annual report 2015-16 v3 - ashdown forest · 2015-16 ashdown forest . 2 2015/16 has been a year of...
TRANSCRIPT
R E P O R T
C o n s e r v a t i o n
H i s t o r y
H e a t h l a n d M a n a g e m e n t
D e s i g n a t i o n s
W i l d l i f e
V o l u n t e e r s
E d u c a t i o n
A N N U A L
One of the largest public access spaces in the South East
THE CONSERVATORS OF ASHDOWN FOREST
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Ashdown Forest
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2015/16 has been a year of considerable achievement on the Forest. Natural England have agreed a ten year funding programme under the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Our funding has increased from £315,000 to £550,000. We have drawn up a comprehensive 5 year Conservation Plan and set up management arrangements to monitor its delivery. This covers woodland as well as heathland The state of the Forest has been assessed by Natural England. Only 10% is in favourable condition but 90% is improving. However this gives us a considerable challenge. We are also carrying out a review of future governance. In addition to all this, the normal work of the Forest continues with: Rangers carrying out their multitude of tasks. Sheep, cattle and ponies helping with conservation and being looked
after with loving care. Byelaw enforcement. Controlling our budgets. Our excellent and expanding volunteer and Education programme. Improvements to the Forest Centre with insulation for the Education
Barn, a new boiler and a new sewage system. Many thanks to all the staff, partners and volunteers who have made all this possible.
Chairman’s Report Roy Galley
Arum and Delta, Riggit Galloway cattle
Emperor Dragonfly
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About Ashdown Forest
Ashdown Forest comprises 2590 hectares (6400 acres) of common land set aside by the Royal Commission in 1691. It is an ancient area of tranquil open heathland occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is one of the largest free public access spaces in the South of England. Although Ashdown Forest is seen as a wild and natural place the way it looks has been directly influenced by the activities of man over the course of millennia. The Forest has a strong manufacturing as well as agricultural element to its history. It was used extensively for grazing, fuel production for hearths and smelting, iron working, timber production and, of course, hunting by the elite.
Historic Context
In 1987 the then owner of Ashdown Forest, Earl de la Warr, indicated his intention to sell the Forest and manorial rights, and on 25 November 1988 the East Sussex County Council (ESCC) acquired the freehold. This is held by ESCC as Trustee under the terms of the Ashdown Forest Trust, set up in 1988, which is a charitable trust. The responsibility for managing Ashdown Forest lies with an independent body, the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest. Eight members are appointed by East Sussex County Council, two are appointed by Wealden District Council, five are elected by local Commoners and one (the Chairman of the County Council) represents the owner of the Forest. Originally set up in 1885, the Board has been regulated under a series of Acts of Parliament, the most recent being the Ashdown Forest Act 1974. There, in section 16, it is stated that...
Ownership and Management
Protection and Designations
Ashdown Forest's ecological importance as a unique area of lowland heathland has been recognised by its designation by the UK government as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its heathland habitats. It is part of the European Natura 2000 network as it hosts some of Europe's most threatened species and habitats.
"It shall be the duty of the Conservators at all times as far as possible to regulate and manage the forest as an amenity and place of resort subject to the existing rights of common upon the forest and to protect such rights of common, to protect the forest from encroachments, and to conserve it as a quiet and natural area of outstanding beauty".
Subsequent Legislation
Subsequent legislation that affects the management of the Forest includes The Wildlife and Countryside Act, the 1992 EC Habitats Directive, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW), the Commons Act, The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. This extensive legislation relates mostly to protection of wildlife but also to the duties of local authorities regarding biodiversity and to the status of Common Land in the modern age.
Common Blue Butterfly
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Staff
Highlights from the Director Pat Buesnel
Volunteers
Annual Volunteer BBQ
Volunteer led Dawn Chorus Bird Walk
With walking the number one activity we have been pleased to either or-ganise or support a number of walk-ing related activities: Weekly Health Walks, led by our
trained volunteers, with around 50 walkers each week
Seasonal Poetry walks led by Po-et in Residence, Sian Thomas
Dawn Chorus and Nightjar Sunset specialist bird walks
Sheep Proof Your Dog training for dog walkers
Support to the Wealden and Eastbourne Walking Festival and National Garden Scheme
Walking
New wood burner boiler
128 volunteers 5,083 volunteer hours provided
It’s been a very busy year for our small dedicated staff team both with the day to day running and Forest management and the transition from the Higher Level Stewardship scheme to Countryside Stewardship in January 2016. During the year we said ‘goodbye’ to Ros Marriott after many years’ service and welcomed Kirsty Dirs as Clerk and Louise Meehan as Finance Officer – little did they know that their first winter here at the Forest Centre would be remembered as very cold! A big ‘thank you’ to all staff for their patience and good humour following the condemnation of the boiler and heating system in December and the following three months of ‘make do’ heating.
