encroaching on heath (0911). Removing hawthorn seedlings and transplanting in north and middle wood (1109, 1307).
25/04/08. BTCV have erected an information panel describing the heath by Heath Road, opposite the Eagle & Child. The sign, incorporating a map of the heath, explains its nature as a rare habitat, advises on its preservation, and records the work of AHRA in maintaining it.
24/04/08. Conservation work (2, 1188). Cutting back blackthorn and bramble and removing hawthorn seedlings (0911). Transplanting hawthorn seedlings in north and middle wood.
17/04/08. Conservation work (1, 1183). Removing 'den' in north wood (1308). Replacing hedging and transplanting blackthorn (1306). Cutting back blackthorn and bramble and removing hawthorn seedlings (0911). Transplanting hawthorn seedlings in north wood (1010, 1110). Grass cut.
11/04/08. Action Earth project, with a grant from national charity Community Service Volunteers supported by Morrisons supermarkets (7, 1190). Planting 1Kg of woodland grasses and wildflower seeds throughout woodland - garlic mustard, ramsons, betony, nettle leaved bellflower, wild foxglove, bluebell, meadowsweet, hedge bedstraw, herb robert, wood avens, hairy St John's wort, wood forget-me-not, wild primrose, self-heal, red campion, hedge woundwort, greater stitchwort, wood sage, and upright hedge parsley. Planting two conifers donated by Brenda Holden (1211, 1409). Filling in hole dug in path in south wood (1803).
04/04/08. Conservation work (1, 1180). Cutting back blackthorn and bramble and clearing rubbish (0911). Replacing vandalised bird table in south wood (1403).
03/04/08. Conservation work (2, 1178). Cutting back blackthorn (1010). Removing remains of fire and cans in south wood (1402). Removing dirt "ramps" on path (1903, 2003).
07/03/08. Conservation work (2, 1174). Cutting back blackthorn and bramble in hedge (1010). Planting Lords and Ladies and sowing teasel (1208, 1307).
28/02/08. Conservation work (1, 1171). Removing remains of fire in middle wood. Cutting back blackthorn and bramble in hedge (1010).
20/02/08. Task morning (5, 1169). 200 blackthorn, hazel, dog rose, guelder rose and field maple planted to extend existing hedgerow and fill in gaps in last year's planting (1204, 1203, 1202, 1205).
18/02/08. Conservation work (3, 1161). Again clearing up after damage and fires in south wood (1503). Broken ash saplings pruned and glass and cans cleared.
14/02/08. Conservation work (1, 1156). Again clearing up after damage and fire in south wood (1503). Broken ash saplings pruned and cans cleared. Cutting back blackthorn in hedge (1010).
12/02/08. Conservation work (1, 1153). Clearing up after damage and fire in south wood (1503). Broken saplings pruned and glass from smashed alcohol bottles cleared. Mound cleared from path in east wood (2203).
11/02/08. Conservation work (1, 1152). More saplings torn down in south wood (1503).
09/02/08. Conservation work (4, 1151). Repairing wanton damage to woodland and clearing rubbish (1111).
07/02/08. Conservation work (1, 1152). Repairing damage to north wood, caused by youths setting fires, snapping off branches and pushing down saplings (1111. 1110). Removing mounds on path in east wood (2203). Started cutting back blackthorn in hedge (1010).
15/01/08. Grant received from the Co-operative Society Community Fund to extend the hedgerow planted in 2006 and renew the public liability insurance and affiliation to BTCV.
20/12/07. Conservation work (1, 1149). Dead hedging to protect whips (1208).
13/12/07. Conservation work (1, 1148). Planting wild rose and cuckoo-pint at west edge of north wood. Hedgelaying and dead hedging to protect planting (1108, 1107). Pruning and crown-lifting damaged oak on heath (0914).
01/12/07. Conservation work (2, 1146). Planting four spindle trees (grown by Jackie West from seed) in new hedgerow.
22/11/07. Conservation work (1, 1145). Woodland management.
01/11/07. Conservation work (2, 1141). Crown-lifting and dead-hedging (1610,1211,1310).
25/10/07. Conservation work (1, 1136). Dead-hedging (1211).
18/10/07. Conservation work (1, 1132). Clearing and stacking dead timber (1111).
11/10/07. Conservation work (1, 1128). Removing oak seedlings (1211). Pulling encroaching honeysuckle from heath and replanting in woodland (1211).
05/10/07. Conservation work (2, 1126). Cutting back oak tree overhanging heather patch(1311). Removing oak seedlings and bramble from heath (1211).
27/09/07. Conservation work (3, 1123). Pruning saplings (1011, 1111). Restoring hedge barrier to protect last year's planting (1306).
20/09/07. Conservation work (2, 1118). Cutting down two damaged saplings. Removing oak seedlings, rosebay willowherb and brambles from heath (1212). Grass cut.
05/09/07. Litter bins installed adjacent to Windsor Road, Lincoln Drive and Blenheim Road.
30/08/07. Conservation work (1, 1115). Repairing damage to woodland.
