Steering Group Update

11th June 2025

The Friends of Oxleas Woodlands Steering Group met on Wednesday 11th June to review recent activities and ongoing projects across the woodlands.

We’re pleased to report that our finances remain healthy. Donations are up on this time last year, with two standing orders now in place. Our thanks go to Barclays for another successful volunteer session, which also brought in a £500 donation. Volunteer t-shirts have proven popular, and volunteer donations have more than covered the costs of production.

Membership has increased again, with 646 members currently registered. A proposal to distribute printed newsletters has been shelved due to the challenges of producing print-ready versions, but digital communication remains strong. The next Members Meeting will take place on 25th June and will include a proposal to formalise our conservation planning process. There will also be an update on recent volunteer work in the meadow areas, and a fascinating talk from Tom Wareham titled “Falconwood House and the Baroness.”

Volunteer engagement continues to grow, with 101 active participants across various teams. Special corporate volunteering days remain popular and valuable—Barclays have completed several sessions, and a new session is being planned for 2nd July. The London Wildlife Trust are also looking at bringing teams for a day in the woods.

On the conservation front, a new coppicing proposal from Emma was well received and will be the first to go through our newly forming Conservation Planning Group, which will help to coordinate long-term conservation activity. Laurie is preparing a new meadow cutting regime for submission to PEOS, and the map showing horse access routes has now been updated and shared.

Water management is an emerging focus. Thames21 is planning flood attenuation initiatives, and an on-site meeting is being proposed to discuss materials for dam structures. Meanwhile, our woodland condition survey work is progressing well, with canopy cover data from Jack Wood currently under review.

The recent celebration at Jackwood House Wildlife Garden on 8th June was a huge success—many thanks to Katie and the whole garden team for their incredible work in transforming the space.

Local planning applications continue to be monitored. The group supports the 10th Royal Eltham Scout Group's request for the council to relocate them into an appropriate hut as part of the Christ Church redevelopment. Access to Hospital Field is under review; we understand the woodland walk alongside it will be open to the public, although an informal entrance near Severndroog Castle is likely to be closed.

Finally, the Steering Group agreed to explore a closer relationship with Severndroog Castle, which may be mutually beneficial. Litter picking will now also be included as a regular agenda item, with Alan as the main contact.

The next Members Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 25th June, and the next Steering Group meeting will take place on Tuesday 23rd September.