News
Look out for our new bat boxes!
We are delighted to have been awarded £424 from Derbyshire County Council's Green Action Award scheme. This money will be used to purchase more bat boxes which will be installed in Cote Close Bird Sanctuary. We shall soon be working alongside members of Derby Bat Conservation Trust to in...
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14/02/2012Rare bat sighted in Findern!
Derbyshire Bat Conservation Group have recently recorded a sighting of a Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat here in Findern. This record is exciting because it is only the 13th record for the whole of Derbyshire…ever! The Nathusius’ is one of Britain’s rarer species with only a...
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12/02/2012New Homes for BIrds!
Group members spent a morning with British Waterways staff installing bird boxes along the towpath of the Trent & Mersey canal here in Findern. The boxes were made by the community at the meeting of the South Derbyshire Environmental Forum that was held here last September.
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03/02/2012Fun On the Green!
Join group members and rangers from Derbyshire Countryside Service for some seasonal fun activities on the village green from 1-3pm on February 15. See the mini zoo and meet Jeff the owl! All welcome.
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14/01/2012Spotted any wildlife lately?
Group members maintain a database of all the wildlife sightings seen here in Findern. If you see anything interesting, please let us know. What was it? Where was it? Who saw it? You can pass your sightings on to us by email or by dropping a note through the letter box by the Parish Rooms in Lower...
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06/01/2012Celebrating National Tree Week!
We celebrated National Tree Week by planting native trees such as wild cherry, spindle, crab apple and wild plum along the Trent & Mersey canal towpath.The trees were donated as part of South Derbyshire District Council's Free Trees Scheme. This project will have lasting for...
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28/11/2011Stroll with Santa!
Our Santa Stroll Walk to Willington took place on Friday Dec 16. We left Findern Village Green at 11am to walk to Willington along the canal towpath. After lunch in Willington, we returned to Findern along Findern Lane. We are delighted to have raised the magnificent sum of Childrens...
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28/11/2011Welcoming the Chairman to Findern!
We were delighted to welcome the Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council who came to Findern to look at our wildlife sites. After a short walk, we served coffee and cake. We were delighted to hear how much he had enjoyed coming to Findern and hope it is not too long he...
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09/10/2011How many species of bats live here?
A recent survey of our bat boxes revealed that 50% of them have been used. This is mostly by Brown Long Eared Bats, pippistrelle bats and myotis bats. If you are 3alking around our sites at dusk, you may be lucky enough to see them swooping low loking for insects!
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11/09/2011Witches and wizards welcome!
We all had a great time over half term at our' Fun On The Green' event over half term. Group members worked hard with the rangers from Derbyshire Countryside Service to provide an afternoonn of half term fun for all. Over a hundred youngsters enjoyed making bat boxes, ghost mobiles, bird feeders,...
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03/09/2011The SD Environmental Forum came to Findern!
A great time was had by everyone who attended the last meeting of the South Derbyshire Environmental Foum held in Findern recently. The meeting was held on the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath. We had an enjoyable afternoon listening to British Waterways staff who told us aboiut the canal system us a...
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28/07/2011An invasive pest on our waterways!
Group members have been working hard to rid our canal banks of Himalayan Balsam. This is an attractive pink flower which was intoroduced by the victorians but has now become an invasive species. We are pulling the plant out at the roots and leaving it to decompose. Visitors to the towpath are asked...
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28/07/2011Working with British Waterways!
We shall be organising two workshops to work alongside the staff from British Waterways. On July 25 from 10am, we shall be meeting at the Nadee before tidying up the stretch of canal towpath that runs through Findern. All welcome.On July 28 we shall be going to the British Waterways workshops at to...
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20/06/2011Another chance to try the Findern Frolics Walk!
Join group members on September 25 for a gentle stroll along the canal to Findern. We shall take a look at our wildlife sites here before returning to Sinfin. Please meet by the Recycling Centre at Sinfin Shopping Centre at 2pm.This walk has been organised as part of Derby City...
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09/06/2011A great chance to meet at Findern Fete!
We all enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many people and hear your suggestions and ideas about our wildlfe sites. Lots of visitors enjoyed our exhibition and the fun activities provided by ourselves and other organisations. A great event!
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09/06/2011The Big Lunch came to Findern!
We all enjoyed The Big Lunch which was organised by Findern School PTA on Hillside Playing Field, Findern from 1pm on Sunday June 5. We all took a picnic and had a great time enjoying the fun activities that were organised.
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25/05/2011Group members find injured barn owl
Yesterday (7th May) group members were involved in rescuing a young barn owl that was found on the ground in the wet area of Crow Park Way. On closer inspection it appeared to have been hit by a vehicle on the A50. Falconer John Dandy came to its assistance and administered first aid and the...
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08/05/2011Findern gets up for our Dawn Chorus Walk!
The early start for our Dawn Chorus walk was worthwhile wen we identified 28 species of birds along the Trent & Mersey Canal here in Findern. Everyone was especially thrilled to see peregrine falcons sitting on the top of the cooling towers at Willington. Thanks to British Waterways who to...
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07/05/2011Join us to walk the Crow Park Way!
Join group members and Derbyshire Countryside Service on 26 May for a short evening stroll around Findern. Meet at Findern Village Hall at 7pm. Small charges apply.
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14/04/2011Findern Frolic a great success!
A large group of walkers enjoyed our walk on April 14 when we walked 5.5 mile from Sinfin Shopping Centre along country lanes to the Trent & Mersey canal and then alo ng the towpath to visit our wildlife sites in Findern, before we returned by the same will...
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22/03/2011New bridleway open!
We are delighted that the improvement work to bridleway11 have now been completed. Contractors working for the County Council have cleared undergrowth, installed new bridleway gates and surfaced a large area which became wet and boggy throughout the winter months. The material used is called which...
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22/03/2011Daffodil Walk a great success!
We all enjoyed a lovely walk in the Spring sunshine looking all the daffodils in full bloom around the village and along the countryside sites. We walked the whole length of the village from Mercia Marina to Findern Garden Centre. Thanks to everyone who bought and sold Marie Curie daffodils. This...
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22/03/2011Group receive an award!
Group members are delighted and proud to have been awarded a South Derbyshire Volunteering Award on behalf of South Derbyshire Partnership. This was presented to Founder member Seymour Bell at a ceremony at Civic Offices Swadlincote on 28 February by Cllr Neil Atkin, Chair of South...
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25/02/2011Greenwatch Action Grant awarded!
We are delighted to have been awarded £270 from Derbyshire County Council's Greenwatch Action Fund. This will help to pay for the bird boxes that the children will be making at the twice yearly events we hold on Findern Village Green for families. Our children are very enthusiastic and relish...
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10/02/2011Celebrating with Wild-Derby!
We were delighted to join the Wild Derby Partnership on March 2 for the launch of their new programme by The Mayor of Derby. We enjoyed our visit to Sinfin Moor Park and Nature Reserve as part of the celebration. We shall shortly be returning the invitation by inviting the at...
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04/02/2011Walking for Marie Curie!
Come along in your best yellow and help us raise money for Marie Curie. We shall be meeting on Findern Green at 10.30am on March 22 for a walk round the village taking in all the daffodils in full bloom. All welcome.
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03/02/2011Forum programme announced for 2011!
Details of meetings of the South Derbyshire Environmental Forum meetings for 2011 have ben announced. There will be 4 meetings covering a range of indoor and outdoor meetings throughout the year. Details can be found on www.south-derbys.gov.uk/environmentalforumThe forum is an informal network...
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22/01/2011Come walking with us!
Join us when we walk from Sinfin Shopping Centre along the Trent and Mersey Canal towards Findern. We shall be looking at our wildlife sites before returning to the shopping centre. Meet us at the recycling centre in the car park at 10am on Thursday April 14. This walk is expected to take about 3...
