Constitution

T.W.I.G.

Tillingham Woodland Interest Group.

Our Constitution and Code of Practice.

CONSTITUTION OF THE STEERING GROUP FOR:

Tillingham Woodland Interest Group

1. NAME

The Steering Group (referred to as ‘TWIG’ in this document) will be known as the: ‘Tillingham Woodland Interest Group’, but shall have power to change its name at the TWIG annual meeting (‘the AGM’).

2. * AIM
The aim of TWIG is to manage any community woodland and any additions to it for the benefit of the local community.

3. * MEMBERS
TWIG shall consist of not less than 4 or more than 12 individuals, who have been appointed to TWIG at the AGM except that the first members of TWIG are to be appointed by Green Light Trust after consultation with the local community and/or others concerned with the setting up of the woodland project.

4.* AGM
TWIG shall hold an AGM once in each year at a place convenient for local residents of the community. The first AGM shall be held within 12 months of the date of the People Planting Agreement. Every subsequent AGM shall be held no more than 15 months after the previous AGM. Notice of every AGM and its agenda shall be displayed in prominent positions close to the woodland(s) and within the community for not less than 28 days prior to the meeting. The notice shall invite nominations for TWIG from any person interested in the woodland at least 7 days before the AGM.

5. RETIREMENT
All members of TWIG shall retire annually at the AGM but may stand for re-election.

6. VOTING

The members of TWIG shall be elected by ballot from those nominated at least 7 days before the meeting by a majority of all persons present at the AGM and eligible to vote by having been TWIG supporters for over 1 year. If there are more nominations than vacancies those with the most votes shall be elected. If there are no nominations or not enough nominations the retiring members shall have power to choose further members for the forthcoming year.

7. OFFICERS

As soon as possible after the AGM, TWIG shall call a meeting of its members at which it shall elect the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer for the year.

8. CO-OPTED MEMBERS
TWIG shall have power to co-opt additional members at any time during the year for any reason. The number of members of TWIG including elected and co-opted members shall not exceed 12.

9. DELEGATION
TWIG shall have power to delegate any of its powers to any person or body for better management of any woodland it has in it’s control, whether or not such person or body is an elected member of TWIG, but such delegation of power shall not extend beyond the next AGM unless ratified by the new members of TWIG at or following the AGM.

10.* ACCOUNTS
TWIG shall keep proper accounts and records which shall be disclosed at the AGM.

11. FUNDRAISING

TWIG shall have power to raise funds in such manner as it thinks fit in order to maintain the woodland or to acquire a legal or beneficial interest in the land or any additional land.

12.* SAFEGUARD

If for any reason no AGM is held or TWIG ceases to exist then new members of TWIG will forthwith be appointed by Green Light Trust.

13. QUORUM
51% of the members of the steering group of TWIG or 4 members (whichever shall be the greater) shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of TWIG

14.* LAND DISPOSAL

TWIG shall have no right whatsoever to dispose of any land. Should TWIG ever acquire land of its own it shall not dispose of any of such land held for the benefit of the community except by a majority decision of those present at an AGM or of a special meeting of the community called at any time in the same manner as the AGM and with the prior consent of Green Light Trust, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld if there is a valid reason for such disposal.

15.* RULE CHANGING

TWIG shall have power to make new rules and regulations or amend any rules and regulations contained herein for the better operation of TWIG or better management of any woodland except that there shall be no power to amend paragraphs 2,3,4,10,12,14,15,16 & 17 (*) of this Constitution except with the prior consent of the Green Light Trust or of the Charity Commissioners.

16.* CODE OF PRACTICE

TWIG shall at all times abide by the People Planting Code of Practice

17.* RESTRUCTURING

If TWIG shall at any time become a registered charity and/or an incorporated body or any other type of organisation for which a new form of constitution or memorandum and articles of association or other document replacing this constitution shall be required TWIG shall ensure that in so far as possible the provisions of this constitution are incorporated into such new governing document of the new body or organisation and ensure that such new body enters into a People Planting Agreement with Green Light Trust

20.7.05

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CODE OF PRACTICE

1. CHILDREN

Local children and young people will be encouraged to be involved as fully as possible with active participation from the local school(s) and youth group(s). The appropriate authorities will check anyone leading school or youth activities.

2. COMMUNITY

All sectors of the community will be encouraged to participate and local expertise and skills will be used and shared wherever possible.

3. MANAGEMENT

A Steering Group (SG) will manage the project and all risk associated with it in accordance with the Constitution attached (as varied from time to time) and uphold the Code of Practice. The majority of members will be local residents.

4. OWNERSHIP

The SG will manage the land, which is the subject of the project for the benefit of present and future generations.

The SG will endeavour to secure ownership of the land or to acquire legal rights therein for the community, in so far as the community does not already own or possess such rights. All legal rights will be held in trust for the benefit of the community in accordance with this Code of Practice and the Constitution.

5. WOODLAND TYPE

Only native and naturalised trees and shrubs will be planted, to enhance the traditional landscape and provide a rich haven for wildlife. Where possible, local provenance will be used.

6. SUSTAINABILITY

The project will strive to become fully sustainable:

Environmentally – by using safe traditional silviculture practices, a "no chemical" policy, environmentally friendly materials and structures sympathetic to their surroundings.

Socially – by making the project enjoyable, engendering community spirit and making sure that knowledge and skills are passed on to successive generations.

Financially – by keeping administration simple, costs low and ensuring that skills needed are developed within the community.

7. GLOBAL KINSHIP

An environmental link will be made with a community from somewhere else in the world.


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mail: enquiries@twigs.org.uk