DOWNLAND NEWS FOR THE SOUTH DOWNS VOLUNTEER THYMES RANGER SERVICE ISSUE 70 | WINTER 2015 IN THIS ISSUE: CREATING A 2 VRS TEAM HOME FOR OUR UPDATE BARN OWLS 3 CELEBRATING FRISTON AIRFIELD 5 ORDER OF THE NATIONAL PARKS AWARD 7 VRS ANNUAL MEETING WITH HEART-SHAPED FACE, BUFF BACK AND WINGS AND PURE WHITE UNDERPARTS, THE BARN OWL IS A DISTINCTIVE AND MUCH-LOVED COUNTRYSIDE BIRD. 8 SPOTLIGHT Voted Britain’s favourite farmland bird to build and install nesting boxes and Nearly 50% of all the boxes have in 2007, the barn owl has occupied a to retain rough tussock grassland attracted resident barn owls and 10% 10 central place in the nation’s folklore. around field edges and unused field have been used for breeding. SEVEN SISTERS corners. So far 220 boxes have been The barn owl is on Schedule 1 of the BOB is also a great way for children in installed and we have worked with 95 ARCHAEOLOGICAL Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, the National Park to learn more about farmers and landowners. PROJECT therefore the birds, their nests, eggs barn owls. Earlier this year students and young are fully protected at all The farming community are full of who are part of their school’s Eco Club times throughout the UK. However, enthusiasm for the project and it has in a secret location in West Sussex 11 fears about the decline in the barn really helped to build trust between the watched as two chicks were ringed CLEARING owl population have been growing National Park and its land managers. and weighed. THE SDW for many years. The project will work hard to continue The Barn Owl Box project, or BOB as “WE PUT THE BOX UP to expand the network of farmers and 12 YOUR it has affectionately become known, is AND THE BARN OWL partners engaged in ‘protecting and a project which sets out the number of MOVED IN STRAIGHT promoting the barn owl’. REVIEWS nesting sites and to increase awareness AWAY! IT SHOWS WE among farmers of the importance of Main: Barn owl 13 maintaining rough grassland habitat for MUST HAVE THE © Bruce Middleton CHRISTMAS QUIZ the barn owls’ favourite diet of small RIGHT HABITAT ON Inset: School children watch as a mammals; field vole, mice and shrews. barn owl chick is ringed and weighed 16 OUR FARM”. © SDNPA/Rebecca Saunders VOLUNTEERS The VRS have been central to making Susie Corbett, Holden Farm, Cheriton this project a success, helping rangers MAKE IT BIG

Tell us your story. Email your Downland Thymes articles to the editorial team [email protected] DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER UPDATE FROM THE VRS TEAM CELEBRATING FRISTON AIRFIELD’S OUR WORK ON WIDER VOLUNTEERING TOOK A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR STEP FORWARD IN NOVEMBER. On Saturday 7 November we held the first As mentioned in Update recently, we have ever South Downs Volunteering Fair at the been reviewing the clothing issued to staff and South Downs Centre in Midhurst. Eighteen volunteers to rationalise things, use our money groups from across the Western part of the more efficiently and also consider how we National Park attended the event and the should adopt the National Park Identity. The feedback from everyone who took part was first items that we looked at were the fleeces really positive. Groups represented included used primarily for events (black for volunteers, the National Trust, Museum and mustard for staff) and the polo shirt, all of CHAIRMAN’S the Murray Downland Trust. To start the which are no longer available. For the fleece day we discussed ways that we could work we were looking for something more practical; CORNER together to deal with some of the challenges for the polo, something slightly tougher. Both and opportunities we all face around needed to be affordable, in a colour which is Tempus fugit! It does not seem possible that communication and limited resources. We in the ‘palette’ of the South Downs Identity but we are now into Christmas festivities again, then opened to the public and, although which will also be available for the foreseeable however, for volunteers it is the start of the the weather was horrendous, by the end of future; that is why navy has been chosen for much enjoyed “fire season”! the day all the groups I spoke to had several both. The plan is to introduce the new items The VRS AGM was hosted this year in the new contacts for prospective volunteers. The gradually, only providing a replacement when Eastern Downs Area on a beautiful sunny atmosphere was great with lots of animated it is needed – except for wearing at events, September day in the Linklater Pavilion, conversation between groups, as well as with where a new ‘soft shell’ jacket will replace the . After the formalities we had a very people interested in volunteering. Everyone fleeces ahead of the new season next spring. informative SDNPA update by Andrew was keen that this shouldn’t be a one-off, with The soft shell is much more windproof than Lee, Director of Strategy & Partnerships, as competition over who should host the next the fleece; however it is no more resistant to well as a fascinating talk by Mike Scammell, Fair! We are also looking at how else we can damage by fire so it still won’t form part of the Main: Keen car parkers Historic Buildings Officer – my thanks to Right: Dressed in wartime them both for their time and support. During support closer co-operation between groups outdoor practical volunteer ranger clothing who share so many aims. issue. We will sort out an accompanying outfits people browsed the morning session Andrew also kindly the displays sweatshirt and consider whether we need to presented Long Service Awards with the