Item 3

AT A MEETING OF THE MARTIN DOWN MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE held at the Blandford Hall, Martin on 14 July 2005.

PRESENT :

Hampshire County Council

Councillor Mrs. K. Heron ( Chairman )

English Nature

D Burton; R. Lloyd; Mrs. L.C. Smith

New Forest District Council

Councillor Mrs. C. Ford

Martin Parish Council

Councillor B.B. Perratt

Graziers

W.R.A. Densham; Mrs. C. Densham

1 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

2 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2004 were agreed as a

correct record and signed by the Chairman.

3 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman reported that she had attended the archaeological walk in the winter and it had been very worthwhile.

4 DEPUTATIONS

There were none.

5 ANNUAL REPORT 2005

The Committee received and noted the report of the English Nature Site

Manager ( Item 5 in the Minute Book ). Outlining progress at Martin Down

Nature Reserve since the last meeting.

Barry Perratt was thanked warmly for leading the Advisory Committee's

archchaeological field meeting

Mr. Burton reported that the scrub management programme for 2003/04 had

been completed. Goats were useful to help control scrub but hard to keep in

electrical fenced paddocks, English Nature's small herd would be moved off

the NNR in the next few months. Sheep continued to be grazed on the Down.

The County Council and English Nature were investigating the possibility of an off-site dog exercise area as there appeared to be a demand for these from owners. This was important, especially during the bird breeding season.

A copy of the designs for the new interpretation panels was passed round

and drew complimentary approval from Members. It was suggested that this

be posted on the County Council and English Nature websites relating to

Martin Down.

Rabbit numbers continued to increase, despite efforts to control them. Lack of

interest by landowners continued to impede the successful formation of a Deer Management Group in the Cranbourne Chase area, and efforts would continue to help resolve the situation.

The old format signs at the entrances of the National Nature Reserve would be

replaced at convenient times.

The Chairman and Mr. Durnell were to progress the correcting of the road

signs on the A354, which were an outstanding item.

6 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS 2004/05.

The Committee received and noted the Financial Accounts for 2004/05

7 MR DAVID BURTON

David Burton was thanked for his work at Martin Down over the past years, on the occasion of his promotion to other work within English Nature.

8 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

Thursday 13 July 2006 at 3.15pm, preceded by a site meeting at 2.00pm

05 MARTIN DOWN MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Mi 140705inutes