Bonelli's eagles visit

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

A visit to the Peñón de Ifach

A group of Volunteers of La Mata – the Asociación de las Rutas y Caminos de la Sal – recently went to visit the Peñón at Calpe.  Greeted by Fran Lucha, we were taken up the rocky hill, where the wonderful views stretched out in front of us.  Our guide explained the significance of the plants and bushes and told us how in the past they were commonly used for medicine, cooking and making articles; now they have fallen mainly into disuse in modern times.  We saw many gulls flying overhead and two fluffy gull chicks.  Fran pointed out the many flowers tucked into the rock face, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.  Great efforts are being made to encourage these to propagate and increase.  The entire area is only 45 square metres and holds many treasures.  The latest of these to be highlighted   is the medieval city which had been covered by an hotel, and is now in the process of being revealed.  With a bit of history thrown in, plus the many interesting features of the Peñón, we enjoyed a wonderful day of pleasure and discovery.

Monday, 12 March 2012

Visit to Water Treatment plant

We had a really interesting outing to the Torrevieja water treatment plant recently. Around a dozen of us took part.
We saw what happens to waste water and how it is purified until it can be used for the roads, watering fields and parks and so on. Never for human consumption, though!
Courtesy of our Press Officer Jenny an article and photos of our visit appeared in the local press - our fame spreads!

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Minutes

Asociation de las Rutas y Caminos de la Sal
Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 6th February 2012

1) The meeting was opened by Maggie and there were no new members. Maggie took the opportunity to than Maureen for all her hard work and efforts as President. The group showed their appreciation of her commitment and we are pleased that she is still willing to remain a member and give support when her other commitments allow.

2) Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

3) Matters Arising: To date, the insurance premium has not been deducted from the Bank Account. Before we pay the insurance, we need to ascertain that we will be involved in working parties in future. Maggie will e mail Anabel for guidance. The visit to the Water Treatment Plant will go ahead and Jenny will send more detailed directions as soon as possible. The Day of the Associations on December 4th was a very successful event and we hope to participate in the future.

4) Elections: Rod Loveday (President), Geoff Tunbridge (Treasurer), Jenny Dodd (Press Officer) and Maggie Hegarty (Secretary).

5) The future of the volunteers with reference to the employment situation in the Park: Rod and Maureen will arrange to see Conchita to ensure that we are not jeapordising the jobs of the staff in any way.

6) Treasurer's Report: 89.06 Euros (bank account), 40 Euros (float), 70 Euros (to be paid into bank account) and 106 Euros (donation to EMAUS fron sale of calendars.)

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON 12TH MARCH AT 11 A.M.

Minutes

Asociation de las Rutas y Caminos de la Sal
Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 1st December 2011

1) The meeting was opened by Maureen and there were no new members.
2) Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
3) Matters Arising: Insurance renewal is due in January and volunteers were reminded to pay it to Geoff. Isabel has organised a visit to the Water Treatment Plant and this will take place on 16th February.
4) Maureen reminded the group that she will be standing down as President and we will need to elect a new President at the A.G.M. in 2012.
5) Treasurer's Report: Maureen gave Geoff 30 Euros which was a donation from a group of German visitors to the Park.

Sunday, 27 November 2011

Minutes

Asociation De Las Rutas Y Caminos De La Sal

Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 10th November 2011

1) The meeting was opened by Maureen and a new member, Sheila Rolt, was welcomed.
2) Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
3) Insurance - This is due for renewal at the end of January. A five Euro charge is mandatory if volunteers wish to be involved in working days.
4) Water Treatment Plant in Torrevieja - It was agreed that we arrange a visit for 2nd or 16th February 2012. Isabel will arrange this visit.
5) Day of Associations on 4th December - This will be held opposite the "Wall of Water", Torrevieja. Maureen requested the name of volunteers who are willing to support this.
6) Treasurer's Report - 99.05 Euros in the Bank and 10 Euros cash.
7) Centro de Interpretacion de la Industria Salinera - Peter will organise a visit for 17th November.
8) Bird Tours in Costa Blanca - Maureen will investigate this.
9) Water Level in the Park - Doug has had an informative meeting with Conchita. Conchita presented documentary evidence of the control of saline and explained that any problems to the wild life in the area are caused by lack of natural rainfall.
10) Next Meeting will be on Thursday 1st December at 4 p.m.

Saturday, 12 November 2011

Minutes

Asociation de las Rutas y Caminos de la Sal

Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 13th October

Matters Arising: The water level in La Mata Laguna is reputed to be higher at times. However, Peter and Doug have observed that the level has been very low this year and is, possibly, at a record low at the moment. It was generally felt to be beyond the remit of this group to advise those in authority on how to manage salt extraction operations. On the other hand, any individual can approach the Park staff and other organisations to express their concern.

Work in the Park: Anabel e mailed volunteers about a Working Day on October 10th. Only a small group of volunteers were required as the weeding was done amongst delicate indigenous plants. Four volunteers participated and the remainder of the invasive plants in this area will, hopefully, be removed on Monday 17th October.

Treasurer's Report: Balance is 90.38 Euros and there is 10 Euros in cash. The monthly bank charge of 3.30 Euros is obviously a problem and we need to investigate the possibility of using another bank.

Calendars: Jenny reported that these will be available again this year and she has ordered 30. Last year the funds raised by the sale were donated to EMAUS, a children's charity. The money was greatly appreciated.

Minutes

Asociacion de las Rutas y Caminos de la Sal

Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 8th September 2011

Matters Arising: Doug sent a letter expressing his concerns about the water level in the lake but, as yet, has received no reply.

News from the Park: Maureen and Jenny had a meeting with Anabel in the summer break. There is still no news concerning possible redundancies and obviously this is a very difficult time for staff. Our Invasive Project is on hold until they have further news. The Valencian Government are going to introduce two forms which will enable the public to voice their concerns about the park. This form will be sent to the Environmental Section of the Valencian Government. This will be an opportunity for us to note our concerns or suggestions.

Future President: Maureen will be resigning from this post in January because of other commitments. She wishes everyone to consider taking on this role and emphasised that the next President will not need to be fluent in Spanish because there are others who will help when liaising with park staff or dealing with admin.

Update from Maureen after her discussion with park staff immediately following the meeting: Maureen spoke to Conchita and it is possible for us to visit the office and obtain information about the water levels. There will be a report next week about the extent of the recent fire damage. It is thought that at lease 2 - 2.5 hectares are ruined and that the same arsonist is targeting Guardamar and El Moncayo.