The Friends of Longley Woods is a constituted organisation with the aim of bringing together local residents and users of our woods to protect and improve the woodland in the Longley area, including Longley Wood Nature Reserve, Oakenbank, Ashenhurst, Martin Bank Woods, New Laith Scrog and Penny Spring Woods.
Current Committee (Elected March 2026)
- Julia Clark – Chair
- Louise Galvin – Treasurer
- Lucy Gardner – Secretary
- Susan Williams – Committee Member
Constitution of the Friends of Longley Woods
ADOPTED ON: 12 MARCH 2026
1. Name
The name of the group shall be Friends of Longley Woods
2. Aim
To improve the green space generally known as Longley Woods
3. Objectives
The group will fulfil the aim by:
- Engaging volunteers within the local community to carry out practical tasks in the Wood, in accordance with a Management Plan agreed and supported by Kirklees Council (the owners of the Woodland)
- Fundraising for improvements to footpaths, signage, access and facilities in the Wood
- Organising regular events to promote ways to enjoy the woods, for example, walks, talks, creative events
- Providing opportunities for regular physical activity for all ages, through walking, running, practical activities
- Providing educational opportunities for individuals and groups to understand the natural features and history of the area
- Enhancing biodiversity (e.g. creation of wildflower meadows, installing bird and bat boxes)
- Contributing to the planning and management of local green spaces by working with Kirklees Council and other voluntary and umbrella organisations in the area
4. Membership
a. Membership of Friends of Longley Woods shall be open to anyone who is interested in helping the group to achieve its aim and willing to abide by the rules of the group.
b. Every member shall have one vote at general meetings.
c. The Management Committee shall have the power to refuse membership to an applicant, where it is considered such membership would be detrimental to the aims, purposes or activities of the group.
d. Registration and termination of membership.
- Any member of the association may resign his/her membership and any representative terminate or suspend the membership of any members, if in its opinion his/her conduct is prejudicial to the interests and objects of the association, PROVIDED THAT the individual member or representative of the member organisation (as the case may be) shall have the right to be heard by the General Committee before the final decision is made. There shall be a right of appeal to an independent arbitrator appointed by mutual agreement.
5. Management Committee
a. Friends of Longley Woods shall be administered by a Management Committee of not less than three people and not more than fifteen members elected at the group’s Annual General Meeting, Committee Members must be at least 18 years old.
b. The officers of the management Committee shall be:
The Chairperson
The Treasurer
The Secretary
And such other officers of the group shall deem necessary at the Meeting.
c. The Management Committee shall meet at least twice a year.
d. At least three Management Committee Members must be present for the Management Committee meeting to take place.
e. Voting at Management Committee meetings shall be by show of hands on a majority basis. If there is a tied vote then the chairperson shall have a second vote.
f. Power to set up sub-groups and work parties as deemed necessary who shall be accountable to the committee.
6. Finance
a. Any money obtained by the group shall be used only for the group,
b. Any bank accounts opened for the group shall be in the name of the group.
c. Any cheque issued shall be signed by one of at least two nominated signatures.
d. The Management Committee will ensure that the group stays within the budget.
7. Committee Meetings
a. The committee shall meet at least two times each year.
b. The quorum for a meeting shall be three.
c. The committee shall be accountable for the members at all times.
d. All meetings must be minuted and available to any interested party.
e. All committee members shall be given at least seven days notice of a meeting unless it is deemed an emergency meeting.
8. Annual General Meeting
a. The Friends of Longley Woods shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at not more than 15 month intervals.
b. Where possible members shall be notified personally, otherwise notice will be deemed served by advertising the meetings in at least five public places giving at least fourteen days’ notice of the AGM.
c. The business of the AGM shall include:
- Receiving a report from the Chairperson of the group’s activities over the year.
- Receiving a report and presentation of the last financial year’s accounts from the Treasurer on the finances of the group.
- Electing a new Management Committee and considering any other matter as may be appropriate at such a meeting.
d. The quorum for Annual General Meeting shall be at least four persons.
9. Alteration of the Constitution
a. Proposals for amendments to this constitution or dissolution (see Clause 10) must be delivered to the secretary in writing. The secretary in conjunction with all other officers shall then decide on the date of a forum meeting to discuss such proposals, giving at least four weeks clear notice.
b. Any changes to this constitution must be agreed by a least two thirds of those members present and voting at any general meeting.
10. Dissolution
The group may be wound up at any time if agreed by two thirds of those members present and voting at any general meeting. Any assets shall be returned to their providers, if they require it, or shall be passed to another group with similar aims.
11. Adoption of the constitution
This constitution was adopted by the members present at the AGM held on:
26 March 2026
Signed:
Julia Clark (Chair)
Lucy Gardner (Secretary)
Louise Galvin (Treasurer)
Susan Williams (Member)