It’s less than two months since our last newsletter but much has been happening and there are several events coming up for your diary.
The Sounding Bridge path
This was opened in March and is already being well used. The feedback about the path and the signage has been very encouraging.
Go under the Sounding Bridge and you are in the Lakes
Thrupp Lake parking area and hub
We have discharged the conditions required by our planning permission so work can now go ahead. The groundwork for the parking surface is planned to be completed by the end of May followed by fencing and the creation of the adjacent information hub.
The hub will have an attractive view of the Lake and include a large interpretation board, two benches and a notice board that has been made by a volunteer from recycled wood. Plantings of native species hedgerow round the parking area will follow in the autumn and we are now planning to add a further area of native shrubs and small trees. Biodiversity and climate friendly.
Barton Fields
At the other end of the Lakes work will follow in late June on a similar information hub and an improved mud-free path linking the Sustrans cycle track with the Thames Path. An area of annual wildflowers will be seeded near the hub.
Leaflet
We have produced a handy leaflet about the Lakes area, including a map. This will be available at the two information hubs, pubs and community centres, and at our events.
The leaflet is currently being printed. The map is on the other side
Several events are coming up over the summer which we are either running or taking part in. Put the dates in your diaries.
10 May, 7.30pm. The Wildlife of Radley Lakes
Zoom talk by RLT Trustee David Guyoncourt. This is hosted by One Planet Abingdon and open to all comers. To find out more and register for the link, visit this website.
27 May, 7.00pm. Orchids on Thrupp Green (Friends only)
Guided walk through the former ashpit known as Thrupp Green. There is much wildlife there to hear and see, the highlight being the orchids glades, spectacular in late Spring. The area is not normally open to visit and we will obtain landowner permission.
Assemble at the end of Barton Lane opposite Bio-Techne Ltd (OX14 3NB) from 6:45 pm for a start sharp at 7:00 pm. Numbers will be limited so please book in advance by emailing david.guyoncourt@ntlworld.com
The orchids flourish on the alkali soil created by the ash. Photo courtesy of Michael Bloom
3 June, 2.30pm. Platinum Jubilee guided walk
As part of the Jubilee celebrations David (who is keeping busy) will be leading a nature walk starting from Rye Farm Meadow in Abingdon. Join at the Friends of Abingdon Civic Society stall. The walk will go through the Lakes and include pond dipping.
25 June, 1.30pm to 4.15pm. Radley Flower Show
If you come to the Radley Flower Show, be sure to visit the RLT stall and get up to date with all that is going on.
Lakes and Cakes10 July, 2.00 to 4.30 pm. Lakes and Cakes
An afternoon by Thrupp Lake for all comers and ages. There will be lots of cake, plus tea, coffee, and other refreshments. Entertainment will include a specially composed song performed by the Abingdon Community Choir (ACCord), and acoustic guitar sets by Trev Williams and Rachel Ruscombe-King. There will be a telescope for bird watching, nature walks and pond dipping.
More detail will follow later. If you would like to help with cakes and refreshments email martha.buckley@btinternet.com
Family enjoying gentle music, refreshments and scenery
While some of our events will be open to all, some will be just for Friends of the Trust. Being a Friend is anyway the best way of ensuring you are kept in touch with all that is going on. If you have not already done so, it is very simple to join and there is nothing to pay. Just use this form.
The initial success of the Trust has relied largely on voluntary enthusiasm and time, but we are reaching the point where this is not enough. So far we have been able to raise grant finance for our major masterplan projects, but this is becoming more difficult and grants cannot normally be used to cover core costs (such as public liability insurance) without which we cannot deliver our objectives.
We have now set up a simple way you can donate to the Trust (with gift aid added if applicable).
Please help if you can.
Thank you!
Contact details
Richard Dudding
Secretary, The Radley Lakes Trust
Mailing and email addresses are given below