Units 3-4, Denford Manor, Lower Denford, Hungerford, RG17 0UN Tel: 01488 685 440 Email:info@northwessexdowns.org.uk

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North Wessex Downs AONB : E-Bulletin Issue No 63 July 2016

Welcome to the July e-bulletin for the North Wessex Downs AONB. Included in this edition:

• The National Association Conference 2016 • Good news at Harwell - as the Planning Inspector supports our objections • Progress with Network Rail - to mitigate the ugly gantries across the AONB • Dark skies and light pollution - new maps released • Grants news and featured projects • AONB teams combine to plant grassland species • Focus on Wildlife - how can you help? • A new presentation on the North Wessex Downs AONB • Plus plenty of events and things to do in the North Wessex Downs this

summer.

Landscapes for Life Conference 2016 The annual conference for AONBs was held earlier this week and focused on the contribution that natural beauty can make to the health and wellbeing of society. It is estimated that 50% of women and a third of men in the UK are compromising their health and life expectancy through a lack of physical activity, at a cost of £7.4bn per annum. Also, a sense of place, active and engaged communities, access to really high quality green space, and tranquility all tribute enormously to

our mental health.

The conference was a great opportunity to link with like-minded organisations and individuals and explore how AONBs can contribute to the UK’s health and wellbeing. Read More (full details of the event will be posted shortly).

photo: delegates explore the Malvern Hills on one of the conference field trips

Development

Good News from Harwell The proposed local plan for the Vale of White Horse District Council had included new sites for 1,400 houses on greenfield sites adjacent to the Harwell Campus, thought to be the. largest housing allocation ever proposed within an AONB or National Park in England.

We objected strongly to this proposal alongside countryside groups including CPRE Oxfordshire. We are delighted to report that the Planning Inspector has found that the two sites proposed for housing are not soundly based and has requested confirmation from the Council that the sites will be deleted from the Local Plan. This is great news. It has been a long process and we have maintained our objection to these two sites throughout. It is also a gratifying and timely reminder to local authorities and others to recognise their legal duty to have regard for protecting the natural beauty of this landscape. Read More

Progress with Network Rail In January, we reported that as part of their work to modernise the railway from Reading to Didcot, Network Rail is installing huge metal gantries (pictured) across the Goring Gap without proper consideration of the landscape which is a breach of their legal duty of regard.

In partnership with the Chilterns and the Local Action Group we persuaded Network Rail to recognise their duty and we are working with them (now supported by Natural England and the Cotswolds) to help them fulfill their responsibilities. As a result, Network Rail are now undertaking a design review to review alternative equipment options and an assessment of landscape impact which will determine appropriate next steps.

West Berkshire Housing Development Plan (DPD) The examination into the West Berkshire Housing Development Plan Document (DPD) began on 21 June with the Inspector discussing the principle and methodology of the assessment and housing numbers. Specific sites will be debated in July. The AONB will be attending as it has always maintained that too many houses are proposed within the protected landscape, with particular concerns over the site proposed for Salisbury Road, Hungerford. Read More

Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan

The plan was adopted in May following the publication of the Inspectors report in March which found the plan to be sound. This was disappointing as it included a site for a new station car park at Whitchurch which we had strongly objected to as it it falls within the AONB. (photo: the field which may be developed as a result.)

Night Blight: dark skies and light pollution The most detailed ever satellite maps of England’s light pollution and dark skies have been released by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) in partnership with others including ourselves. The maps are testament to the success of more than 40 years of protecting our countryside from harmful development. It is possible to pick out the shape of the North Wessex Downs AONB with the areas of darker more tranquil skies in contrast to the more developed areas outside the boundary.

