Wylye Valley celebrates 100 years with local history society

The AONB was originally approached by this small local history society, a sub-group of the very active Codford Local History Society, as they wanted to work with the AONB to produce materials that helped document the military activity between Longbridge Deverill and Codford circa 1914-1919. 

The Study

Several very good books had already been published about the Codford area at the time of the First World War. The history group wanted to commemorate the centenary of the start of the Great War in 1914, 100 years on in the summer of 2014 and the sudden dramatic social and practical effects this had on the local Wiltshire population.

The arrival of the overwhelming numbers of troops signaled the end of the old peacetime era. Turmoil hit the villages which never resumed their original social posture. This study seeks to reveal the changes that occurred, to uncover the views of the local people, and of the soldiers towards them. All ages are involved and the group has been very active in the support of local school children which will all culminate with a great calendar of events over the period of the Centenary in 2014.

Think about it

The Wiltshire villages involved are: Longbridge Deverill, Sutton Veny, Heytesbury, Corton, Boyton, Upton Lovell and Codford. Many farm horses were requisitioned at harvest time (and young soldiers helped); local men flocked to the colours and left the area; tents were all very fine till the rains came (no floors and floods and mud were the norm). How to organise the feeding (no spoons!), accommodation (not enough tents), medical care (one village doctor), command (scarcely any officers or NCOs), training and a thousand other aspects: this is our topic. We need your help.

Your part in it

Please explore their web site which showcases a host of activities occurring in the area during July and August. The showcase will be the weekend of activities on July 26th and 27th where the interpretive display map of 8m x 3m will be on display along with other activities such as a short film, photographs and models. www.wylyevalley1914.org.uk  

How did we go about it?

We are proud to have supported this local group both through SDF funding and through our GIS wizard Harry Bell's expertise who compiled the digitised map along with the help of Emma at Wyvern Heritage, and Richard Broadway.

After relevant 1920's black and white OS digital map tiles were purchased, work began on digitising the location of the camps and associated huts, tents, military hospitals and railways.

In addition to the many hours spent digitising information from paper copies, it was decided that the OS backdrop was a bit bland, and the rivers, roads and woodlands/marsh features were painstakingly coloured in as well.

An extract of the final poster is below. The map info layers are available to anyone upon request (excluding the OS maps). It is interesting to switch from the map in Mapinfo into Google Earth as it really brings the information alive, and if overlaid onto aerial photography some of the features on the ground such as ditches and roads can still be seen.

The final display map is printed on cloth and includes photographs and commentary that demonstrates how the military used this area as a military base with hospitals and training grounds covering iro 20miles square.

 

Grants to make your community building lean and green

Faye Perkins posted: "Grants to make your community building lean and green Does your community centre cost a fortune to run? Are you concerned about your village hall’s carbon footprint? Local groups in the Midlands, the South West and South Wales can now apply for grants"

Does your community centre cost a fortune to run? Are you concerned about your village hall’s carbon footprint? Local groups in the Midlands, the South West and South Wales can now apply for grants of up to £1,000 to help reduce energy use in their community buildings. The WPD Community Chest is a grant scheme funded by Western Power Distribution (WPD) and administered by CSE.

A total of £50,000 is up for grabs. The aim is to help community groups carry out simple but effective energy efficiency improvements in village halls and community buildings, after carrying out their own energy audits. The maximum award per group will be £1,000, but you can apply for less than this. Perhaps your community building needs insulation, a new heating system, lighting sensors, double glazing or more efficient taps? 

We'll provide groups with an energy survey template so that they can walk around their building and assess what most needs doing. Then they just need to get some quotes for having those improvements done, and send back a short application form. Don’t miss out, go to: http://www.cse.org.uk/news/view/1814

Join us for launch of Chalke Valley Business Initiative 27/02/14

Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite

The Tree Council’s Community Trees Fund 2014 now open

The  Community Trees Fund is part of the Tree Futures grant programme.

This grant fund is open to Community Groups, both formal and ad hoc, within the United Kingdom.

You must ensure that children aged up to sixteen are included in the planting project.