To coincide with the Fair our new on-line © Ian Wildridge change any other items of issued clothing, and outstanding candidate being Tony Bish who South Downs Volunteering Map went live on we will seek your views on possible changes. had completed 30 years in the VRS – quite the South Downs website. Complementary exceptional. Well done as well to all those to the Fair, this will provide an on-going All the best to you all; thank you for all your other volunteers for their 20 year and 10 year resource for information about groups help during 2015. Have a great Christmas I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE COURSE OF SOME YEARS awards – a record year. Read more about the working with volunteers both for potential and New Year, I hope to see as many of you day on page 7. THAT VOLUNTEER RANGERS CAN BE ASKED TO DO A volunteers and for the groups themselves. as I can before then. Another event in which volunteers You can find the map at www.southdowns. WIDE VARIETY OF TASKS BUT I NEVER THOUGHT I IAN HARTLE, VOLUNTEER participated, at the invitation of Andy gov.uk/volunteering-map. Please do spread WOULD BE A CAR PARK ATTENDANT! DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Gattiker, South Downs Way Trail Officer, was the word about this new resource, particularly This was all to do with an event which the The number of people who came surprised the National Trails Conference in Whitby to other groups you think would be interested THE HIGHLIGHT FOR MANY hosted by Yorkshire Wolds Way. This brought National Trust organised on 5 September. not only my expectations but also, I think, in appearing on the map. This web page also together all national trails in order to share The Trust had recently acquired a large area those of the National Trust professionals. WAS THE 15 MINUTE DISPLAY enables new groups to add their details and experiences across the UK with particular of land very close to Friston and East Dean, When I had a break from car park duties, I links to their website if they have one. BY A SECOND WORLD WAR emphasis on working with volunteers. I look a few miles west of Eastbourne. During the was able to see how many things were going forward to the feedback from our delegates. Second World War this area was the site of on: people dressed in contemporary dress HURRICANE AIRCRAFT. To end on another positive note I would like an RAF airfield which played a significant role were dancing to the sound of Glen Miller; The East Dean and Friston Local History to congratulate Chris Page, Western Downs in air based operations against the enemy. others were on guided walks of the site Group have published a booklet “RAF Friston volunteer, for being given the National including a visit to the recent archaeological The South Downs volunteers had already – Diary of a Wartime Airfield” which is a very Parks UK’s “Order of the National Parks” digs; the Seven Sisters Trio were singing all undertaken a number of tasks (mostly interesting read and includes extracts from award (see page 5) which recognises his the great popular songs of the time; even fencing) at the site, and when we got the contemporary diaries and log books. outstanding contribution to the River Meon Dad’s Army were there in full uniform and call from Lee Walther, National Trust Ranger Water Vole Release Project. The award also with rifles and machine guns. The highlight The comments and smiles of the drivers and based at Birling Gap, to help with a major highlights, to a much wider audience, the for many was the 15 minute display by a passengers as I pointed the way to the exit event to celebrate the role played by Friston excellent and varied environmental work Second World War hurricane aircraft. were very rewarding, as was the free beer Airfield during the war, a number of us were undertaken by the SDNP. offered to us at the end of the day by the more than happy to help. So perhaps it is not surprising that the event Wishing you and your families a very Happy local microbrewery! attracted some 1500 people and almost Christmas, I hope that 2016 may be another When I was first told that we would be on 1000 cars! This kept us all busy for most of ALAN JONES, EASTERN DOWNS very enjoyable year in the VRS. car parking duty I imagined that I would have the day. I was on “point duty” which I found VOLUNTEER RANGER NEVILL BROOKE a relatively easy day, helping to manage a Right: Volunteering Fair flyer surprisingly enjoyable. Others were involved VRS CHAIRMAN relatively small number of cars and that I Left: Ian Hartle, SDNPA in the much trickier task of guiding all these would be back home by early afternoon. Volunteer Development cars into allocated spaces in an orderly and How wrong can you be! Officer manageable manner. 2 3 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER “ORDER OF THE NATIONAL PARKS” AWARD: CHRIS PAGE Chris Page, Western Downs monitor. This involved liaison Volunteer, is the first to receive with relevant landowners, visits this (new) prestigious National to raft sites along the River Meon Parks UK “Order of the National and making recommendations Parks” award along with to landowners for riparian David Burden, former SDNPA management. Chris has also Member. Being recognised for been heavily involved in the his outstanding contribution in release of over 1000 water voles the delivery of the River Meon and pre and post surveys. Water Vole Release Project at We salute your commitment and a national level is a magnificent achievement Chris. achievement and a wonderful advert for the VRS. Many NEVILL BROOKE congratulations Chris VRS CHAIRMAN from all your fellow volunteers.