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15/01/2011Derby Moor comes to Findern!
We are looking forward to welcoming the pupils of Derby Moor Community School who will be coming to work on our wildlife sites as part of their Pupil Enrichment Programme. They will be here for 8 weeks as from February 18 2011. We hope they enjoy their time with us and that it gives them...
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15/01/2011National Nestbox Week here in Findern!
We shall be celebrating National Nestbox Week here in Findern on February 23 2011. Come along to the Village Green between 1 and 3 pm to make bird tables and feeders. There will also be lots of fun activities and games for everyone to enjoy. This event is organised in conjunction with Service....
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09/12/2010All Things Creepy event enjoyed by all.
Everyone had a great time at our October half term event. The children made masks, owl mobiles, lacewing hotels, pumpkin lanterns and followed a wildlife trail around the Green. Thanks to Derbyshire Countryside Service for their help.
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02/11/2010Community Wildflower Event welcomes the Co op!
We were delighted to welcome members of the Coop to our community wildflower event. This gave us the opportunity to thank them for their kind grant towards the cost of wildflower bulbs and plugs.
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02/11/2010Bridge reopened in style!: Saturday, October 02, 2010
Group members were delighted to welcome the Chairman SDDC, Cllr Neil Atkin, Heather Wheeler MP, county, district and county councillors, British Waterways staff and members of the community to an event to celebrate the restoration of the historic Hicklin Bridge. The bridge, which spans the Trent in...
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02/11/2010We walked From City to Countryside!
We all enjoyed the walk from Derby Moor School to Findern which we organised as part of Derby City Council's 'Lets Go Wild' programme.
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02/11/2010Bulb planting a great success!: Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Group members planted 1100 wild daffodil and fritillary bulbs in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area recently. We are looking forward to a glorious display in the Spring.
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02/11/2010Visit to Newton Solney: Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Thanks to Newton Solney for hosting the SDDC Environmental Forum recently. We all enjoyed looking at their nature reserve and making plans for Forum meetings next year.
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02/11/2010New signage installed!: Thursday, August 12, 2010
Group members are busy installing new signage asking people to please clean up after their dogs when visiting our wildlife sites. We are very grateful to the Safer Neighbourhood Partnership for funding this work.
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02/11/2010New insect hotel built!: Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Group members and vilagers have used reycled materials to build an insect hotel which we hope will provide a habitat for mammals and insects.
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02/11/2010Balsam bash!: Friday, August 06, 2010
We shall be meeting in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area on August 12 at 10.30am to remove himalayan balsam from our wildlife sites. This invasive plant will crowd out the native species unless removed. All welcome.
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02/11/2010Dipping for pondlife!: Thursday, July 15, 2010
Group members had a great time at the last meeting of the South Derbyshire Environmental Forum. We learnt how to successfully organise activities and had a go at pond dipping themselves!
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02/11/2010Mothers Union enjoy going wild!: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Group members gave a short talk to the members of St Luke's Mothers Union recently. They enjoyed hearing about the work of the group!
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02/11/2010Canal Festival helps to promote wildlife!
Visitors to the recently-held Canal Festival at Mercia Marina met group members at our stall which was organised to promote wildlife and the countryside. Visitors took packets of wildflower seed to sow in their own gardens, as well as birdbox kits to make up.
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02/11/2010Springwatch a great success!: Sunday, June 13, 2010
We were delighted to meet so many people at our Springwatch event at Findern Fete recently. Also a lovely surprise to have a visit from our MP, Heather Wheeler!
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02/11/2010Volunteer Celebration Event a great success!
Group members enjoyed attending theis event at Rosliston Forestry Centre to celebrate the end of another successful National Forest Walking Festival.
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02/11/2010Bugs and Beasties!: Saturday, June 12, 2010
Join us on 12 July as we use reycled material to build insect hotels on our wildlife sites. We shall be meeting in Cote Close Bird Sanctuary at 2.30pm.
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02/11/2010Springwatch comes to Findern!: Friday, June 04, 2010
Why not come along to Findern Village Fete on 12 June, where we shall be making bird boxes as aprt of BBC Springwatch.
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02/11/2010Meeting the Friends of Mickleover Meadows!: Friday, June 04,
Join us on 7 June at 10.30am as we show the 'Friends' around our wildlife sites.
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02/11/2010Crow Park Way Walk a great success!: Saturday, May 29, 2010
A large number of people joined us for our Crow Park Way Walk which was led by Derbyshire Countryside Service as part of the National Forest Walking Festival. Everyone who came along enjoyed looking at the wildlife on our sites.
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02/11/2010New walking group to get underway!: Monday, April 26, 2010
Get Active In The Forest are planning to set up a weekly Walking For Health Walk in Findern. Anyone interested in this is invited to a meeting in Brook Close, Findern on 29 April at 3.30pm.
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02/11/2010VIP guests!: Monday, April 12, 2010
We were delighted to welcome Cllr Heather Wheeler, Leader South Derbyshire District Council, and Francis Maude MP, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, to visit our wildlife sites. They were most impressed to see what has been achieved here in Findern.
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02/11/20101st Findern Brownies plant a new hedge!
1st Findern Brownies have worked really hard planting a new hedge in Cote Close Bird Sanctuary, Findern. 100 native trees were planted, including holly, hawthorn, hazel and blackthorn. A big thank you to them all!
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02/11/2010Snowdrops and primroses planted!: Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Group members haveplanted 200 snowdrops and 100 primroses in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area. This was financed by CSV Action Earth, which is sponsored by Morrison's supermarkets.
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02/11/2010Wildflower Afternoon!: Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Join us to plant wildflowers in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area on Wednesday April 7. We shall be meeting there at 2pm. All welcome. This project is funded by CSV Action Earth, which is supported by Morrison's Supermarkets.
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02/11/2010Findern Brownies to plant a hedge!: Tuesday, April 06, 2010
We are all delighted to help 1st Findern Brownies when they come along on Sunday April 11 to plant a new hedge in Cote Close Bird Sanctuary.
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02/11/2010Canal bridge restored!: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
We are delighted to report that the canal bridge at Stenson, which was damaged in an accident has now been repaired and is OPEN! It will now be so much easier to enjoy this canalside walk.
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02/11/2010Black n White Walk lifts hearts!: Friday, March 05, 2010
We all enjoyed a great walk when we walked from Findern to Pride Park Stadium in memory of our late member Mike Orme who died of heart problems. We are delighted to have raised £389.20 for the British Heart Foundation.
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02/11/2010New seating installed!: Monday, March 01, 2010
We are very grateful to Findern Parish Council for donating new seating for everyone to enjoy! Thanks to the Payback Team for installing it for us.
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02/11/2010Wildlife trail a great success!: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Everyone had great fun following the wildlife trail around the Village Green, over the half term break. There were lots of activities, puzzles and games to keep everyone busy.
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02/11/2010Launching Lets Go Wild in Derby!
We are delighted to have been invited to join Cllr Sean Marsh all on March 19 2010 as he launches this year's programme of events.
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02/11/2010Towpath Tidy a great success!: Monday, February 08, 2010
Members turned out in force to clear litter from our towpath. Everywhere is now clean and tidy ready for summer. Thanks to South Derbyshire District Council for collecting the bags for us.
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02/11/2010Spring clean for birds!: Friday, February 05, 2010
We shall be cleaning our bird boxes out ready for the new nesting season. Meet at the Ndee Restaurant in Buckford Lane, at 10am on February 8 if you would like to come along. All welcome.
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02/11/2010SDDC Environmental Forum programme 2010 announced!
An exciting programme of events for 2010 has just been announced by SDDC Environmental Forum. Why not come along?
