Whats on in March River Cray Project

Events Thames21 River Cray Project – March 2015.

Dear River Keepers and Supporters

Here then are some dates for the Thames21 River Cray Project for this week, the rest of March and I include the proposals for events into spring, there may be additional events. The weather and other logistical issues does affect events so do contact me prior to the event.

I will keep you updated with pictures from events with this my weekly blog which is published on the website along with details of the public events visit http://www.thames21.org.uk  for events go to ‘get involved’ and events for all Thames21 public events.

Events during March

Thursday 5th March 2015 Assessment and Repairs to the damaged fence around pond nine at Foots Cray Meadows and some coppicing for materials for tomorrow (Bring your own pruning saws) we will be on site from 1100 to 1430 with an opportunity for a ‘last of the summer wine’ tea break at the centre. Our meeting point will be at the Information and Visitors Centre, Access from Rectory Lane DA14 5BP (follow the lane from the car park).

Friday 6th March 2015 In Stream River Cray Habitat Enhancements at Foots Cray Meadows. We will reconvene this project with ongoing repairs to the eroded river bank. Some coppicing for materials (Bring your own pruning saws) we will be on site from 1030 to 1530 come along and join in. Our meeting point will be at the Leafield Lane Gate onto the Meadows, Leafield Lane DA14 5EB (Off the North Cray Road beside the old Scout Hut). The ground is still unsuitable for the van so we will meet at the lane and transfer Materials and kit to the river. Please do contact me prior to event for confirmation of activities and location. The Digger is on site on Friday.

Thames21 are funded for this river enhancement project by

The Veolia Environmental Trust funded project for the River Cray at Foots Cray Meadows will continue to the end of the summer. More materials are on order including coir mats with plants and 3000 plug plants which we need to plant in the coming weeks ready for a long hot summer! This project is due to be completed later this summer with a series of end of project information/promotional events.

Tuesday 10th March 2015. Crayford Depot & Volunteers Session of Kit check, yard tidy etc. & Byway 106 clean up Meet at Thames21 Depot, (100m along Byway 106 walking from Barnes Cray Road towards Crayford) DA1 4NR. 1030 to 1430.

Tuesday 24th March 2015 and Wednesday 25th March 2015. In Stream River Cray Habitat Enhancements at Foots Cray Meadows. Continuing the repairs to the eroded river bank. Some coppicing for materials (Bring your own pruning saws) we will be on site from 1030 to 1530 come along and join in. Our meeting point will be at the Leafield Lane Gate onto the Meadows, Leafield Lane DA14 5EB (Off the North Cray Road beside the old Scout Hut). If the ground is still unsuitable for the van we will meet at the lane and transfer Materials and kit to the river. Please do Contact me prior to event for confirmation of activities and location. The Digger is on site both days.

Wednesday 25th March 2015. Bexley Natural Environment Forum starts 1900 at Bexley Village Library contact Chris Rose (Vice Chair BNEF) by e mail to chrisrose@gn.apc.org to secure a place, or visit www.bexleywildlife.org This is an umbrella body for Friends of Parks and Open Spaces groups, local wildlife experts and conservationists and sustainability campaigners in the Borough. The Forum works to protect, restore and enhance habitats and biodiversity across Bexley.

Thursday 26th March 2015. It will be a pleasure to be again joining up with the Friends of the Shuttle with a community River Clean at the Confluence of the Rivers Shuttle and Cray (this is situated beside the A2 Road on the Bexley Village side). Meeting at the Dartfordians RFC Ground, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1LW at 1030 finishes 1400. Please contact me if you wish to take part.

Advance Notice for your Diary

Sunday 10th May 2015 Erith Town Centre Fore Shore Community Clean Up, working with Friends of River Side Gardens Erith we will again be removing the shopping trolleys in the estuary mud and other rubbish in and beside the Thames.

Saturday 13th June 2015 The Crayford Rotarians Fun Day, Waterside Gardens, Crayford; Thames21, River Cray Volunteer River Keepers are delighted to be marshalling the world famous ‘Crayford Duck Races’

Many Thanks

Michael

To get involved or for more information, contact Michael Heath michael.heath@thames21.org.uk or ph: 07968 805 751.  Check thames21’s calendar of events www.thames21.org.uk/events for specific opportunities to get involved.