December 11th 2023
Attendees
Alex Cruickshank (AC - BBOWT – Chair) Pat Stone (PS - BVHC), Christine Bailey (CB - BVCH), Elaine Dickinson (ED - Walks Committee), Dave Munson (DM - Common Volunteers), John Cable (JC - Walks Committee), Roger Stone (RS - Friends of Brill Common), Liz Springs (LS - Brill Parish Council), Emi Slater (ES - Brill Parish Council – Common Rep)
Bobs Damerell (BD – Minutes)
Future Agenda
It was agreed by all to have a formalised Agenda for each meeting going forward to be sent on the Friday preceding the meeting.
Apologies
Apologies were received for Tim Patrick (TP)
Actions from last meeting
Nettles – A quote was received from Aspire to cut the nettles in the Walks for approximately £1,000. After the quote was submitted an offer was received from Ken Furminger (KF) to cut the nettles at no cost using the mower and tractor kindly supplied by BVCH, to which the Parish Council gratefully accepted.
Grazing - AC to send through an example template of grazing rights
ED to talk to the farmer to check if grazing rights are currently in place and if so if there is a document available for the PC to have a copy.
Ranger Advert – ES confirmed agreement from the Parish Council for the advert to be drafted.
Span Green:
Hedge: PS confirmed that approximately three quarters of the hedge has been cut and the contractor has confirmed the remainder will be cut in Autumn 2024.
Sycamore Tree: The sycamore Tree (S21) has been removed and work is complete.
Flooding: BD to meet with landowner of the adjacent field to try and arrange a site visit to discuss what works can be done including the reinstatement of the ditch which has now become flush with the ground.
BVCH
The whole Group expressed is congratulations to BVCH for its receipt of The Kings Award for Volunteers.
Q. Has this been well publicised?
A. Yes, and in the days immediately after there was a dramatic increase on visits to the BVCH website
Q. Is there insurance in place for volunteers helping with BVCH?
A. Yes, and we have the Deputy Lieutenant comes to check and ensure all necessary insurances are in place.
Q. Is there an age limit for insurance purposes for volunteers?
A. There is no specific stipulation, however children can be members of BVCH but not volunteers, unless accompanied by their parents
Winter Schedule
Common Volunteers - DM
3d, C & H
JC has been working on 3H coppicing the blackthorn hedge. There was a comment raised by a resident who was concerned about building a boundary to discourage encroachment on the Common.
Q. Has you been able to lay any of the Blackthorn Hedge?
A. Yes, quite a lot of it.
3E – The Bramble clear out has been done to get access to the large Hawthorn
3G – The Brambles have been cleared as has the outlying hawthorn to the sycamore.
3C – Work has been completed
3D – We have not yet completed 3D though this will be done in December 2023.
FOBC - RS
S16 – The site has been cleared the site and the brambles cut back
S21 – The Sycamore tree has been removed
12, 134, 14 – These have all been encased with the goats.
AC had a look with ES at S16. Noticed eco plugs had been used. These were added to stop the sycamore from resprouting at FOBC request as agreed at the September meeting
Walks Mowing
Ken Furminger and Tim Patrick (TP) have also subsequently offered to cut the grass and nettles in the Walks for no cost with the Parish Council mower. BVCH agreed to the use of their tractor provided some conditions put in writing regarding damage, fuel etc have been agreed.
Jon Vaile has been spoken to about the mowing and has reiterated his commitment to cutting the nettles.
It was also agreed for the mower to be placed under a tarpaulin and stored on the Walks so it is accessible for TP and KF when required to cut the grass and nettles.
Jon Vaile has confirmed that the mower has now been repaired and will be ready for use in the spring.
September 18th 2023
In attendance
Alex Cruickshank - BBOWT (AC), Elaine Dickinson – The Walks Committee (ED), Emi Slater – Brill Parish Council (ES), Liz Springs – Brill Parish Council (LS), Pat Stone - BVCH (PS), Roger Stone – Friends of Brill Common (RS), Dave Munson – Common Volunteers (DM), Tim Patrick (TP), Christine Bailey - BVCH (CB), John Cable - The Walks Committee (JC), Bobs Damerall – Parish Clerk (BD) Guests: Andy Fisher - The Brill Society (AF) – invited by ES Minutes taken by Bobs Damerall – Parish Clerk.