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02/11/2010Insects invited to stay in our 5* hotel!: Friday, January 29
Group members used recycled material to build an insect hotel in Cote Close Bird Sanctuary, to accomodate mammals and insects. We hope to encourage a greater diversity of species on to our wildlife sites.
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02/11/2010Greenwatch Action Funding secured!: Friday, January 29, 2010
Thanks to Derbyshire County Council for funding our next Wildlife Activity Day on February 17. These events are very popular, and we are delighted to be able to continue to organise them!
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02/11/2010Group members enjoy a visit to Mickleover Meadows
We all enjoyed meeting the Friends of Mickleover Meadows, and seeing their lovely project.
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02/11/2010Follow our Wildlife Activity Trail
Half term fun! Bring the youngsters to Findern Village Green on February 17 from 1pm-3pm and follow our trail of wildlife activities. There will also be more activities on the mobile library and refreshments will be available in the Methodist Chapel.
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02/11/2010Black and White Walk!: Friday, January 15, 2010
Join group members at 8.30am on February 27 as we walk from Findern Village Green to Pride Park. If you fancy a shorter walk, join us at the Derby Ram at 10am. We are walking to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of Mike Orme. Mike was a member of Findern Footpaths Group unitil...
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02/11/2010Follow our Wildlife Activity Trail!
Half term fun! Bring the youngsters to Findern Village Green on February 17 from 1pm-3pm and follow our trail of wildlife activities. There will also be more activities on the mobile library and refreshments will be available in the Methodist Chapel.
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02/11/2010Hotels for insects!: Friday, January 08, 2010
Join us in Cote Close Bird Sanctuary at 10.30am on January 28 to help build a hotel for insects. We shall be using recycled materials including pallets, canes, plantpots and roof tiles. We hope to encourage a greater variety of insects on to our willdlife sites.
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02/11/2010No world record for Findern!: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
An estimated 500,000 trees were planted across the UK as part of the BBC Tree o Clock event. 230,000 of these have documentary evidence. Unfortunately, no world record, but a wonderful hedge and copse to enjoy for years to come!
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02/11/2010Group members meet Cllr Pat Murray!
Group members were delighted to be invited to a volunteer celebration event hosted by Cllr Pat Murray, Chair South Derbyshire District Council.
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02/11/2010Findern shares our Christmas trees!
Join us in All Saints Church Findern for our Christmas Tree Festival. The church is alight with trees decorated by all the organisations in the village. Can you spot our wildlife tree? The Church is open daily until December 12 for people to see the trees.
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02/11/2010Group invited to help celebrate volunteering!
Joan Tidy and Wendy Hithersay will be representing the group at an event to be hosted by Cllr Pat Murray, Chair South Derbyshire District Council, to celebrate volunteering in South Derbyshire.
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02/11/2010Our pledge is beaten!: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Members of the group and Community Payback exceeded our pledge of 300 trees, when we planted 860 at our recent BBC Breathing Places Tree o Clock event. Thanks to Derbyshire County Council, South Derbyshire District Council and Woodgrow Horticulture for donating trees for this event. We are now to a...
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02/11/2010Measuring air quality!
Group members have been surveying air quality by looking for lichens that are known to grow close to sources of ammonia as well as lichens that do not like nitrogen. The results will help to find out about the impact of air pollution in our area and help to build up a national picture of the of by...
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02/11/2010How clean is our air?: Friday, November 06, 2009
Group members will be meeting on Monday November 16 on Findern Village Green at 10am. We shall be surveying air quality on various sites around the village as part of the OPAL Air Quality Survey.
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02/11/2010Wearing pink raises money for Breast Cancer Research
£240 has been raised for Breast Cancer Research after the group's walk to Willington, and a tea afternoon organised by Findern Methodist Chapel. It was great to have fun and raise this amount for Breast Cancer Research.
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02/11/2010Wildflower Planting Day a great success
A good turn out enabled the wildflower bank in Stanhope Wood to be planted with wildflowers such as cowslip, meadow cranesbill, comfrey and ragged robin. We also seeded the bank with a wildflower seed mix and hay rattle.
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02/11/2010Group enjoy a visit to Newton Solney!: Thursday, September 2
Group members had a great afternoon when they visited Newton Solney's new nature reserve recently. We are looking forward to their return visit to Findern to look at our work!
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02/11/2010Canal bridge restoration moves closer!: Thursday, September
British Waterways are advising the public that work will begin in January 2010 to restore the canal bridge at Stenson which was damaged in a traffic accident in October 2008. The temporary pedestrian bridge will then be removed.
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02/11/2010Visiting Newton Solney PC!: Wednesday, September 23, 2009
We are delighted to have been invited to visit Newton Solney Parish Council's new environmental project on September 23.
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02/11/2010Findern, a highly commended village
Findern has been highly commended in two categories of the Calor Village of the Year competition. Group members were presented with certificates for the 'environment' and the 'people' sections at a recent award ceremony.
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02/11/2010Hedge project to go ahead!: Sunday, September 13, 2009
Thanks to funding from Derbyshire County Council's Greenwatch Action Grant scheme, we shall be planting a hedge in Cote close Bird Sanctuary this autumn.
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02/11/2010Do One Thing For Birds!: Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Join the rangers from Derbyshire Countryside Service to make bird boxes and feeders. We shall be on Findern Village Green between 1-3pm on Wednesday 28 October. there will be a small charge for some activities.
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02/11/2010Wildflower Planting Day!: Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Join us in Stanhope Wood, Findern to plant wildflower plugs. We shall be planting between 10-12pm on Saturday October 10. This project has been funded by Cllr Martyn Ford from the Community Leadership Fund.All welcome.
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02/11/2010Do One Thing For Birds! Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Join the rangers from Derbyshire Countryside Service to make bird boxes and feeders. We shall be on Findern Village Green between 1-3pm on Wednesday 28 October. there will be a small charge for some activities.
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02/11/2010Join us at the South Derbyshire Environmental Forum
This meeting wil be held at The Castle Hotel, Hatton at 7pm on 29 September. The Dove Valley Community Group will be showing everyone around Thistley Meadow. All welcome.
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02/11/2010New easier access path in Cardales Wildflower Meadow
Offenders from the National Probation Service have laid a new access path into Cardales Wildflower Meadow. This will help us all, especially people with pushchairs and wheelchairs to enter the meadow. Thank you to them all!
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02/11/2010The Big Clean Up spruces up our canal towpath
Eight bags of litter was collected today as part of The Big Clean Up held to clean up our canalside right of way. Thanks to everyone who came along, and to South Derbyshire District Council who collected the bags for us.
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02/11/2010Big Tidy Up comes to Findern! Friday, July 31, 2009
Join us to help clean litter from Crow Park Way and the canal towpath. We shall be meeting in Lower Green at 10am. Stout footwear essential.
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02/11/2010New homes for raptors!: Monday, July 27, 2009
Group members today built two raptor benches in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area and in Cardales Wildflower Meadow. This will enable owls, kestrels and buzzards to dissect their prey. This is an Action Earth project.
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02/11/2010Ideal homes for raptors!: Friday, July 24, 2009
Join us on Monday July 27 when we shall be building benches for raptors to use as feeding stations. We shall be buiding them in Cardales Wildflower Meadow and in Stanhope Hole Conservation area. This is an Action Earth project sponsored by Morrison's.
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02/11/2010Trip to Barrow!: Friday, July 24, 2009
Group members enjoyed visiting Barrow on Trent Parish Council to see their wildlife lagoon. Thanks to them for a great evening!
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02/11/2010The Big Pull a great success!: Friday, July 24, 2009
We recently worked really hard removing the non native and invasive himalayan balsam from our wetland sites. We also removed ragwort from our sites which are adjacent to horses!