23/08/07. Conservation work (1, 1114). Removing oak seedlings and regeneration from heathland (1212).
16/08/07. Conservation work (1, 1111). Removing rosebay willowherb, birch and oak regeneration from heathland (2104, 2204).
13/08/07. Conservation work (2, 1108). Felling damaged saplings in north and south wood. Grass cut to Blenheim Road.
09/08/07. Conservation work (1, 1107). Cutting back along path (1306 - 1904).
02/08/07. Conservation work (1, 1105). Pruning damaged oak. Clearing grass from new hedging (1010, 0911). 70 - 90% survival rate - blackthorn, dog rose, guelder rose and hazel.
26/07/07. Grass cut to Blenheim Road.
19/07/07. Conservation work (1, 1103). Cutting back overhanging oak branches (1010). Clearing grass from new hedging. (1107 - 1108). 70% survival rate - blackthorn, dog rose, guelder rose and a few hazel.
12/07/07. Conservation work (1, 1101). Clearing grass and rosebay willowherb from hedging (1204). Only 25% survival rate - blackthorn, dog rose and a few hazel.
05/07/07. Conservation work (1, 1099). Cutting back along path (1307 - 1904). Clearing grass from around hedging planted last year, and pulling large stand of rosebay willowherb shading hedge (1207 - 1205). Blackthorn and dog rose appear to have established, but only isolated guelder rose, hazel and field maple seen. Still awaiting litter bins from Ashton and Bryn Township Forum monies applied for over a year ago and agreed over six months ago, despite assurances from Township Manager Malcolm Coe.
28/06/07. Conservation work (1, 1095). Removing birch and willow regeneration from stumps (1809).
26/06/07. Complete grass cut of heathland area.
21/06/07. Conservation work (1, 1092). Repairing minor damage to saplings and cutting back along path (1307 - 1904).
07/06/07. Conservation work (1, 1091). Cutting down damaged saplings and clearing fire debris in north wood.
28/05/07. Conservation work (1, 1090). Repairing damage to saplings and clearing fire debris in north wood. Cutting back along path (1307 - 1904).
24/05/07. Conservation work (1, 1088). Repairing damage in south wood and clearing drinkers' rubbish. Removing birch and oak regeneration from heathland (2304, 2305).
16/05/07. Grass cut to Blenheim Road.
10/05/07. Conservation work (1, 1086). Repairing damage in north wood. Removing rosebay willowherb, birch and oak regeneration from heathland (2104, 2105, 2204). Removing incursion of Japanese Knotweed from Haydock Racecourse (2102).
02/05/07. Grass cut to Blenheim Road.
26/04/07. Conservation work (1, 1083). Repairing damage to middle wood and clearing drinkers' rubbish. Speckled wood butterflies in evidence and bluebells blooming.
14/03/07. Conservation work (2, 1081). Pruning two damaged saplings (1303). Clearing fallen timber, crown-lifting oak, and removing oak regeneration (1510).
08/03/07. Conservation work (2, 1077). Checking saplings in west wood. Cutting back in wildlife area (1707). Clearing fallen timber, crown-lifting oak, and removing oak regeneration (1510, 1511).
03/03/07. Conservation work (1, 1069). Cutting back hedgerow and thinning out woodland. Clearing up after drinkers and dead-hedging to protect recently planted whips (1406).
01/03/07. Conservation work (2, 1067). Cutting back hedgerow and thinning out woodland. Dead-hedging to protect recently planted whips (1405, 1406).
24/02/07. Task session (7, 1061). Clearing litter and rubbish around and on embankment at south end and cutting back.
22/02/07. Conservation work (2, 1047). Light coppicing in middle, south and east wood. Dead-hedging to protect whips and provide cover for wildlife (1307, 1402, 1502, 1602)
15/02/07. Conservation work (1, 1042). Removing fly-tipped branches from the heath. Taking bramble from heather patch (1904) and replanting in woodland (1703). Crown-lifting crab apple (1410). Removing oak and birch regeneration (1311).
01/02/07. Conservation work (1, 1040). Removing birch and willow regeneration (2104,2204,2105).
24/01/07. Conservation work (1, 1038). Removing birch and willow regeneration from stumps in strimmed area to assist mowing.
23/01/07. Street Scene team strimmed area just south of Blenheim Road in preparation for mowing later in the year.
14/12/06. Conservation work (1, 1035). Light coppicing and repairing damage in north, middle and south wood. Planting cotoneaster and hawthorn in woodland.
30/11/06. Conservation work (2, 1033). Coppicing in north wood and repairing damage done by youths. Planting wild rose, cotoneaster and hawthorn in woodland, and field maple along western boundary and north wood edge.
18/11/06. Conservation work (10, 1029). Planting 400 whips - blackthorn, guelder rose, hazel, dog rose and field maple - along western boundary, and filling gaps in woodland edge.
09/11/06. Conservation work (1, 1009). Repairing damage to woodland caused by youths making fires and snapping branches.
02/11/06. Conservation work (2, 1008). Removing oak regeneration, rosebay willowherb and bramble from heathland (1211). Pruning dead branches (1210).