If you would like to plant any fruit trees, please look at the information about the  Orchard Windfalls Fund.

Deadline is March 31^st. National Tree Week is Nov 29^th.

Would you like to help out with Wiltshire rivers?

Around England, rivers are under attack from invasive plants which are not native to these islands. Locally, rivers such as the Wylye, Nadder, Ebble and Avon suffer due to species such as Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed.

The impact on our native plants and animals, such as water vole, can be devastating.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, in partnership with Dorset and Hampshire Wildlife Trusts, tackle the fight against invasive species with the Source to Sea project.  Funded by the Environment Agency, the team works with volunteers along the river Avon and its tributaries to eradicate these destructive species so that the wildlife that lives along our waterways can thrive.

This spring, the team will be coming to your area. Headed by project manager, Sam Stork, the team will work with local landowners, farmers, angling clubs and other interested parties to identify affected areas and, with the help of an army of volunteers, they will help to ensure that your part of the river is protected.

And that’s where you come in - Source to Sea needs your help:

Can you help identify areas where invasive species are threatening local wildlife? To find out what to look for visit www.wiltshirewildlife.org and click on What We Do – Protecting Wiltshire’s Rivers. Report your sightings using the feedback form.

Can you volunteer your time to help clean up the river?  Tackling invasive species along our rivers is a massive task and we need your help! We provide everything you need to participate in a volunteer day on the river.

Find out more by attending our Annual Event on the 13^th February in Salisbury Guildhall. Contact us by email at sourcetosea@wiltshirewildlife.org or telephone on 01380 736066 or contact the team on Twitter @wiltsrivers. 

Fovant Badges Society – World War One Centenary Project



Fovant Badges Wiltshire

 

The Fovant Badges Society is the charity responsible for the maintenance of the badges cut into the hillside overlooking Fovant. The first badge was constructed in 1916 by soldiers stationed at Fovant in World War One. They are Scheduled Monuments and War Memorials. Five of the surviving badges date from World War One, two from just after World War Two and the last was constructed in 1970. Annual maintenance costs for the Society amount to around £30,000.

The World War One Centenary

The Centenary has created huge public and media interest in World War One. The Trustees of The Society cannot afford to miss this absolutely unique opportunity to raise awareness of the badges.

The objectives of the Fovant Badges Society can be summarised as:

• To ensure that the Fovant Badges can be enjoyed by future generations and
• To educate members of the public about the Fovant Badges

The Society’s plans for the World War One are a two stage Education Project that is designed to safeguard the future of the badges by generating new interest in them amongst a wider, and younger, audience.

 Education Project – Part 1

We are pleased to announce that the Society has received a grant of £8,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s First World War: then and now programme for the first part of our education programme. The grant will help the Society to widen the appeal of the badges by re-imagining them as a window onto Britain’s history in the C20th. The project will deliver:

1. Interactive material (an education pack) describing the history of Fovant First World War Army Camp[1] and its impact on the Wiltshire village of Fovant and the subsequent history of the badges. The intention is that it will be made available to schools to better inform the Centenary Programme. This part of the project will be completed by September 2014.
2. Working with the University of Southampton, a one day symposium on the subject of War, Landscape and Memory in the Twentieth Century will take place on 7 May 2014 at the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum. The target audience is the general public, academics and 6th form students.
3. In order for the Education Project to have a lasting impact the Society’s website will be updated and expanded so that the results of the project can be made available to all. Completion will be before December 2014. The public will be encouraged to add family recollections of WW1 to the website.
4. In the autumn/winter of 2014/15, a series of public feedback sessions about the project discoveries will be arranged for local communities.

Education Project - Part 2

The second part of the Education Project builds on the schools project outlined above. Its purpose is to involve local schools and communities in a direct way with the badges. In outline this will involve:

1. The appointment of an Education Officer from 2015 through to 2018. This will be a part time post, probably for 8 days per month.


