The Friends of Borsdane Wood & Rayner Park held our latest meeting on Wednesday 12 August 2026, with a range of projects, events and ongoing issues across Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park on the agenda.

One of the main topics was a plan for working with local children, young people and families, using funding the group has received. Discussions included links with local schools as well as the possibility of reaching other young people in the area through activities such as a weekend event.

Our volunteers recorded an impressive 111 volunteer hours during July. We would also love volunteers to keep sharing photographs of interesting finds, wildlife, seasonal changes or anything unusual spotted during work party days so that we can share more of what happens behind the scenes.

Several ongoing issues within the Wood and Park were also discussed. These included reports of a possible hornets’ nest in Borsdane Wood, discarded nitrous oxide canisters in Rayner Park, unwanted bin-bag stanchions in the Wood and the continuing problem of tyres from the neighbouring car wash finding their way towards the brook and public footpath. The group will continue raising these matters with the appropriate organisations.

We also discussed a busy programme of community activities, including our involvement in local family events, the Autumn Foraging Walk with Dave Winnard, and bat walks in Borsdane Wood with Jeff Gorse. Following the first bat walk in August, a second walk is planned for September.

The group continues to work with local organisations, volunteers and members of the community to care for Borsdane Wood and Rayner Park, encourage people to enjoy these spaces and provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 September at 6:30pm.

You can read the full meeting minutes below

If you would like to get involved with the Friends of Borsdane Wood & Rayner Park, join one of our volunteer sessions or find out more about what we do, please visit our contact page.

Meeting Minutes: