Hannah Hulme Hunter 11/25/24 Hannah Hulme Hunter 11/25/24

November 25th 2024

Attendees

Alex Cruickshank (AC - BBOWT – Chair) Pat Stone (PS - BVHC), Dave Munson (DM - Common Volunteers), John Cable (JC - Walks Committee), Roger Stone (RS - Friends of Brill Common), Emi Slater (ES - Brill Parish Council – Common Rep), Tim Patrick (TP), Liz Cotgreave (LC – The Walks), Liz Springs (Brill Parish Council)

Bobs Damerell (BD – Minutes), Huw Rowley

Apologies: Christine Bailey (CB – BVCH)

Winter Programme (feedback from walk with Alex)

S20 – Common Volunteers – So far there have been three sessions clearing Himalayan Balsam and are currently doing very well. There are more sessions scheduled and the clearance should be finished by Christmas weather permitting.

FOBC – Started clearance on South Hills but have been unable to carry out significant clearance due to members illness and combining the work with that of the Herd as well.

Ragwort – The Clerk to Check if Bucks Council will collect and incinerate Ragwort.

Sycamore! (Huw etc)

ES updated the group that the Parish Council has initially committed up to £1,000 towards the removal of sycamore from The Common.

Huw Rowley has attacked and removed some of the smaller sycamores with his mattock, but would require a bigger mattock to be able to remove the bigger specimens.

The Group agreed to ask Tim Ludlow if he had the equipment (eg a digger) and if he would be willing to dig out the larger Sycamores.

Cllr Slater updated that the Parish Council had approved the removal of a sycamore on the Lawns as following sight of the surveyors report the trees proximity to the house will cause potential damage to foundations if left in situ.

The group unanimously agreed not to plant any further trees in the Walks.

The Walks

Dogs off the Lead - The increase of dogs off the lead in the Walks has started to cause low level concern and that all residents should have dogs on the lead.

Sheep – The group was very supportive of the Management Programme drawn up by AC but this also requires further and closer contact with the Shepherd regarding the times and when the sheep or Rams are placed on the Walks. ES & BD to visit the Shepherd to discuss the grazing license and timings for sheep on the Walks

BD to investigate further the legalities of sheep and fencing on the Walks as it is designated Village Green.

Garden Waste on The Walks - Composting system in the village - ideas? The group agreed a standard letter should be sent to residents who deposit garden waste on the Walks or Common.

Encroachment down Tram Hill

BD has a possible meeting on 7 December 2024 to discuss the Encroachment at Cuckoo Close Farm.

Heritage Lottery Grant for a Ranger for management of the Common

ES reminded the group of the purpose of the application and that it is currently the second week of the eight-week consideration period before ES is notified of the decision. There is a hope the outcome will be received before Christmas.

Signs to stop parking on the Village Green

The Group were in support of the use of no parking signs on the Village Green and on cars parked on the Village Green, particular during school drop off and pick up to try and ease congestion at these times and protect the Green.

LS stated she was working on these signs and would continue to do so to have these implemented as soon as possible.

Hannah Hulme Hunter 9/2/24 Hannah Hulme Hunter 9/2/24

September 2nd 2024

Attendees

Alex Cruickshank (AC - BBOWT – Chair) Pat Stone (PS - BVHC), Christine Bailey (CB - BVCH), Dave Munson (DM - Common Volunteers), John Cable (JC - Walks Committee), Roger Stone (RS - Friends of Brill Common), Emi Slater (ES - Brill Parish Council – Common Rep), Tim Patrick (TP)

Bobs Damerell (BD – Minutes)

Apologies: Elaine Dickinson (ED - Walks Committee), Liz Springs (LS - Brill Parish Council)

Thank you’s

Thanks were made to BVCH for the updates and requests for volunteers in the newsletter. Thanks were made to Tim Patrick for his hard work and effort in clearing Ragwort from the Common. Thanks were made to Dave Munson for the hard work carried out on the Common during the summer.

Actions from the June Meeting

No matters arising not otherwise on the Agenda

Himalayan Balsam

The areas 19 – 22 are becoming over run with Himalayan Balsom and immediate action is required in October and the winter to remove the brambles preventing access ad remove the scrub on the fields. The Balsom then needs to be strimmed when the first nodule appears and before it is allowed to flower. The Common Volunteers volunteered to clear the area of brambles and other growth in winter 2024 ready for the removal of the Himalayan Balsom from February 2025. The group recommended the Parish Council to look into whether Bucks Council can remove the collected ragwort and Himalayan Balsom

Ragwort

Tim Patrick has been working hard on the Common towards North Hills to try and remove Ragwort on the areas where the cows will be positioned. The Group agreed to arrange another date to pull ragwort in Spring 2025.

Glyphosate

Following reports of glyphosate being used on the Common ES reiterated that Glyphosate is legally not permitted on the Common due to the damage to the Bio-diversity. The Group reiterated that no other herbicides are allowed to be used on the Common.