Our volunteer team support us in a huge variety of ways bringing with them commitment, time and expertise – nothing it seems is too much to ask of them! The Lord Lieutenant was so impressed by what he heard on his visit in 2015 that he encouraged us to think about applying for the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. The Chair of Wealden District Council provided the nomination and Ashdown Forest Riding Association and Cats Protection supplied recommendations – an assessment interview was undertaken including a meeting with volunteers from across the teams. This Award would be a fantastic acknowledgement of the value of our volunteers and the esteem in which they are held by staff and Conservators alike.
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“No one will protect what they don’t care about and no one will care about what they have never experienced” (David Attenborough 2010)
Education Programme
Our Education Programme goes from strength to strength. Continued financial support from the Friends and from January 2016 Natural England will enable us to develop our school visits programme, outreach work to schools, a regular pre-school group holiday activities and teacher training. We want local children in particular to know, love,
have fun in, cherish and explore their surroundings as they will become Ashdown Forest ‘guardians’, staff and volunteers of the future.
“Thank you so much for a fabulous afternoon. The
children and staff all enjoyed your session and learnt
a lot too”
“Thank you so much for the forest school - I can honestly say Nathan loved every minute of it and has talked about nothing else since”
“Such a valuable experience for the children thank you!”
Remembrance Sunday Over the last few decades this annual event has become a firm fixture in the Forest’s year for staff, residents, volunteers and visitors from farther afield. Up to 2000 people walk or ride to the Airman’s Grave to pay their respects on this special day, wreaths are laid, the Act of Remembrance is read, a bugler plays the Last Post and weather permitting there is a fly past by a Tiger Moth. Staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the event is well organised, safe and enjoyable.
Airman’s Grave
Teacher Lisa Stevens at a primary school outreach session
Toddler Group
Air Vice-Marshal Kyle and Paul Gardiner
Den building
1,992 children reached Engaged with 32 different schools 3 play scheme days and 2 parent and toddler sessions
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Ranger Reports - A Brief Overview of the Year
East Chase: The long dry spell in the spring raised the fire risk to high; however we were fortunate that the 2 fires which did occur were started in a position which enabled them to be controlled quickly and without too much damage to the Forest. Earlier in the spring we were able to execute two good back burns, behind Blackhill and Kidds Hill, which were then grazed by our sheep.
We are continuing the deer culling programme . We succeeded with the trial of 20 does last spring and the stalkers feel they can achieve more as they will have a longer period to work. Still doing small numbers but every little helps with the reduction of the overpopulation of the area and the high deer casualties on the road.
North Chase: I spent most of September spraying Rhododendron which had previously been cut by volunteers and the Community Payback Teams. A priority job, as Rhododendron ponticum is highly invasive and expensive to eradicate. Much of this work was carried out on the South Chase as well as in the Golf Course woodland.
Linton’s Car Park has had a make over. The Probation Service and ESCC Social Services Conservation Team from South View Close are providing valuable man power including cutting logs for sale in the Barn, turf stripping the new wild flower meadow, repairing Broadstone Car Park and tidying up the Hotel verge.
South Chase: The Countryside Team and I worked really hard to complete all our in-house scrub clearance / tree thinning before the bird-nesting season – Lower Misbourne Farm, Spring Garden, Chestnut Farm and behind the Nutley Arms. Then we moved on to an exhaustive programme of fence repairs around the grazing enclosure in readiness for the Commoners’ cattle and sheep to go back out on the Forest. We also introduced some of our Hebridean sheep to a small enclosure near Upper Misbourne Farm, known as “Ardens”.
Unfortunately I was kept busy with many incidents of sheep worrying by dogs again this summer, including four fatal attacks in as many days. We have cut and treated American Black Cherry (a highly invasive alien species) at Paynes Hill, Fairwarp and sprayed Rhododendron ponticum regrowth near Duddleswell.
West Chase: The Conservation Volunteers have been doing an excellent job thinning woodland in the Vachery alongside the Gorge. The work here has made a substantial change to the walk down alongside the gorge, letting in lots of light, opening up the views and drying the paths. The Forest Countryside Team worked hard to stock proof areas of the Forest, for all manner of grazing, then moved onto the Forest wide litter pick. Once this was completed we started tidying all Forest furniture (posts, barriers and signs).
