ITEM 1

AT A MEETING of the MARTIN DOWN MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE held at the Blandford Hall, Martin on 14 July 2003.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillor: Mrs K. Heron (Chairman)

English Nature

D Burton; Ms L. Smith; R. Lloyd.

New Forest District Council

Councillor Mrs 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); Mr P. Durnell; A.R. Knight (Chief Executive's Department).

7 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11 July, 2002 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendment.

Arising thereon:

Mr Burton clarified the position relating to the designation of areas of Martin Down, as organic.

At present all graziers operating on the reserve were conventional farmers who were not considering becoming organic enterprises.

Should a grazier wish to run an organic flock on the reserve, English Nature would welcome this move, with a reservation, that this would not compromise our ability to manage scrub, chalk grassland and mosaics.

8 ANNUAL REPORT 2003

The Committee considered the report of the Site Manager (Item 2 in the Minute Book). Scrub management work at Martin Down had been used as a case study in a Scrub Management Handbook and wardens from the National Trust had visited the reserve to learn from local experience. Local graziers had continued to graze the aftermath with 60 ewes and two groups of 300-350.

The service was subject to external audit. The Soil Association had revealed health and safety shortcomings. Stone curlews had so far failed to return to breed at Martin Down this year. Rabbit control by ferretters had been carried out on both sides of the reserve. A Forestry Commission Ranger and a Martin Down Grazier continued to help to control fallow deer on the borders of Kitts Grave during the doe season.

A comprehensive national vegetation clarification survey had been carried out on the reserve. This had been a useful baseline of the vegetation communities on the reserve to help guide future management. It would be necessary to have a strategy for the management of the Marsh Fritillaries, butterflies and Marbled Whites were also flying in abundance.

A week of events had been organised for people to learn about chalkdown land wildlife in partnership with the RSPB. Both Hampshire County Council and English Nature staff had held guided walks on the reserve.

The revised Management Plan for Martin Down was taking longer than anticipated to complete. Time would be given for Hampshire County Council staff to have input, particularly on the sections covering access, education and estate management. Mr. Gwynn thanked volunteers for the time and skill they had devoted to the reserve.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

9 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS 2002/03

The Committee considered and approved the accounts for 2002/03.

RESOLVED:

That the Financial Accounts for 2002/03 be accepted.

10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting would be held in the first week of June, 2004.

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