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02/11/2010Walking Festival photograph a winner!: Saturday, July 18, 20
We are delighted that our photograph taken during the Crow Park Way Walk, as part of the National Forest Walking Festival has been placed third. Congratulations to Hartshorne and Moira who came first and second respectively.
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02/11/2010The Big Pull!: Thursday, July 16, 2009
Join us on Thursday July 23 to remove himalayan balsam and ragwort from our wildlife sites. We shall be assembling in Lower Green, Findern at 10am before walking down to the sites in Commonpiece Lane. Please wear strong shoes and wear gloves. All welcome.
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02/11/2010Visiting Barrow on Trent!: Thursday, July 16, 2009
We are delighted to have been invited by Barrow on Trent Parish Council to visit their wildlife sites on Wednesday July 22. We are looking forward to seeing their progress and hearing about their plans.
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02/11/2010South Derbyshire Environmental Forum comes to Findern!: Thur
Join Group members in Findern Methodist Chapel on July 15 at 7pm, as they host this meeting of the Environmental Forum.
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02/11/2010Cardales Wildflower Meadow opening!: Wednesday, June 10, 200
We are delighted to welcome Cllr Pat Murray, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council to officially open our meadow on July 9 at 10am. All welcome.
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02/11/2010Group members meet Bill!: Thursday, June 04, 2009
We all enjoyed meeting Bill Cove, of BBC TV Countryfile, who showed us around Calke Park recently. We all learnt a great deal from Bill about attracting wildlife to our sites. Thank you Bill for a great evening.
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02/11/2010Pedestrian bridge for Trent & Mersey!
A temporary pedestrian bridge has been installed across the Trent & Mersey Canal to replace bridge 20 at Stenson, which has been closed following a traffic accident last October. This will mean that walkers will be able to fully enjoy the lovely walks in the area again.
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02/11/2010Celebrating a successful walking festival!: Tuesday, June 02
We joined together with other groups to celebrate the end of a very successful National Forest Walking Festival.
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02/11/2010Hundreds of people Doing One Thing for Bees!
Group members were kept busy at an event held at the opening of Mercia Marina. About 1500 people came to talk to us about encouraging bees into our gardens.
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02/11/2010A good crowd for The Crow Park Way Walk !
Old and young alike enjoyed walking the Crow Park Way with Countryside Ranger Andrew Laxton as part of the National Forest Walking Festival.
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02/11/2010Walking Festival gets off to a great start!: Tuesday, May 19
A good group of hardy walkers set off in the rain to walk to Willington in the first of our walks as part of the National Forest Walking Festival.
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02/11/2010New information board installed in Cardales Meadow
Why not take a wander down to Cardales Wildflower meadow and take a look at our new information board detailing local history and wildlife? Thanks to East Midlands Airport who financed this project.
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02/11/2010Exhibition at Findern Village Fete: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Visit Findern Parish Rooms on 13th June 2009 to see our exhibition promoting our walks and countryside.
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02/11/2010Walks for everyone!: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
As part of the National Forest Walking Festival taking place from 16 May, group members will be organising two walks here in Findern. All welcome.
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02/11/2010Do One Thing for Bees: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Group members will be at the opening of the new Mercia Marina on 23rd May to give hints on how to attract bees and butterflies into your garden.
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02/11/2010Bog Treasures!: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Group members planted 50 marsh marigolds ihn our wetland site near Stanhope Wood. Thanks to CSV Action Earth for sponsoring this event.
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02/11/2010Group members visit Thistley Place!: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Group members enjoyed a visit to Hatton, where we met the Dove Valley Group and saw their project. Thanks to them for a wonderful morning.
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02/11/2010Easter Festival: Saturday, April 11, 2009
Easter Festival a great success. Group members were delighted to see so many visitors at the festival. Our display promoted the wildlife on our sites.
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02/11/2010Clean Up a great success!
Villagers turned out to clean up the canal towpath alongside the Trent & Mersey canal. We collected 8 bags of rubbish and numerous household items.
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02/11/2010Information board installed on Cardales Wildflower Meadow!:
Why not visit Cardales Wildflower Meadow and look at our newly installed information board? It contains lots of information about the wildlife in the area and local history too!
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02/11/2010400 snowdrop bulbs planted!: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Group members today planted 400 snowdrop bulbs in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area as part of CSV's Action Earth programme.
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02/11/2010New entrance for Cardales Wildflower Meadow
We have been granted £200 from Findern's 'Relief In Need' Charity to make a new entrance to the wildflower meadow which will permit people with disabilities and pushchairs to enter and enjoy our wildflower meadow. Our thanks to them for making this project possible.
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02/11/2010Improvements to Priory Way (Footpath1)
We are delighted that work to improve this popular route are underway. Contractors from South Derbyshire District Council are busy replacing stiles with easy access gates and replacing bridges. This beautiful route will be more pleasurable as a result. This project has been made possible by funding...
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02/11/2010Celebrate Easter with us!: Friday, March 06, 2009
Group members will be busy making an Easter display on a wildlife theme for the Easter Festival which will be held in All Saints Church, Findern from 13-18 April. Why not come along to meet group members and see all the Easter displays in the church?
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02/11/2010Worm survey underway!: Friday, March 06, 2009
Group members are helping with a national survey to investigate earthworms. The OPAL Soils and Earthworm Survey will build a picture of soil quality and earthworm populations all over England.
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02/11/2010Colour Our Grass!: Friday, March 06, 2009
Group members will be planting snowdrops in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area on 18 March from 2-4pm. Thanks to CSV ACtion Earth 2009 for funding this project. All welcome.
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02/11/2010Countryside News hot off the press
The group's first edition of our new quarterly newsletter has now been produced. Findern residents will receive one at home. Copies will also be available locally. We hope you enjoy reading about our activities and the wildlife on our sites.
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02/11/2010Village turns out in force to help wildlife!: Feb 20, 2009
About 150 villagers turned out to help make bird boxes, bird feeders and bug boxes at our recent Do One Thing For Birds event on Findern Village Green. We all had great fun making a varity of feeders and boxes.
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20/10/2010Big Derbyshire Clean Up!: Friday, February 20, 2009
We shall be working hard on April 8 to collect rubbish and litter from our canal towpath. Our Safer South Derbyshire Partnership and British Waterways staff will be helping us. Why not join us? We shall be meeting at the Nadee Restaurant at 10am.
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20/10/2010Evening Telegraphs Easy Canalside walk...update!
Please note that due to the closure of the bridge over the canal, it is not presently possible to follow the route suggested in the Derby Evening Telegraph of 31.1.09. Alternatively, you may enjoy a walk round the nature reserves on the Findern side of the canal, or you can cross the canal by the...
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20/10/2010Improved entrance to Cardales Wildflower Meadow!: Saturday,
Thanks to The National Probation Service, we now have a new pathway into our meadow. Thanks to them for their hard work and to Derbyshire County Council for funding this project.
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20/10/2010Easier access for Cote Close Bird Sanctuary!: Monday, Januar
Thanks to group members and The Probation Service, Cote Close now has a surfaced entrance to the bird sanctuary. This will make it much easier for everyone, especially the less mobile, to enter. Thanks to everyone for their hard work and to Derbyshire County Council for funding the materials.
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20/10/2010New pathway for Stanhope Hole!: Saturday, January 10, 2009
Group members and members of the National Probation Service have laid a new path on the approach to Stanhope Hole Pond. This will create a level surface for pushchairs and wheelchair users who found the muddy, undulating surface difficult. Thanks to them for their hard work and to Derbyshire County...
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20/10/2010Live With Nature!: Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Come along to Findern Parish Rooms at 7.30pm on February 4 for a lively talk by Alan & Sylvia Williams called 'Living With Nature'. Hear about how they created various wildlife habitats in their garden. Admission £2 inc refreshments. Booking essential, 01283 703793.
