Edgar Powell, 1936 – 2019
Our vice-president Edgar Powell has died aged 83. Edgar was our local correspondent for parts of Herefordshire and Worcestershire for 24 years (1992-2016), a trustee (1995-2003) and vice-chairman (2002-3). It is impossible to quantify all he did for the society and our members. Edgar was born in Colwall, Herefordshire but spent most of his life…
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We fight fencing plan on Ugthorpe Common
The society has objected to an application from the Mulgrave Estate for nearly a mile of new fencing on Ugthorpe Common near Whitby in the North York Moors National Park. This is in addition to a retrospective application to replace more than two miles of fencing on the common. The estate applied to the Secretary…
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A hand up from Glover
The report of the English landscapes review, led by Julian Glover, was published on 21 September 2019. We submitted evidence in 2018. The review covered national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs). It recognises the great importance of these landscapes and the affection for them, while noting that their founding mission has been…
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Finsbury Park is vital for our health and well-being
‘Finsbury Park, and other open spaces in London and beyond, are vital for our health and well-being.’ So said Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary, at celebrations to mark Finsbury Park’s 150th anniversary. Kate was taking part in a discussion group, with Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, and Hugh White, chair of the…
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The society in action – Six months on the National Trust council
Society trustee Graham Bathe is a council member of the National Trust and former director of the Foundation for Common Land. He gave a talk at our recent AGM about his role representing the society on the National Trust council. Governance Legally, the governance of the National Trust is in the hands of about 12…
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Urban commons – Brighton conference update
Nicola Hodgson, will be speaking tomorrow at Brighton University at a one day conference on “methodologies for engagement and four urban commons”. The day will bring together representatives, stakeholders and users of urban commons with experts in open space management and methods of public engagement. It is part of the “ Wastes and Strays project” …
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Seven Sisters secured
We have welcomed East Sussex County Council’s proposal to transfer ownership of Seven Sisters Country Park to the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA). This follows nearly five years of uncertainty. Said our local representative, Brendan Clegg: ‘This is excellent news and a huge relief to all those who cherish this wonderful place. We are…
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Land for the Many Report
The society welcomes the publication today of Land for the Many, a report commissioned by the Labour Party. The party will consider the proposals as part of its policy development ahead of the next general election. The report places land at the heart of political debate and discussion, and it proposes significant changes to land…
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Better access in Wales?
Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn, has made an announcement about improving public access in Wales. This follows the government’s consultation in 2017 to which there were more than 16,000 responses. The minister extols the benefits of an accessible countryside and the importance of supporting rural areas to maximise revenue from tourism.…
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Village greens under the cosh
Green spaces have been dealt a savage blow. The Court of Appeal has ruled that even when land is vaguely identified in a plan for potential development, it cannot be registered as a town or village green (TVG). We are deeply concerned that as a result of the Appeal Court judgment people’s ability to record…
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