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Litcham Common Conservation Group was set up in January 2004 to carry out practical management work on the common in support of the objectives of Litcham Common Management Committee. The group is relatively informal, with no written constitution or formal membership list, and uses the Litcham Common Management Committee bank account to hold funds.

Over the past year the group has established a routine of carrying out monthly work tasks, and meets on the second Saturday of the month, starting at 10.00 am. The specific work to be done on each task is agreed with Norfolk County Council's Countryside department, and mainly involves clearing and burning scrub and birch. Other jobs have included picking up litter and keeping the paths clear.
The turnout on tasks varies, but usually between ten and twenty people join in over the course of a day, including children. Most volunteers live in Litcham, but some come from other local villages such as Beeston.

The main expenses for the group are the cost of insurance (approximately £200 per annum) and tools, such as bowsaws, pruners and protective clothing. Generous grants have been received from Litcham Parish Council (£500) and The Chestnut Fund charity (£100 plus £300 worth of tools). In addition Ben Burgess of Beeston have donated a saw and supplied other tools at a discount. The balance of funds held on behalf of the group is now £250.34
In order both to publicise the work being carried out on Litcham Common, but also to educate people about the wildlife to be found there, three guided walks have been organised over the past year. In addition, the group organised a display at Litcham High School at the "Family Learning" day last autumn, and the Dereham & Fakenham Times published an article about the group in February 2005.

Overall it is very pleasing that so many different people have become involved in the group over the past year, and seem to find the work enjoyable and rewarding.

Tim Angell
Co-ordinator