23/10/06. Grass cut.
22/10/06. Conservation work. Line of new hedgerow sprayed by BTCV to prepare for planting (0812 - 1204).
19/10/06. Conservation work (1, 1004). Two damaged saplings removed (2003). Planted Lady's Mantle and celandine (1207). Heath under CCTV surveillance by Council to inhibit dumping of trade waste as Bonfire Night approaches.
12/10/06. Conservation work (1, 1003). Removing oak and birch stump regeneration, rosebay willowherb and brambles (2206, 2305).
10/10/06. Second newsletter published and distributed to members.
07/10/06. Successful bid made to The Conservation Foundation for a small grant under the O2 "It's Your Community" scheme to allow planting of 400 hedgerow trees and shrubs - hawthorn, hazel, blackthorn, field maple, dog rose, and wayfaring trees - along western boundary. Planting planned within next two months.
05/10/06. Information from Council: bollards removed after local resident injured himself by walking into one.
04/10/06. Concrete bollards by road to Windsor Road removed from heath. No notice or reason given by the Council.
21/09/06. Conservation work (1, 1000). Removing oak seedlings, stump regeneration and rosebay willowherb. (1212).
21/09/06. Conservation work (1, 998). Removing oak seedlings, stump regeneration and rosebay willowherb. (1310, 1410). Section completed. Bid submitted to Ashton and Bryn Township Forum for three litter bins.
07/09/06. Conservation work (1, 996). Removing oak and birch seedlings, stump regeneration and rosebay willowherb (1409, 1310).
24/08/06. Conservation work (1, 993). Removing oak seedlings and stump regeneration (1410, 1408, 1409).
27/07/06. Conservation work (1, 990). Cutting back along path (1306 - 1604).
15/07/06. Repairing vandalism (1, 988). Three ash saplings damaged in north wood - cut down.
15/06/06. Conservation work (1, 987). Pulling rosebay willowherb, birch and oak seedlings from heath (2106, 2105, 2205, 2305, 2304). Cutting back along path (1306 - 1604).
25/06/06. Task morning (6, 982). Assisting BTCV team in installing steps on hillock (2803). Cutting back along hillock path (2405 - 2703).
24/06/06. Grass cut. Damage caused to water valve, resulting in flooding of part of the heath.
15/06/06. Conservation work (1, 970). Pulling rosebay willowherb and oak tree seedlings from heath (2206).
08/06/06. Conservation work (1, 967). Pulling rosebay willowherb and tree seedlings from heath (2206).
02/02/06. Repairing vandalism (1, 964). Ash saplings damaged in north wood - one had to be cut down. Resident fly-tipping by footpath 29.
25/05/06. Grass cut on most sections of the heath. Conservation work (1, 963). Removing oak seedlings and rosebay willowherb from heath (2216).
23/05/06. Message from Simon Calderbank. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust are aware of the new maintenance regime which includes cutting the two large areas at the Ashton end of the heath six times per year. Similiarly the edges of the paths will be cut back two metres either side at the same interval. The future management of the heath as advised by BTCV is for the newly established planted areas to be cut back by a tractor every 2/3 years otherwise the heathers will get very 'woody ' and not reach their full potential. Another matter discussed was the possibility of an interpretation board to celebrate the positive contribution that has been made by the residents group and BTCV. These proposals are to be discussed at a meeting between AHRA, BTCV and Simon Calderbank.
22/05/06. Conservation work (1, 960). Repairing damage to dead-hedging (1010).
18/05/06. Conservation work (2, 959). Removing oak and birch seedlings, bramble and rosebay willowherb from heath (2305, 2306, 2406). Tormentil flowering.
27/04/06. Conservation work (1, 951). Transplanting blackthorn from heath to extend hedge (0912).
13/04/06. Conservation work (2, 948). Last large hole filled in (1903).
05/04/06. Conservation work (2, 941). Start made in filling in last large hole (1903).
30/03/06. Conservation work (2, 933). Transplanting blackthorn to extend hedge (1307). Small hole filled, and large hole partially cleared of timber prior to filling it in. Glass and pottery removed from surrounding area. (1903). Irresponsible dog owner continues to complain about the work on the heath.
29/03/06. Bid made to Ashton & Bryn Township Forum for funding for four dog bins for depositing of dog faeces.
22/03/06. Conservation work (1, 925). Completing cutting back section of blackthorn (1009) and dead-hedging (1308, 1210, 1108). Replacing path markers which had been removed (1603).
09/03/06. Conservation work (2, 921). Cutting back blackthorn (1009) and adding to dead-hedging in north wood (1010, 1110, 1210). It is unbelievable the amount of dog shit that is being deposited on the heath. The irresponsible dog owners concerned should be ashamed of themselves.
01/03/06. Conservation work (1, 915). Cutting back blackthorn (1009) and replanting to extend hedge (1010). Dead-hedging edge of wood to protect planting (1010).
23/02/06. Conservation work (2, 913). Cutting back blackthorn to rejuvenate hedge along fence (0911, 1010) and dead-hedging edge of wood and path (1010).