However, there are some shocking exceptions clearly visible within the area, notably Harwell Enterprise Centre and Chieveley Services which cause more light pollution than the largest settlements of Marlborough and Hungerford, and prominent light pollution from larger towns just outside the AONB, such as Swindon and Reading, spills far out into the North Wessex Downs

Together with CPRE, we are calling on local authorities, local businesses, land owners and developers to use these maps to identify areas with severe light pollution and target action to reduce it, as well as identifying existing dark skies that need protecting. The Partnership is currently developing guidance and advice and would like to hear from anyone keen to reduce the impact of lighting. Read More and See the maps here Contact the AONB

Teams combine to plant chalk grassland species

The chalk grassland of Wiltshire, the downland of Salisbury Plain, the West Wiltshire Downs and the Pewsey and Marlborough Downs, are some of Wiltshire's crowning glories and much of it is protected in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is a haven for unusual wild plants, rare insects and rich in archaeological interest. For the last four years we have teamed up with Cranborne Chase AONB and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in a project called Stepping Stones. As a part of this work, volunteers in Chilmark have been growing hundreds of wild plants from seed. (photo:chalk milkwort)

In April, colleagues from the two AONB teams and local volunteers arrived at Pertwood Organic Farm near Longbridge Deverill and planted about 400 kidney vetch, bird's foot trefoil and salad burnet plants. It is hoped that the new plants, all of which are food plants for rare downland butterflies, will spread in the grasslands of Pertwood.

This will enable wandering butterflies, perhaps from nearby Mere Down and it's species-rich ancient grasslands, to colonise new areas on Pertwood and then continue to spread outwards to new homes and increased populations.

New Study finds River Lambourn in poor state A new report released this week ranks the River Lambourn ecology a lowly tenth out of twelve rivers studied and confirms that the river suffers from pollution. The River Lambourn is a key tributary of the River Kennet and has the highest level of environmental protection as one of England’s most precious chalk streams.

With advice and encouragement from Action for the River Kennet (ARK) and Natural England, farmers are changing practices to reduce soil and sediment loss and the water industry are improving sewage treatment methods. Householders with septic tanks have a very important role to play by ensuring that their tanks are in good order and choosing no and low phosphate products. Read More (photo above: Visitors to our 2014 Forum inspect restoration work along the River Lambourn)

Grants Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) The SDF supports a range of projects that bring environmental, social and economic benefits to the North Wessex Downs AONB. Read More

The SDF has supported a series of wild writing workshops in Wiltshire schools over the last few months. Children have been invited to look at and experience nature before capturing their thoughts, feelings and observations back in the classroom. Look out for examples of the children's work on our website soon.

The Tally Ho Community Pub near Hungerford received help from SDF to renovate the first floor rooms into visitor accommodation. The work is now complete and the three, bright, contemporary-styled rooms are now available for booking.

TOE2 –Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment Funding theme 2016-2017 – Bumblebees

Bumblebees are endearing and familiar insects but our bumblebees have been declining because changes in land management cultural practices have removed many flowers from the landscape, leaving bumblebees with little to feed upon. Most UK species have declined greatly in recent years. TOE2 has announced that its funding theme for 2015-2016 is bumblebees and they would like to hear from projects that might benefit from support. Read More Also,TOE2 in partnership with the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) has announced a small grants scheme to help volunteer recording of species in Berkshire or Oxfordshire. Read More

Raising Awareness of the North Wessex Downs A new presentation is now available, “The Story of the North Wessex Downs” explains how the landscape was formed, man’s influence, why this is such a special place for wildlife and what it means to be an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Materials include a powerpoint presentation with professional illustrations, prompts

and photos, a short film and a detailed script. Please contact us for more details and to book a presentation for your local group. If you 'd like to deliver this presentation yourself there will be an open training session on 14 September.

Tourism Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership are keen to encourage local businesses to join the Partnership, the more businesses that join, the more the Partnership can do. See their latest newsletter here and contact them to find out more.

Featured Tourism Business Postern Hill Camping in the Forest Site Just a 20 minute walk from Marlborough this serene campsite is set in the idyllic Savernake Forest. Literally on your caravan door step, you can take full advantage of the many walking and cycling routes the forest has to provide.

