Volunteers from the Summerlands Conservation Group in Cranleigh are looking forward to a programme of events in the coming months which include sprucing up the pond and tidying up brambles and holly woodland areas.
The group will also be installing a number of new oak benches on the site, the first of which has been recently put in place so that visitors can sit and enjoy the scenery and admire the ongoing work to conserve and maintain the wild areas of the estate, including a section of semi-ancient woodland, the pond and large grassy areas.
Just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cranleigh Parish Council used Section 106 funding to buy five benches for the estate as recommended in the Summerlands Estate Management Plan which was approved by Waverley Borough Council in 2018.
With a number of COVID-19 restrictions now having been lifted, the group can continue the work of installing the benches which hopefully will provide convenient resting places for residents and visitors passing through the estate. The benches will be placed close to footpaths and in areas where the green spaces of Summerlands can be enjoyed.
The conservation group, which holds organised events several times a year, is part of the Summerlands Estate Residents Association (SERA) and has been operating for nearly 10 years. Some members and other residents carry out regular individual tasks such as mowing and weeding shared areas.
The group aims to increase the biodiversity of the area and has worked to convert large areas of grass into wildflower meadows beginning in 2018, clearing the understory and planting spring bulbs in the woodland and carefully managing the vegetation in and around the pond. In 2019 SERA gained its first Green Flag Award and maintaining high standards is an ongoing target.
The group enjoys a close relationship with borough council countryside rangers Abbi and Vicky, who regularly run events there and provide their expertise and tools, as well as the all-important tea and biscuits!
New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Kate Walker at summerlandsconservationgroup@gmail.com for more details.