16/02/06. Conservation work (2, 905). Cutting back blackthorn to rejuvenate hedge along fence (0911) and dead-hedging edge of wood (1011).
09/02/06. Conservation work (2, 897). Cutting back blackthorn to rejuvenate hedge along fence (0911) and dead-hedging edge of wood (1011).
08/02/06. AHRA member Hazel Silvester was presented with an award for her conservation work on Ashton Heath. The certificate was presented at a 'Big Thank You' evening at Byrchall High School arranged by Wigan Council and attended by local community groups.
02/02/06. Conservation work (1, 889). Crown-lifting oak (1609).
26/01/06. Conservation work (2, 886). Crown-lifting oak and thinning out trees on heath (1609).
19/01/06. Conservation work (2, 878). Lifting oak saplings and holly from heath (1410, 1510) and replanting to start hedgerow along fence (1010-1108).
12/01/06. Conservation work (2, 873). Coppicing ash, willow and birch in south wood and dead-hedging (1602, 1702, 1802, 1902, 2002). Some light coppicing in west wood (1203).
05/01/06. Conservation work (2, 868). Coppicing ash, willow and birch in south wood (1602, 1702, 1802, 1902, 2002, 1703, 1803, 1903, 2003).
22/12/05. Conservation work (1, 860). Coppicing ash, willow and birch in south wood. Holly and ivy growing in this section. (1402, 1403, 1502).
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15/12/05. Conservation work (2, 858). Coppicing in middle and south wood, repairing fresh damage to saplings (1305, 1304, 1303, 1404, 1403, 1503, 1603, 1703, 1803, 1903).
08/12/05. Conservation work (3, 854). Completed coppicing in north wood (1211, 1210, 1209). Cutting back dead tree (1508). Coppicing in middle wood (1305, 1304, 1404). Cutting back blackthorn and filling gap in hedge (1306). Planting horse chestnut tree, helped by Chris Holden (1303).
30/11/05. Conservation work (3, 842). Coppicing and dead hedging in north wood (1011, 1111, 1010, 1110, 1009, 1109, 1108).
23/11/05. Conservation work (2, 830). Removing small oak from heath and crown-lifting specimen oak (0714, 0814, 0914). Cutting down damaged ash (1010). Cutting back damaged willows in wildlife area and clearing branches to form habitat pile; removing litter and remains of 'den'; filling in holes (1806).
09/11/05. Conservation work (2, 821). Removing oak and birch regeneration from the heath (2105, 2106) and replanting oak seedlings (2005). Clearing branches to dead hedging (1609). Cutting back damaged willows in wildlife area and clearing branches to form habitat pile (1806).
07/11/05. Conservation work (1, 816). Cutting back large willow (1609).
01/11/05. Conservation work (2, 814). Removing oak, birch and willow regeneration from the heath (2006, 1709). Cutting back large willow (1609). Repairing damage to woodland (1703).
27/10/05. BTCV/AHRA project. spraying herbicide between Mill Lane and Blenheim Road paths prior to reseeding with heather. Two incidents of fly-tipping prior to Bonfire Night reported to the Council.
26/10/05. Conservation work (2, 808). Removing nettles, brambles and oak regeneration from the heath (1211). Cutting channel to drain water pooling on path (1411). Repairing damage to north wood (1310), coppicing and dead-hedging (1011, 1111, 1211).
19/10/05. Conservation work (2, 803). Repairing damage done by youths setting fires in north and south wood (1206, 1703). Cutting back bramble and nettles from path east of middle wood (1405). Planting broom seeds (1410).
17/10/05. Conservation work (1, 798). Planting foxglove, lady's mantle and teasel along path at edge of north wood (1010, 1108, 1204).
13/10/05. Conservation work (2, 797). Completed cutting back regenerated oak stumps to ground level, and removing bramble (1211). Cutting back blackthorn along fence path (1009).
06/10/05. Conservation work (1, 791). Cutting back regenerated oak stumps to ground level (1211). Replanting oak seedlings in woodland (1210).
25/09/05. Task Day (3, 786). Reseeding with grass seed and raking the new topsoil covering areas where material had been stored for paths (0117, 2108). Fencing off one area to prevent cars damaging it (2108). Planting bistort and bugloss in woodland and on woodland margins.
21/09/05. Conservation work (2, 782). Pruning dead timber, felling saplings damaged by vandals in north wood (1109, 1110) and blocking off unnecessary path into woodland (1011). Cutting back blackthorn along new path (1010).
13/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (4, 776). Raking paths (1012 - 1115, 1211 - 1611, 2002 - 2602, 1011 - 1402). Thinning out dead hawthorn (1208).
12/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (2, 764). Raking path (1011 - 1402, 1702 - 2602). Skimming off steps and dusting (1402).
09/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (2, 755). Raking path (1410), but overnight rain made it impossible to finish. Cutting back saplings at edge of path (1010, 1207, 1204, 1203).
