Getting the buzz

The society has long opposed fencing on commons, and we are pleased that an alternative is being developed. Last November we joined a group of commons practitioners on a visit to Epping Forest, to learn about the use of invisible fencing to contain stock. Epping Forest is a 12-mile-long stretch of ancient woodland straddling the…

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We fight devastation of south Wales common

We have objected to plans by Miller Argent to enclose parts of Gelligaer and Merthyr common in Caerphilly, to dig six million tonnes of coal from the Nant Llesg mine.  Because this affects common land, the company needs the consent of Welsh ministers for works on the common in addition to any planning consent. The…

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Plan to sacrifice Lyde Green common withdrawn

We are delighted that NORFT Ltd has withdrawn its controversial plan to sacrifice Lyde Green Common near Pucklechurch, north-east of Bristol, and replace it with inferior land some distance away. NORFT, the owner of the common, had applied to the Planning Inspectorate to deregister and exchange Lyde Green. The Open Spaces Society, Emersons Green Town…

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New freedom to roam on Cissbury’s downland

Worthing Borough Council has dedicated its land at Mount Carvey and Tenants Hill for public access and enjoyment. It is close to the ancient Cissbury Ring, on the top of the downs above Worthing in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex. The decision follows a six-year campaign led by the Worthing Downlanders (formerly…

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Restore Fawley’s Walnut Tree pub for walkers

We have backed an application to Wycombe District Council to rebuild and restore the Walnut Tree pub at Fawley in Bucks.  The site is at the hub of a number of public rights of way in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is passed by countless walkers, riders and cyclists. The pub closed…

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Threat to Cornish bridleway

We have objected to an application to station 91 residential-park dwellings on land close to a public bridleway and common land, at Quintrell Downs, Colan, north Cornwall. The new residents would have to drive along the bridleway to gain access to the A392 road to the north. We oppose the development because it will generate…

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Member Feedback

Chris Peat, Carlton, Leicestershire A formal opening ceremony was held in Carlton recently to open an improved footpath. Over the last two years Carlton Parish Council has worked with the County and Borough Councils and the Carlton Footpath Group to install 13 gates and kissing gates in place of stiles on two local footpaths, and…

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Safe crossings for Poole pedestrians

We have helped secure four crossings over the busy Shore Road at Poole, to enable walkers to get safely from the beachfront to the harbourside, using a popular footpath. These were achieved by our local correspondents Harry and Aimee Alexander who pursued the campaign for ten years. Says Harry: ‘After more than a decade of…

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