Welcome to our sixth Newsletter, updating you on our activities in the Woodland.

Growing Wild at Venlaw

Venlaw Community Woodland hosted a ‘Growing wild at Venlaw’ project at the Woodland on Saturday morning, 1^st October 2011.

Supported by a CSV Action Earth Express Grant, a small group of volunteers, including two children, spent two and a half hours each planting over 200 Bluebell bulbs and sowing wildflower seeds, including Foxglove seeds. The aim of the project was to plant identified wildflowers with a view to attracting bees and cross-pollenating insects.  The key objectives were for the project to be of practical use and have visual effect; to have lasting benefit to the woodland and the natural environment; to involve volunteers, and to benefit the community.   The Woodland Management Committee is happy to acknowledge the support of CSV Action Earth through an Action Earth Express Grant up to £50.

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                                               Going Daffy at Venlaw

The Woodland Management Committee is pleased to acknowledge ongoing support from Peebles Gutterbluids Society, who have looked after the lower slope of Venlaw for many years, providing and maintaining benches, litter-picking, and providing a banking of daffodils.  In October 2011, supported by a CSV Action Earth grant, they had a project, - ‘Going Daffy at Venlaw’, when they planted more daffodils on the slope next to Venlaw High Road, to supplement the aged bulbs there.

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                                                 Foul play at Venlaw!

Members of your Management Committee are still very concerned at the level of fouling by dogs on various areas at Venlaw, both on the lower open slopes and within the Woodland.  Paths are being blighted by this foul habit, as well as the other surrounding areas.  It is obvious that many dog walkers make no effort to clean up after dogs have made a deposit at Venlaw, while some folk stand on the road, allowing the dog to roam freely up on our lower woodland area without supervision.  No-one likes to “put their foot in it”, and                               

                      ~ You know the dog can’t clean it up, so

    ~Please, ~ stay with your dog, “bag it and bin it”, ~ and don’t leave it for others!

We have reported this matter to SBC Community Wardens and asked for attention to our area.

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Borders Forest TrustThe VCW Committee is grateful to all BFT staff for continued support, guidance and encouragement.  As part of its vision, BFT works with local people to manage community woodlands.  This helps to increase the conservation, recreational and educational value of their local woods.

Contact BFT – 01835 830750, or by email on [email protected]

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