08/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (2, 751). Dusting paths (1402 - 1702, 2304 - 2105). Pulling rosebay willowherb (2105). Bluebell bulbs planted in woodland.
06/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (1, 744). Dusting path (0614, 0714, 0713). Stoning path (1402, 1502, 1602, 1702, 1802 1902, 2002, 2003). Pulling rosebay willowherb and removing oak and birch regeneration from stumps (2105, 2104, 2204).
05/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (2, 739). Dusting path (0614, 0615, 0715, 0815, 0916). Repairing bird table (1309).
04/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (3, 737). Cutting back by path (2403, 2503, 2602). Pulling rosebay willowherb and removing oak and birch regeneration from stumps (2403, 2503).
02/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (1, 731). Stoning paths (1311 - 1509). Pulling rosebay willowherb and oak regeneration from stumps (1410).
01/09/05. BTCV/AHRA project (1, 728). Stoning paths (1212, 1312, 1411). Cutting back hedge by path (1011). New paths being constructed from Blenheim Road and Lincoln Drive to the main north/south path.
30/08/05. BTCV/AHRA project (1, 725). Stoning paths (1010). Cutting back hedge by path (1010). Many Speckled Wood butterflies seen along woodland edge and new paths.
28/08/05. BTCV/AHRA project (7, 722). Working with BTCV stoning paths as part of the funded project (0713, 0813, 0812, 0912, 1012, 1111).
23/08/05. Mowing carried out.
17/08/05. Conservation work (2, 704). Clearing rosebay willowherb, birch and oak regeneration from area first cleared last year (1310, 1410, 1409, 1408). Cutting stand of rosebay willowherb and nettles (1408).
10/08/05. Conservation work (1, 694). Surveying pathways to review progress. Points noted: rosebay willowherb, birch and oak regenerating in several areas; woodland still quite dense although effects of last year's coppicing evident; hazel whips growing well, but most of the willow planting has failed.
Nuisance motorcycling. Youth on red scrambler bike bearing number 6 seen and reported to police.
31/07/05. Task Day (6, 693). Cutting back new growth on hillock and completing the new pathway by pruning trees at southern end (2405 - 2803).
06/07/05. Education (6, 681). Children from St Thomas's school were shown round the heath and woodland by volunteers as part of Eco Week and viewed the work carried out by the group.
22/06/05. Conservation work (3, 675). Pruning hedgerows and brushcutting to cut back on pathways (1012, 1112, 1010, 1306, 1305, 1405, 1404, 1504).
18/06/05. Council carried out mowing.
15/06/05. Conservation work (1, 666). Pulling rosebay willowherb (2106). Clearing broken glass, pottery and litter (1703, 1405).
08/06/05. Conservation work (2, 661). Pulling rosebay willowherb (1309, 1409). Pruning gorse (1409).
04/06/05. Task Day (6, 655). Levelling off path and cutting back trees and brambles on hillock to create a new walk (2306 - 2604). Planting ivy along fence (1107, 1106). Lifting rosebay willowherb (1310).
01/06/05. Conservation work (2, 637). Cutting back saplings along path east of middle wood (1904 - 1407). Lifting oak seedlings from heath and replanting in south wood (1904). Cutting down damaged saplings in south wood (1904, 1304), Clearing glass and pottery from south wood (1703).
25/05/05. Conservation work (3, 632). Pulling rosebay willowherb from heathland (2105, 2205). Removing small brambles and rosebay willowherb from area of bramble removed last year to reveal tormentil and common sorrell (2405). Pruning gorse (2105). Clearing broken glass and pottery from woodland and path in south wood (1503, 1603, 1703).
18/05/05. Conservation work (1, 622). Clearing broken glass and pottery from south wood (1503). Clearing litter left after barbecue (1306).
11/05/05. Conservation work (1, 620). Removing birch seedlings from heath and replanting in east wood (2205, 2206, 2305, 1503). Clearing glass and pottery, and filling in holes in south wood (1602, 1702).
27/04/05. Conservation work (2, 615). Clearing glass and pottery, and filling in holes (1803, 1903). This completes the hole-filling in south wood, north of the woodland path.
24/04/05. Task day (7, 607). Filling in large hole and restacking habitat piles (1807). Lifting bramble from heathland (1113). Clearing birch seedlings from heathland (2206, 2305). Chainsawing stumps and crown-lifting (2404, 2305, 2007, 1904, 1809, 1608).
20/04/05. Conservation work (3, 593). Filling holes, pruning damaged timber and clearing broken pottery and glass in south wood (1803). Clearing stones and branches from path of mower (0814, 0914).
13/04/05. Conservation work (3, 587). Filling holes, pruning damaged timber and clearing broken pottery and glass in south wood (1702, 1703). Removing birch from area of heather and heath grasses (1804).
07/04/05. Conservation work (2, 576). Removing timber and filling holes in south wood. Clearing glass and pottery from path (1602, 1703).
06/04/05. Conservation work (5, 570). Planting shrubs along west fence line (0911). Completed clearing birch and oak saplings from heathland (2305). Filling in holes in south wood (1602, 1703).
