Build a Brash Pile by The Firs

Text on the noticeboard

'This strip of land—known as The Firs Verge—is managed by Claygate Parish Council, assisted by a local contractor and volunteers.

'It plays host to a wonderful variety of trees and over 30 species of wildflowers.

'In order to keep the trees and shrubs healthy, it is occasionally necessary to cut or coppice them, and this is undertaken on a rotational basis to maintain a variety of habitats.

'The brash pile you see here is made up of recent cuttings and will rot down over time.

'This has several benefits. Deadwood provides a very valuable resource for fungi and wildlife including stag beetles, solitary bees and many other insects. In addition, it's a very secure nesting site for small birds and hedgehogs. Frogs and newts may also use it as an overwintering site.

'Thank you for supporting our environmental work.'

Action №	Date Created	Description	By	Status
E㉕022	17-JUL-25	To write to the resident who suggested there may be rats in the brash pile.	Cllr Bray	COMPLETED by 28-AUG-25

To discuss the brash pile on The Firs verge.

A resident had written to the Clerk noting the sighting of a rat at the brash pile and seeking CPC’s response. Cllr Bray had consulted Bill Raspin who in turn had consulted professional pest controllers, who had told him what evidence to look for to prove the presence of a colony of rats. Bill noted that there is, currently, no such evidence. Accordingly the committee agreed that, while we should keep the matter under monitor, no action as such is required at present. Cllr Bray to write to the resident to confirm this. ACTION – Cllr Bray E㉕022

(extract from Environment, Highways, and Transport Committee meeting, 17th July 2025, item 17)

Action №	Date Created	Description	By	Status
E㉕016	24-APR-25	Put up a notice to explain the reasons for the brash pile at the Firs.	Cllr Bray	COMPLETED by 17-JUL-25