WORKING PARTY REPORT AND PHOTOS: 20TH MARCH 2025

This week’s report is from FOGG working party member Phil Lee:

Yesterday’s fine weather was enjoyed by five enthusiastic volunteers, and the several visitors, including Paul Fealey, EDDC horticultural officer.

Paul came up with some jobs that we can get on with over the next few weeks, and is going to arrange the day visit from tree officer Nathan and colleagues to: 

A. Remove some trees, mainly self-seeded (marked by us) 

B. Put up any bird/bat boxes that we can provide on the day

Meanwhile, we will gather the bird/bat boxes for the visit.

Also, an area of the lawn can be seeded and left as a wild flower zone. FOGG to bring rakes to the next session, to prepare the ground. Paul will seed (and do some repairs to the lawn).

No progress on the material for path improvements: we again offered to do the labour. And no progress on the proposed new and improved access to the bridge and lawn area.

Nothing too spectacular at the moment, but some tiny gems here and there:

Finally, re the article in the Sidmouth Herald regarding dog mess at the cemetery, this is something that we also suffer from. Sidmouth volunteers calling for dogs-on-leads policy | Sidmouth Herald

We would like some sort of signage on dogs if possible!

[Note: There is a public consultation on dogs: Now open: consultation on controlling dogs in public spaces in Sidmouth – Vision Group for Sidmouth. The situation is confusing with one map saying dogs are excluded Dogs on leads and dog exclusion areas – East Devon and a document saying dogs should be kept on leads dog-control-2026-1.pdf Whatever the situation, owners need to pick up after their dogs: Report a dog off lead or in banned area – East Devon and Report dog fouling – East Devon]