03/04/05. Conservation work (1, 557). Installing bat box in south wood.
02/04/05. Conservation work (1, 556). Building bat box.
01/04/05. Conservation work (1, 555). Brushcutting rosebay willowherb and brambles (1406).
31/03/05. Conservation work (1, 553). Brushcutting rosebay willowherb and brambles (1407). Building and hanging bird nesting box (2203).
30/03/05. Conservation work (1, 549). Brushcutting rosebay willowherb and brambles (1408).
27/03/05. Complaints and vandalism. Vice-Chair of AHRA David Forsyth came across Councillor Paul Tushingham surveying the woodland today. Apparently he had been advised that the 'dead-hedging' has become a "Paedophiles' Paradise". The Vice-Chair was able to inform him that he and members of the Association regularly patrol the area and know of no such incidents. Once again mischievous complaints are being made to ward councillors presumably in an attempt to stop the work on the heath and woodland. This is the second occasion on which a ward councillor has followed up anonymous complaints without consulting AHRA, despite the fact that the group is a member of the Township Forum.
Later two members also found that scarlet willow planted last week had been pulled up, presumably by the vandals who have caused damage to the work before.
23/03/05. Conservation work (2, 546). Planting ivy against fence and cotoneaster horizontalis in north wood (1108, 1011, 1111, 1110). Transplanting willow in north wood (1011). Lifting oak and willow saplings from heath and replanting in south and east wood (2305, 1903). Digging out bramble (2306). Felling birch and removing birch and willow saplings (2305).
21/03/05. Conservation work (2, 536). Planting hazel (Corylus avelanna) and scarlet willow (Salix alba britzensis) donated by Captain's Lane Centre in north wood, middle wood and south wood (1011, 1110, 1210, 1209, 1208, 1207, 1307, 1206, 1306, 1305, 1304, 1403, 1503).
20/03/05. Task day (10, 534). Crown-lifting oak and felling birch (2206). Lifting oak and birch and replanting in woodland (2105, 2106, 2206, 1503, 1603, 2103). Covering large hole with turf and planting periwinkle in south wood (1603). Brushcutting bramble (1809, 1909). Moving timber and filling hole (1903).
16/03/05. Conservation work (3, 498). Filling in holes and levelling woodland floor in south wood (1502, 1503). Pruning damaged timber and stacking (1603). Stoat seen in habitat pile.
09/03/05. Conservation work (2, 485). Completed levelling off path in south wood (1703, 1803, 1903, 2003). Chopping up fallen timber and putting in holes (1903).
02/03/05. Conservation work (3, 478). Levelling off path in south wood (1303, 1403, 1503, 1603). Planting daffodil bulbs by fence (1010, 1009, 1109, 1108, 1107, 1206, 1205).
27/02/05. Conservation work (5, 472). Removing oak and willow saplings from heathland. Crown-lifting oak trees and removing birch. Removing remains of old mattresses. (1807, 1808, 1907, 1908, 2006, 2007).
23/02/05. Conservation work (3, 460). Coppicing damaged saplings. Filling in large hole and a number of smaller holes and planting saplings in middle wood (1307, 1306, 1305).
16/02/05. Conservation work (4, 447). Coppicing, transplanting blackthorn and dead-hedging in north wood (1208, 1209, 1210). Clearing timber and dead-hedging (1309, 1310). Pruning heather (1310).
15/02/05. Conservation work (1, 436). Pruning trees near path (1511).
09/02/05, Conservation work (3, 434). Putting up bird table (1313). Planting blackthorn in gap in woodland hedge, hedgelaying and dead-hedging to protect whips in middle wood (1307). Coppicing and dead-hedging in north wood (1012).
08/02/05. Conservation work (1, 427). Clearing new path of broken glass, timber and pottery.
07/02/05. Conservation work (1, 423). Clearing new path of broken glass, timber and pottery.
06/02/05. Conservation work (1, 419). Clearing new path of broken glass, timber and pottery.
05/02/05. Conservation work (1, 416). Clearing and marking out new woodland path with fallen timber in south wood (1304, 1403, 1503, 1603, 1703, 1803, 1903).
04/02/05. PR work (2, 411). Surveying south wood for line of proposed path.
02/02/05. Conservation work (2, 410). Replanting uprooted saplings. (1010, 1109, 1108, 1107, 1206, 1205) Coppicing north wood and middle wood and dead-hedging paths (1011, 1111, 1211, 1207, 1307).
01/02/05. Vandalism. More saplings uprooted or snapped.
31/01/05. Vandalism. Trees planted yesterday along the fence line have been uprooted and will need replacing.
30/01/05. Task Day (14, 402). Removing oak saplings from heathland and replanting as standards along line of planned hedging. (1511, 1708, 1808, 1010, 1009, 1108, 1107, 1206, 1205, 1204) Removing oak saplings and crown lifting birch (1510, 1511, 1411). Chainsawing stumps (1312, 1411, 1511).
  
  
26/01/05. Conservation work (3, 350). Coppicing woodland and dead-hedging path through north wood (1011, 1111, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1211).
