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Ogden Water Country Park
& Nature Reserve |
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Friends of Ogden Water Current status of Friends Group It was decided at the recent Committee Meeting that the group will be inactive for the next few months due to uncertainty over the future management of the site. The Countryside Service is undergoing a restructure and until the reorganisation is decided upon it will be difficult to move forward with any decisions. This means that we can’t arrange a date for the AGM and it would be unhelpful to do so at this moment in time. The Friends of Ogden Water needs to move forward with whatever new management strategies are put in place and the new committee, whoever it is comprised of, will be better placed to do this when all the information is available. We have made a meaningful and valuable contribution to the condition and reputation of Ogden Water over the last 6 years and it is sincerely hoped that this will continue. The Committee will communicate any developments as and when they arise. Craig Spencer Chair, May 2010******* The Friends of Ogden Water was established in 2003 and is a community group with a constitution, committee and membership. We meet as a committee every four to six weeks to discuss issues and projects that will help us to promote and preserve Ogden Water for the future. We currently have a membership in excess of 100 people, produce a seasonal newsletter and arrange a variety of events throughout the year including a programme of guest evening speakers. Our status as an independent organisation allows us to bid for funding and organise events which support and promote our nature reserve. We can make our own decisions, within the confines of the site management plan, and liaise with the Calderdale site rangers in implementing mutually beneficial schemes to help preserve, improve and maintain Ogden Water. 2007 was our busiest year to date with a sustained programme of fund raising events culminating in the 150th Anniversary celebrations on 1st September. The event was a huge success and the publicity surrounding the celebrations will benefit the site for many years to come. The gates on the dam, gas lamps, the refurbished promenade and viewing areas have proved a great attraction and will continue to give prestige to the site for many years to come (perhaps another 150). Since then we have been concentrating on spending a £10,000 grant from Breathing Places, having successfully bid for the maximum award in May of last year (2007). This project has reached a successful conclusion now with only a few adjustments required on the main part of the project which is a pond development on the near woodland side of the reservoir. Our bird box cameras in the visitors centre have proved a popular attraction already and the funding has also paid for raised beds, a planting programme, interpretation boards, environmental education materials and all the major excavation and earthworks involved in developing the new pond- complete with boardwalk and dipping platform. Friends have also funded the infrastructure for the new Permanent Orienteering Course. As well as assisting the site rangers and Calderdale volunteers in delivering events at Halloween, Easter and Christmas we also get involved in practical work on site. This includes most aspects of conservation and environmental work (essentially this just means digging and getting wet!) and monthly work parties to help with maintenance. We are always looking to recruit new members and welcome new ideas, so please get in touch either through the website or main office if you would like to get involved. Ogden Water is a precious local resource and we are committed to protecting and promoting its future. Craig Spencer, Chair 26.06.08
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