Steering Group Update

🌿 April Meeting Highlights: Growth, Goals & a Big Birthday 🎉

As the seasons slowly shift, so too does the rhythm of our work—and this week’s meeting was a great reminder of the many moving parts that keep our conservation efforts alive and thriving.

Here’s a look at what we covered, what’s coming up, and a few exciting developments you won’t want to miss.

📉 Donations Dipping, But We Have New Friends

We started off by reviewing the minutes from our February meeting and diving into the current financials. One concern that stood out: donations are on a downward trend; we will need to address this to cover our operational costs.

We are delighted to welcome two new members! However, new members are down on previous years, so we will look at how we can promote the benefits of membership.

📰 Trial Run: Hard-Copy Newsletters

We’re trying something a bit old-school but with new energy: printed newsletters! For one month, we’ll be placing copies in a few strategic spots and watching to see how that affects engagement. Sometimes a tactile piece of paper can do what an email can’t.

🙌 107 Volunteers Strong

Our volunteer network remains one of our biggest strengths. We’re currently at 107 active volunteers, and we’re proud of how well folks are sticking around. In recognition of the strength of our volunteering community, we’re introducing T-shirts and long-sleeve polos to our volunteers—available at cost, plus a small optional donation.

👥 Special Volunteering Days

We’re thrilled to welcome Barclays for a volunteer day in May. Even more exciting: London Wildlife Trust is looking into hosting corporate volunteering sessions with us. These partnerships could open new doors for community and conservation alike.

🌲 Woodland Survey & Management Plan Update

The FOW 5-Year Management Plan has had its annual update, and Steering Group members are reviewing the format.

New this spring we’ve started a woodland condition self-assessment process. Using guidance developed by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) on behalf of the London Wildlife Trust, we’ve divided the area into survey compartments, each with its own checklist. It’s a smart, manageable way to understand the space more deeply, and will help us plan woodland conservation activities.

We’re also exploring a new method of removing cherry laurel—more on that if it develops.

🐴 Tackling Trail Trouble

Horses from the Kings Troop, using the woodlands, continue to pose a bit of a challenge. It can damage delicate areas and introduce foreign contaminants from their droppings. To help mitigate the impact, we’re working with the troop to guide riders away from the most vulnerable parts of the woodland.

🌼 Jackwood House Garden Complete

The interpretation panel at Jackwood House Garden is now fully installed, which completes our grant-funded restoration project! We’ll be celebrating this milestone on 8th June, and we’d love for members to join us.

🌱 Invasives, Meadows & Maintenance

In Shepherdleas Wood, the parks department has tackled an issue with invasive few-flowered leek (thanks, team!). We’re also keeping an eye out for Giant Hogweed—please report any sightings. We’re putting together a meadow cutting schedule to share with the parks department to help avoid the issues experienced last year and to manage those areas more sustainably.

🎈 A Big Birthday for SHWWP

Last but definitely not least—did you know the Shooters Hill Woodlands Working Party turns 30 this November? That’s three decades of dedicated volunteer work. Plans for a proper celebration are in the works, so stay tuned!

Every bit of support—from time given to donations made—makes a difference. Let’s keep growing, together.