FSC Preston Montford Day courses 2013

 

Path re-emerges

Recent work by the Community Payback Team at FSC Preston Montford has re-laid the path through the nectar garden by the Centre pond. The path was laid with wood that was chipped from the WET system Willows last March.

The last image shows the ex-shed space from the area near the Centre pond- what was bare earth is now getting a reasonable layer of vegetation. Plans are being developed for this space, more news on this as the plans emerge but any ideas will be gratefully received.

Adrian Pickles

Bike Rack in operation

After several years of campaigning by staff we eventually have a bike rack for staff to park their cycles in the dry.

Here it is in operation- it is also available for customer use.
Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Adrian Pickles

Watching the Weather

FSC Preston Montford has been watching the official weather for the Met Office for over 30 years.

Now we are trying out some automated weather stations. The image shows the latest version which is attached to the Courtyard  fence, this monitors the weather continuously feeding the results into a spreadsheet. We intend to link this to some work on micro-climates with A-level Geography students.
We know it isn't in the best site but it is in operation collecting some data.

Adrian Pickles

New waste disposal facilities at Preston Montford

Four sets of new bins have sited around the Centre in the first stage of a rubbish review which will lead to changes in what bins are located where.

This is part of the return of Eco-Centres as FSC Preston Montford works harder to share good messages about how to do normal things better.

More news on this as the process evolves

Adrian Pickles

Pygmy shrew found at Preston Montford

The Mammal Society identification course this weekend caught a Pygmy shrew Sorex minutus, the first one to be seen and recorded here in 3 years!

Tuck Shop-Invertebrate Challenge re-location

More on alternative space...Beyond the shed,(ref; PM blog from January) comes the gazebo...

Part of the FSC Preston Montford Tuck shop re-location project involves woodwork and to make sure he could work in most weather conditions our joiner , Big Phil , showed us a way forward in the courtyard.Here he is with his gazebo and work space....genius! Please note no tools are kept in this gazebo or yard overnight.

The next photo shows the Tuck shop in a development stage...

and finally the last two images are of Pete Boardman the Invertebrate Challenge Officer in his new Office which also feature shelving and cupboards by Phil.

Project devised by Jim Wright and Adrian Pickles
Design ideas by Pete Boardman and Jessica Philips
Outsourcing and project management by Denise Dodd
Preparation and initial liaison by Andy Powell
It's been a real team effort. New Tuck shop scheduled to open in early November

Fire on Stiperstones

September 1st 2012 Despite the recent rain the heather moorland at Mytton Dingle caught fire recently- leaving a dark shadow on the landscape which can be seen for miles. 

Adrian Pickles

Bee Hotel news reaches Walsall

Follow the link below to see some nice photos and read an article about the FSC Preston Montford Bee Hotel.
http://walsallwildlife.wordpress.com/2012/08/30/a-luxury-bee-bee/

Adrian Pickles