In very broad terms, Chris has Image: Margaret Paren a very multi-faceted role! By presents Chris with his award assuming the responsibility as at the National Park Authority the River Warden on the Meon meeting on 29 October 2015 Chris had nearly 50 mink rafts © SDNPA TRANQUIL TIMES to build, install, maintain and

Priors Dean HOW CAN YOU MEASURE specific factors e.g. “how noticeable you can buy them. So, needless to vineyard THE VALUE OF PEACE is vehicular noise” etc. add, once we finished the survey we © Russell Cleaver wound our way to the tiny village After starting in September I’ve AND QUIET IN THE shop and Post Office at to CLANFIELD ONLINE completed about 15 individual SOUTH DOWNS buy a bottle or two... (this shop surveys and I’m finding it very The parish of Clanfield extends to the Western Red Cedar timber planks turned out to be a charming NATIONAL PARK? agreeable as it gives me a new way the southern boundary of Queen from Fishers Copse near , and to discovery in itself). Well the Tranquillity Survey, which has of looking at the landscape. Elizabeth Country Park and whilst the finally construct and plant out the bed. been up and running for about a year That night with our evening meal we settlement has expanded somewhat Not the least of its attractions is Now that bulbs and plants are safely now, is trying to do just that. had a bottle of Priors Dean ‘Classic these days, it retains the feel of an finding pleasant surprises en route, introduced to their new home it will Dry’ to drink and, no lies, it was active village community. Clanfield But as a volunteer regularly discovering ‘hidden gems’ if you take until next spring for them to show delicious. At £8.50 a bottle it was Online is a manifestation of this, being engaged in practical tasks as well will. For example, last week my their true colours. But the best things worth every penny. Check out their a community website established as undertaking occasional other wife and I set off to survey one plot in life are worth waiting for – especially website for more details eighteen months ago to bring local surveys, I hadn’t noticed this latest along a byway some 2 miles south plants that attract bees and butterflies. priorsdeanvineyard.co.uk businesses, organisations and people survey until I received a follow-up of when unexpectedly we in Clanfield together, and to promote The project was sponsored by Clanfield email requesting more help. So, came across a small vineyard. Well Consequently, undertaking this local projects. Online with support from The Southern almost reluctantly I signed up for it, away from any road, yet sheltered by Tranquillity Mapping survey has been Cooperative, but we would have been Most recently we sought the support of wondering if I’d regret it later. I was a wood, one small field of vines was more enjoyable than I ever expected. unable to move forward with this the SDNPA Volunteer Ranger Service hardly an enthusiastic volunteer... tucked into a south-facing slope; no Priors Dean hasn’t quite proved to project without the enthusiastic support buildings around, just a leaflet box be the most remote place I have (VRS) to provide the skills to help us In hindsight I’m so glad I did. and assistance of the SDNPA Volunteer beside a five bar gate. This was Priors surveyed, nearby , which enhance our roundabout in the centre For this project proved a delightful Ranger Service. Their team have been Dean Vineyard. I subsequently surveyed a few days of Clanfield, in particular to create an way to discover and explore secret so helpful throughout – there were no later, turned out to be the quietest, attractive focal point for wild flowers corners of the National Park. Now you’ll have difficulty finding this problems, just solutions. most tranquil place I have found and bees alike. place, Priors Dean is barely more than In short the Survey uses volunteers to as yet. CHRIS DE MELLOW, CHAIRMAN OF a church and a few scattered houses. We first persuaded a local Landscape Top: Planting the bed assess the relative tranquillity of 350 CLANFIELDONLINE.COM It’s about as remote as you can get RUSSELL CLEAVER, Architect to design a special timber- Below: Finishing the bed sites across the National Park. In each © SDNPA in the National Park. Reading their WESTERN DOWNS VOLUNTEER framed flower bed for the site and then survey plot we are allocated, we must leaflet gave us a lovely description RANGER the VRS were able to fell and prepare score between 1–10 for over forty of their wines and of the few places 4 5 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER CHURCH

