• THE FRIENDS OF PICKERINGS PASTURE - AGM 1^st April 06

Chairpersons Report

We have gained some new members, who have made an invaluable contribution to the voluntary work of the group. Sadly, we have lost some members too, who we thank for their support in the past.

The last year has been a busy one, with projects and events both at Pickerings Pasture and Hale Duck Decoy.

• In May 05 members stained the benches and cleaned the information panels
• A laptop, printer, projector and camera were bought for the LHI Decoy Project
• In July one of our members represented us at the Green Flag Award in Manchester
• In August 05 members helped clear the area in front of the Duck Decoy hide
• The 2nd progress report for the Decoy Project was completed
• Members cleared the path and small pond area at the Decoy
• In Sept 05 we held our annual Dog Show. It was well attended and successful
• The 3^rd progress report for the Decoy Project was completed
• In November 05 we held a Friends day out, bird watching at Moore Nature Reserve
• Members did some willow cutting at Pickerings and cut back some trees
• Members used the cut willow to make screens at the hide
• In December 05 the 4^th progress report for the Decoy project was completed
• Members cleared feeding site near Visitors Centre
• Members helped to check and repair nest boxes
• The December meeting was followed by a Christmas lunch
• In January 06 members helped clear an overgrown area
• Members were involved in a planning meeting for the Hale Duck Decoy Project
• Members involved in discussions and initial planning meeting for Pickerings Video
• Painting and other work on Gamekeepers cottage at Hale Duck Decoy on going
• Memories of Hale Duck Decoy event attended by Mayor and Mayoress of Halton
• Several Oral History Recordings of memories done for Decoy Project
• In March 06 the 5^h progress report for the Decoy Project was completed

We meet monthly, usually at the Visitors Centre. New members are always welcome. We raise funds to provide feeders and feed for the wild birds. We share the responsibility of filling the feeders. We get involved in planting, clearing and maintenance. We apply for grants and support a range of projects. We help on guided walks and other activities involving the public. We promote the reserve through talking to people, taking pictures and advertising. As individuals, we get involved as much or as little as we are able to.

The Friends have also been involved, as individuals and as a group, in many other activities related to the work we do as Friends of Pickerings Pasture. Every contribution, both large and small is important in helping to ensure that our local nature reserves are well looked after, well used and are maintained for future generations.