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20/10/2010Group celebrate the end of a successful year. Thursday, Dece
Group members enjoyed a Christmas party to celebrate the end of another successful year.
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20/10/2010Easier access for Turnpike Way!: Monday, December 08, 2008
Rangers from Derbyshire Countryside Service have recently replaced stiles along this route with new gates. The removal of stiles will make this popular path accessible to everyone. Thanks to Derbyshire County Council and South Derbyshire District Council for funding this work.
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20/10/2010Tree For All a great success!: Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Group members and villagers planted over 160 young trees at this tree planting event. Crab apple, rowan and wild cherry trees were planted. We hope these will enhance the area, as well as providing a food source for birds. Thanks to The Woodland Trust and Woodgrow Horticulture for financing this...
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20/10/2010Bridge closure extended!: Friday, November 21, 2008
We are sorry to inform you that the canal bridge on Bridleway 13 (Stenson) which is part of Crow Park Way has been closed until 31.3.09 due to its dangerous condition. It is possible that repairs may be completed earlier than this date. For further information, please ring Call derbyshire on...
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20/10/2010Tree for All!: Friday, November 07, 2008
Join us on December 1 at 10am to plant trees in Stanhope Wood. This event is supported by the Woodland Trust. Cllr Ann Hood, a villager and a group member, will be planting a tree at 11am to commemorate her year as Chair, South Derbyshire District Council. All welcome. Please bring a spade and wear...
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20/10/2010Group join Canal Watch!: Friday, November 07, 2008
Group members have voted to join Canal watch. This is an initiative set up by our Safer Neighbourhood Police Team to identify problems along the canal network. We have also joined the ringmaster scheme to enable us to receive crime alert messages quickly. We are delighted to be working with others...
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20/10/2010Forum off to a great start!: Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Group members attended the inaugural meeting for the South Derbyshire Environmental forum. It was very well attended with councillors and volunteer groups from all over the district coming along. Look out for details of the next meeting!
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20/10/2010Cardales Wildflower Meadow seeded!: Monday, November 03, 200
Group members have sown wildflower seed and planted wildflower plugs on the meadow. We have sown a seed mix including hay rattle, corncockle, scabious and buttercup. We are looking forward to a glorious display next year!
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20/10/2010Daring to wear pink benefits cancer charity!: Friday, Octobe
Group members donned pink for 'Dare To Wear It Pink' Day for a walk to Willington. We had a great walk and the event raised over £100 for Breast Cancer.
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20/10/2010Partial closure, Crow Park Way!: Sunday, October 26, 2008
We are sorry to inform you that Bridleway 13 (Stenson) is closed at the canal bridge over the Trent & Mersey Canal. There is NO access over the canal at this point. Due to access difficulties, the programme of work planned for this route has been postponed.
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20/10/2010Group members attend opening ceremony!: Saturday, October 04
Congratulations to the Dove Valley Group on the completion of their Thistley Meadow Nature Reserve at Hatton. We all enjoyed a great day with them at the formal opening of the site.
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20/10/2010Ditch The Drab and Dare to Wear it Pink!: Friday, October 03
Wear pink to join us for a walk to Willington on Dare to Wear Pink Day. We shall be raising money for the Breast Cancer Campaign. £2 per person or £5 per family. We shall be stopping for lunch in Willington before the return walk to Findern. Meet at Lower Green, Findern on 31 October at...
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20/10/2010Make A Difference Day comes to Findern!: Friday, October 03,
Join us as we have a last minute tidy up before the onset of winter. Please wear strong footwear and wear gloves. We shall be meeting at Lower Green, Findern at 10am on October 28th! All welcome.
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20/10/2010Bridleway closed for improvement work!: Wednesday, September
A section of bridleway 11 (Findern) and 13 (Twyford & Stenson) will be closed between 16 October and 28 November for improvement work. We apologise for any inconvenience but these long awaited improvements will be appreciated by everyone!
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20/10/2010The Stenson Bubble Walk comes to Findern!: Monday, September
The British Heart Foundation will be raising funds by walking a circular route from the Stenson Bubble along the canal towpath and through Findern before returning to the pub. Meet at the pub at 10-11am on September 28. The cost is £2 per person or £5 per family. Why not enjoy a lovely...
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20/10/2010Times Past Walk a great success!: Monday, September 15, 2008
A good crowd enjoyed a panoramic walk along Priory Way, looking at wildlife and our historical sites along the way. It was fascinating to see the site of the former priory, the remains of which can still be seen today. Thanks to Derby City Council for their help. Look out for more walks...
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20/10/2010Times Past!: Thursday, September 11, 2008
Join us on Sunday 14 September for a walk through farmland to Findern. After a refreshment stop, we shall return by the same route. As this route will be very muddy, please wear suitable footwear. Meet at Derby Moor School at 2pm. Assistance dogs only please.
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20/10/2010The Big Tidy Up comes to Findern!: Friday, September 05, 200
Come and join us to help clear our wildlife sites of unsightly rubbish and litter. This event is part of a countrywide event organised by Encams. Meet us on Thursday 11 September at the Nadee Restaurant in Heath Lane at 10am if you can help.
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20/10/2010Findern wins top award!: Thursday, July 31, 2008
Findern is the proud winner of the Calor Village of the Year award in the environment section. Group members who attended the presentation ceremony in Matlock were presented with a certificate and a cheque for £150.
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20/10/2010A winning picture!: Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The winning entry of the National walking Festival's photograph competition was a photograph taken on the Findern-Willington Circular Walk, and features Crow Park Way, Findern. Well done to group volunteer Dave Tidy, who took the winning photograph!
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20/10/2010Orchids sighted!: Tuesday, July 15, 2008
We are delighted that Bee Orchids and Common Spotted Orchids have been sighted here in Findern. A sign that our countryside is developing well and attracting more species here!
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20/10/2010New information board funded!: Tuesday, July 15, 2008
We are delighted to have been awarded £1231 from the East Midlands Airport Community Fund. This will pay for an information board to be installed in Cardales Wildflower Meadow. Thanks to everyone at East Midlands Airport!
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20/10/2010Partial closure to Priory Way!: Tuesday, July 15, 2008
We are advised that a short section of Priory Way (footpath1) will be closed from 27.7.08 until 31.8.08. The section affected is close to Thurston Farm. This is to allow for the safe refurbishment of overhead power lines. Please ring Call Derbyshire 08456 058 058 for more information.
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20/10/2010Baker\\\'s dough!: Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thanks to Warburton's Bakery for their kind donation of £100. This will enable us to continue our planting programme in the Autumn.
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20/10/2010New homes for bees!: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Bee boxes were recently installed in our wildlife sites during National Insect Week. Bees are becoming endangered due to loss of habitat, and we hope these homes will help to protect them. Thanks to CSV Action Earth who funded this project.
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20/10/2010Green Action funding to improve access!: Sunday, June 08, 20
Thanks to Derbyshire County Council for granting us £350. This will allow us to lay new paths at the entrance to Stanhope Hole Pond and Cote Close Bird Sanctuary. This will improve the access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Work will begin soon.
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20/10/2010Splashing Out at the Ballast Hole Pond: Thursday, June 05, 2
Group members enjoyed a sunny morning at the Ballast Hole Pond when water avens, frogbit, lady smock and milfoil were all planted there. This activity was part of CSV Action earth campaign supported by Morrison's.
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20/10/2010Celebrating at Rosliston Forestry Centre!: Thursday, June 05
Group members enjoyed an evening of fun, games and entertainment with other volunteers to celebrate the end of a successful National Forest Walking Festival. Here's to next year!
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20/10/2010Come splashing with us!: Friday, May 23, 2008
We shall be planting pond plants near the Ballast Hole Pond, Findern on June 5 as part of World Environment Day. This project was funded by Action Earth supported by Morrison's. Join us if you can.