Hebridean lamb
Litter pick in progress
Fallow deer
Wild flower meadow
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Director Pat Buesnel, Kathryn Aalto and Ranger Mike Yates
Partnerships and Networks include:
The Conservators of Ashdown Forest
Ashdown Forest Visitor
Management
Ashdown Forest Riding Association
Parish Liaison Panel
Sussex Pony Association
Cats Protection
Commoners
Residents
Ashdown Forest Tourist
Association
Friends of Ashdown Forest
Book Launch —’The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh’, Kathryn Aalto
BBC Countryfile filming on Ashdown Forest
BBC Countryfile
Having supported author Kathryn Aalto when researching her book during 2014/15 we were delighted to host the book launch at the Forest Centre in October. It has since sold well and was referred to in the Countryfile programme. Kathryn will be joining us again this Autumn when we put on a Winnie-the-Pooh Family Amble as part of the Wealden and Eastbourne Walking Festival.
We were pleased to be approached by BBC Countryfile for inclusion in the Sussex based edition shown on the 20th March. In the lead up we discussed a number of story lines with the programmes’ researchers whose only crite-ria were that we had to include something on Winnie- the- Pooh! Filming took place on the 4th March with Conservation Officer Steve Alton and Matt Baker discussing the importance of heathland whilst walking (with great difficulty!) through the tussocks of purple moor grass; Grazing Officer Caroline FitzGerald then introduced Matt to our beautifully behaved Exmoor ponies, followed by Ranger Chris Sutton taking presenter Ellie on the Pooh Walk from Gills Lap pointing out the changes in the
landscape since A.A. Milne’s time. It took a great deal of time to get the finished articles ‘in the can’ but worth it to get our important messages across to such a wide audience. We have received positive feedback from viewers.
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Clerk’s Report Kirsty Dirs
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have now signed, on behalf of the Secretary of State, the Bye-law fine increase to Standard Scale 2 – a fine not exceeding £500. Signage across the Forest and on various media channels has and will be updated accordingly.
Bye-law breaches are maintained and managed through the Management Information database where it is possible to extract specific and measurable information and identify possible trends. Fly-tipping and the dumping of garden waste remain widespread problems throughout the Forest although known perpetrators have been quick to resolve issues cordially.
Bye-Law Breaches
Encroachments
A number of minor encroachments have been identified and raised to ESCC. These include the placement of deer fencing outside a property boundary and the use of fishing wire to erect a deer proof fence on Forest land.
Commercial Dog Walking Licences / Commercial Filming Licences
A review of the current charges for Professional Dog Walking Licences and Commercial Filming Licences has been conducted with the view to amending the pricing structure to allow preferential rates for local businesses whilst increasing the charges for corporates and large organisations. Similarly the cost of the Commercial Dog Walking Licence will be increased and the activity badged.
Frost covered gorse
Pack Horse Bridge
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Planning objections and proposals are being closely monitored within a 15km radius for Wealden District Council in relation to large extensions, new builds and developments. Planning comments and decisions are managed through the Management Information database.
Planning
An office redesign has been undertaken to allow Charlie, Louise and Kirsty to share the same space. This has worked well and been well received by both staff and visitors. Further internal changes will be implemented in due course to maximise space and organise the office more effectively.
Governance Review
The Conservators began consultations with the Commoners and local community in January 2016 to raise awareness and seek opinion of a proposed change in the governance of Ashdown Forest. The Commoners expressed strong views they would not wish to see the Ashdown Forest Act 1974 repealed as this Act offers protection to the Forest as a place of ‘amenity and resort’. Concerns around funding were also voiced. The Review continues through 2016.
Forest Centre Annual Commoners’ Meeting 2016
With the resignation of Diana Hurrell, a double election was announced for the Commoners’ AGM in March; however unusually only one nomination was received for the two vacancies. Mr John Spicer was duly re-elected. A further election was called as requested by the Commoners.
View across to Nutley windmill
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Conservation Report Steve Alton
2015-16 marked the transition from the Higher Level Stewardship scheme, which had funded conservation work on the Forest for ten years, to its successor scheme, Countryside Stewardship. In order to support our application for this new funding, a 5-year management plan was produced during the autumn and winter of 2015. This plan, along with a substantial application form, was submitted to Natural England in November and we were delighted to hear that not only had we been successful but that we have been awarded a 10-year, rather than the usual 5-year, agreement.
Other initiatives under the new scheme include the crea-tion of new ponds and the restoration of many of the existing ponds across the Forest, an increased programme of controlled burning of gorse, and the introduction of a ‘cut-and-collect’ approach to our mowing regime.
