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Toads in Morley

What Happened to our Toads? Many Morley residents will remember when ‘Morleyites’ rescued toads by the bucketful on Brickie Lane and Lower Church Lane, as they headed to the ponds to spawn. I remember Barbara’s signs on the grass verges in Brickie Lane warning motorists about toad encounters.

Toad populations are declining all over the UK so much so that they preserving them has become a priority on the Biodiversity Action Plan. The problem in Morley is we don’t know if we still have any to preserve! Chris Monk from the Derbyshire Reptile and Amphibian Group came to talk to us at the October Parish Council meeting about efforts being made by volunteers, local Councils and other groups throughout the UK to preserve the UK’s toads.

There are over 700 toad sites registered by the Frog Life Charity, with Derbyshire having the highest number. Unfortunately however, Derbyshire County Council do not provide or erect toad warning signs, leaving it up to individuals or groups to liaise with the Highways Department etc. to do this.

Toads lay strings of spawn (frogs lay clumps of it), they walk rather than jump, have brownish coloured dry skin with warts, their eyes have golden yellow iris, they eat insects and are great for gardens. Between February and April on a damp mild evening around dusk toads will move towards ponds to spawn, and this is when they are at greatest risk of being killed on roads.

The Parish Council wonder if there are any residents who would be interested in forming a small group to collect information about toad movement in the parish between February and April 2011? It could mean spending a short time checking on possible locations on likely evenings and/or noting telephone calls from residents who have seen toads on the move in the parish.

If we find we still have toads in Morley then we can do something to help preserve them. If you would be interested in becoming involved please contact us via the website or ring Chrissie on 01332 881795.

 

I CAUGHT THE ALLIGATOR
And
Other stories from a Brackley Gate Childhood

By Barbara Daykin M.B.E.
          Days of freedom from 1950/60s
  When the sunshine shone from dawn till dusk.
  (Well! Most of the time)
   £3.50 from Barbara 01332 880180 +p&p
     barbara.mbe@crosspatch.eclipse.co.uk


 

Morley Heritage Trail 2009


The seventh ‘Autumn Footprints ’ started on Saturday September 12th 2009. The launch was at Shipley Park.For the second walk in the 2009 programme ,Yvonne and Frank Arkless lead the Morley Heritage Trail helped by Veronica Cordon and Jill Bailey on behalf of Morley Parish Council.

On a splendid fine warm and sunny afternoon, thirty two people set off from Morley Hayes, walking to Moor Farm ,across Morleymoor, visiting the Almshouses and then down to the Breadsall Priory viewpoint. From there the walk took us to the Mound, St Matthew’s Church, where refreshments were taken , and many walkers visited the Sacheverell-Bateman mausoleum. Our return took us past the Gripps, the water tower and back to Morley Hayes.

Along the way various natural, architectural and historic features were pointed out and their importance described. The bonus was the splendid weather which enhanced the beauty of the countryside along the way and allowed extensive views over the area. From their favourable comments everyone seemed to enjoy the event and hopefully their experience will encourage a good turnout next year.

Volunteering.

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, make new friends, and make a difference to your local community and there are all sorts of jobs on offer. The vacancies are all listed on www.do-it.org.uk but for a taster how about these local vacancies advertised by Erewash CVS:-

Being a Volunteer shopper to help people who are unable to manage this everyday taks. On a one off or regular weekly basis. Expenses paid.

Volunteer Drivers and Escorts required to help take people to hospital appointments etc. Mileage rate is paid and training given. Regular and one off requests.

Volunteer befrienders required to befriend people who may be lonely, isolated or housebound. Hours to suit. Induction and ongoing training will be provided. All expenses paid. One hour a week is all that may be required.

SoS Family Support volunteers are needed to work with families with children aged 4 to 14 years. Offering direct support to families, this may include benefits/budgeting guidance, direct emotional support, completion of paperwork and forms, accessing training, volunteering or learning.

Volunteers to support those who are or have been experiencing domestic abuse.

Volunteers to offer direct support to 'looked after' children giving young people the opportunity to take part in activities, facilitate drop-ins, offer advice and information and provide a regular consistent contact for a looked after child. Volunteers would support a child to identify training choices, leisure interests and access necessary social and independent living skills such as budgeting, cooking and sport.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or you know of an organisation or individual who would benefit from the services of a volunteer please contact Amber Valley CVS Team tel 0115 8508860 or email volunteers@erewashcvs.org.uk

 

 

 

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