Horley Conservation Group Autumn meeting notes
Monday 3rd November 2025
Trinity Oaks School, Horley at 6pm.
Attendees- Catherine Baart, Ian Preddy, Jan Spratt, Bill Chaffe, Malcolm Cline, Laura Williamson, Victoria Chester, Samantha Marshall (HTC), Richard Francis, Dave Hampson, Marriotte Hampson, Thomas Carmona (RBBC), Polly Kitson (SxWT), Kevin Lerwill (GGP/SxWT).
Volunteer tasks Autumn/Winter-
November- Emlyn Meadows Blackthorn scallops
December- Community Orchard, Hazel coppicing and orchard maintenance
January- Tree planting for Horley TC at Emlyn Meadows
February- Tanyard Meadows, Blackthorn scallops
March- Owl box installation, cutting back and litter pick at Langshott Pond
Emlyn Meadows-
Since Horley TC decided to relax the grass cutting at EM, it has already seen an increase in wildlife using the site, especially in the Spring and Summer. The TC have now decided to manage the site even more for wildlife (with guidance and support from the GGP, Surrey WT, South East Rivers Trust and others), whilst still retaining informal access for visitors and local residents. This will include installing at least one new interpretation board, which could include photos of species which you might find using the site…any suggestions or ideas for the new interpretation board can be submitted either to HTC directly or to Kevin at the GGP.
Tree planting-
There is an extra tree planting task at the Oakwood School, along the Balcombe Road in Horley, on 3rd December. This is will be organized and led by Surrey CC. Interested volunteers are requested to email; trees@surreycc.gov.uk
Horley TC have now also secured all the new tree whips that they want to plant this season, but many those to all those that had offered to submit the application forms on behalf of the Council.
Finance-
The HCG currently has £912.25 in its account. Mike, the group’s Treasurer, has also just received official notice that as of 6th November 2025, the group has been successful in its recent funding bid and has been awarded the full amount of £1750.00 to go towards funding the proposed electro-fishing at Langshott Pond this Winter. This should also cover the cost of adding the necessary amount of calcium carbonate, which will increase the amount of oxygen in the water over time and these two actions should make a significant improvement to the pond’s long-term health and I will now be contacting the contractor to try and book him in for this Winter (the funding must be used within 6 months apparently). I will keep you all posted with developments obviously, but I think this is very positive news and many thanks again to Mike for submitting the application on behalf of the group.
The Fieldings Community Orchard-
Catherine B has kindly offered to look into funding for some new tree stakes and fencing around the fruit trees in the orchard, which have been slightly damaged by Deer browsing in recent years.
Date of Spring AGM meeting- TBC.
PS- More good news. Since the meeting, I have been made aware that Tanyard Meadows has recently been awarded “Gold” in this year’s South East In Bloom competition…as soon as I have any more details, I will let you all know.
horleyconservationgroup.co.uk 