Improving Communications: August 2006.
Following a public meeting
held in our village hall to discuss the issues surrounding the fencing
and grazing on our heath, it was felt that more information ought to be
givel1. So we will attempt to do that by trying to answer some of the
questions:
Q: Who
owns the heath?
A: The parish of Cawston.
Q: Who oversees the management of the heath?
A;
Cawston Poors Allotment Relief in Need Trustees.
Q: Why are Norfolk Wildlife Trust and English Nature
involved?
A:
In 1986 Cawston Heath was designated as a Site of Special Scientific
Interest (555I), therefore it has to be managed to strict guidelines,
set out and monitored by English Nature. So the trustees looked for a
conservation body who had experience in the field of heath management
and had worked closely with English Nature. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust
was enlisted to do this work.
Q:
Why
do we need
to have fencing on the heath?
A: So that the heath can
be grazed to maintain a varied habitat and control some of the invasive
plants on the area. The Wildlife Trusts across the country have found
with past experience that this is the best way. We have to keep the
livestock on the heath so we have fencing around the perimeter. To
ensure safety for the animals and users of the heath we have divided it
into two, one half the arable reversion and the other the heath as we
know it. This enables the walkers and riders to be in an area without
livestock if they so wish. This is also why we put up the signs at the
gates to say where the stock is grazing. The fencing will also deter New
Age Travellers, motor bikers and quad bikers from using the heath as this
is extremely dangerous for people using the heath and not a legitimate
use of the area.
If we let the sheep do their munching then we could see if
the grazing is going to work, but if not we will never know.
Q: How are the emergency services going to get onto the
heath with the gates locked and high vehicle barriers in place?
A: There is access through Heath Farm for police, fire and
ambulance only, if needed. Norfolk Wildlife Trust also contacted the Fire
Service and they have no issue! concern with the gates being locked.
Q: What can the parishioners do on, or have from, the
heath?
A: Walking, riding horses & pushbikes. There is leaf mould
and chippings available, occasionally we have some firewood after tree
clearance projects. These are for your personal use only (not for resale)
Please ring a trustee first for availability and to allow access for your
vehicle.
Q: What are some of the good things happening on the heath?
A: The arable land on the south side of the heath has been
returned for use as a parish amenity, Norfolk Wildlife Trust are gradually
reseeding it with heather seeds taken from the trimmings of the existing
heather on the north side.
· The
Norfolk Wildlife Trust have now created the correct habitat for the
introduction of the Silver-studded Blue Butterfly which should be released
this autumn
·
A Kingfisher has been seen at the northern fence line pond
We have more walkers visiting the heath now on a regular
basis, enjoying our wonderful heath all year round.
With everybody's help and support we hope it will continue
for future generations to enjoy.
Q: Who are the current trustees?
A:
David Nunn - Chairman - 01603 871595
Des Cook - 01603 872111
John Gilbert
David Gillett
Tom Harris (Rector)
Secretary: Mrs J. E. Pye
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