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20/10/2010Walks programme a great success!: Friday, May 23, 2008
Group members are delighted that nearly 60 people enjoyed our walks as part of The National Forest Walking Festival. Our highest attendance yet, and greatly enjoyed by everyone who came along!
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20/10/2010Come splashing with us!: Friday, May 23, 2008
We shall be planting pond plants near the Ballast Hole Pond, Findern on June 5 as part of World Environment Day. This project was funded by Action Earth supported by Morrison's. Join us if you can.
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20/10/2010Flooding problems alleviated!: Sunday, May 04, 2008
South Derbyshire DC have recently built a land drain under the surface of Crow Park Way, (bridleway 11), Findern. This should mean that the flooding making this route impassable are a thing of the past! We are delighted that this work has been done.
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20/10/2010Come walking with us!: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
We have organised two walks as part of the National Forest Walking Festival. These will take place on May 19 and 22 May. Join us if you can! More information on the events page of this website or on the web link.
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20/10/2010Cardales Access secured!: Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thanks to funding from the Naturesave Trust, two easy access gates have now been installed on Cardales Wildflower Meadow.
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20/10/2010Funding for access gates!: Monday, April 07, 2008
We are grateful to Naturesave Trust for their kind donation of £750 towards our Cardales Meadow Project. The money will buy 2 access gates which will permit easier access to this site.
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20/10/2010300 snowdrops planted!: Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Group members have planted 300 snowdrops in Stanhope Wood. Thanks to CSV Action Earth, who funded this project.
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20/10/2010Action Earth funding secured!: Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thanks to CSV's Action Earth campaign supported by Morrison's , we shall be planting snowdrops in Stanhope Wood, installing bee boxes in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area and putting pond plants in the Ballast Hole Pond.
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20/10/2010Ballast Hole Pond Improvements!: Monday, March 10, 2008
Our Tree For All was a most successful event. 60 native trees were planted near to the Ballast Hole Pond, these included crab apple, rowan and wild cherry. We also planted 1200 snowdrop bulbs underneath them. We are looking forward to a beautiful display!
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20/10/2010Come and join us at our Trees For All event.: Saturday, Marc
Meet us at the Ballast Hole Pond on march 10 at 10am to plant trees and snowdrops. Please bring a spade. This will further enhance the pond and attract more wildlife.
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20/10/2010Big Derbyshire Clean Up a great success!: Thursday, February
Thanks to everyone who helped to tidy our countryside sites ready for the summer! A busy morning was followed by a delicious lunch prepared by the residents of Brook Close.
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20/10/2010Teen Art In The Countryside!: Monday, February 18, 2008
Our youngsters are having half term fun painting a mural on the A50 underpass along Crow Park Way. Each panel is a personal expression of their lives and what is important to them.
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20/10/2010Bird homes installed!: Friday, February 15, 2008
Group members have installed 12 new birdboxes in and around Findern. Look out for them along Turnpike Way and in All Saints Churchyard.
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20/10/2010Trial seeding takes place in Cardales Meadow!: Tuesday, Febr
Group members have sowed a trial patch with five different varities of wildflower seed. The meadow will be sown in the autumn with the most successsful mix.
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20/10/2010New hedges planted!: Saturday, February 02, 2008
Group members braved the cold to plant hedging in Commonpiece Lane and Crow Park Way this morning.
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19/10/2010Routes flooded!: Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Please be aware that due to heavy rain, sections of Priory Way (footpath 1), Turnpike Way (footpath 6) and Crow Park Way (bridleway 11) are passable only with suitable footwear.
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19/10/2010Meadow ready for sowing!: Monday, January 14, 2008
Group members today turned out in force to prepare Cardales Meadow for the wildflower seeding which will take place shortly. The ground has been raked and cleared of vigorous grasses.
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19/10/2010Cardales Meadow Project underway!: Saturday, December 22, 20
A local farmer, Mr Hicklin, has ploughed a small section of this meadow. We will be sowing 5 different wildflower seed mixes as a trial, before seeding in the autumn. Thanks to him for his help.
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19/10/2010Findern Footpaths Group Celebrates Christmas: Wednesday, Dec
The Group and their partners were out on the town in style on Tuesday 18th December to celebrate a year of successes. Guests included County Councillor Martyn Ford, County Councillor Frank Hood, District Councillor Ann Hood and Peter White, DCC Rights of Way Officer.We had a super evening and all...
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19/10/2010Seating installed in Cote Close!: Sunday, December 09, 2007
There are now two new benches in Cote Close. It will be lovely to sit and watch all the visitors to our Bird Sanctuary.
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19/10/2010See our wildlife tree at Findern\\\'s Christmas Tree Festiva
Our decorated tree is one of 24 on display at All Saints' Church Findern all this week from 3-5pm daily. It has been decorated to highlight the wildlife we have here in Findern.
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19/10/2010Celebrating National Tree Week!: Monday, November 26, 2007
The group planted a large number of a variety of native shrubs and trees which we hope will attract wildlife and enhance our rights of way.
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19/10/2010Thank you East Derbyshire Woodland Project!: Thursday, Novem
Thank you to the East Derbyshire Woodland Project Free Tree Scheme for the donation of trees and shrubs. The whole community will enjoy watching these grow!
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19/10/2010Group given new strimmer!: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thank you to Derbyshire County Council who have assisted with the purchase of a new strimmer for us. We are very grateful for your help! Thank you.
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19/10/2010Group scoops award!: Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Group are proud to have been presented with a 'Derbyshire Excellence In The Community Award' for Protecting Derbyshire at a recent awards ceremony.
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19/10/2010Tree For All funding secured!: Thursday, November 15, 2007
We are delighted to have been awarded £100 from the Woodland Trust to continue our tree planting programme. Thank you very much!
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19/10/2010Veteran Tree Project completed!: Sunday, November 11, 2007
Group members have identified 45 veteran trees here in Findern. The largest is a white willow tree in Commonpiece Lane. It has a girth of over 5m!
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19/10/2010176 volunteer hours worked during October!: Thursday, Novemb
October 2007 was a record breaking month for the group who worked voluntarily on our countryside projects for 176 happy hours!
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19/10/2010Celebrating Make A Difference Day!: Monday, October 29, 2007
Group members today planted 500 wildflower plugs in our wildlife sites and along our public rights of way. They will be enjoyed by both ourselves and our wildlife!
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19/10/2010Homes for barn owls!: Thursday, October 11, 2007
We are looking for trees surrounded by grassland to site barn owl boxes. Can you help?
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19/10/2010Hoping to be \\\'Excellent In The Community!\\\': Thursday,
Group members will be attending the awards ceremony of Derbyshire County Council's 'Excellent In the Community Awards 2008' on 13 November.
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19/10/2010Tune in to us on Radio Derby!: Friday, October 05, 2007
Group members will be on tonight's Drivetime Show promoting our lovely countryside.
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19/10/2010Wildflower bulbs planted!: Tuesday, October 02, 2007
500 wild daffodil and fritillary bulbs were planted by group members in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area and beside the Ballast Hole Pond.
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19/10/2010Canal bridge closed!: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Please note that the bridge leading from Potlocks Path (footpath 8) to the Trent & Mersey Canal has been closed, awaiting urgent repair. We are advised by British Waterways that the repairs will be carried out next week.
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19/10/2010Breathing Places funding secured!: Friday, June 01, 2007
We are delighted to have been awarded £6400 from the Big Lottery Fund for the development of Cote Close Bird Sanctuary. We are very grateful for this help.
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19/10/2010New walks leaflet published!: Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Findern-Willington Circular Walk leaflet will shortly be available from Tourist Information Centres, and other local centres. Thanks to South Derbyshire District Council for their help with this!
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19/10/2010Group takes delivery of a new mower!: Wednesday, August 29,
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery, the group are delighted to have been able to purchase a new mower!
