Threat from Invasive Plants
If you are walking anywhere around the River Ray this
summer, please look out for three invasive plant species: Himalayan
Balsam, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed. These species cause
serious damage to the local ecosystem. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are
running a project to help landowners to eliminate them. If you spot
them, please contact the Wildlife Trust by e-mailing mmah@wiltshirewildlife.org.
If you need help in identifying these plants, use the link below to see photos on the Wildlife Trust website.
If you see Giant Hogweed, do not touch it as it can cause severe blistering of the skin.
Planning Inspector gives thumbs down to Microlights
We are pleased to report that the
Planning Inspectorate has dismissed
an appeal by a company who wished to operate a training school for
microlight pilots at Lower Upham Farm in Aldbourne parish, close to the
Ridgeway. In his decision letter, the Inspector said "I
consider the tranquillity to be an important characteristic of the AONB
which enhances the experience of those using the public paths and
living within it". He rightly thought that the noise of
microlights passing overhead every few minutes would destroy this
tranquillity.
This is an important decision because Wiltshire Council officers had
originally recommended that the planning application be
approved. Ramblers, along with many other groups and
individuals, lodged objections both with the Council and with the
Planning Inspector. The case demonstrates that such
democratic action can be effective.
If you become aware of any other planning applications which you think
would adversely affect the public's enjoyment of local rights of way
please let our Group Secretary know about them.
A Successful Year
At our Annual General Meeting held on 29
October we were delighted to report that we had 397 members at the end
of September, an increase of 6% compared with a year earlier. It is
clear that despite (or perhaps because of) the recession, the value of
Ramblers membership in enabling people to benefit from walking is
recognised.
Our two footpath working parties
continued their voluntary maintenance work which helps keep public
rights of way open. In 2008-9 they completed 414 hours work, cleared
12.3 kilometres of path, surveyed or waymarked 47 km and erected or
repaired 33 stiles and 8 bridges. We thank all our volunteers who do
this important work.
Our members also heard a most
interesting talk given by Katie Hinds from the Salisbury & South
Wiltshire Museum on the Portable Antiquities Scheme and objects of
archaeological interest found by members of the public in Wiltshire.
A full
report of our AGM is available here.
Cafe at Barbury Castle
We have expressed our concern to Swindon
Borough Council at the closure of the cafe at Barbury Castle Country
Park, an important staging point on the Ridgeway National Trail. We
understand that, in the longer term, the Council plans to provide a new
visitor centre including cafe, but this will be subject to funds
becoming available. In the meantime, they are considering a possible
mobile catering facility. If you think Barbury Castle needs a cafe and
you are a Swindon resident, please contact your ward councillor
and let our Group Secretary know you
have done so. If you are not a Swindon resident, please send your views
to our Group Secretary.
|
