Friends of the Scrubs Trustees meeting on 11 December 2023
Minutes of a meeting of the Trustees of The Friends of the Scrubs
11 December 2023, 6 pm via zoom
Present: Stephen Waley-Cohen (Chair), Smita Davé (treasurer), Carmel McLoughlin (secretary), Faye Thomas, Sarah Johnson, Sarah Abrahart, Emma Ranson, Jack Perschke
Apologies: Ben Novak
1. Welcome to all trustees. Joaquim Pereira had been invited to attend but was unable to do so.
2. Minutes of last meeting had been circulated electronically and approved.
3. The next meeting of WSCT is scheduled tomorrow (12th Dec) via Zoom. Stephen and Faye will attend. The main item on the Agenda is the Accounts which is likely to dominate the meeting. A number of the trustees raised concerns around the proliferation of hoggin paths across the Scrubs from East to West, and especially in the vicinity of the proposed new pond. SWC and FT will raise at the meeting tomorrow. Also the Friends do not agree to the place where pond is to be located. The walkabout on the 1st Dec was not very productive although agreed the pond location would be reviewed. Friends will get a chance to object to the paths and pond location when the planning application is submitted by WSCT to OPDC. Emma also raised the issue of the meadow clearance happening too quickly. Must maintain a balance. Stef is keen Id Verde keep to the Spec. Kate agrees that it is too quick. Should be concentrating on the bramble clearance.
4. Sarah A went to the OONF meeting in Nov at which OPDC were present. Scrubs was not mentioned very much.
5. All the trustees at this meeting (other than Faye) were at the meeting with WSCT/LBHF/Id Verde on the 30th Nov. Osama had mentioned a Hub which will be available on which footfall data will be collected, and where things can be reported. This is not yet up and running. Again will ask questions tomorrow on progress. When events eg Park Run are due to take place then conditions on the Scrubs should be assessed and the Run called off if too wet. A lot of damage done 6 – 8 wks ago but it has recovered.
6. Smita note of the walkabout much appreciated.
7. Website is being updated by Sarah J and a proposed meeting with Faye will take place in the New Year. Sarah would like to receive dates for the events taking place which will go up on the website. Also, Emma will ask Barbara Crowther if she’ll provide quarterly Bird updates.
8. Masterplan progress: Planning application is due to be submitted to the OPDC in January.
9. AOB;
(a) Mulled Wine and mince pies meeting with Friends on the 30th December 12 noon til 1pm. By the model aircraft area. Some of the trustees/Friends will be away in that period but enough interest to make it worthwhile
(b) Also will do another activity day on the Scrubs in May with an early morning bird walk, a talk with Tilly, and a recruitment drive.
(c) Walk with Jo (prospective trustee to be co-opted) – Stephen will ask for dates.
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