3. I am joining WALC as a result of enjoying the morning's birdwatching (and listening!) on the common on May 21st. Thank you to all who organised it - I not only learnt a lot but fell in love with the common, which I did not know before.

Mrs A.M.

4. The people who are against removing Birch trees on the Common are living under a delusion. If it had been left to its own devices over the years, the Common would have become an impassable overgrown forest where no-one would be able to walk in safety. As has been seen in other places, once an area like the common has been allowed to become overgrown, littering and dumping starts, followed by fly tipping. At the same time, 'undesirable' elements of society use the area for their nefarious activities such as drug taking, raves, illicit camping and drinking parties. We already have some of these problems but if a place looks as if someone cares for it, as WALC does, these unpleasant effects are minimised. WALC and the Sheffield Council Ranger Service have managed the Common for at least 16 years and most people don't even realise that it happens, but it's a good job it has happened because this precious amenity could easily have been lost.

The Birches have become a pest because of global climate change. The average yearly temperature has increased, especially in winter, which has allowed Birch to encroach upon the Heather. WALC does it's best to reseed the Heather and cut down the invasive Birches, but it's a never ending task.

In conclusion, all I can say is please come and join Wadsley And Loxley Commoners who, as a group, are doing their best to look after this lovely area, otherwise we'll lose it.
R G