Cranborne Chase AONB Annual Forum - Your chance to be involved

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

 

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to attend the 2014 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Annual Forum.

 

Coffee/tea will be available from 10.00am and the day will finish promptly at 4.30pm.

 

In the morning your AONB team will give a brief report of Partnership achievements during 2013-2014 followed by a brief outline of work to be undertaken during 2014-2015, that helps achieve the aims of the new 2014–2019 Management Plan.

 

One of those aims is to achieve ‘Dark Night Sky status’ for the AONB over the next two to three years. Well-known Dorset astronomer Bob Mizon, UK Co-ordinator, British Astronomical Association Campaign for Dark Skies will be on hand to explain what this all means and how everyone within the AONB can help.

 

After lunch there will be two sessions for delegates to attend:
 

• We have the Mizar Travelling Planetarium with Bob Mizon M.B.E, F.R.A.S. who is one of the most experienced travelling planetarium operators in the UK http://www.mizar-astro.freeserve.co.uk/astro/
• There are various ongoing projects within the AONB to commemorative World War I. Discover what was involved in drawing these projects together, and see the exhibition of maps and photographs.
• http://www.wylyevalley1914.org.uk/               
• http://www.fovantbadges.com/                 
• http://www.sutton-down-badges.com/      

 

Spaces are limited so please book by Monday 23rd June or, alternatively, you can reply by email to shirleymerrick@cranbornechase.org.uk  As lunch is provided please email Shirley if you have any dietary requirements.         

 

If you cannot attend in person, please do consider sending a deputy. Once again, we look forward to meeting you at the New Remembrance Hall, Charlton on 1st July.

 

Yours sincerely,

Linda Nunn 

Director Cranborne Chase AONB

 

Helping others to make a positive change in their community - Resource

Big Lunch Extras is a three-year programme to help individuals across the UK create positive change within their communities. Funded through the Big Lottery it is all about bringing communities together, reducing loneliness and isolation and helping to make a difference locally which is at the heart of the Big Lottery Fund’s mission.

The Fund is therefore delighted to invest Lottery funding into Big Lunch Extras, which  builds on the success of The Big Lunch, to support individuals who want  to make a positive change in their communities. Big Lunch Extras will inspire and support people to tackle issues that are important to them. This will strengthen neighbourhood networks, create a greater sense of community cohesion improve the lives of communities across the UK.

The website is a very useful resource with lots of case studies demonstrating other projects. So if you're looking for ideas or advice on what to do next in your community, you’ll like our resources. We’ve created a growing collection, which includes:

• activities and project to try yourselves, with clear instructions
• inspirational stories from neighbourhoods around the UK
• simple guides that help you get to grips with big ideas

There is an online community forum which is also a brilliant place to start discussions and gain important insights from others who may be experiencing the same challenges.
Worth a look.  http://www.biglunchextras.com/content/join

 

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.

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. 

Butterfly Conservation – Wiltshire Branch Guided Butterfly and Moth Events in Southern Wiltshire Spring/Summer 2013

Everyone is welcome to join us, particularly children with their parents. If you intend to come along please call the telephone number given so that we know to expect you.

Saturday 15th June at 8.00pm.

Moth trapping with Laurie Evans. 5 miles east of Salisbury.

Meet at Pepperbox Hill just off the A36 at Grid Reference SU 218252.

Please call Laurie Evans on 01722712937.

Sunday 14th July at 11.00am.

A walk in Grovely Wood, led by Tom Smith.

Meet at the Lodge Coppice entrance, Grid Reference SU 007 349. (Park by the tarmac track.) We hope to see silver-washed fritillaries, dark green fritillaries, white admirals, small skippers, large skippers, marbled whites, ringlets, and other summer butterflies. Please call Tom Smith on 01985 846260.

Friday 9th August at 8.30 pm.

Moth trapping at Langford Lakes.

Meet at the car park grid Reference SU 039 370. This is a joint event with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Please call Frank Crosier on 01722 790419

Saturday 17th August at 11.00am.

A guided walk looking at chalk downland butterflies on Clearbury Down. Meet at the corner of the wood at Grid Reference SU 152245. This site is known particularly for its blue butterflies, including the chalkhill blue. Please call Frank Crosier on 01722 790419.

Link2Nature Coordinator Role Available

A new Coordinator for Link2Nature, the Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Partnership, is being recruited – please note the closing date for applications is Monday 3rd June at 12 noon.
The post is based at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in Devizes; the full advertisement is below and further details are on the WWT website: http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/who-we-are/workingforthetrust/LNP_Coordinator_Vacancy 

Please circulate this advert widely within your organisation, networks and other contacts to help us reach as many potential candidates as possible.

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Local Nature Partnership Coordinator

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• Salary : £26,969 pro-rata per annum
• Hours : Fixed term to 31st March 2014 / Part Time 4 days/week (30 hrs)
• Based : Devizes

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to play a key role in the development and implementation of the Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Partnership. You will play a pivotal role in liaising with a wide range of organisations and stakeholders across a diversity of sectors, including NGO’s, Business, statutory agencies and local communities.