Control of invasive species – both native and non-native – is another important element of the scheme, with particular emphasis on Rhododendron, Scots pine and bracken.
The Countryside Stewardship agreement runs from the 1st January 2016, and already good progress has been made, with all our livestock out on the Forest in good time and the programme of pond work under way.
Riggit Galloway herd
Controlled gorse burning
Installation of ‘invisible’ fencing cables
The focus of Higher Level Stewardship was on removing and then preventing the spread of scrub on the Forest, which has largely been successful; the aim of Countryside Stewardship is to build on this by increasing diversity in the heathland areas through an expanded grazing programme. This will involve expanding our own grazing operation as well as encouraging Commoners to exercise their grazing rights on the Forest. In order to accommodate additional livestock, we continue to trial the system of ‘invisible’ fencing introduced in the spring of 2015. We will also be expanding our grazing team through the recruitment of two additional members of staff.
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In general, the mild winter seems to have benefitted many species that make their home on the Forest which, combined with improved habitat management, has resulted in dramatic displays of some of our rarities. The wetland fungus Bog beacon (Mitrula paludosa) has appeared in a number of sites, and the rare Bird’s-nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) is having a particularly good year. Areas of heath that have been
grazed in recent years are starting to show regeneration not only of heather but of some of the more unusual species, such as the Round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). Our new Countryside Stewardship scheme should ensure that this gradual improvement continues for at least the next decade.
Round-leaved sundew
Collisions between deer and vehicles continue to be amongst the highest in the country and the winter of 2015/16 saw us continue our trial programme of culling on the Forest in an attempt to address this issue. Three areas are stalked by highly trained and qualified professionals, all of whom are extremely sensitive to the health and safety implications of shooting on a site with 24 hour public access. Once again, the cull target was reached without incident.
Bog beacon
Bird’s-nest orchid
Deer collision sign on the Forest
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Reserves Summary at Year End 31 March 2016
RESERVES AT 31 MARCH 2016 General Fund
HLS
Reserves b/f YE 2014/15 £317,723 £128,991
Total Income £406,569 £323,568
Total Expenditure £439,990 £228,355
Reserves at 31 March 2016 £284,302 £224,204
CS
£0
£139,589
£77,949
£61,641
The financial information presented here is extracted from the full annual audited accounts. Its purpose is to highlight visually the different segments of the Board’s Income and Expenditure for the year. To view a full set of these accounts please visit www.ashdownforest.org. The accounts incorporate changes to The Conservators’ largest income stream, received from DEFRA via Natural England solely for the purpose of Conservation work on the Forest. The effect of this on the accounts is partly a timing issue resulting from the termination of the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) program at the end of 2015 and the commencement of the Countryside Stewardship (CS) program in January 2016. Primarily, however, the new funding will bring with it a 75% increase in income restricted to Conservation work. CS income for the first quarter of 2016 was unbudgeted as the funding offer was unknown until the end of 2015. It should be noted that grants for these programs are accrued in the 2015/16 accounts as funds are awarded in arrears. While the HLS and CS budgets ended in surplus, the General budget resulted in a deficit as a consequence of the unexpected condemnation of the centre’s boiler, its urgent replacement and associated heating system upgrade at a cost of almost £50,000.
RESERVES POLICY as agreed by the Board of the Conservators on 21 March 2016 1. It is the Board's policy to maintain an
Overheads Reserve equal to six months salaries and administration costs. The salaries accounted for exclude staff costs covered by Countryside Stewardship grant funding.
2. The Board will maintain Discretionary
Reserves which will be allocated to earmarked reserves, to be reviewed annually.
Financial Information for Year ending 31st March 2016 Tony Reid - Chairman of Finance and General Purposes Committee
Income receipts were greater than budgeted as a consequence of improvement in virtually all sectors, the largest being a grant associated with the new CS program. The bulk of costs are staff-related, with staff changes and recruitment costs resulting in a slight increase in budget. The increase reported in administration overheads reflects some of the costs related to the heating upgrade. Information Centre and Forest Centre development unbudgeted expenditure were largely offset by restricted grant funding for specific projects. The most notable aspect of these accounts is the increased component derived from HLS and the new CS program. This aspect of the accounts will be even more pronounced in future.