FL WERS VRS ANNUAL MEETING THIS YEAR OUR AGM WAS HELD The formal business of the AGM was then IN THE LINKLATER PAVILION closed by the Chairman and we moved on IN LEWES AND HOSTED BY THE to the presentation of Long Service Awards. The first of these was presented to Tony Bish VRS EASTERN AREA. for an impressive 30 years of service to the Special thanks were given to Sue Jones VRS. Tony and fellow Seven Sisters Volunteer and members of the National Park staff for Ranger Graham Rutland are the first to helping its organisation and making it an have reached this huge milestone. 20 year interesting event for everyone concerned. awards were made to Karen Ingrams and Phil The AGM was well attended by some 50 Luffingham and 10 year awards to Aled Evans people many of whom were very grateful for and Les Bowden (collected on his behalf by the various direction notices posted along Stephen Allberry). In all there were a total of the woodland paths by Amanda Elmes 28 awards for ‘10 year’ volunteers made this and others, without these some may not year: the highest number to date. have found the venue! Mike Scammell, Historical Buildings Officer, Nevill Brooke (VRS Chairman) reported on gave us a fascinating talk about ancient the year’s events welcoming 180 new buildings in the town of Lewes explaining volunteers from the Secrets of the High the use of vernacular building materials Woods project as well as Alice Holt and showing that builders have always volunteers. He highlighted the growing been illusionists what with their use of involvement of volunteers in all areas of “mathematical tiles” and “”. conservation support across the National The afternoon activities included a couple of Park. This was followed later in the meeting very enjoyable and interesting guided walks; by a more detailed report from Ian Hartle, the first around the historic town of Lewes Volunteer Development Officer. by Mike Scammell and the second around Following Alastair Stewart’s (VRS Treasurer) the Railway Land Wildlife Trust reserve led by review of the financial statements as at Lewes District Council Ranger Dan Fagan. 30 June 2015, Nevill recommended that Presentation material from the day, including we should move to accounts based on the financial statements, is available on the a calendar year – this was agreed by the John Bates, Treasurer for St Hubert’s Church, VRS intranet. meeting. met two Volunteer Rangers MARTIN COWELL, VRS SECRETARY collecting seed from the flower meadow Those present agreed that the officers which now virtually surrounds the building. currently in post should remain there for a Top: 2015 AGM © Nevill Brooke He was prompted to take these photos, further year of their term. Below: Dan Fagan’s Walk © Nevill Brooke commenting; ‘This project has been a great • Chairman – Nevill Brooke success and greatly admired by all who use • Treasurer – Alastair Stewart and visit the church.’ • Secretary – Martin Cowell The church, which dates from 1053, sits Andrew Lee (Director of Strategy and in the middle of a field near the village of Partnerships for the National Park) presented . It has original Medieval frescos an executive update entitled “An Inspirational but little of the contemporary village that Landscape” illustrating the key initiatives the surrounded it remains. The wild flowers were National Park is pursuing and the way in planted with a local land owner funded by which volunteers are supporting them. the South Downs National Park Authority. Open all year round, it is well worth a visit.

Images:© John Bates 6 7 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER

NAME: SDVRS Majid Muhammad

AREA: I volunteer from Stanmer in the Eastern Downs area.. NEW STARTER CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW DID YOU GET YOUR FIRST DAY OR TWO INVOLVED WITH OF VOLUNTEERING? THE VRS? My first practical day of volunteering This is easy to answer; I looked at was Saturday 22 November 2014; the SDNPA website and explored I remember it as a wet, cold and the work of the VRS. I saw that there “JOB DONE! A NEW GATE muggy winter day! are opportunities to get involved in the conservation of land, so as I was INSTALLED ON THE The task leader for the day – Neil always interested in these types of Doyle (Ranger – and SOUTH DOWNS WAY” activities I straight away got in City Council) – had arranged to touch and was soon after invited pick me up along with two other to the Introductory Day at the Volunteer Rangers at 10am from Midhurst office. SPOTLIGHT Stanmer Park main entrance. After an introduction he drove us all to the DO YOU HAVE AN park toolstore/workshop to collect UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE IN THE EASTERN DOWNS. the tools for the day ahead (loppers, YOURSELF? When others hear that you are a volunteer in then, including this summer, we have been had numerous sitings of adders on one of the hand saws and hedge cutters) and he the SDNPA, they often ask: it’s just scrub- clearing vegetation to give wild flowers a paths during the day, despite our constant also gave me a pair of gloves. Thanks Now this is the difficult one still use bashing and litter-picking isn’t it?” chance to grow in future years. traipsing up and down. One in particular we for those, they were very helpful the old Blackberry Bold 9900 (not thought had just had a good lunch but on during the task. sure if this is unusual? Ok another Well, just looking back over the past three One of our annual series of tasks is working closer inspection it was revealed that she was one then. Haven’t got a Facebook months (July–September 2015) we, the with expert Peter May from Stanmer Orchard When all packed into the City gravid (pregnant) and we hope she went on account…is that unusual?? Not Thursday volunteers based at Stanmer Park, Group who, among other things, manages Council Land Rover he drove us to a to produce a good number of young. sure…). Ok the real one then: I don’t have been privileged to be involved in some the orchards at