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19/10/2010Safer walking route!: Sunday, July 29, 2007
We are delighted that Derbyshire County Council are laying a new pavement which will join 2 rights of way, footpaths 8 and 14. This will ensure a safe walking route to Willington. Thank you!
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19/10/2010Information board in Cote Close! Saturday, June 02, 2007
We have installed an information board, with lots of wildlife and local historical information. Visit it along Commonpiece Lane.
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19/10/2010More wetland planting!: Friday, June 01, 2007
Group members recently added more plants to our wetland site along Crow Park Way. This is a CSV Action Earth project.
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19/10/2010More pond planting! Sunday, May 27, 2007
Group members have added more water plants to the Ballast Hole Pond. We hope to attract a greater diversity of wildlife to this site!
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19/10/2010Ballast Hole Pond shortlisted!: Saturday, May 26, 2007
This project has been shortlisted for a Biffaward Award 2007. Finalists will be invited to a presentation ceremony in Manchester in the autumn.
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19/10/2010New interpretation board installed!: Wednesday, April 25, 20
Take some time to look at our new interpretation board, recently installed by Stanhope Hole Pond. How many of the featured wildlife specimen can you see?
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19/10/2010New trees planted!: Saturday, April 07, 2007
Group members cleared and planted a neglected area of the canal towpath near the Nadee Restaurant, Findern. Over 30 native trees and shrubs were planted.
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19/10/2010The Great Outdoors at Sinfin Library!: Saturday, March 31, 2
Group members enjoyed meeting so many people and promoting our rights of way at this day of countryside events!
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19/10/2010Walks Programme underway!: Saturday, March 31, 2007
This year's walks programme got underway with a walk around Calke Park. Why not join us for our next walk?
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19/10/2010New Walks Leaflet Published!: Friday, March 16, 2007
Findern Historical Walk, a history trail and guided walk around the village and footpaths of Findern, is now available to download from this site. It will soon also be available from Tourist Information Centres, local libraries and other local venues.
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19/10/2010New seats installed!: Monday, March 12, 2007
Look out for our lovely new seats along Crow Park Way. Thanks to E-on for funding these.
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19/10/2010Join us to plant trees!: Monday, March 12, 2007
We shall be planting trees near the Trent & Mersey Canal. These will enhance the area and add to our biodiversity. Come along and join us on April 7!
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19/10/20102000 snowdrops planted!: Monday, March 12, 2007
We have planted 2000 snowdrops in our wildlife sites! We are looking forward to a lovely display next spring!
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19/10/2010Group celebrates launch of walks and events leaflet!: Monday
Group members will be attending the launch of Let's Go Wild, a booklet full of countryside events published by Derby City Council. It will be held on March 2. We are proud to have been part of this exciting initiative!
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19/10/2010Action Earth Funding secured!: Thursday, February 15, 2007
A donation from Action Earth, sponsored by Morrisons Supermarkets, has enable us to plant snowdrops in Stanhope Wood. Come along and join us!
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19/10/2010More black poplars to be planted!: Monday, January 15, 2007
Following the success of the trees already planted as part of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust's Black Poplar Project, more will be added soon.
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19/10/2010E-on funding secured!: Wednesday, November 29, 2006
A big thank you to E-on who are funding the installation of access gates and seats along Crow Park Way. This also enables us to plant more wildflowers next autumn. This will make this popular route safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
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19/10/2010New trees planted alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal: Sunday
Thanks to British Waterways staff who helped to plant new trees for us all to enjoy. New varieties were planted to compliment the trees already growing along the towpath.
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19/10/2010Celebrating National Tree Week!: Thursday, November 23, 2006
Cote Close Bird Sanctuary has been planted with a variety of native shrubs and trees!
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19/10/2010Easy access for Cote Close Bird Sanctuary!: Saturday, Novemb
The National Probation Service helped us to install access gates to allow easy access for all into the Bird Sanctuary. Thank you all!
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19/10/2010Join us to create our bird sanctuary!: Friday, November 17,
We shall be planting berried shrubs and trees in Cote Close Bird Sanctuary on Wednesday 22 November from 9.30am. All welcome.
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19/10/2010Group scoops Gold! Friday, November 03, 2006
Group members were today presented with a Green Apple Gold Award by David Bellamy at a ceremony at the Tower of London. This was for the Ballast Hole Pond project.
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19/10/2010Fun on Make A Difference Day!: Saturday, October 28, 2006
Group members sowed a wildflower bank and planted £500 of wild daffodils, bluebells and snakes head fritillary.
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19/10/2010Group spreads the countryside message!: Friday, October 27,
Tune in to us on the Shane O'Connor Show on Radio Derby today. The Group will also be featured in The Times next Saturday!
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19/10/2010Living With Barn Owls!: Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Join us on 25 January to learn about the lives of these fascinating birds. Prebooking essential, 01332 510051
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19/10/2010Wildflower planting underway!: Saturday, October 07, 2006
Wild daffodils, wood anemone, wood sorrel, cuckoo pint and dog violets have been planted by group members and villagers near the Ballast Hole Pond.
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19/10/2010Pond opening was a massive event!: Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Come along to the Ballast Hole Pond which will be reopened following its restoration. Tony Harvey, General manager Central Shires Waterways will be performing the ceremony, ably assisted by Cllr M Lauro, Chair South Derbyshire District Council .
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19/10/2010All invited to our pond opening!: Monday, October 02, 2006
Come along to the Ballast Hole Pond which will be reopened following its restoration. Tony Harvey, General manager Central Shires Waterways will be performing the ceremony, ably assisted by Cllr M Lauro, Chair South Derbyshire District Council .
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19/10/2010New wildflower bank underway!: Saturday, September 09, 2006
Notice the newly dug area alongside Stanhope Wood on Crow Park Way. This has recently been seeded with a native wildflower mix. We hope that this will provide a dazzling display next Spring and that this bank will sustain itself as the flowers seed.
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19/10/2010Help us spot our veterans!: Friday, September 01, 2006
We shall be assisting Derbyshire Wildlife Trust with their Great trees of Derbyshire project. This identifies the locations of all the veteran trees in our parish. Please help!
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19/10/2010Group awarded Lottery funding!: Tuesday, August 22, 2006
We are delighted to have been awarded £4500 from the National Lottery. This will finance the creation of our new bird sanctuary, and will allow us to do further planting and install an information board in Stanhope Hole Conservation Area.
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19/10/2010Group wins prestigious award!: Sunday, August 20, 2006
We are delighted to have won a Green Apple Award for the Ballast Hole Pond project. Group members have been invited to the award ceremony in London on November 3.
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19/10/2010Teen Art Project completed!: Friday, July 28, 2006
Visit the underpass along Crow Park Way and see the youngsters art project. It depicts places and activities in Findern that are important to them. The result is truly outstanding. Well done kids! Bridge Painting Completed! County Councillor Bob Janes (centre) with four of the - Findern...
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19/10/2010Information Board installed beside pond!: Tuesday, July 18,
British waterways Staff have installed an information board beside the Ballast Hole Pond alongside the Trent & Mersey Canal. We hope it will add to everyone's enjoyment of this beautiful location. Staff from British Waterways install a new information Board by the Ballast Hole - Findern...
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19/10/2010British Waterways Staff win top award for Findern Pond!: Sun
John Johnson and the team have won first prize in a staff Environment Award for the Ballast Hole Pond project which was done in partnership with ourselves. They will now be entered into the national competition. Good luck lads!
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19/10/2010Join us on our High Summer Hike!:Thursday, July 13, 2006
More information: -click here
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19/10/2010Homes for minibeasts!: Saturday, July 01, 2006
We put insect boxes in the trees as part of national Insect Week. We are looking forward to more mini beasts making their homes here.
