ITEM 1

AT A MEETING of the MARTIN DOWN MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE held at the Blandford Hall, Martin on 11 July 2002.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: Mrs K. Heron (Chairman)

English Nature

D Burton; Ms L. Smith; Miss H. Grist.

New Forest District Council

Councillor L.C. Ford

Martin Parish Council

Councillors: C E Bourchier; B B Perratt

Graziers

W.R.A. Densham

Also in attendance:-

J. Davison (Recreation and Heritage Department - Countryside Service); B. Gwynn (Recreation and Heritage - Countryside Service); A.R. Knight (Chief Executive's Department).

4 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2001 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendment.

Minute 2 - Annual Report 2001

Paragraph 3, line 4 - English Nature

Arising thereon:

Mr Burton clarified the position relating to the designation of areas of Martin Down, as organic. He explained that (David please complete/correct).

New Forest District Council - Project Appraisal and finance (David please explain - "NFDC had moved on the finance").

5 ANNUAL REPORT 2002

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

Talks were in hand with the local graziers regarding the resumption of grazing on the Down, Mr Densham was thanked for his work, Trials with pony grazing had not been a great success. The numbers and containment of the animals had been an issue. The experiment might be tried again on a limited basis.

The Down wished to bolster colonies of the very rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly. A suitable area had been identified for the planting of Devils Bit Scabious, the caterpillar's favourite food plant.

Guided walks were to be held and included an evening walk at 9.30 p.m. on 20 July to study moths; and on 29 September at 2.00 p.m. - a fungus foray. Mr Burton was to supervise and assess the suitability of other events to be held at Martin Down.

Mr Burton was anxious to make the Countryside Stewardship Scheme attractive for farmers, and several successful events had been held.

Following that afternoon's visit to the stables at Down Farm, the County Council's Buildings Officer was to visit the site on 15 August to assess the cost of renovating or demolishing the building. A decision regarding funding to the A354 car park was expected by July.

The revised Management Plan for Martin Down would be available towards the end of 2002. A formal agreement between the County Council and English Nature would be attached to the Management Plan.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

6 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS 2001/02

The Committee considered and approved the accounts for 2001/02.

RESOLVED:

That the Financial Accounts for 2001/02 be accepted.

4CM230702