The Walks Mowing

Tim Patrick confirmed that the grass has been cut five times this year. Alex Cruickshank to draft a Walks Management Plan for the next committee meeting.

The Walks Committee – BVCAG pending an update from the Walks Committee is recommending to the Parish Council that the Walks Committee be disbanded due to the lack of effectiveness. Garden Waste- Further reports of garden waste being deposited on the Walks. The Group recommended the Parish Council follow the Encroachment Policy on garden waste being deposited on the Walks.

North Hills Encroachment

ES updated the Group that the hardcore on the encroached area has been removed. There have been a number of residents of North Hills who have contacted the Parish Council in objection to the removal of the hardcore. The matter will be discussed at the September Parish Council Meeting

Span Green

Thanks were made to Mark Cherry for the clearance work carried out on Span Green. The Group believe that that Bucks Council have cleared the path all the way to Oakley Road.

Winter Programme

The Group agreed to meet in October to walk the Common and look at what has been done in previous years and discuss the upcoming Winter Schedule.

Ranger Application update

ES working hard on funding application. The Community Lottery Fund was unfortunately unsuccessful. However now working on the heritage lottery fund application. Currently into the second round and hope to submit this in September 2024. Has to demonstrate a clear project the Ranger will carry out eg scrub management, recruiting new volunteers, guided walks etc. Need letters of support and once the project plan has been complete it will be sent to the group to review and comment. An ecological condition assessment of the Common is also required.DM agreed to share the previous year’s Birds and Butterfly summary of species to be included in the submission.

CSA update

No update to report from the June meeting

AOB

Attendance – The members agreed that, should there be six months (two meetings) of non-attendance at the BVCAG meetings then the group reserves the right to review the membership of that individual group.

Hannah Hulme Hunter 6/30/24 Hannah Hulme Hunter 6/30/24

June 10th 2024

Attendees

Bobs Damerell (BD – Minutes)

Apologies

Elaine Dickinson (ED - Walks Committee), Liz Springs (LS - Brill Parish Council)

North Hills encroachment and further track maintenance

ES updated the group that in the immediate aftermath of the work, there had been one informal visit by ES meeting with TP and also Paul Godwin. An Official visit occurred two weeks prior to this meeting and the Cllrs present agreed the area that has become a car parking area outside AF house is encroachment. The Council is currently in discussion as to the next steps following the encroachment process including the cost of the work to repair the area removal of the encroachment.

ES confirmed that the decision to grant a contribution towards the works initially was to act as a reminder that the land is Common Land and under the ownership if the Parish Council. The Council agreed to pay the contribution as it was most of the Council’s belief that the work was carried out in good faith. The Council is looking at two options for the restoration; whether the Council carried out the work and then look to charge those responsible or absorb the cost themselves. The Council has resolved that it will not contribute any funding to track maintenance in the future.

Summer schedule

TP confirmed that the sycamore on S21 has been removed though has left the brambles nearby. Ragwort - FOBC – The group agreed to hold a volunteer day to help remove the Ragwort encroaching on the Common on 6 July 2024. Mowing – DM confirmed that the Common Volunteers mow the common when appropriate. Goats – TP to leave the goats where currently situated due to the current growth of vegetation. UKPN – The Clerk to check whether UKPN have assessed the power lines behind 11 North Hills.

Rights of Way

Hannah Hulme Hunter addressed the group whether there would be any objection from the group in keeping the footpath pinch points in the Parish clear for a small remuneration. This would be approximately two cuts a year. This should be to cut back the grass and nettles not hedging. The Group in principle had no objection to the proposal. The proposal will then be passed though to the Parish Council to discuss. HHH to report the inaccurate footpath markers on Windmill Street to the Right Of Way Fix my Street.

AOB

The Council is working on the new HLS Agreement. This though cannot be submitted until Spring 2025 as current agreement expires in December 2025. The new agreement would take effect form 1 January 2026.

BD and AC looked at applying for 10 hectares under ‘GS6’ - Management of Species Rich Grass, upgraded from the Restoration of Species Rich Grassland’ from the last agreement. This would include the grassland on the common and some of the bramble / scrubland. This would bring funding of approximately £6,600 / year. It was also suggested to include the Difficult site supplement for funding of £93/hectare totalling approximately £1,000 /year. The Council could also apply for a capital payment for scrub control of £2,240 per hectare. The Council will also consider a grant for Span Green grass scrub of £150/ hectare approximately, totalling £350/ year. The Walks have also be considered and could be eligible for Wood Pasture funding for approximately 3 hectares totalling £650 /year.

Beating the Bounds

ES confirmed that Beating the Bounds is still being planned for the summer but will take place after the work on North Hills has been concluded.

Little Annie Acres

ES asked about the grass cutting and bailing taking place on the Common opposite Little Annie Acres. It was suggested this was Spring Valley House. The group agreed it would be beneficial for the Parish Council to speak to the farmer about the bailing

BVCH

PS confirmed that Two more cows have been added to the herd on the Common, and have fitted in well.

