Kingwood and Peppard Commons Volunteers (KPCV)
In October 2011 a volunteer group led by Ann Pearce was formed to provide additional work on Kingwood and Peppard Commons. This group meets on the first Saturday of each month from 0930 until 1200 at Red House car park off Stoke Row Road. We are happy for people to come for all or part of the time.
This work is organised to complement the regular work carried out by Green Gym.
So far the group has met regularly with some twenty or thirty volunteers.
Tasks carried out so far have been clearance of some of the old WW2 concrete paths and in December litter picking at the Salt Depot. This was followed by a very enjoyable barbecue and social.
A list of identified plants can be seen here.
The first session of 2012 held on 7th January saw wonderful weather. The group spent
the morning removing birch saplings from the heathland. This was hard but enjoyable
work -
The February session was held on Saturday 4th February and joined by Sonning Common Green Gym members to demonstrate how the work of the two groups will complement each other. Much brush cutting had been done by Tony Chandler the previous week and the two groups spent the morning raking up.
The morning on Kingwood went exceptionally well despite the very cold start. Cut and rake is a time tested management tool for lowland heathland, chalk downland, and wild flower meadows. It allows extra light to reach the ground encouraging more desirable plants to flourish while raking the cut material helps to slowly reduce the soil nutrient level thereby allowing slow growing heather and short stemmed flowers to appear.The KPCV group work closely with the Commons Conservators.
For more information please email Ann or the clerk to the Conservators.
You may also use the “contact us” link.
Birch pulling party 7th January 2012