Stanmer Park in Brighton. In hilly area west of Stanmer Park called know how to swim…tried real hard a pretty amazing and varied activities. July we were clearing the vegetation in the What has become an on-going task, not Wild Park, for a fence repairs/scrub few years ago. Took several lessons Old Orchard in preparation dissimilar to painting the Forth Bridge, is management activity (although this Where else could you with Olympic medal ambitions and for ‘Apple Day’, a popular repairing and rebuilding the Napoleonic flint was the official title of the activity I experience such diverse tasks “IN MY 7 YEARS had to face the embarrassment annual event which takes wall around the Stanmer Estate. Ranger Mark don’t remember doing any fence as working on a Medieval of practising in the pool with fully WITH THE VRS place at the end of September Hayward took on the mission a number of repair as all we did was manage the droveway, sharing space for swimming expert kids…then gave and which features ‘all things years ago and each year we spend a couple scrub and hedge cutting). a day with adders, orchard THE VARIETY OF up finally. Not for me I guess. apple’ and a lot more besides. of weeks working on the project, having management, scything and WORK AND THE When we arrived Neil handed us the It was one of the opportunities learned the skills of mixing and applying ‘pug’, RECOMMENDED brush-cutting, repairing tools and explained the task and the EXPERIENCES some of our volunteers had to boarding off sections for rebuilding, selecting ACTIVITY IN THE SOUTH Napoleonic flint walling, With such a variety of tasks no area as well as the associated risks. put recently-learned scything facing flints, not forgetting to keep to the very DOWNS NATIONAL replacing gates and fences, HAVE BEEN wonder we all keep coming back and brush-cutting skills to technical lengths of string in order to keep It was all exciting to begin with; PARK? collecting and sowing wild INCREDIBLE.” week after week and year after year! good use. each layer level. however by lunch time energy levels seeds, and meadow cutting? I enjoyed the fence repair work with And best of all? It’s rewarding, it’s fun were getting a bit low, primarily due All a far cry from ‘just scrub-bashing and One of the perks of working on the South We also work on stretches of the South the National Trust on Black Cap, and it’s free! to the steep topography of the land litter-picking’. And that’s just in 3 months! Downs is that we are fortunate to come face- Downs Way and recently, under the direction back in June this year. The weather and the weather. We had our lunch In fact, in my 7 years with the VRS the to-face with local animal life – sheep, cattle of Assistant South Downs Way Officer Ben was very nice, so can most certainly MARILYN MARCHANT, VOLUNTEER and then carried on for a while until variety of work and the experiences have and birds of prey being regulars, but there’s Bessant, we replaced one of the gates and a recommend this activity on a good Neil called it a day (about half one been incredible. also a variety of wildlife invariably just around section of fencing which is used by walkers summer’s day. ish as I remember). the corner. On Markstakes Common during and horse riders. A number of walkers passed Left to right: Royston Haines, Some years ago we were involved at the start a heath management task led by Thyone us during the day, all interested in and really Marilyn Marchant, Steve Onions, of clearing the massive Medieval droveway Chris Chandler, Bob Granger, Sue Rolfe Outram, assistant Community Ranger with appreciative of the work we do. on the Glynde estate and each year since © Marilyn Marchant Lewes District Council, we struck lucky. We 8 9 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER CLEARING THE SOUTH DOWNS WAY

In September the South to clear the drainage channel Downs Way officers asked further downstream closer to the VRS for help in clearing a the river Meon. section of the South Downs But for now we had to tackle Way close to the River Meon, the more inaccessible parts of near Exton. The problem was the channel near the culvert a culvert underneath a path where machines couldn’t junction, which regularly reach. And it was Ben himself flooded in wet weather. who led the attack into the In some winters the Trail culvert, but fear not Health becomes impassable as it & Safety officers, he only floods all the way to the river went as far as rakes, saws and some 200 yards away. shovels could reach. Even so, So, our task was to it proved an effective foray discourage blockages by – a blockage of branches and clearing vegetation beside soil was successfully removed. the trail along the course of The rest of the day was spent a winterbourne channel and cutting back 250 metres of also, if possible, to clear SEVEN SISTERS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT vegetation between fences the culvert. BIRLING GAP LIES AT THE EASTWARD END OF THE SEVEN SISTERS CHALK CLIFFS, WITH A CAR PARK and the South Downs Way. At first glance it looked more All in all it was a challenging BORDERED BY A TERRACE OF HOUSES FACING A NATIONAL TRUST VISITORS CENTRE. like a job for moles rather task: on arrival it had looked than vols... as if it would take days to This complex houses a