Annual General Meeting 2026

The Friends of Oxleas Woodlands Annual General Meeting on 17th March 2026 at Shrewsbury House Community Centre brought members together to reflect on a busy and productive 2025, while setting the direction for the year ahead. With plenty to report, the evening highlighted both the achievements of the past year and the ambitions for the future.

Minutes and Matters Arising

The minutes from the previous AGM (25 March 2025) were approved without amendment. Members noted the progress made on earlier resolutions, including the decision to share Steering Group updates more widely through newsletter summaries.

The previously proposed woodland conservation “committee” has now evolved into a broader Conservation Planning Group, which has been established and is already helping shape future activity.

Chair’s Report

Chair John Spencer reflected on what has been a highly active and successful year. Volunteer commitment continues to be at the heart of the organisation, with over 3,000 hours contributed by almost 100 volunteers across conservation, gardening and community activities.

Partnerships have gone from strength to strength, particularly with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Thames21 and Froglife. These collaborations are helping to support both practical work and longer-term planning.

Importantly, the Friends continue to strengthen their strategic approach, with a growing emphasis on evidence-based conservation and long-term habitat health across the woodlands, meadows and gardens. The Conservation Planning Group will play a key role in shaping this work, alongside initiatives such as the Woodland Condition Self-Assessment programme, which will continue in the spring.

While the group’s recent application to the Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund was unsuccessful, efforts will continue to secure funding and develop new opportunities. This includes exploring charitable status, which could open up additional funding streams and support future growth.

Looking ahead, there are also plans to seek expert input on the potential restoration of the Jackwood Terrace and fountain — an exciting prospect for the garden.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Gareth Evans presented the 2025 accounts, which were approved by members.

The organisation remains in a strong financial position, with a closing balance of £15,984.55 (or £15,488.27 after liabilities). A significant portion of this is allocated to key projects, particularly the Pathways Project, alongside funds set aside for future opportunities and essential running costs.

Total donations for the year, including support from corporate volunteering, amounted to £3,846.15. While this represents a decrease compared to the previous year, expenditure remains low, with administrative costs kept to a minimum. Grant funding of £1,290 was also received during the year.

The report highlighted the importance of continued fundraising to support future ambitions.

Steering Committee Elections

All nominated positions were elected unopposed, reflecting strong continuity within the leadership team:

Chair – John Spencer

Secretary – Alan Jarrett

Treasurer – Gareth Evans

Ordinary Members – Katie Barretta and Tim Edwards

Constitution Update

Members approved a revised constitution, which brings together previous versions and updates into a single, clearer document. While no clauses were removed, the revisions improve governance, reduce ambiguity and ensure the organisation is well placed for future development.

Additional Updates and Discussion

The AGM also included a number of wider updates and opportunities for member involvement:

Annual Celebration – Following the success of the Jackwood House Garden event, there is interest in making this an annual celebration. Members are encouraged to get involved in organising future events.

Tree Mapping Project – Progress continues on mapping significant trees across the woodlands, with plans to develop guided walks and potentially new events linked to this work.

Health & Safety Coordinator – This important volunteer role remains vacant, and members are encouraged to come forward if interested.

Closing Talk

The meeting concluded with an engaging and informative talk from Judie Richardson on the Old English Garden at Danson Park, providing inspiration and insight to round off the evening.

Overall, the AGM painted a clear picture of an organisation that is active, resilient and forward-looking. With strong volunteer support, improving governance and a clear focus on conservation, the Friends of Oxleas Woodlands are well placed to build on their successes in the year ahead.