We’re all learning how to zoom, which means we can continue
to operate during lockdown in some fashion. Both the Friends committee and the
Heritage sub-group have met by zoom and the MAC will have a go in May.

At the end of the month we interviewed the Common’s
biodiversity officer – Annabel Osborn, pictured left – via zoom to get an update on plans for
a new biodiversity strategy and how it will impact the Common: the new meadow
and wildflower areas you’ll start to see over the summer; the importance
of preserving and enhancing the remaining areas of acid grassland; issues with
the lake including water quality (mostly good), fish and finally - what
everyone wants to know about – the terrapins and parakeets. Listen to Annabel’s
interview here (it lasts about 50 minutes). More zoom events coming in May.

Sadly Annabel was furloughed the day after our interview, along with several other Enable staff. The lockdown has had a major impact on their ability to operate so they won’t be able to respond as quickly or effectively to problems as usual. We look forward to when Enable are back to full strength.