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19/10/2010Highway to the countryside!: Friday, June 16, 2006
We are delighted that the Highways Agency are letting us have the use of surplus land for more conservation projects!
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19/10/2010Art in the countryside!: Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Our young people will shortly be painting a mural on an underpass badly affected with graffiti.
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19/10/2010Public consultation and exhibition.: Saturday, June 10, 2006
Come and see photographs of our projects. Tell us your ideas and opinions to help with future planning.
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19/10/2010Fundraising at Findern Fete!: Thursday, June 08, 2006
Meet group members on our stall adjacent to the Badger Group Stall on June 17!
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19/10/2010More homes for birds!: Friday, May 26, 2006
Thanks to a generous donation from a villager, we have been able to install more bird boxes along our paths.
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19/10/2010Greenwatch Award finalists!: Thursday, May 25, 2006
We are delighted to have recieved a commendation for our Ballast Hole Restoration Project.
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19/10/2010Greenwatch finalists!: Saturday, May 06, 2006
The Group are delighted to be a finalist for this prestigious award. Our entry was for Ballast Hole Pond restoration. We are looking forward to the presentation evening at County Hall Matlock on May 23.
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19/10/2010Wetland restored!: Sunday, April 23, 2006
The Group have cleared and replanted our wetland site in Crow Park way. This is an Environment Agency Action Earth project.
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19/10/2010Easier Access to Stanhope Wood!: Sunday, April 23, 2006
Thanks to the Loughborough Building Society, we have been able to install an access barrier in Stanhope Wood. This will enable less mobile people to visit the wood.
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19/10/2010Wetland restored!: Sunday, April 23, 2006
The Group have cleared and replanted our wetland site in Crow Park way. This is an Environment Agency Action Earth project.
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19/10/2010Tune in to us on Radio Derby!: Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Group members wil be appearing on the Alex Trelinski Show to talk about the work of the Group. Listen in on April 10 at 2pm.
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19/10/2010Homes for kingfishers!: Friday, March 24, 2006
We are putting up kingfisher tunnels, which we hope these beautiful birds will use for nesting.
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19/10/2010Award nomination!: Sunday, March 19, 2006
We are delighted to have been nominated for a Nationwide Award for Voluntary Endeavour. Fingers crossed for a win.
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19/10/2010Help us to create heathland!: Monday, March 06, 2006
We are planting heathers to create heathland. All welcome. More information: -click here
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19/10/2010Mammoth Snowdrop Extravaganza!: Saturday, March 04, 2006
We have recently planted 500 snowdrops near the Ballast Hole Pond. Thanks to the Environment Agency who funded this project through their Action Earth Campaign.
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19/10/2010National Nestbox Week brings new homes!: Sunday, February 19
We celebrated by putting up more new homes for bats and birds! This was an Environment Agency Action Earth project. National Bird Box Week. Copyright- 2006
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19/10/2010Group nominated for a Green Heroes Award!: Friday, February
We are delighted to have been nominated by the BTCV for this prestigious award. Fingers crossed we come out a winner!
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19/10/2010Stanhope Hole platform completed!: Thursday, February 09, 20
Watch ducks and moorhens from our new pond platform! Who will be the first to spot tadpoles? Thanks to BTCV for helping us with this project.
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19/10/2010Ballast Hole Pond platform completed!: Thursday, January 26,
We are delighted that our dipping platform is ready for use! It is made from plastic wood. This comes from recycled milk cartons! Nev tries out the new platform at the Ballast Hole Pond.Copyright - Findern Footpaths Group. 2006
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19/10/2010Better Access for disabled visitors!: Friday, January 20, 20
Thanks to funding from the Loughborough Building Society, we shall be installing an access gate in Stanhope Wood, which will allow disabled visitors and children to enjoy the wood.
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19/10/2010Teens bring art to the countryside!: Wednesday, January 18,
Teenagers will be painting a mural over the graffi -affected underpass along Crow Park Way. We are hoping that work will begin during the Easter holidays!
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19/10/2010Woodland path completed!: Friday, January 13, 2006
We have completed laying the new paths through the new bird orchard near the Ballast Hole Pond near the Greyhound pub. Enjoy these new routes!
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19/10/2010Stanhope Hole Pond platform underway!: Wednesday, January 04
The BTCV are helping us to construct a pond platform using recycled material. This will add to our enjoyment of this lovely pond!
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19/10/2010Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all our supporters!: Satu
Thank you all for your help and support this year. It has helped us achieve so much.
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19/10/2010Bird orchard completed!: Saturday, November 26, 2005
We celebrated National Tree Week by completing the planting of our bird orchard. Thank you everyone! Read the full story - click here
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19/10/2010Group wins Coop Community Dividend Award!: Friday, November
We are delighted to receive an award of £478 from the Cooperative Group to assist our environmental projects. Thank you!
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19/10/2010Group scoops bronze!: Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Seymour Bell collected a bronze award at the Green Apple Awards yesterday which were held at the Houses of Parliament. It was for excellent environmental practice.
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19/10/2010Group scoops bronze!: Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Seymour Bell collected a bronze award at the Green Apple Awards yesterday which were held at the Houses of Parliament. It was for excellent environmental practice.
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19/10/2010Wildflower planting planned!: Monday, November 07, 2005
Join us at the Ballast Hole Pond to plant wildflowers. More information: -click here
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19/10/2010Community Payback Launch: Thursday, November 03, 2005
Seymour Bell and Neville Froggatt will be representing the group at this event on 22 November. The Group are proud to be beneficiaries of the service.
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19/10/2010Group gets a Coop Divvi!: Friday, October 21, 2005
We are very grateful to have recieved £30 from the Cooperative Community Award Scheme. Thank you!
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19/10/2010Stepping Out with the WI!: Wednesday, October 19, 2005
We shall be walking to Willington on November 3 at 2pm. Please join us! More information: -click here
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19/10/2010Join us in National Tree Week!: Thursday, October 13, 2005
We shall be planting trees near the Greyhound Pub on 26 November. Please come along!
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19/10/2010Greenwatch Action Funding secured!: Tuesday, October 04, 200
We are delighted to receive £300 from Derbyshire County Council for our Wildflower Restoration project. Read the full story - click here
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19/10/2010Group wins top award!: Tuesday, October 04, 2005
We are delighted to have won a Green Apple Award. Seymour Bell will be collecting this prestigious award at a ceremony at The Houses Of Parliament on 8 November.
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19/10/2010Making A Difference!: Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Help us to celebrate Make A Difference Day, by tree planting in Stanhope Wood on October 29. More information: -click here
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19/10/2010Launch of Village Footpath Map!: Wednesday, September 07, 20
Our beautiful footpath map which has recently been installed on the village green, was launched today. Peter White, Rights of Way Officer performed the ceremony in the presence of Chair of SDDC, Mark Todd MP and villagers. Peter White, Derbyshire County Council, unveils our new village -...
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19/10/2010Treework underway at Ballast Hole Pond!: Tuesday, August 23,
Work has begun to clear some of the willow trees along the towpath ready for new planting in the autumn. The new trees will be underplanted with wild flowers.
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19/10/2010Canal Heritage Walk...soon!: Monday, August 29, 2005
Join Group members and Geoff Williamson, from the Trent & Mersey Canal Soc, for a walk along our towpath looking at canal history! More infomation: -click here
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19/10/2010Hoping to Pluck a Green Apple: Friday, July 29, 2005
We are delighted to have been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2005 Green Apple Awards, an international award. Winners will be announced in September.
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19/10/2010Biffaward Funding Makes A Splash! Thursday, July 28, 2005
Findern Ballast Hole Pond is being restored with help from a £5,000 grant from Biffaward's Small Grants Scheme, which utilises landfill tax credits.Read the full story - click here
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19/10/2010