cafe with sea views, Two defences and before I left the premises I have been given some knowledge of Geo complete so it was all the But Ben Bessant, Assistant a gift shop and display area, offices and a I and many others had promised our Archaeology and practical use of augur and more gratifying to realise South Downs Way Officer, meeting room. Outside there is a specially support. It is funded as part of the National mattock and in late April I learned about how much we had achieved who met us on site, designed garden, which Seven Sisters Trust’s Coast 2015 celebration. This is a basic Excavation Methodology which should by the time we had to depart. convinced us we needn’t go volunteers helped to create, planted with celebration of the 50th anniversary of the improve my technique on an SSAP `dig` in underground; we merely had It will be interesting to see coastal and downland species and offering Trust’s Neptune appeal which has funded early autumn! to brush-cut the vegetation how the winterbourne comfortable benches and a sheltered so many acquisitions and projects to protect The SSAP volunteers come from all walks of and remove the debris behaves in a few months time outdoor teaching area. our coastline from development and with the life and generations and in common with the wherever possible to ensure when the flooding season SSAP learn more about its history. On 25 November 2014, on a dark winter’s tutors are friendly, enthusiastic and willing to that future water runoff could returns. But come storms or evening, I went there to attend an initial As a direct result I have already attended pass on their knowledge. continue unhindered. high water, the VRS will be on meeting for people interested in volunteering a Landscape Survey day school and put call again should the South Reminds me why I so enjoy being a Previously he had liaised with for the Seven Sisters Archaeological Project what I learned into practice. I enjoyed a Downs Way need us. Ben, Volunteer Ranger! the local farmer to improve (SSAP). The cafe venue was filled to capacity Lithics Assessment day, learning more about find us a frogman suit... this part of the South Downs and I recognised fellow volunteers and collection strategies. Documentary Research SHIRLEY BRICE, EASTERN DOWNS Way. Overhanging trees had GRAHAM WYNNE, National Trust staff. and the recording of Oral History training VOLUNTEER RANGER been thinned, fallen timber WESTERN DOWNS has also enabled me to interview, share The project aims to investigate and record removed, and the farmer had VOLUNTEER RANGER and record the memories of an Eastbourne the many historical sites within the area Image: National Trust volunteers promised he would continue resident who lived near Friston airfield during opening a trench on Seven which span from Neolithic to World War the war years. Sisters Baileys Hill © Tom Dommett “THE SSAP VOLUNTEERS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND GENERATIONS AND IN COMMON WITH THE TUTORS ARE FRIENDLY, ENTHUSIASTIC AND WILLING TO PASS ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE.” Main: SDW finger post Top Right: SDW, team at work © Graham Wynne 10 11 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER GIFT FOR WEBSITES YOUR REVIEWS CHRISTMAS “THE ASH TREE” BY TO WATCH: This section is all about sharing reviews of your favourite Volunteers, if you know of a pub things. Tell us about books you’ve read, pubs you’ve visited, that deserves this award, please let OLIVER RACKHAM INTERNET SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS us know. We’re talking about good PUBLISHED BY LITTLE TOLLER, 2014. £15.00 For that Christmas gift that is a little unusual tools or gadgets you’ve used or even websites that you’d old-fashioned public houses, rather we recommend you look at the links below. than gastro pubs or themed inns. The author is the most outstanding writer on historic ecology, recommend to other volunteers. Email your reviews, of up to The first website features a product that makes good We want to know about places woodland and trees of his generation. use of sheep’s wool, which is of particular interest these where you don’t need to take 100 words, to [email protected] with a picture. “The Ash Tree” brings our attention to this very common, yet days since so much UK wool has little economic value. your boots off before crossing the under-appreciated tree. Oliver Rackham explores the tree’s threshold! Send us a photo and 100 www.twool.co.uk place in our culture and our natural ecology and explains why words explaining why the pub you it now faces such an uncertain future. The second website features a wide variety of gifts nominate should be recognised. TRADITIONAL from a host of smaller traders offering stocking fillers Rackham’s reputation is of the very highest in ecology; his INN AWARD to larger items. You’ll be sure to find gifts of interest “History of the Countryside” (1986) is now the standard work THE INN, HAWKLEY, NR. LISS, from this website... on woodlands and the English landscape. Consequently this , GU33 6NE latest book is both to be celebrated yet at once regretted - www.notonthehighstreet.com This inn has a comfortable interior that welcomes walkers, for it was to be his last. He sadly died last February. horse riders and all.