1. The Education Officer will be available to schools and local groups to provide greater insight into the material included in the education pack and will encourage groups to visit Fovant and the badges.
2. The Education Officer and Trustees of the Society will provide liaison and guidance for those school students and other groups that wish to visit Fovant and the badges.
2. Perhaps the most powerful element of the Education Project is the construction of a new badge in 2016. Whilst this will be project managed by The Fovant Badges Society and its contractor, local schools and the community of Fovant will be encouraged to volunteer and assist in its construction, within H&S guidelines, during which:


1. We will test some of the theories and myths surrounding the construction of the badges in 1916-18 e.g. how was the design transcribed on to the hillside? Could signal flags and other WW1 communications be used to make design adjustments? And crucially could you slide down the hillside on a spade and/or a shovel?
2. During construction we propose filming the process so that we will have a permanent record of the processes involved.
3. The construction of the new badge provides a very real opportunity for re-enacting and recording some of the tales surrounding the badges and the rivalries between the various regiments stationed in the area that were expressed by building ever larger badges. Why, for example, were some of them re-built only months after completion?
4. Most importantly, the involvement of many schools and members of the local community in the construction of the Centenary Badge will have countless benefits to the participants and the Society by re-invigorating interest in the badges

In conclusion, building a new badge will also enable all of us to salute those soldiers back in 1916 that built the first badges in a way that would make perfect sense to them.

The Centenary Badge will firstly be dedicated to all of the World War One badges and their creators. A new engraved stainless steel depiction of the downs and all of the badges will placed in the A30 lay-by for the enlightenment of our visitors.

Secondly, the Centenary Badge will be dedicated to the sacrifices made by all British and Commonwealth Service Men and Women since 1945 and to those currently serving. For this reason, the design of the badge will be based on The Royal British Legion Poppy.

An application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for this part of the project is in progress.

Richard Bullard - PR and Newsletter Editor, Fovant Badges Society

---

[1] The Fovant Badges Society would like to thank members of The Fovant History Interest Group for their continued help in this project.

Walk Unlimited Brings A Fresh New Look To National Trails

 

National Trails website puts you one click away from the best trails in England and Wales

The official launch of the new National Trails website has taken place (www.nationaltrail.co.uk) which is packed with practical information and new maps for the 15 National Trails in England and Wales offering over 2,500 miles of some of the best walking, riding and cycling experiences for people who love outdoor adventures. National Trails pass through many stunning and diverse landscapes, and there is something to suit everyone: from short walks to a life-changing 630 mile long-distance coastal trek.

The new web site is the result of an innovative partnership between Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, and site developer and owner, Walk Unlimited.  The site uses high quality mapping thanks to support from the Ordnance Survey, showing the Trails in great detail as well as nearby attractions and facilities to visit – such as castles, churches, parks and museums. 

Recommended itineraries for walking and cycling are easily downloadable, and there are ideas for tailored outings such as geocaching trails too.  Families, outdoor enthusiasts and walkers – solo or in groups – can use the website with ease to plan the best exploration of our National Trails.

For the first time, new interactive features mean that local businesses can upload details of the services they provide to people visiting the area. This includes how to get there and where to stay, what to see and where to eat, and where to find facilities such as bike hire shops, horse-riding stables and outdoor equipment shops.

Trail users and local residents can upload content including photographs, word-of-mouth recommendations and reviews, plus details of visitor events. Together they give an insider’s view on National Trails, from where to eat fabulous ice cream, to where to see spectacular views, find hidden treasures and spot wonderful wildlife. They can even use the site to report any relevant ‘breaking news’ issues – making the website a topical, as well as useful, resource for planning your Trail visit.

Environment Minister, Dan Rogerson, said: “National Trails pass through some of the most stunning landscapes in Britain and are a welcome attraction for visitors. This new website will make it easier for people to make the most of the countryside and can help build stronger local economies and businesses.”

John Griffiths, Minister for Culture and Sport at the Welsh Government said: “This development should enable businesses to further benefit from our well established National Trails, as well as improve the experience of visitors. The Wales Coast Path has provided a significant economic boost for Wales and local businesses since it opened, and capitalises on the Welsh countryside and coast being a fantastic draw for visitors to Wales. It’s important that we continue to invest in the trail facilities and information so that they are up to the job of giving people a quality experience.”