The Walks Management this summer
Management & Nettles
ES stated a recognition that there has been a bit of a mess this summer due to a number of factors .The focus is the future and what to do next.
ED confirmed that very little management had taken place on The Walks over the Spring / Summer. Thanks were noted to Tim Patrick for his work on the Walks and work from the Common Volunteers.
ED provided an update on Jon Vaile’s commitment. JV is completely committed to mowing The Walks. The mower is currently broken, but to what extent is yet to be determined, but the head gasket is definitely broken. The nettles need to be cut on a regular basis e.g. every 6-8 weeks, to which the group was in agreement. It was also agreed for certain areas where the nettles should be left.
ED confirmed the plan would be to cut the nettles 3-4 times over the period April – September every year.
DM stated that the current length of the nettles will require them to be cleared once they have been cut. This wouldn’t be a problem if the nettles are cut on a regular basis.
It was agreed to obtain a quote for a one off cut and collect of the nettles off the walks from Aspire.
It was also agreed for ED to arrange a meeting with JV and the Parish Council to have a clear schedule in January or February in preparation for the summer. This is to be actioned by ED.
It was agreed to continue with the use of sheep on the Walks to continue grazing the grass. AC to send through a copy of a grazing license for signing for the sheep.
DM stated the original vision for The Walks was to stop the land from being developed. It was registered as a Village Green and led to the increase of green space within the village.
Trees
TP was concerned about the cutting of the trees and asked that any contracted work needed to have a clear specification to stop any destruction of species. It was agreed that TP would be Cc’d into any tree surgery work undertaken by the PC if practical.
LS asked about the locations for the benches in The Walks and who determined this. ED confirmed that this should officially be a decision for the PC.
Warden
ES confirmed that she would like to ask the PC for permission for an advert job description for a 1 day a week warden to see what pool of applicants come forward. Following advice from AC it was confirmed the salary would be approximately £5,000 per year.
JC expressed concern that at 1 day a week it might be difficult to find the right person.
PS agreed and also added that it was a nice idea to have a warden, but the warden would have to be take part in the work as well as organising.
ES made it clear that there is commitment from the PC to run The Common more professionally long term. We cannot rely on volunteers for ever.
Ragwort clearance
ES expressed thanks on behalf of the group and the Parish Council to all the volunteers for their time in removing the ragwort.
RS raised concern over the number of volunteers coming to help. The ragwort has continued for an extended period this year and is becoming more difficult to clear with dwindling numbers of volunteers.
PS also stated there is also concern over the increase in volume of sycamore this year which is also a poison for the cows.
It was agreed for ES to ask the Council for permission to get a quote for the removal and disposal of the ragwort.
Winter Schedule
S4 (North Hills) - Spray markers are required on the trees.
AC – confirmed that the coppicing of the Hawthorn will create a reduction in the density of the scrub.
It was agreed as regards to hedging to follow the conservation method by cutting and laying the hedging.
RS expressed concern over the Himalayan Balsam which is also growing in larger numbers, but confirmed that the FOBC had agreed that the ragwort is the most important weed to remove over Himalayan balsam
3I - S16 (Sycamores) – It was agreed to put the quote from Oxford Tree Services before the Parish Council for the clearance of the Sycamores. The quote for the removal was £650.00. This would be to cut down, chip and remove the brash and remove and leave the wood in situ.
3G – S40: DM asked why the walnut needed to be removed?
AC confirmed that as it is a self-seeded tree on the Common it should be removed.
DM stated that the Common Volunteers would carry out the work for: 3c, 3d, 3e/f, 3h on the Winter Schedule.