Grass Cuttings

There was concern that a large volume of grass cuttings are being dumped on the Common behind Norcutts Kiln.

Boundary fence to Hy Banks

PS raised concern about the fencing by Hy Banks. This fencing is not stock proof and the cows are able to escape off the Common through this gap. ES to visit the resident and remind them of their obligation for stock proof fencing.

Hannah Hulme Hunter 3/30/24 Hannah Hulme Hunter 3/30/24

March 11th 2024

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), Tim Patrick (TP)

Bobs Damerell (BD – Minutes)

Minutes and actions from last meeting

The Minutes were approved as a true record of the meeting
AC confirmed that he had sent through an example copy of the grazing license. ED to confirm with the farmer if there is a grazing license on the Walks for the sheep and if not if they would be willing to enter in a license.
BD confirmed that he had met with the landowner of the adjoining field and that a site meeting was being arranged. The land owner suggested they would be willing to clear the ditch and had offered to investigate installing a chalk base layer under the right of way before restoring the original path. The Group agreed to arrange for the ditches to be cleared first and once this is complete to look in to the chalk proposal.
DM confirmed that 3D of the Winter schedule was completed in December 2023
ES to continue to chase JV about the Walks mower to be placed on the Walks.
BD & ES to contact the current Commoners holding grazing rights regarding the new Countryside Stewardship Agreement.
ES to continue with the drafting of the signs for cars parked on the Common

Winter schedule feedback

TP confirmed that the sycamore on S21 has been removed though has left the brambles. TP assisted with the scrub clearance at bottom end of North Hills with FOBC. The goats have been moved and will remain in situ until June 2024. TP raised that Forest School have undermined part of the fence which may allow from the Walks onto the Common which has created a large enough hole for sheep to escape from the Walks. Action: ED to bring the fence to the attention of the committee as part of the upcoming review of The Walks.

BVCH updated that there has been a change of plan for this winter. There has been more grass on Tram Hill site this year and as such the Cattle were placed there first. The herd is currently moving between the two sites dependent on grass. The herd is currently on ‘Commoners’, where TB testing has been carried out with confirmation that all cows received a negative test result and clear of all TB. BVCH are currently reviewing whether to move the cattle back here in the summer. Action: ES to post a notification celebrating one of the herd ‘Bluebell’ turning twenty-one.

FOBC confirmed that they have completed their areas of the winter schedule as well as S22 & S26.

Common Volunteers updated that S4 has been completed. The volunteers have started on the Windmill area and completed with brush cutters an area ‘B10’ which had very thick brambles. Clearance has been carried out at the bottom of Tramhill near the ponds and the triangle out near the bottom of Tramhill. JC confirmed that the volunteers have been hard at work hedge laying (location?)

ED (Walks) confirmed that bark had been obtained footpaths, and will be laying this in March or April.

Spring schedule plan

TP has agreed to mow the Walks with KF. The Parish Council flail mower to be stored on the Walks and following the confirmation of a written for damage and petrol etc, BVCH have agreed for the BVCH tractor to be used with the mower. It was agreed for TP & KF to cut the Walks when deemed necessary rather than under a more rigid schedule

BVCH confirmed that the cows will be moved when it is decided that the herd has eaten enough of the grass. There is a schedule but this is also dependent on the weather.

FOBC are currently gearing up for the Removal of the Ragwort towards the end of spring / early summer and requested a call for volunteers mid-spring to help with the clearance.

Q. Is it still a requirement to collect the ash after the bonfire?
A. That is the requirement of the CSA.

It was agreed to have a number of agreed bonfire sites on the Common.

Common Volunteers: DM updated that the volunteers have been hampered by the mower not currently starting due to damage from rodents. Once this is fixed then work will start on the cutting of the grass etc.

The Walks: ED, as already discussed, once the nettles start appearing then Tim is ready to cut the grass and nettles in the Walks.

LS requested that the blackthorn abutting Hartwell’s Barn be cut back or removed. DM confirmed he would check the Blackthorn and what action to take.

The Walks Mowing & Mower arrangement confirmation As discussed under the Spring schedule plan

Funding application and ranger

ES confirmed that the PC is preparing to make the application for the Common Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship Agreement, which would be for approximately £10,000 per year for ongoing management of the Common. Applying for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Community Fund would provide the funding for the Ranger position to assist and manage the operations on the Common and particular the continued future of BVCH. LS working with the Farming Cluster who as a group are looking to make an application for £5.000,000 and what areas would be viable for the Group / Parish Council to apply for. ES is working with AC to draft The Ranger Job Description. Which would also include responsibility for checking the Public Rights of Way, herd, management of the Common etc. All members confirmed their agreement to continue with the appointment of the Ranger role.

AOB

Bottom of North Hills – TP updated that a large numbers of dog poo bags (approximately 100) have been tossed into the hedgerow. TP has installed a wildlife camera and will share the information with the group.