Anne Clark, Walk Unlimited’s Managing Director, said: "We're really excited to have the responsibility for promoting National Trails. They are the best trails in the country and we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy them. The new website is just the start of our work to raise awareness of these fabulous trails, and the amazing landscapes they pass through." 

Liz Newton, Natural England’s Access and Engagement Director, said: “Our countryside is inspirational – this web site will help more people to discover it. Walk Unlimited have been a great partner to work with and are running the site as a self-funding commercial enterprise meaning that National Trails can be effectively marketed without having to draw on the public purse.”

Emyr Roberts, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales, said: “Walking is hugely popular in Wales with both local people and visitors who enjoy our beautiful and varied countryside – bringing with them a welcome boost to our economy.

“As well as the financial benefits walking also brings with it many health benefits, we already know that *34% of visitors to National Trails are motivated by the health benefits they will get from the exercise. The website will be a really useful tool for everyone looking to get out and enjoy our magnificent countryside.”

The URL for the new website is: www.nationaltrail.co.uk
Follow @NationalTrails and visit Facebook (thenationaltrails)

HELP US ENSURE FUTURE FUNDING FOR AONB PROJECTS

The AONB and the Community Partnership Executive of North Dorset (CPEND) jointly prepared the ‘Sowing SEEDS’ bid to Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) in 2008. It was developed to support innovative activities and projects by rural communities, businesses (including farmers, growers and foresters) and community organisations within the area.

This funding was the first of its kind to cover the entire AONB area and offered new prospects to local communities of all ages, with innovative project ideas.

Between 2009 and 2013, the Local Action Group (LAG), made up of representatives from the local community, decided which community based initiatives or projects received funding from ‘Sowing SEEDS’. The contribution that the Sowing SEEDS LAG has made to the rural community has been significant. In total it has supported 35 initiatives and awarded grants worth over £1.28 million to grassroots focused, small-scale, innovative projects , generating an impressive range of benefits for the area.

Case Studies

A number of individual case studies which reflect the diversity and range of the projects the LAG has supported throughout this programme period will shortly be available on the Sowing SEEDS website, please visit: http://www.sowing-seeds.org.uk/projects.html

Successful Projects

The following projects received funding through Sowing SEEDS.  Those highlighted in bold are within the AONB. These come to a total of just under £500,000 but each project will have levered in significant amounts of additional match funding. Many of the other projects directly and indirectly benefit the AONB communities and environment.

Hindon Village Shop	£19,231.00
Blackmore Vale Butchery	£8,750.00
Shaftesbury Film Unit	£8,000.00
Dorset Farmers Market	£5,938.00
Blandford Allotments - Machinery Ring	£9,996.00
Feasibility Study, Training Unit	£10,000.00
CPEND Broadband	£9,500.00
Motcombe Community Shop	£29,556.00
Future Roots	£128,600.00
Food Mill Feasibility Study	£9,350.00
Kingston Lacy Growing Spaces	£30,914.00
Let's go H20	£9,200.00
Gillingham Town Design Statement	£4,800.00
Mere Chambers	£8,546.00
Wimborne BID	£10,000.00
Countryside Centre Phase 1	£6,378.50
Henry's Buttons	£10,000.00
Economic Spine	£9,950.00
Tisbury Chambers	£8,546.00
Leisure Credits	£113,525.68
Rural DORMEN	£22,500.00
Lordsmead Mill Micro Hydro	£34,347.55
Peggs Farm Micro Hydro	£21,807.00
Benjafield Farm Micro Hydro	£31,213.00
Employability Skills Base	£146,827.00
Semley Shop	£49,548.50
Driving Rural Business	£62,221.00
Sustainable Tourism	£58,285.00
Trailway Wood Fuels retort system	£11,654.40
CHAT Hub	£198,369.00
Chalke Valley Community Hub	£91,734.00
Bangers & Bacon	£10,000.00
Stourhead Kindling	£9,960.00
Blandford Car Club	£9,266.00
Kingston Lacy Glasshouses	£38,345.00