RS confirmed that FOBC agreed to carry out the work for: 3a, 3b, 3g on the Winter Schedule
5a/b on Winter Schedule – it was agreed PC would pay contractor to cut and collect. Pat Stone to organise. Need code for bollards
Span Green
It was agreed to cut the hedge back to the ditch at the entrance to Span Green 5 a/b.
PS confirmed that a contractor had agreed to remove the tree for no cost but in exchange for keeping the wood. All agreed.
PC in contact with landowner to solve drainage run off issue. BD to action.
Encroachment
TP to send new information regarding encroachment on The Walks to the Clerk to disseminate to the Cllrs.
Easement policy – LS & ES confirmed this is still being worked on by The Parish Council and will be shared when ready.
CSS Agreement
ES updated the group that she, AC and the Clerk had met to discuss the future CCS Agreement. Currently the first step that is required is to set up an Association of Commoners in order to fully consult with the Commoners on the suggested plans for the agreement. The Parish Council has the original list of Commoners and agreed to work with PS to ensure that the list is up to date with contact details.BD and PS to liase on this.
Proposal for The Brill Society to join the group
During the meeting a vote was held to decide whether to include The Brill Society as a full member of the Advisory Group. The proposal was neutrally made by AC, with the results as follows: Votes in favour: 2 Votes against: 4. The proposal was therefore denied. AC explained that the Brill Society are only concerned with a small strip of land (the Curtiledge) around the Windmill which is mowed by the Common Volunteers on their behalf anyway. Therefore, in the interests of time, it is not necessary for them to be a full member of the Advisory Group which is made up of volunteers who do the physical work on the Common. Instead TBS will be invited as guests when necessary.
June 19th 2023
Present
Alex Cruickshank (Chair, BBOWT), Emi Slater (PC) + Guest Andy Fisher (The Brill Society) , Liz Springs (PC) , Dave Munson (Common Volunteers) + Guest Jon Vaile (The Walks), Jon Cable (The Walks), Pat Stone (BVCH), Roger Stone ( Friends of Brill Common).
Apologies
Tim Patrick
Feedback from groups
Common Volunteers
Dave Munson. Amenity mowing round windmill and car park discussed. Also helped with Walks clearing this week. Some communication confusion about when nettles should be mown. Most of upper Walks done, some left. Flail not best for the clearing as cuts it but leaves it on the ground which enriches the soil; not good for wildflowers. Next attempt at clearing will be at the beginning of July. Jon Vaile is to do it on a regular basis having taken over from Colin Buggey. All agreed needs to be cut and removed. Mowing, strimming, and tractor.
BVCH
Pat Stone. Cows moving next week to South Hills. Noticeable increase in orchids. Confirmed they will be fenced off for safe keeping.
Friends of Brill Common
Roger Stone. Tractor flail brambles etc. NE corner, bottom of Tram Hill and outside Commoners
The Walks
Jon Vaile. Purchased CB tractor to continue to maintain The Walks. JV was unsure of when he was supposed to do it, plus he had several busy weeks etc. Action: Dave M offered Common Volunteers to support JV with clearing and tidying of the Windmill.
Windmill
Andy Fisher. Two sails currently down for renovation. Grade 2 star listed building which includes the curtilage. Curtilage includes the walk to the mill from where the car park is now as it was the access to the mill. Concerned about getting on well with all groups and concerned regarding clearing nettles etc, for access. Wants the grass kept short for fire safety purposes due to it being timber building. Crack noticed last year on roundhouse. Doors and timbers planed to fit, after 2 weeks the doors have moved. Concerned that this is signs of subsidence. The roundhouse is not structural however the legs of the mill are on the same floor. Concerned about creating a full scale plan. DM confirmed that 15 years ago, 10 tons of soil were added to the area to help with support. Plan now to monitor the legs to see if there is any movement in them. Action: Common Vols (DM) offered to mow and strim under benches and stairs of Mill. Action: Andy and Dave to confer on ideas to help combat subsidence.
Possible suggestions of dragon’s teeth fencing, encouraging growth or planning further scrub to bind soil and discourage walkers.
