Help me please

[Boddie]

Guys.

I have a piece of land, behind my back garden, which I am sure is privately owned which is a haven for wildlife but has sadly become a dumping ground over the years.

I reckon with a bit of effort it could be rid of the trash.

I propose to write a letter to the residents of my village in an effort to garner support and help to remove the rubbish.

Please see the proposed text below.

Any suggestions on the best way to 'mailshot' the village?

I have thought of Parish Magazine, Post office / shop window.

Any help with the text would be great too.

Dear Residents

The area of land behind the row of houses on **** Square, and High Street, is inhabited by a number of fantastic wild species such as, badgers, roe deer, barn and tawny owls and kingfishers.

Unfortunately throughout time it has become a dumping ground and is now populated by many articles which could prove hazardous to this wildlife.

I propose to hire a skip, on weekend in spring, with a view to collecting and removing these articles, which vary from double glazing window frames to wheelbarrows.

I am seeking likeminded individuals to give up a couple of hours on either the Saturday or Sunday in an effort to help me.

Any takers?
Please contact Andrew on 07970 *****
p.s – Does anybody know who owns the land?

[Paul mabbott]

I would try to make contact with the owner first: could save you a lot of time and energy?

[Boddie]

I have a funny feeling I know who it is Paul and he could not give a monkey's, by all accounts, and certainly wont chip in. He owns a lot of land in the area (an old boy) and has houses on the High Street that are decrepit but refuses to sell. I dont think he will obstruct but I'd like to keep him in the loop

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Boddie

I have a funny feeling I know who it is Paul and he could not give a monkey's, by all accounts, and certainly wont chip in. He owns a lot of land in the area (an old boy) and has houses on the High Street that are decrepit but refuses to sell. I dont think he will obstruct but I'd like to keep him in the loop

I know the sort ... but best to confirm it and approach him first. The owner is responsible for any visual blight (maybe) and if he could clear it (perhaps with a bribe) then that would be easier than getting into a confrontation ....
As a longer-term strategy you might want to try to persuade your Council to buy up the land and make it a nature reserve? Good luck, either way!

[Boddie]

I have been thinking also Paul about the merits of advertising this land which could turn from a quiet piece of land into somewhere where every man and his dog then scares away the wildlife anyway.

The clearing is too big a job to do on my own. If I could I would.

I think your advice regarding contacting the owner is spot on though and I will get on to that first thing tomorrow

[loripo]

What about asking for volunteers from the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, presumably they will have members in your area, and those people might be better able to deal with the clearing up with the wildlife in mind.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Boddie

...........
The clearing is too big a job to do on my own. If I could I would.

..............

... and if you did you might be prosecuted for trespass or theft!

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by loripo

What about asking for volunteers from the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, presumably they will have members in your area, and those people might be better able to deal with the clearing up with the wildlife in mind.

Thats a great idea.

I am going to take Pauls advice and ask permission first, then ask the Wildlife Trust.

I have big reservations about showing the locals just how nice this plot of land is and it becoming the new 'park', which could prove self defeating. I think those that know about it at the moment seem fairly likeminded to myself, but nobody has done anything about all the rubbish yet so I feel inclined to get the ball rolling.

[bugly's]

Isn’t it a shame that part of the thought process has to be; if others get involved what will happen to the site! fully agree with you, but a sad reflection on the habits of some of those who seek the 'natural' places. Hope you are able to move forward with the project.

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by bugly's

Isn’t it a shame that part of the thought process has to be; if others get involved what will happen to the site! fully agree with you, but a sad reflection on the habits of some of those who seek the 'natural' places. Hope you are able to move forward with the project.

I am going to start myself with the smaller items and just put them in the bins, which are held communually at the top of the close anyway. I have just over a week before I need be back at work so may get some of it done.

It really is a super bit of land and the prospect of kingfishers come May really excites me. Thats why I dont want it to become known as somewhere people can just come out for a walk. Its peaceful, but has just seen years of minor abuse and neglect, which has now culminated to quite a lot. I have night vision so if I do see anything untoward I will tackle whoever it is, so I cant see it becoming much worse. It just needs, as a project, kicking off.