The next Rural Development Programme

The next Rural Development Programme is anticipated to start during 2015 and will run until 2020. The Sowing SEEDS Local Action Group has been awarded funding to cover the period of transition between the current and future Rural Development Programmes during 2014. The funding will allow the Sowing SEEDS programme staff to begin a thorough participatory consultation period with communities across the whole LAG area. The LAG will be seeking views from local communities and businesses to inform the content of the new strategy. Activity to gather these views will include:

• A series of public consultation meetings
• Recruitment of new LAG members and formation of a new LAG Executive Committee
• Gathering background information about the Sowing SEEDS LAG area
• Seeking views from previously funded LEADER projects

The information gathered from these meetings will inform the preparation of a new Local Development Strategy (LDS). This strategy will set development priorities for the next funding period.

How you can help ensure that local action continues in this area:

1.    Complete a very short on-line survey - The future success of Local Action relies entirely on the local community. Your input is needed to help shape the future of Local Action in this area, so even if you feel you have had little or nothing to do with this programme your response is very much appreciated.

All completed surveys will be anonymous and a summary of the results will be used to help prepare the final programme evaluation. Please follow the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M8ZP98Y  

2. Project ideas – Although currently there isn’t any funding available for the remainder of this programme period, we would still like to hear from you if you have a project idea that you would like to discuss. We are keeping a list of prospective projects so we can contact you when we know when future funding becomes available. Please contact the Sowing SEEDS office if you would like to be added to this list and receive further news of funding opportunities.

3. Take part in one of the of Consultation Workshops - The current LAG have organised six meetings that will take place across the LAG area throughout February and March 2014. The workshops will be an opportunity to share your views, opinions and ideas about the future of LAG activity in the area. As always light refreshments will be served on arrival.

Schedule of meetings: ·         Wednesday 19th February 2014.  6pm - Sturminster Newton ·         Wednesday 26th February 2014.  6pm - Broad Chalke ·         Wednesday 5th    March 2014.     6pm - Bourton ·         Wednesday 12th March 2014.      6pm - Sixpenny Handley ·         Wednesday 19th March 2014.      6pm - Maiden Bradley ·         Wednesday 26th March 2014.      6pm – Semley

4. For up-to-date information about the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) visit: http://rdpenetwork.defra.gov.uk/

Please contact Sarah Dyke-Bracher – Programme Manager on 07826 907361 for further details

Outstanding Art in the Natural Environment AONB Workshop - new dates added

Local businesses, residents and visitors are invited to come along and share your views and thoughts about the area by taking part in series of workshops run by experienced professional artists. No art experience necessary – just your love for and interest in the area!

Outstanding Art in the Natural Environment - Workshops

Each workshop will involve an inspirational walk followed by a hands-on activity to focus on a particular theme and will include time to share ideas, thoughts and photos. Attendees will be encouraged to share their views, help devise text and collate visuals. There will be an opportunity to work with pen and paper as well as a chance to work in digital media using iPads and digital cameras.

The work generated will be used to enhance and illustrate publications produced by the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB team and will form the basis of an exhibition in the summer of 2014.

Professional artists Ali and Richard have been commissioned to lead this autumn project for the Cranborne Chase AONB. They have just finished leading the Walking Wiltshire’s White Horses project http://whitehorsewalk.co.uk/ with Wiltshire Museum and Devizes Carnival.  

Attendees are welcome from art groups and individuals of all ages over 16 years.

Outline of workshops:

SATURDAY 23rd NOVEMBER: Tisbury, a day themed around the rural economy and sustainability 11.30am – 3.30pm

Local businesses with international or local markets all welcome. Meet at 11.30 in Tisbury.

Contact: Linda Nunn lindanunn@cranbornechase.org.uk or Creative Wiltshire creativewiltshire@gmail.com for more information.

SUNDAY 24th NOVEMBER: Down Farm, Sixpenny Handley a day exploring the historic landscape and related issues. 10am – 4pm

Farmer Martin Green will lead a walk over his highly famed farm where archaeological works have taken place and showcase his historic inspirational finds. Afterwards the group will retire to the classroom to work on individual ideas and artworks. Materials are provided although please bring any preferred art supplies with you.