The Walks
Managements plans for nettles. Jon Cable agreed to feedback to Walks Committee that we need a proper schedule/works plan from them in order to integrate it into overall Common Management plan. Action: JC agreed to ask Elaine Dickinson to organise one. Action: Agreed to give time for group to digest document when it arrives and Emi will circulate it when she receives it from Elaine.
Grazing
Cattle; grass has grown very well so cows haven’t been moved yet so they can tackle the extra growth so it doesn’t cause an issue in the winter. Ragwort still in bud so not really showing yet- hopefully won’t be a problem this year. Agreed to keep an eye on the ragwort. If it does become a problem, then proactive approach to be taken again this year.
Goats
Goat grazing plan needs to be added to the management plan. Observed that yellow rattle is appearing on the common around the windmill and that’s attributed to the cows. Gives other flowers a chance to grow rather than being choked out by grass. Evidence of positive impact from cows. Action: Alex to liaise with Tim regarding goat plan.
Winter work plan
Action: Alex confirmed the winter work plan will be updated by September to give better notice to all. Action: All groups to feedback on last year’s plan to Alex ahead of this. Agreed to assess sycamore situation as poisonous to grazing.
Beating the Bounds and Encroachment
BtB a very successful event. List has been compiled and PC will be discussing it to agree which encroachments to grant, which to pursue. PC confirmed encroachment policy is robust and will be pursued to the letter of the law if needed. Concerns on parking on Common raised to PC. Suggestion of parking stickers to put on cars. Action: Emi to suggest at PC meeting
Span Green
PC still waiting on 3 quotes for drainage of Span Green. Action: Emi to chase Bobs on this. Bucks RoW have confirmed they will be adding no horse-riding signs to the paths and that paths will be cleared later this year.
Scrub Clearance
Suggestion for group to apply for section 137 for funding or match funding for scrub clearance. Inconclusive. Need to create of proper dump for arisings in future.
Village Greens Management
Questioned reasons behind allowing bee-friendly areas to grow on the Green and what is the plan for them. Advised that they will be mowed and cleared at the end of the season, not left wild.
Owls
Liz advised that she had been in contact with BORG and Tiggywinkles about supporting our owl population and about becoming a potential release site for rehabilitated owls. Group asked if they object in principle to being an owl release site provided that BORG and Tiggywinkles support the project. All agreed.
AOB
Emi thanked all for coming and their continued support and work.
March 13th 2023
Present
Chair – Alex Cruickshank BBOWT, Emi Slater ( Parish Council), Liz Spring (Parish Council), Tim Patrick (FOBC) , Jon Cable (The Walks Committee) , Dave Munson (The Common Volunteers) , Pat Stone – BVCH and grazing Commoner, Roger Stone – FOBC.
Formal minutes will be taken from the next meeting by Bobs Damerall as Parish Clerk. On this occasion an informal record of our discussion was taken by Emi Slater.
Funding changes new ELMS, Future HLS etc
Alex reported back on funding meeting with Philip Miles (attended by Emi Slater, Bobs Damerell, Liz Springs, Alex Cruickshank this morning in the PC office) with Ceres who have been employed by DEFRA to advise landowners in the UK on the new funding schemes. Philip will come back with a report on the funding available specific to Brill. Most likely we will apply for a further Stewardship agreement which we will need to prepare over the next year. Discussion of Animal Health & Welfare grant and whether BVCH should apply for it as well or not. Much discussion needed with all groups as to what we can apply for over the coming months. No conclusions made until we have received report from Philip and further discussion needed.
Action: PC/Bobs to wait for Philip Miles report and then continue to consult with Alex and Volunteer groups to start building the next application over the next 2 years. Deadline April 2025.
Draft Action Plan
Dave M reported on work done by Comm Vols which was in line with the management plan and as suggested Alex’ draft work plan send round earlier this year. Action: Dave M and Roger S agreed to send Alex summary of what work has been done so far (by the Common Vols and Friends of BC) so we can keep a record for comparison – cc Emi in.