View of Friends Clump
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Notes:
Surplus / (Deficit) attributable to HLS 86,809
Surplus / (Deficit) attributable to CS 61,641
Surplus / (Deficit) attributable to Core Activities (25,017)
403,492 Grants 550,967
103,988 Charitable Receipts and Donations
102,744
180,979 Licences & Forest Rate 177,462
14,126 Visitors 17,387
18,998 Sundry Receipts 17,725
8,249 Financial 3,441
729,832 TOTAL INCOME 869,726
2014/2015 INCOME SUMMARY 2015/2016
£ £
£ £
373,189 Staff Costs 387,199
68,675 Administration Overheads 92,816
22,214 Forest Centre Development 13,217
94,043 Operational expenses 67,556
102,728 HLS conservation (excluding staff costs)
79,690
- CS conservation (excluding staff costs)
38,051
24,104 Financial 23,844
684,954 Total non capital Expenditure
702,373
29,183 Capital expenditure 43,920
714,137 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 746,294
15,695 SURPLUS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE
123,432
2014/2015 EXPENDITURE SUMMARY 2015/2016
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Elected Commoner Conservators
East Sussex County Council appointees
Roy Galley Chairman of the Board Elected 2013
John Francis Chairman of the Conservation Committee Elected 2015
Philip Glyn Vice Chairman of the Conservation Committee Elected 2014
John Spicer Chairman of the Roads, Planning and Amenities Committee Elected 2011
Cllr John Barnes Vice Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee
Diana Hurrell Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee (until November 2015) Elected 2012
Cllr Colin Belsey Lord of the Manor Representing the Ashdown Forest Trust
Michael Cooper Tony Reid Vice Chairman of the Board Chairman of Finance and General Purposes Committee (from November 2015)
Cllr Richard Stogdon Cllr Rosalyn St Pierre Cllr Francis Whetstone Cllr Sylvia Tidy Chairman of the Forest Centre Development Committee
Cllr Lawrence Keeley Cllr Chris Hardy Vice Chairman of the Roads, Planning and Amenities Committee
Cllr Peter Holloway
Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest
Wealden District Council appointees
Director Pat Buesnel
Clerk to the Conservators Rosalind Marriott — to July 2016 Kirsty Dirs — from June 2016
Finance Officer Louise Meehan — from June 2016
Office Administrator Charlotte Bain
Conservation Officer Steve Alton
Grazing Officer Caroline FitzGerald
Grazing Assistant Joe Wallis
Rangers Rich Allum South Chase Mike Payne West Chase Chris Sutton East Chase Mike Yates North Chase
Countryside Workers Colin Lutman Ashley Payne Tom Simon
Caretaker John Ridley
Staff
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Comments Received April 2015 — March 2016
Dawn Chorus Birds Walks ‘I enjoyed the walk enormously and was thrilled to actually see a Dartford Warbler at last!’ ‘Excellent walk this morning, many thanks to all those involved. Weather perfect and seeing four Dartford warblers a great bonus!’ ‘It was a great walk, A big thank you to all in-volved in the event. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants.’
Sheep Proof your Dog Training Sessions ‘This is fantastic!’ Got a chance to put the training to the test at Hollies yesterday — sheep in the car park and I had to drag Roxy towards them! I met a lady with her black lab who had similar success.’ ‘I went with my dog a couple of years ago and he is not bothered by sheep anymore.’
Remembrance Sunday ‘The {Certificate of Appreciation} award has been made to you by the Board of Trustees of The Royal British Legion in grateful acknowledgement of your services to the Poppy Appeal... The Support you have given throughout the years has been a source of inspiration and encouragement.’
Forest Events Publication of “The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh” ‘Thank you again for making me so welcome and I thank you and other members of your team for organising a really great event.’ ‘The launch was great, and Pat and Mike were hugely helpful so I’m really grateful to them, and to you for all your help with organising the event and making it go so smoothly!’ Star Gazing Evening ‘I enjoyed it and so did my family’ ‘Very informative. Thanks for the opportunity.’ Staff Talks Thank you Steve Alton for a very interesting and informative talk—excellent—everyone was very appreciative. Above all thank you all for your enthusiasm and commitment to the Forest.’
Volunteer Events ‘Please pass on our grateful thanks to all the staff. We very much appreciate the amount of effort that went into making it an enjoyable evening.’ ‘Thank you very much to you and your lovely staff for a great evening and delicious food. The ‘do’s’ that you put on twice a year for the volunteers are very much appreciated.’ ‘Thank you very much for the party last evening; everyone worked so hard to make it a lovely occasion for all of us.’
Information Barn ‘This place is really good. I love all the facts and activities here.’ ‘Lovely friendly, helpful staff.’ ‘The place has been well developed…..is welcoming and user friendly and good educationally.’ ‘Very impressed by how well maintained, educational and interesting this centre is. Keep up the good work!’
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The Conservators of Ashdown Forest The Ashdown Forest Centre
Wych Cross Forest Row East Sussex RH18 5JP
01342 823583
www.ashdownforest.org