Camping in the Forest provides a wonderfully natural setting for disconnecting from the everyday and reconnecting with friends and family Read More

Learn to Scythe Local authorities, stately homes, allotmenteers and home gardeners are increasingly using the scythe as a zero-carbon alternative to managing weeds and grass. Scythes are even being used to cut lawns. Why not try the Flora Locale training session on 13 July in Hungerford. Read More

Wildlife

Help save the stag beetle Like many British species, it is rare to catch a glimpse of the formidable looking, but friendly stag beetle. Sadly, their numbers are dwindling across Europe due to loss of habitat and predators including cats, magpies and humans.

People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is asking the public to record any sightings of these iconic insects by taking part in their annual Great Stag Hunt. Find out more Wildlife Discovery Day - Letcombe Regis Saturday 16th July Discover the wildlife on your doorstep with experts and enthusiasts on hand to show you birds, bugs, reptiles, bees, butterflies, moths and small mammals; den building and mud kitchens; nature craft, build a bird box, discover more about this reserve, its landscape and the treasures it holds Read More.

Prepare your garden for hedgehogs Did you know that some plants in your garden are better for hedgehogs than others ? Find out how you can make your garden Hedgehog friendly. Read More

Vacancies

Partnership Coordinator We are looking for a conscientious, flexible and highly organised person to join our small, friendly team based just outside Hungerford in Berkshire. Read More

Berkshire LNP Officer The Berkshire Local Nature Partnership (LNP) are looking for a new officer to promote the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment in Berkshire.look out for further details on the West Berkshire Jobs Go Public site.

And Finally, There are plenty of opportunities to get out and about and make a difference this summer by volunteering. Why not try your hand at coppicing or clearing bracken? The West Berkshire Countryside Society have 16 events planned in the three months from July including several fascinating guided walks.

There is plenty to choose from and the events give you the opportunity to try practical tasks, learn new skills, meet new people and, above all, enjoy yourself. Find details for activities each month on our website

Events Save the Date This year's annual forum will be on 19 October 2016 .This year's theme will be :

"Dark Skies and Light Pollution ". Bob Mizon from the Commission for Dark Skies will be attending with his mobile planetarium. See our website for more info.

July Wiltshire's Story in 100 Objects 16 May 2016 00:00 to 16 July 2016 23:59 Read whole article >> BBOWT events for July 1 July 2016 00:00 to 31 July 2016 00:00

Read whole article >>West Berkshire Countryside Society events for July 1 July 2016 00:00 to 31 July 2016 23:59 Read whole article >> Volunteer to maintain the iconic white horse at Uffington 2 July 2016 Read whole article >> Exhibition of Icons of the North Wessex Downs - Salisbury Museum 11 July 2016 12:00 to 30 September 2016 12:00 Read whole article >> Festival of Archaeology 16 July 2016 12:00 to 31 July 2016 00:00 Read whole article >> Wildlife Discovery Day 16 July 2016 Read whole article >> Barrows with Flowers - WBCS 17 July 2016 Read whole article >> Butterfly Walk 24 July 2016 Read whole article >> August Exhibition of Icons of the North Wessex Downs 11 July 2016 12:00 to 30 September 2016 12:00 Read whole article >> BBOWT events for August 1 August 2016 00:00 to 31 August 2016 00:00 Read whole article >> West Berkshire Countryside Society events for August 1 August 2016 00:00 to 31 August 2016 23:59 Read whole article >> September Exhibition of Icons of the North Wessex Downs 11 July 2016 12:00 to 30 September 2016 12:00 Read whole article >> BBOWT events for September 1 September 2016 00:00 to 30 September 2016 00:00 Read whole article >>

West Berkshire Countryside Society events for September1 September 2016 00:00 to 30 September 2016 23:59 Read whole article >> Evening Bat Walk 9 September 2016 Read whole article >> Royal Berkshire Agricultural Show 2016 17 September 2016 08:00 to 18 September 2016 18:00 Read whole article >> Wiltshire Game and Country Fair 24 September 2016 10:00 to 25 September 2016 18:00 Read whole article >>

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