EDITORIAL
In order to pack as much as possible into this edition of the newsletter, I had to reduce the font size to 10 on printed copies. This has to be good news since it means that I have received plenty of material, for which I am truly grateful. Keep up the good work! However, every silver lining has a cloud, because it means that I'm going to have even more difficulty than usual in filling this page!
As soon as I have finished this I will have to turn my attention to the Annual Report - there's no rest for the wicked! - so with this in mind can I draw your attention to the deadline for the submission of records for 1999 to the various recorders. I'm afraid it's the end of February so you haven't long to go! The names of the various recorders are listed at the back of this newsletter.
Just to stress the importance of your records, the Society has recently been approached by the Consultants engaged by Chorley Borough Council in connection with the route of the proposed by-pass from Eaves Green to Bolton Road. They have asked us for any natural history records we may have for the area affected by the proposed route, which of course includes Duxbury Woods. The records we supply are unlikely to prevent the proposed road from being constructed, but at least we can hope that by demonstrating how species rich the area is, both for flora and fauna, they will carry out the work with the utmost sensitivity and the least possible disturbance to the wildlife.
Chorley has a crescent-shaped woodland corridor, which stretches from Duxbury to Astley Park, via Birkacre, Gillibrand and Ackhurst. Pretty soon it's going to be virtually all bordered by the by-pass. Let's hope it doesn't put too much stress on the wildlife.
So, if anyone has seen a Red Squirrel at Duxbury recently or has any other noteworthy records, please let us have them as soon as possible. I've said it before and I'll say it again - you don't know what you've got till it's gone!
Looking to the future, a programme of the popular summer evening walks is being planned, the proposed dates of which are listed on page 11 of this newsletter. If there are any venues, which you would like to see included, please let us know.
Another matter, which is concerning the Committee at the moment, is the provision of a suitable sound system for the indoor meetings. One or two of the speakers recently have been virtually inaudible, therefore something needs to be done. The problem is that we do not have the funds for anything sophisticated, and it is proving difficult to find anything suitable, which is within our means. If any of our members out there have any electronic expertise or could point us in the right direction, we would be very grateful for your help.