25/01/05. Conservation work (1, 337). Coppicing and crown-lifting oaks in east wood (2004).
24/01/05. Conservation work (1, 333). Coppicing and crown-lifting oaks in south wood (1904).
23/01/05. Conservation work (2, 330). Coppicing in east wood (2005).
21/01/05. Conservation work (2, 322). Coppicing in east wood (2005).
19/01/05. Conservation work (3, 314). Coppicing in north wood and dead-hedging path through wood (1208, 1209, 1110, 1010).
17/01/05. Conservation work (2, 304). Crown-lifting oaks and filling hole (1804).
14/01/05. Conservation work (1, 299). Crown-lifting oaks and filling hole (1608).
12/01/05. Conservation work (4, 296). Moving timber pile from heathland and crown-lifting oaks which were shading heather and heath grasses. Pruning gorse to reveal holly. (1510, 1509)
06/01/05. Repairing vandalism. The Vice-Chair of AHRA witnessed a critic of AHRA's restoration work attacking the dead-hedging and depositing the branches on the heathland, presumably to blacken the name of AHRA. Fortunately he was able to take photographs of the woman's destructive actions. 
However, she returned later with two accomplices and resumed the damage, strewing branches across footpaths and on the heathland. By the efforts of AHRA volunteers the damage was repaired. (2, 286)
05/01/05. Conservation work (4, 282). Pruning oak, cherry and apple and removing oak saplings from area of gorse. Dead hedging at edge of woodland. (1310, 1410)
29.12.04. Conservation work (1, 267). Clearing timber from heathland and forming dead hedging at edge of the woodland. (1310, 1410).
28.12.04. Conservation work (3, 263). Clearing timber from heathland and forming dead hedging and habitat piles in the woodland. Removing saplings, clearing lower branches from large oaks and removing bramble. (1111,1211).
27.12.04. Conservation work (1, 254). Clearing timber from heathland and forming dead-hedging** and habitat piles in the woodland. (1310, 1410).
22.12.04. Conservation work (2, 252). Clearing timber from heathland and forming habitat piles in the woodland.
Clearing lower branches from large oak and removing bramble to reveal holly and honeysuckle. Replanting some holly in woodland. (1311).
15.12.04. Conservation work (3, 246). Removing oak and brambles from heathland area and forming habitat piles in the woodland. Clearing lower branches from large oak to reveal holly. (1211).
10.12.04. Following a meeting between ward councillors and council officers, Simon Calderbank has lifted the suspension of conservation work on the heath. A further meeting with local councillors is required regarding aspects of the work.
15.11.04. The rubbish collected in yesterday's task day was cleared by the Council.
14.11.04. Task Day. (10, 235) Following an objection made by Community Action Party Councillor Carney the planned conservation tasks were cancelled. Instead members worked to remove rubbish and trade waste left over from bonfire night and litter pick the heath. All remaining wood and garden waste was burned and a large amount of metal, glass, plastic and concrete was gathered together for collection by the Council.
27.10.04. Conservation work (3, 193). Removing oak, birch and brambles from area of heather and heath grasses and stacking habitat piles*** (2502). Nuisance motorcycling: youth on lime green scrambler bike.
20.10.04. Mowing completed. Conservation work and litter picking (3,182). Removing tree stumps and saplings; crown-lifting oaks; filling in holes on heath (1211, 1112).
18.10.04. Further mowing of the heath, now extending to Blenheim Road. Mowing somewhat limited by stands of saplings which will need removing or crown-lifting.
16.10.04. Conservation work (5, 176). Clearing remaining timber and brash from task day (1709).
13.10.04. Conservation work (2, 167). Cutting back oak and clearing birch from heather section (2412).
10.10.04. Conservation work (3, 161). Clearing saplings (1011, 1307, 1212). A random poll of walkers on the heath about the appearance of the heath after the first mowing showed 26 people in favour (although many felt that some isolated trees should be left to break up view), and four people who felt the heath should have been left in its overgrown state.
06.10.04. Conservation work (2, 142). Clearing oak, birch and some willowherb from previously restored patch, and coppicing (2104, 2105) Nuisance motorcycling: red scrambler bike displaying number 6. Mowing of parts of the heath by Wigan MBC has commenced.
03.10.04. Task Day (10,133). Felling and removing birch and willow trees, assisted by BTCV (1611, 1709).
29.09.04. Conservation work (1, 93). Removing subsoil deposited around large hole and filling in hole; coppicing and pruning birch, beech and oak in east wood (2103). Nuisance motorcycling: silver scooter with two youths carrying rucksacks.
22.09.04. Conservation work (2, 89). Crown lifting oak and beech and removing birch; filling holes in east wood (2303).
15.09.04. Conservation work (1, 80). Cutting back to clear paths in south wood(1303, 1403. 1404). Crown-lifting* oaks, removing birch and filling holes to the east of middle wood (1306). Started filling in large hole at south of middle wood (1404).