The successful applicant will be able to work at a strategic level and demonstrate a practical understanding and experience of the complex relationships and agendas which exist in a partnership led initiative. A confident individual, you will communicate with a diversity of people across a range of levels of understanding and experience.

Organised and efficient, you will possess the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team, with a desire to succeed and deliver high quality outcomes. A track record of successful partnership management and co-ordination is required.

This post is funded by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council and hosted by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. For more information about the Partnership, please visit: http://www.link2nature.org.uk/

Closing Date : Monday 3rd June 2013 @ 12 noon

Interviews : Friday, 14th June 2013

If you are interested in this position, please download the application pack from the right hand column, complete and return to recruitment@wiltshirewildlife.org. Or post to: Recruitment LNP Coordinator, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Elm Tree Court, Long Street, Devizes. SN10 1NJ. If you would like to discuss this opportunity informally, please contact Stephen Davis on 01380 725670.

Wildlife Community Workshops with Wiltshire Wildlife

2 Nature (the Wiltshire & Swindon Local Nature Partnership) is coordinating two community workshops in April:

• Tuesday 16^th April, West Ashton Village Hall, near Trowbridge

• Tuesday 23^rd April, Dinton Village Hall, near Salisbury

The workshops will be focussed on the value and importance of local green space, in particular enabling more local people/groups to start taking a positive and active role in recording, protecting and sustainably using their local green areas.  Please see the attached invite for more information.

The workshops are supported by a range of organisations and groups including: Wiltshire & Swindon Biological Records Centre, Wiltshire Council- Open Space Team, Public Health-Wiltshire, Community First, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (Food Champions Team, and Environment Evidence officer) and some of the Local Volunteer Groups.  For more information visit the website: http://www.link2nature.org.uk/news-events

Please forward this invite to any networks or contacts who you feel may be interested in attending these events

Help needed for young people in care in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Independent Visitor Scheme is looking for volunteers in the Devizes, Salisbury and Warminster areas to visit, listen to and support young people who are living in care.


Wiltshire Council, who helps run and fund the scheme, is looking for volunteer adults (aged over 21) who communicate well with young people, understand their issues and interests and have some regular time to spare. Independent Visitor’s are for young people living in care who have little or no contact from their parents or family.

The scheme is particularly looking for volunteers in the Devizes, Salisbury and Warminster areas, and male volunteers are currently under-represented.

Sheila Lupton, Wiltshire’s Independent Visitor manager, said: “The scheme is great for both volunteers and young people. We match young people with volunteers according to their interests, personalities and preferences, this means they usually get on really well together and young people can build up a strong trusting relationship with their volunteer visitor.”
Training and ongoing support are all provided. For more information contact Sheila Lupton on 01373 859485.

Funding for Youth Projects South West Wiltshire Opportunity

South West Wiltshire Area Board has set aside £11,744 to allocate to projects that will benefit young people in the South West Wiltshire Community Area in 2012/13. This funding is available to groups based/operating in all parishes within the Mere, Tisbury and Wilton community areas in Wiltshire.


Groups can apply for up to £1000 to take part in activities, buy equipment or other project costs (grants for more than £1000 will be considered on a case by case basis). The project ideas should come from young people themselves and they should be actively involved in the planning. The project should have a ‘supporter’ to help and hold funds for the project (e.g youth worker, school, parish councillor).

The project should show benefits for young people in at least one of the following areas:

· Leading healthier lifestyles / keeping physically healthy

· Learning new skills
· Making a positive contribution
· Access to transport or other service
· Challenging bullying or discrimination
· Benefitting the local community

To give you a few ideas, here are some of the projects that received funding from the Area Board in 2011/12:
- Coaching equipment for Chilmark Cricket Club Juniors.
- Training lifeguards who could then volunteer in local swimming pools

- Drama production for Junior Tisbury Arts Group

- Educational DVD on life as a young parent to be used in local schools and youth clubs

The deadline for applications is 14 November 2012. Those groups whose applications are shortlisted will be invited to attend the South West Area Board meeting on 5 December 2012 at Wilton Community Centre and make a presentation (no longer than 2 minutes).

All of the relevant forms and information is attached to this email. Please, please pass on this information to any local groups/organisations who you think could benefit.
There will be an announcement at the Area Board meeting on 17 October 2012 at Nadder Hall, Tisbury starting at 7pm (refreshments from 6.30pm) but you don’t need to wait till then! Please send your application to me (by email if possible) using the contact details below or if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. Last year we ran a workshop for putting together an application; we have not arranged at this stage but if it becomes clear that this would be useful we are more than willing to arrange one.

Stephen Harris
Community Area Manager (South West Wiltshire)
Area Boards Team
T. 01722 434211
M. 0758 427 4055
Email: stephen.harris@wiltshire.gov.uk
Website: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/southwestwiltshireareaboard
Twitter: follow @SW_Wiltshire by clicking here.