With its friendly staff serving a selection of 7 real ales and a regularly changing menu it’s no surprise to learn that this What do you call a child that Free House has won awards in 2015 from both Trip Advisor What do you call an CHRISTMAS QUIZ doesn’t believe in Santa? and Trivago. obnoxious reindeer? 1. In the Victorian era why were postmen A rebel without a Claus! The Hawkley Inn somehow manages to offer both an old- RUDEolph! termed “Robins”? fashioned charm whilst appealing to the younger user too; rustic yet modern. I don’t know how they do it but in this a. The first Christmas stamps pictured robins rather remote location the place is humming. And when I b. Postmen carried red bags dropped in without booking one Sunday they still fed me with the best cranberry, bacon & brie toastie I’d ever had. c. Robin Smith was then the head of the G.P.O. Well worth going out of the way to find! CHRISTMAS d. Postmen wore a red uniform 2. Father Christmas is said to bring gifts to good children, what do naughty children get? WORD PUZZLE CAPTION COMPETITION a. Nothing CAN YOU CREATE A WITTY CAPTION FOR THIS Moving from square to square, up, down, sideways or PHOTOGRAPH? EMAIL YOUR IDEAS TO b. A lump of coal diagonally, find as many 4 (or more) letter words as you can. But no jumping letters! 16 words = good, 20 words = great, [email protected] c. An old shoe any more is excellent. The winner of last edition’s d. A stone Look for one 9 letter word (which denotes what we do at caption competition was... 3. Which one of the following countries Christmas) and also one 8 letter word (which could be a “CHRIS WAS criminalised Christmas? gift for a girl or lady) Hiorne Tower, DETERMINED TO a. Arundel RECAPTURE THE WATER What do you call © Russell Cleaver b. Scotland VOLE, NO MATTER Santa’s helpers? c. Germany WHERE IT WENT...” Subordinate Clauses! C PIC IN THE PARK ROGER LACEY d. Poland HIORNE TOWER, ARUNDEL, pregnant and then deserted by 4.The ‘traditional’ American Santa Claus was WEST SUSSEX, her lover; climbed to the top created by a graphic designer as part of an GRID REF. TQ 013081 and threw herself off. Today it advertising programme for which product? E A E remains a striking hilltop tower Built in the 18th century this a. Ford cars in the Arundel Estate and you triangular, flint faced folly is said could easily imagine a girl’s b. Fisher Price toys to be haunted. ghostly face peering at you from E T L R B c. Coca Cola The story goes that soon after it one of its windows as you pass What do you call an was built a lovelorn girl; made closely by on a local footpath. d. Bourbon whiskey elf that sings? Answers to the quiz and word puzzle can be found on page 16. Elfis 12 13 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER NATIONAL PARK IDENTITY Since the new identity for the National Park was launched last year, it has gone from strength to strength and there are now nearly 30 partners using it across nearly 70 different projects. If you are in and around Winchester why not visit the new exhibition about the National Park at Winchester City Mill. You can also keep your eyes peeled for a striking looking bus or two. Images © Carlotta Luke The shared identity is a great way to promote the National Park and its special qualities, and provides a platform for us to work with our many partners. DISCOVERY RIDES INTO THE HEART OF THE SOUTH DOWNS The South Downs are a great place for the family. By following leafy country lanes, cycling and in September over 100 people bridleways and traffic free trails less confident enjoyed a Discovery Ride of two to three cyclists felt at ease and able to discover the hours relaxed pedalling into the National Park South Downs on their doorstep. from Winchester, Shoreham, Peacehaven The rides were so popular a new series of and Eastbourne. Discovery Rides will launch next spring. To Southease YHA Each ride had a different theme of discovery register for future rides please write to – from hidden histories and wildlife to taking [email protected] AN ORGANISATION better photographs or pond dipping for all FIT FOR THE FUTURE LOCAL PLAN As many of you will have of these discussions there has South Downs COULD YOU BE A SOUTH Cycle skills Discovery Day After months of preparation the eight weeks of the seen through Update, we been very strong consensus public consultation on the Local Plan: Preferred Options are currently looking at both that our support for the VRS DOWNS CYCLE AMBASSADOR? seemed to fly by. The first three weeks were spent with the type of organisation the and for volunteering in general Cycle Building on the Discovery Rides the Park: landscape, wildlife, heritage and culture the Planning Policy team and Members travelling the SDNPA needs to be as we is a core part of our business. maintenance SDNPA is launching a Cycle Ambassador and the importance of cyclist behaviour on length and breadth of the National Park with our mobile move into this next phase of our Whatever the outcome of the programme. We are looking for willing the trails. existence, and at the budget CSR, we are committed to ambassadors to attend a series of three exhibition. We held five public roadshows, three Parish Each session will only cost £5 per person for the next and coming years. creating an organisation that training opportunities to improve their Council workshops