Steering Group Update

Planning Ahead and Progressing Projects

As we move towards the end of 2025, the Friends of Oxleas Woodlands Steering Group has been busy planning for the year ahead and progressing key areas of work across governance, volunteering, conservation and fundraising. Here is a roundup of the two most recent Steering Group meetings.

Planning Meeting – 22 October 2025

The October planning meeting focused on clarifying priorities and laying the groundwork for a refreshed Five Year Plan.

Clarifying Our Remit

An enquiry from the Equestrian Centre about collaboration highlighted the importance of staying aligned with our constitution. As the Centre sits outside the Oxleas Woodlands boundary, the SG agreed this is not an issue FOW can be directly involved with until such a time as a threat is identified. A formal response will be sent explaining our position.

Strengthening the Steering Group

A constructive meeting was had with a new member, who has shown enthusiasm and relevant skills for the open SG position. He will be invited to upcoming volunteer sessions as a next step.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The London LNRS consultation offers potential for comment. This will be explored further if time allows.

Updating the Five Year Plan

The group reviewed the current plan, along with AI-generated content.

Next steps include:

• Updating the aims to more clearly align with the FOW constitution.

• Reviewing and refining suggested priority areas.

Steering Group Meeting – 19 November 2025

The November meeting brought updates across finance, membership, conservation and governance, along with preparations for the December Members Meeting.

Finance & Fundraising

The treasurer presented the latest logs and reports. Key points included:

• General donations have declined, but overall income remains similar to 2024, thanks largely to Barclays corporate volunteer days.

• FOW will submit a circa £20,000 grant request to the Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund by the 15 December deadline.

• A donation of £100 was received from the walker leader for a Colfe’s School event.

Membership Updates

Membership levels remain steady.

The new membership officer is currently setting up:

• A refreshed welcome email including new donation information.

• A mailing list for use in Microsoft Office 365.

• MS Sway as the tool for newsletter creation.

The SG agreed that AJ will now act as the contact for Membership and Events, supporting the new combined role.

Preparing for the December Members Meeting

FOW will announce any proposed constitution updates ahead of the AGM. These might include:

• Combining two sections for clarity.

• Updating meeting deadline information.

• Signalling a future consideration of becoming a charity.

Governance

Open positions remain for:

• Ordinary Steering Group Member (interest received)

• Health & Safety Officer

Conservation & Volunteering

A wide range of practical work and planning continues across the woodlands:

• Meadow Cutting: Some sites (Castlewood, Oxleas Meadow) were cut, though not at ideal times; Hotel Field was not cut. PEOS may need regular reminders next year.

• Water Management: Thames21 is running volunteer sessions to improve water attenuation along the Oxleas stretch of the Wickham Catchment.

• Tuesday CWG: Focused on the new glade at the northwest corner of Shepherdleas Woods.

• Friday CWG: New work areas are being prepared for CPG review.

• Coppicing: Training and the first practical session have been completed.

• Woodland Gardens: Work continues on the Jackwood House terrace and fountain. The Jackwood House Garden won two awards at the RHS London In Bloom Awards. Outstanding in the Your Community category, and Silver for Biodiversity.

Health & Safety

No new incidents were reported.

Planning Applications

No current planning applications are known.

Looking Ahead

Members Meeting: 10 December 2025

Next SG Meeting: 21 January 2026

The Friends of Oxleas Woodlands continue to make steady progress in strengthening governance, delivering conservation work, and engaging the community.