Storm Eunice

On Friday 18th February, a red weather warning was issued for the Essex area. It was forecast to arrive between 12— 3pm. A red warning means a danger to life, falling debris, travel when necessary etc. Many local people heeded the warning, the roads, village and towns were quiet of both traffic and pedestrians. Epping Forest District Council took the decision to close the car parks in Epping Forest. Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Services were on hand. The forecast was correct. Trees were destroyed and uprooted, garden fence panels were destroyed, gardens were destroyed. In more serious cases, homes were damaged with falling trees damaging roofs and power supplies were lost. Countrycare have spent time since the storm to evaluate their sites for damage.

Photos of larger trees that have been damaged in Roughtallys LNR. Source—Countrycare

Roughtalleys Wood Local Nature Reserve in North Weald has had some large trees come down or branches hanging up in other trees over some of the paths.

Until they can be cleared, they have had to block some paths through the woodland for visitors' safety. They will aim to get these cleared as soon as they can be, but must ask visitors to be careful and not approach any of the areas we have blocked off with hazard tape.

IMPORTANT Defibrillators

Recently I understand defibrillators from both Thornwood and North Weald have been needed to help people who have become unwell whilst awaiting emergency services. So to ensure all residents are aware of the location of our defibrillators, here are the details. Once you ring emergency services to inform them of someone needing emergency assistance, they will give you the code required to access the defibrillator looked in coded cabinets. North Weald:- Outside the Methodist Church Hall. Thornwood—Outside the Parish Hall.

Storm Eunice Continued

Essex Police issued a reminder to residents to be aware of rogue traders!

Following Storm Eunice you may have roof tiles to fix or broken fence panels that need replacing and asked that residents be aware of anyone knocking on your door offering their services. Their advice is to do your research before agreeing to anything and compare prices from different companies and to get written quotes with the company details on, rogue traders can be more expensive and sometimes increase the price after the work has been carried out.

Don’t forget to visit the website

www.northwealdvillagelife.co.uk Regular updates of news, Events etc.

On our doorstep is a 54 acre site devoted to outdoor learning and development of young people – it is called the Lambourne End Outdoor Centre, and one of its many activities is to teach natural history to many who would otherwise not have the opportunity to study and appreciate wildlife. It is a practical, hands-on approach, giving people the opportunity to discover the natural world and learn about the animals and plants of the area. Apart from classrooms and dormitory blocks to accommodate residential courses, the huge area is mainly undulating grassland dotted with bushes and many varieties of trees, including hornbeam, oak and ash. In spring and summer the site is a colourful display of wild flowers among which are red campion, willow herbs and cow parsley. There are also many animals on the site with rabbits, squirrels and small mammals in evidence throughout the year. On summer evenings as dusk approaches, several species of bats can be seen flying silently over the Centre. There are two large ponds, one of which is specifically designed for ease of access for pond dipping. There is an abundance of aquatic fauna which include frogs, toads, newts (including great crested), fish and dragonflies and the familiar water boatmen and pond skaters. The variety of water plants includes reed mace, water plantain and yellow iris. Wildfowl, mainly coots, moorhen and mallard are frequent

visitors to the ponds. A small working farm is incorporated into the site with pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and ponies. These animals are often the centre of attention of young people who come to learn about animal husbandry as well as crop management, while other courses teach aspects of the natural environment and conservation. In addition to wildlife activities, programmes focus on personal development to build young people's confidence and sense of achievement through team building activities, outdoor pursuits and arts and crafts. The work of the Centre aims to provide outdoor experiences for young people. These activities encourage young people to acquire new skills, build friendships and exchange views, so raising their self-esteem. In order to do this work the Centre relies on gifts, donations and the willing help of volunteers. Why not look them up at http://www.lambourne-end.org.uk/ From time to time the Centre opens its doors to the public. So you can see and experience for yourself the Centre’s facilities. Why not introduce the children to archery, the ropes course, the underground tunnels and much more. The next Open Day is on Sunday 3rd April.

Keith Snow