Well – to say the least, the weather has not been on our side! But in between downpours, we have made good progress. Apart from the sheep handling pen and shelter, the fencing of the livestock enclosures is complete. And on that subject, I hear that some folk are questioning why we have fenced areas of the Common. The simple answer is that we like sheep – and the rarer the breed the better. We hope to have them in residence by August and I will update you on details of the breeds next month. The other reason for fenced grazing is to protect the nature of the land. The fenced areas need to be grazed to keep the plant species in balance and to stop the gorse and bracken taking over – there is plenty of room for both these species on the steeper slopes. However, the fences need not inhibit walkers who want to explore the area. We have left plenty of room between the fences and the boundaries for footpaths. And on the subject of footpaths, we invited the Cornwall Council footpath man to the Common last week. He was very happy with everything we have done with the exception of the public right of way by the new pond at the NE corner of the land. Here it seems we have placed the stock fence in the wrong location and it needs to be moved all of 8 metres or so if we are to satisfy the more militant faction of the walking fraternity who insist on footpaths following the precise route shown on the Definitive Map. And who can criticise such a stance in today’s politically correct world? Better not be me in this publication!
On a more positive note, Dennis Vanstone and I are now creating a woodland walk along the stream to the East of the lower pasture. This will meander along and across the stream using a mixture of wooden bridges and steppingstones. It should be finished by the end of May – weather permitting. Ready for you all to explore.
In closing, I apologise for the new gates that we have to keep locked at the lane end of the access to the Common – it would be nice to have open access but I have already caught a party of off-roaders planning a rampage around the area in their various vehicles. I am sure that the majority will understand why we do not want them wrecking the new paths and tracks. We can provide a gate key to any villagers who cannot use the kissing gate. I also hope the majority will understand the need for the new sign to be erected soon reminding visitors and walkers of the things that they should NOT do while enjoying the Common.
Nothing other than Common sense!
See you around.