ITEM 1

AT A MEETING of the MARTIN DOWN MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE held at the Blandford Hall, Martin on 7 November 2001.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: A W Rice; J E Coles

English Nature

D Burton

New Forest District Council

Councillor J N D Locock

Martin Parish Council

Councillors: C E Bourchier; J J Butler; M D L Farmer; B B Perratt

Graziers

R Densham; Mrs C Densham

1 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2000 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2001

The Committee considered the report of the Site Manager (Item 2 in the Minute Book).

The Site Manager reported the continuation of coppicing of scrub to diversify the age range of scrub blocks on Martin Down. Foot and Mouth disease had restricted access to the Downs..

Concern was expressed at the fragile viability of grazing on Martin Down before the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease. Grazier Mr. Densham, reported that he would withdraw his sheep from grazing in 2001 and dispose of the sheep. He was to notify English Heritage in September 2002 if grazing was to resume in 2003. His principal concern related to the costs involved in moving electric fencing periodically and reassembling it in new locations on the National Nature Reserve.

There had also been an increase in dog walkers who did not reside in the locality. The new Countryside and Rights of Way Act could enable these activities to be controlled.

Attention was drawn to the increased use of the A354 car park on a dangerous stretch of highway. The entrance was concealed and vehicles using the dual carriageway frequently encountered emerging vehicles at a blind spot. This was to be referred to the Highway Authority for investigation, in consultation with the Parish Council. Mr Davison and Mr Burton were to meet and discuss the situation.

Mr Farmer enquired whether the Soil Association might be asked to designate areas of Martin Down as organic. It was explained that the designation attached to the sheep rather than to the land. Such designation would require permission of the Secretary of State to fence the land concerned and an economic way of installation. Any system adopted would need to be easy to install and maintain. It was suggested that David Burton submit a Project Appraisal to New Forest District Council. Mr Burton and Mr Davison were to discuss.

Mr Davison reported that the Foot and Mouth situation had had a significant impact on income to the Countryside Service. He informed Members that Senior Countryside Ranger Eddie Wiseman had retired and Peter Durnell had been appointed to the post.

Mr Perrett questioned what badger control measures were in place on the archaeological site. David Burton was to make further investigations but the problems were proving difficult to resolve.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

3 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS 2001/02

The Committee considered and approved the accounts for 2001/02, a copy of which is attached.

English Nature and the County Council were thanked for their financial contributions to the maintenance of Martin Down.

It was agreed that a report would be submitted to the next meeting in the form of a survey of working over the last year.

RESOLVED:

That the Financial Accounts for 2000/01 be accepted.

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