Span Green
Suggestion that railway sleepers would solve the problem on Span Green but not all keen as need a longer term better solution. Suggestion to abandon 6b in draft plan sent out. Span Green is footpath not a bridleway therefore the group decided not to precede further. All agreed if the riders prefer not to go on road they could help contribute to the clearance of a pathway. Suggestion of possible use of the PC’s flail mower in September/August to flail right through Span Green. Discussion about best to do with Span. Alex advises that Bucks CC should take responsibility for the footpath and the mess it is in. Action: Emi report to PC and Bobs re Bucks County CC to do something about Span Green drainage on the Bucks CC footpath. Check with Hannah first as she ROW representative on the PC.
North Hills/Scrub Clearance
Target for North Hills – comparison of targets. Alex has lumped Scrub and brambles together. Scrub means small trees as well as brambles. Discussion about size of trees. Action: In order to achieve targets in management plan we need funding to do a restoration project on North Hills – scrub removal project in late summer. More resources needed for scrub removal. Emi and Alex to discuss and report back to PC.
Encroachment
Discussion about 2 vans parked permanently on Windmill Car park and then moved around the village & parking on the green?? Parents parking on the green. Discussion about Span green crossroads chalk path (see photo from Emi) – opinion that it is not particularly an encroachment so not perhaps a problem – as the chalk will just fade in. Further discussion on PC encroachment policy. Liz reported on work so far and progress made. Emi and Liz reassured group the PC taking it very seriously and working on system that will be in place long term. Action: Group suggests small “No Parking” sign – no parking on the Green just to see if it will make any difference. Emi & Liz to report to PC.
Farmer Cluster
We get brownie points for getting funding/access for bigger project funding. We have already benefitted from Bird Seed project. Buckets and seeds received from Natural England. Action: Dave M and Tim P to put up bird feeder at Hartwell’s Barn and Jon C and Tim P to continue scattering seed along hedgerows in HB to fill hungry gap. Liz S to attend next Farmer Cluster BoR meeting.
Hazardous Tree survey
Emi reported on Nick Dunbar, Whole Tree Company – Ash Dieback – report to come. Discussion about planting of trees in place of ones that die as we go along. Action: Emi to send report round to all when complete.
Pond in The Walks
Tim pollarded the willows by the pond. Question about 3 year pollarding of trees by the pond. Perhaps we do it too often?? Dogs swimming in the pond? Funding about restoring ponds – get a survey done of both ponds – cleaned and dredged – lining was taken out of pond – clay lining was taken – yes fencing ponds to protect wildlife is what the group think should happen. Discussion about “run your dogs loose” places that people could take them to as an alternative. Suggestion to fence pond, put up wildlife sign in the future. Action: First step Emi, Liz and Alex to discuss Pond survey options and report to PC.
The Goats
The goats were put on the Common 8 years ago – after the HLS was applied for – that is why they are not included in the management plan. Pat S renews Tim P’s grazing licence every two years. Discussion about including them in next plan?
The Walks Committee
Discussion that we need more about what their plans are. How useful is it to have so many Vol groups? Jon reported Tree planting, pollarding and Bench has happened since our last meeting. Emi apologised for forgetting to tell PC about bench put in honour of Pete Davis and Pete Bugg. Tree planting had been approved by PC. Action: Jon to ask Walks committee to write a yearly plan of action and send to group (email to Alex and Emi).
South Hills
Broken glass found in the dip in South Hills – something (badgers?) has disturbed it and broken glass now exposed. Terry Russell reported it. Suggestion from Alex that we need to get contractors to look at it and also remind Bobs about mattress that Ilona showed him. Action: Liz to report to Bobs and PC. And ask Hannah to put on PC database and Bobs to action.
Licence for Sheep on The Walks
The Walks Committee – Defra asked this morning if Sheep on walks at a licence? Action: Jon C to ask Walks Committee what agreement sheep people have so we know for future funding.
BPS
Coming to an end. 2028 it goes down to 0. So discussion needed about what the future holds in terms of grazing. The future!? The goats? The cows?
AOB
HB – could Saunders Field be a holding ground for cows? Too many badgers in there so TB might be an issue – not enough grass for them in the winter .