• Please bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee will be provided.

• Don’t forget to wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and bring your waterproofs! 

To book: outstandingart.eventbrite.co.uk

MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER: Broad Chalke, a day thinking and making art about rural communities. 

We have hired Tisbus for the day and can pick up 2 or 3 volunteers from each shop at the approximate times below and return them at the approximate times below.
　
Start times                         Return times
9.30am  Tisbury car park        4.45pm
10.00am Wren’s Shop East Knoyle 4.15pm
10.30am Hindon Village Stores   4.00pm
11.00am Ansty PYO and Farm Shop  3.45pm
1.00pm  Chalke Valley Stores    3.30pm
　
The bus journey is part of the process but if the times do not fit in with pick ups from school for example please feel make your own way to the afternoon session at Chalke Valley Stores, Broadchalke, High Rd, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 5EJ from 1pm – 3.30pm

Join the team for a working lunch at Chalke Valley Stores in the old Congregational Church.

Contact: Linda Nunn lindanunn@cranbornechase.org.uk or Creative Wiltshire creativewiltshire@gmail.com for more information.

TUESDAY 26th NOVEMBER: Win Green to Larmer Tree

Join us for a 10 mile walk looking at the working landscape and the natural environment, fields, coppicing, wildlife 9.30am – 4pm

The walk begins at Win Green, continues along the Ox Drove before dropping down to Chase Woods to hear about and look at woodland management on the historic Rushmore Estate. We hope to visit the Larmer Tree gardens (subject to confirmation) to work on individual ideas and artworks. Materials are provided although please bring any preferred art supplies with you. Those preferring a short walk can meet at Win Green and rejoin the group later.

• Please bring a packed lunch and something to drink, tea and coffee will be provided at the workshop in the afternoon

• Don’t forget to wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and bring your waterproofs!  Note this walk can be muddy and slippery if wet. The walk difficulty is considered ‘moderate’ with one steep accent.

To book: outstandingart.eventbrite.co.uk

About the artists
Ali Pretty is a British textile artist and carnival designer, best known as the founding member and artistic director of Kinetika, an international outdoor arts company. Ali’s independent practice looks deeper, towards a more personal approach, combining creative walking with conceptual textile design and writing. www.alipretty.com

Richard White is a digital artist and producer with an extensive career in participatory arts work. He leads Creative Wiltshire for Wiltshire College and contributes to the Heritage Management degree programme at Bath Spa University. 

Community artists, writers, illustrators and photographers needed

Raising Awareness and Understanding of the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Community artists such as writers/illustrators/photographers are needed to work closely with a number of community groups and members of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team to produce a range of texts and illustrations which will be used to bring a statutory document to life. The community artist/s engaged will hopefully draw out and capture people’s creative responses to the elements that make up the natural beauty of the special area, through participatory work. It is envisaged that this will be a collaborative commission between two or three community artists e.g. writer/illustrator/photographer who will work closely with a number of community groups and members of the AONB team to produce a range of texts and illustrations which will be used to bring a statutory document to life. Outputs There are three elements to this commission: 1.              Artist/s to produce a ‘Statement of Significance’ or ‘what makes this area special’ in conjunction with the AONB team (one – two A4 page/s, mainly prose). 2.              Artists working with community groups to produce creative material that will form an introduction to each section of the Plan (2 A4 pages for each section - 10 in total).  Chapter headings are as follows: landscape, natural environment (wildlife and natural resources), historic environment, rural land management, rural economy, planning and transport, viable rural communities, awareness and understanding, involvement and learning, access and wellbeing. 3.              An exhibition of all work produced to help significantly raise the profile and awareness and understanding of the AONB and to help ‘launch’ the new Management Plan in May/June 2014.  The team proposes a ‘rustic feel’ for the exhibition regarding venue, setting and display of contributions. Download the full creative brief here: AONB Artist Brief for Management Plan Deadline for applications is Wednesday 25 September 2013. Interviews will be held w/b 30 September 2013. Copyright: www.augustdesign.co.uk