What a fantastic year it's been. The fantastic part is all the invaluable help I have had from the good folk of Thursley and Elstead villages, and beyond. Just out of interest (it was raining again) I was counting up all the days of voluntary help recorded in my diary recently. I was astonished! The count for person days given comes to a staggering 120, up to the end of November. This figure was generated from local volunteer Sundays, individuals helping during the week and some company corporate volunteer days, so for those of who have given their time so freely I can say nothing more than a huge THANK YOU.

Without this help the reserve would be in a far poorer state. The sheer volume of scrub which has been removed is truly impressive. The heathland habitat is now probably far more open than it has been in the past two decades. The ongoing replacement of the boardwalk has come on in leaps and bounds, with help, many, many meters have been re-built to a fantastic standard, a much more robust structure, wider and with access ramps to allow wheelchairs or buggies much easier access. There is of course a long way to go.

I don't think you need me to point out how poor the weather has been during November and early December, I heard a figure somewhere that we had 184% of the average rainfall in November, I'm sure the Thursley naturalist can give us the exact figure for our neck of the woods, but suffice to say it's been wet and often windy. This has bought its own problems to my work schedule, days of rain make outdoor work rather unpleasant, and the high winds have been bringing down the pines which were killed by the fire, in some cases, some very large ones indeed. These larger trees deserve respect when felling, the sheer unpredictable nature of a dead tree and their weight make for a very careful approach, and a quick exit! To you the locals, as the eyes and ears of the common, if anyone has concerns about particular trees you may think dubious do get in touch.

There is one new innovative project we are looking at getting involved with. From next year we will hopefully be sending the timber from our pine felling to a local company who will turn it into wood fuel pellets. These are a highly efficient way of heating homes and buildings, I am aware some locals all ready have a system installed, far more effective than burning logs weight for weight. One such building is the local school in Elstead, wouldn't it be a wonderful situation if the waste material from our habitat restoration work ultimately heats our local schools and other buildings. This of course will have far wider implications, it will reduce the need for us to have as many bonfires and therefore reduce our carbon foot print on the planet. I will add more details in forth coming articles, as the project develops, so as they say watch this space.

I am planning another work day on Sunday 3^rd January to burn off all those festive excesses. Meet at the Thursley recreation ground by the children's play area at 10.30 am. We will be clearing some of the invading scrub, so a cheery fire may tempt some. Working until 3 pm(ish) or, as however long you can spare. Old clothes, gloves (I have some), food and drink required, I will bring tea, coffee and maybe even some cakes. All tools and training provided. Please let me know if you can help - contact details below. I look forward to hearing from you.

And finally, I would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas and look forward to seeing you next year