08.09.04. Meeting with Kath Godfrey to plan funding application for work to strip and reseed heathland.
Conservation work (2, 75). Clearing and cutting back oak and birch from patch of heather and filling in large hole. (2103, 2104). Cutting back growth near apple tree (1709).
07.09.04. Conservation work (1, 65). Cutting back growth near apple tree (1709).
01.09.04. Conservation work (2, 63). Completing clearing and cutting back oak, birch and willowherb from patch of heather, tormentil and sphagnum moss (1409, 1410).
25.08.04. Conservation work (1, 56). Repairing damage done by digging around heather clearing (1904).
17.08.04. Conservation work (2, 52). Continuing clearing and cutting back oak, birch and willowherb from patch of heather, tormentil and sphagnum moss and filling in large hole (1409).
11.08.04. Conservation work (2, 45). Clearing and cutting back oak, birch and willowherb from large patch of heather, tormentil and sphagnum moss (1409).
04.08.04. Conservation work (1, 37). Clearing and cutting back oak, birch and willowherb from large patch of heather, tormentil and sphagnum moss (1409).
29.07.04. Conservation work (1,32). Birch, willow and brambles cleared from plot where heather had been cut back in 1998 (1906).
07.07.04. Conservation work (1,27). Oak sapling removed (2206). Work completed on filling in large hole in south wood (1703).
03.07.04. Survey of the heath by Andy Ford with Russell Smith and David McKendrick. Map of heathland and
woodland areas completed together with outline of suggested tasks.
29.06.04. Conservation work (1, 23). Work continued on filling in large hole in south wood, coppicing saplings to allow light to reach woodland floor and transplanting oak seedlings (1703).
23.06.04. Conservation work (1, 18). Trees cut back round heather glade and intruding saplings removed (1904). Damaged saplings in woodland cut back and start made on filling in large hole (1703).
21.06.04. Simon Calderbank and Roz Park from Wigan MBC met members of the AHRA Steering Group and toured the Heath. It was agreed that the Metro would explore extending the mowed area on the Heath, and that the Environmental Department would provide guidance on the overall management of the heathland and woodland. It was also agreed that as part of the conservation work being carried out by volunteers small self-seeded saplings and larger trees encroaching on areas of heather could be removed.
19.06.04. As a result of representations made by AHRA the litter bin which used to be sited by the Eagle and Child has been replaced.
17.06.04. Thanks to the help of Lynn Hankey, Township Co-ordinator, copies of AHRA's first
newsletter are ready for distribution. Residents in the Ashton Heath area will
have it delivered in the next few days.
16.06.04. Conservation work, (2, 14). Completed mapping of paths and holes. Clearing path (1405), removing fallen trees and pruning damaged branches (1209).
10.06.04. Wigan Metro are to commence work next week clearing and resurfacing Footpath No. 29 running from the Heath to Millingford Brook.
09.06.04. Conservation work (1, 6). Further mapping of the paths and holes. Clearing a blocked path on the east side of middle wood and filling in the hole obstructing it (1405). Repairing a damaged sign (1204).
02.06.04. Conservation work (1 person, 2 hours total work). Mapping out the heath to determine the work needed to repair damage to the woodland parts of the heath. Initial examination shows that while some areas show healthy woodland growth, others have extensive damage to the trees caused by vandalism, and a large area has major destruction due to digging, which will require much work to repair.
26.05.04. AHRA members Russell Smith, David Forsyth, Hazel Sylvester and David McKendrick met Simon Calderbank from Wigan MBC and Kath Godfrey from the local branch of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers in a walkabout
on the heath. The following were the initial points clarified:
- While the MBC does not have the funds to undertake major management and improvement of the heath, it
would be able to supply some financial and practical assistance if AHRA undertook a project with grant
assistance
- As an initial task, Roz Park, ecologist at the MBC, would be consulted about developing a management
plan for the heath
- AHRA would list priorities for work needed on the heath
- Wigan MBC and BTCV would be agreeable to AHRA working with BTCV and their ecologist to examine the creation of a management plan for the heath. Any plan would have to be approved by the MBC.
All were disturbed to see the extent of damage being done amongst the trees in several parts of the wood by adults digging holes looking for old bottles, etc. Many parts of the wood are severely blighted by this, and walking on parts of the heath is hazardous. An immediate priority must be to have those responsible caught and prosecuted to prevent further damage, and local residents and dog walkers are asked to report incidents of hole-digging to the police or to members of AHRA.
13.03.04. The first AHRA task was a litter pick carried out on Saturday, 13th March in conjunction with
Captain's Lane Youth and Community Centre and supported by People & Places and Street Scene. Over 20 volunteers from local residents, including children, collected more than 50 sacks of rubbish from the heath together with larger items which had been dumped there.
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Glossary
*Crown-lifting. Cutting off lower branches of trees to increase light levels at the ground and encourage growth of plants and grasses.
**Dead-hedging. Using felled trees and branches to create a barrier. This protects areas of woodland and growing trees, shrubs and plants beneath the dead-hedging; and provides a habitat for insects, birds and small mammals.
***Habitat piles. Stacks of felled timber to provide a home for insects, birds and small mammals.
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