General Members' Meeting

Wednesday 25th June 2025

General Members Meeting Update – June 2025

Before the meeting officially began we addressed some outstanding business from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April. A resolution initially proposed at the AGM but adjourned due to time constraints has since been revisited. The proposer, together with Steering Group members, worked out a way forward on volunteer activities. Their proposal, which expands the responsibilities of the Conservation Planning Group, increases member involvement, and introduces a standing agenda item at Steering Group meetings, was circulated beforehand and unanimously approved at the meeting.

We then moved on to the main meeting.

Minutes and Matters Arising

The notes from the last Members Meeting in December 2024 were accepted with no matters arising.

Chair’s Report

Chair John warmly acknowledged the tremendous efforts of all volunteer groups. Special praise was given to the Gardening Group, who are preparing for a visit from ‘London in Bloom’ judges to the Jackwood House Wildlife Garden on 27th June. Additionally, Froglife, a national conservation charity, is expected to deliver a shipment of native plants via the Oxleas Centre in early July to support pond planting efforts.

Treasurer’s Report

The interim financial statement showed a bank balance of £14,293.45 net of liabilities. While net receipts (excluding grant-funded activities) stood at £2,042.26—down compared to 2024’s £4,965.91 due mainly to a one-off tribute in 2024—expenditure rose slightly from £347.40 to £531.59.

Membership

Membership numbers remain stable at around 640, with a steady flow of new joiners and leavers balancing out.

Pathways Project

Work continues to maintain the newly refurbished paths and steps in Jack Wood. Looking ahead, grant funding will be sought to refurbish the next section, along the Green Chain Walk near Shooters Hill. In the meantime, volunteers will actively clear overgrown verges.

Woodland Gardens

The completion of the Jackwood House Wildlife Garden was celebrated on 8th June with a well-attended event, including the new mayor Cllr Linda Bird, who praised the dedication of Gardening Group volunteers.

Woodland Conservation – Grasslands, Wood Pasture, and Parkland

The meadow areas within Oxleas Woodlands, such as Castle Wood Field and Oxleas Meadow, support a diverse range of wildlife habitats. To prevent these open spaces from reverting to scrub or woodland, detailed management plans are being developed in collaboration with the council, including a grass cutting regime.

Ponds, Streams, and Ditches

Volunteers will join Thames21 on 9th July to plan water attenuation projects in Oxleas Wood as part of the Wickham Catchment initiative. The arrival of plants from Froglife will bolster efforts to enhance pond and wetland habitats throughout the woods.

Any Other Business

Gardening volunteers recently discovered a significant woodland encampment near the Castle Wood Rose Gardens where multiple fires had broken out. The team helped dampen the fires and improved access for the Fire Brigade, highlighting the crucial role volunteers play in woodland safety.

The meeting concluded with a fascinating presentation by Tom Wareham about Falconwood House and the Baroness.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 23rd September 2025

Ask C