and 19 key partner meetings and and attendees of all three elements will It will be late January before can deliver through this next cycling ability and knowledge of the spoke face to face with over 600 people. Social media become ‘South Downs National Park Cycle we know the trickle-down stage of our development. On National Park. had a big part to play as well with our innovative short Ambassadors’ who will be able to share their effect on National Parks of the 10 December the first stage film (commissioned to give a simple fresh perspective on South Downs National Two elements are ideal for inexperienced passion for cycling and the National Park Defra cuts brought about by consultation of this proposed what our Local Plan sets out to achieve) reaching over Park cycle ambassador cyclists. Cycle Skills is tailored for those whenever they jump on their bike. the Comprehensive Spending relook at the organisation will 22,000 views through website, twitter and facebook. who wish to improve cycling confidence Review (CSR), announced begin. Please see the intranet Cycle Ambassadors who wish to deliver on different surfaces and trails whilst a All the team need to do is sit down and analyse all the at the end of November. As for all updates and information more for their community will be able to Maintenance class will give preparation feedback given to us. Early indications are that ground- part of this process, Members on this ongoing process. By the progress further and become a qualified advice and tips on attending to minor trail breaking ecosystems services approach embodied in have been looking at possible time Downland Thymes is out, Ride Leader, empowering them to deliver side repairs. the draft Local Plan has been well received. budget scenarios based on Andrew Lee will also have been guided rides in the South Downs for local a range of different cuts, and to the latest VRS Committee Qualified ride leader The third element is a South Downs groups and providers in the future. also identifying priority areas meeting to talk about this issue. Discovery Day where participants will learn To find out more please write to of work focus for the Authority about the special qualities of the National [email protected] over the coming years. As part

14 15 VOLUNTEERS MAKING IT BIG!

As the UK’s newest national park we still heavy equipment down to the river the have a way to go before we become widely film crew were ready to go. Despite recognised. Having an identity for the a sudden influx of noisy planes, they “To be out working in this iconic landscape National Park plays a key role in raising the managed to film a fantastic piece with Ruth making a difference, is a very special privilege profile of the National Park but it must work and Laura talking about the watervole release that I cherish. I get to see and experience alongside real examples of what we are and Ron Wilder dragging them into the river such a varied and wonderful landscape that working to conserve, enhance and share itself to experience river fly monitoring. Even recharges my batteries instantly! and we need to show the difference our work the watervole hit its cue! makes. This June two of our volunteers, Ruth “It’s always a pleasure to read, see or hear The show finally aired on Monday 9 Holland and Ron Wilder took the time out, about the fantastic work that goes on to November and was great. The film crew alongside Assistant Ranger Laura Deane, to support and improve our dramatic landscape said it was a really well organised shoot and take part in the filming of a piece by in the South Downs.” - Ron Wilder because of that gave us more time than they ITV’s Countrywise. had originally planned. A great example of RUTH JAMES, COMMUNICATIONS AND It was an absolutely beautiful day on the staff and volunteers working together on ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Meon river, showcasing the National Park at behalf of the National Park. Thank you to its most beautiful. Having dragged their Ron, Ruth and all the volunteers who have Main: River-fly monitoring helped us with our media work this year. Right: Action!

© SDNPA

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1d. 2b. 3a. 4c. 3a. 2b. 1d. Bracelet letters: 8 Celebrate letters: 9

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Downland Thymes: News for the South Paper stock: Printed on Cyclus Offset, wood. Source: Carbon footprint data Downs Volunteer Ranger Service. 100% recycled paper. Please recycle evaluated by FactorX in accordance Issue 70, December 2015. © SDNPA. after use. with the Bilan Carbone® methodology. The information contained in this By using this recycled paper rather Calculations are based on a comparison newsletter was, as far as known, than a non-recycled paper the between the recycled paper used correct at the date of issue. The South environmental impact was reduced versus a virgin fibre paper according to Downs National Park Authority cannot, by: 32 kg of landfill; 14kg of CO2 of the latest European BREF data (virgin however, accept responsibility for any greenhouse gases; 141 km travel in fibre) available. Results are obtained error or omission. the average European car; 754 litres according to technical information and are subject to modification. Design: The Way Design (0451) of water; 150 kWh of energy; 52 kg of