As the hours of daylight become shorter and the weather turns damp and miserable, this time of year lends itself more to reflection and planning for the future, writes Alan Wynde.

Therefore, rather than focusing on the wonderful bird sightings at Tice’s Meadow, it seems more fitting to reflect on the reserve’s current management and look ahead to plans for its future.

Nature reserves need careful management and Tice’s Meadow is no exception.

Volunteers, alongside the great Surrey Choices team, regularly carry out vital tasks, such as removing willow saplings that threaten to overtake the reed beds. Without these reed beds, we would lose the habitat for Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, and Reed Buntings.

Many other tasks are carried out throughout the year like building dead hedges, clearing vegetation from paths, and creating new habitats for wildlife.

Surrey County Council took over the former quarry from Hanson Aggregates, having engaged and partnered with several local councils to secure the purchase. It is about a year since the newly revamped Tice's Meadow Bird Group (TMBG) committee started to help guide the strategy for the further management and development of the nature reserve with the Countryside Team from SCC.

Surrey County Council owns the site, having worked in partnership with several local councils to secure its purchase from the former quarry's owner.

Much progress has already been made. The introduction of Sussex cattle for conservation grazing has been a great success, and improvements in the woodland areas – including tree thinning and the creation of glades – have been well received.

Looking ahead, it is hoped that future management plans will address some practical challenges, such as improving the often muddy paths and relocating the hide, which is currently prone to flooding.

A second swift tower, which will help expand the colony and provide a backup for the existing one, is also part of the possible improvements.

The TMBG committee recognises the large amount of work and effort already put into the management and care of Tice's Meadow by SCC, and looks forward in playing its part in the future.

You, too, can get involved by volunteering at work parties. Details can be found on the Tice’s Meadow website (ticesmeadow.org) and on the official Facebook pages, "Friends of Tice’s Meadow" and "Tice’s Meadow Bird Group."

In future articles, I also plan to highlight the ongoing Citizen Science projects at Tice’s Meadow, including bird ringing, water quality testing, and various wildlife surveys, ranging from butterflies and bats to moths and mammals.

Finally, congratulations to the Tice’s Meadow Bird Group team, who entered a tree in the Badshot Lea Christmas Tree Competition at St George’s Church.

When I visited the church to cast my vote, the church was really buzzing. There were more than 40 beautifully decorated trees competing, the church was filled with music, lady Morris dancers, and the café was doing a roaring trade.

The crowning glory was that the Tice's tree was judged to be overall winner and awarded the accolade of being the community's favourite.