Parish Council Report - January
Parish Council Report - January 2012
Porter's Wood Playing Field, Petteridge
The Porter's Wood Playing Field in Petteridge has been entrusted to Brenchley Parish Council for the purposes of play and general amenity. The Parish Council consulted with local residents during early 2011 to find out how it could be improved for the local community. Following on from this consultation, and meetings with the Kent High Weald Partnership, a project has been approved by the Parish Council that will see Petteridge improved for both natural play and the wildlife that lives there.
Local volunteers are now being sought to assist with a programme of practical works that will take place between February and May. This will begin with litter clearance, followed by scrub clearance, and then several days of work constructing benches, balance beams, and stepping logs from locally-sourced wood. The Kent High Weald Partnership will be leading the works on behalf of the Parish Council, and volunteers are needed to help with this valuable project.
The first day of work will take place between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 18 February. Wear boots and clothing suitable for the weather conditions on the day, and bring a packed lunch if you’re more than a walk away from home. Tools, gloves and other safety wear will be provided by the KHWP.
February Events at Cinderhill Woods
This area is a great parish asset providing acres of wonderful natural heathlands, grasslands, woodland and streams to explore and is again maintained by the Kent High Weald Partnership on behalf of Brenchley Parish Council. Come and help our volunteers in February 2012!
Wednesday 8th Feb - Scrub Up!
Clearing back pathways and coppicing scrub in the area of the reserve where turtle doves breed each year. Join the team for a day that aims to improve the habitats of Cinderhill for this threatened species of bird.
Wednesday 29th Feb - Rides and Glades
Come for a day of practical action spent improving the woodland habitat for wildlife through targeted path and glade clearance. Help maintain a good balance of light and shade along the orchid path of this ancient woodland.
Task days are from 10am - 3pm, all tools are provided but please wear weather appropriate clothing and don’t forget your lunch! Meet at the entrance car park at 10am – visit www.khwp.org.uk or call 01580 212972 to find out more.
Citizens Advice Bureau under Threat
Brenchley Parish Council are collaborating with Paddock Wood, Capel and others to argue for the continuation of this vital service. The Paddock Wood office is a branch of Tunbridge Wells who have decided that they need to save £30,000 a year and the easiest way to achieve this is to replace the office with a mobile unit. The Parish Council believe that this an essential service which is even more important in the current climate and already 1000 people a year take advantage of the advice given. It is not believed that a mobile unit can cope with this level of clients nor does it afford the same privacy as an office. The PC is making feasibility proposals to the trustees for alternative financial planning and you are asked to support this effort in an effort to keep this office open.