GridLineNational Grid Transco Newsletter for National Grid Transco electricity grantors Winter 2004/2005

Warning on bogus agents THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has warned about bogus “agents” operating around the country. It says these agents have been cold-calling landowners and farmers and subjecting them to high pressure sales techniques to persuade them to agree to pay a fee of 20 per cent of any wayleave payments they obtain on the owner’s Last year’s British national ploughing champions Don Woodhouse, left from Retford, Nottinghamshire, and behalf. Andrew Mitchell (senior), centre, from Forfar, Angus. Field wayleave officer Richard Evans presents the The CLA’s head of rural trophies.This year’s championships will be at Soham in Cambridgeshire. See pages 10/11. economy and chief surveyor, Oliver Harwood, said: “Many of these agents are not professionally qualified and We’re making there is no need to pay a third party such a large part of the payments which are properly due to the owner under the agreements CLA a big show! negotiates with the major utility companies. HOWTIME is just around the corner! We kick “We hope that members of our Grantors “In many cases, our Soff our agricultural relations programme in Club will join us for tea, coffee and a chat — members are best advised May at the Devon County Show in Exeter, all they have to do is wear their swing to secure the full payment which last year attracted more than 90,000 badges.” for themselves by following visitors. *Not available between 12-2.30pm. our guidance* and writing Over the following months, we look forward Come and meet us at: to the utility concerned, or to welcoming grantors at another 10 venues, ● Devon County Show, Exeter, May 19-21 to use their own trusted agent.” culminating with the National Ploughing ● South of England Show, Ardingly, West Championships at Soham in Cambridgeshire in Sussex, June 9-11 If you need more information about your October. ● East of England Show, Peterborough, June existing arrangements with During last year’s programme, we welcomed 17-19 NGT, or wish to consider around 3,000 grantors and guests for lunch, ● Lincolnshire Show, Lincoln, June 22 and 23 and many more joined us for free refreshments converting your wayleave ● Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh, June 23-26 at our hospitality facility*. to an easement in return ● Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, July 12-14 for a one-off payment, “We have been urging grantors to come and ● contact your local wayleave meet us at agricultural shows since 1996 — New Forest Show, Brockenhurst, officer as listed on the back we see the occasions as valuable opportunities Hampshire, July 26-28 page of GridLine. for them to drop in and meet their local ● Royal Lancashire Show, Ribchester, July 26-28 wayleave contact,” said Alan Naylor, field ● Pembrokeshire Show, Haverfordwest, *Download advice on wayleave manager. August 16-18 wayleave payments from the CLA website — “We also welcome their feedback because ● Dorset Show, Dorchester, September 3-4 www.cla.org.uk under it’s a useful way they can help us improve our ● National Ploughing Championships, Guidance Notes. service to them. Cambridgeshire, October 8-9. 2 NEWS NEWS 3 Light at the end of Dartford cable tunnel Workers told to Changes THE Dartford 400kV cable tunnel and switchgear contract, has started NGT’s Scott Sadler, project manager, project is moving towards completion. work on the installation of two 275kV said: “The achievement of this important for centres This multi-million scheme was circuits in the new tunnel. These will project milestone has needed NGT is to focus future support launched in 2003 and is on target for replace two 275kV circuits removed considerable effort by all parties watch the birdie on six of its current 12 final commissioning in June 2005. from beneath the road deck of the west involved, with both our tunnel contractor environmental education The new 2.4km tunnel, which runs Dartford road tunnel. AMEC and NGT site supervision IGHTINGALES don’t centres. It will work closely with from Littlebrook in Kent to Thurrock in Introducing the new tunnel means consultant Babties working extended Njust sing in Berkeley partner organisations to improve services and raise greater Essex, was commissioned by NGT’s future maintenance can be carried out hours to achieve the October deadline. Square — they also sing in awareness of energy education. civil engineering contractor AMEC in without affecting traffic flow on “It means we can now look forward to the woods of Whisby October. London’s orbital motorway network. an overall completion date this summer, Nature Park near Lincoln. The company hopes that the The tunnel contract was worth around The tunnel will also significantly increase and with the commissioning of the two Which is why NGT will be remaining six centres will continue their work delivering £20 million. the security of major and important circuits reinstate an important part of the taking care not to disturb their habitat and nesting environmental education in their ABB, which has the £12 million cable National Grid Transco assets. NGT system.” activities when it undertakes areas. In future, NGT’s support a multi-million pound to these centres will be in the refurbishment of the West form of continued rent-free Burton to Walpole line in access to the land and 2005. buildings. The company’s External relations manager contractors, Balfour Beatty Ross Hayman said: “The Power Networks, is due to environmental centres were set start refurbishing the whole up at different times over the last of the 90-kilometre 400kV 30 years at electricity substation overhead line from West sites and some are now far from Burton near Retford in where our employees are based. Nottinghamshire to Walpole “The six we intend to near Wisbech in concentrate on are close to Cambridgeshire in March. either our own main office Completion is expected by locations or to major population the end of the year. centres. Although we won’t The work will involve the continue to provide funding to replacement of quad the other six, we hope they’ll be conductors on the line with able to take advantage of a new triple set and there continued use of the sites and to will be upgrading of be able to utilise their some of the pylon independence to expand their foundations and markets.” replacement of all Teaming up… Graham, left, and Robin The six supported centres are tower fittings and any INSET: A nightingale in full song — PICTURE COLIN CARVER Bishops Wood, near faulty steelwork. grantors. However, on Whisby Nature Park’s Kidderminster, Worcestershire, “Tree cutting work at the outskirts of assistant warden Grahame Iver near Slough, Penwortham Whisby will be Lincoln, the line also Hopwood said: near Preston, Skelton Grange A worker is dwarfed by the cable, which arrived in 950-metre lengths on 63 drums, each weighing 44.5 tonnes undertaken outside the crosses the Nature “Nightingales are one of the near Leeds, West Boldon near nesting period and the Park, Lincoln Golf Centre most important breeding Newcastle and Canterbury. erection and dismantling of and a busy road junction of species at Whisby, with a railway scaffold and the the A46 with a tower visitors coming from as far London Connection changing of the wires will be situated in the car park of away as Yorkshire and Pupils get a done in two stages, before the Gamekeeper Pub at Cheshire to see and hear nesting starts and after it North Hykeham outside the birds. By working has finished,” said field Lincoln. closely with all parties helping hand completion on target wayleave officer Robin “We will be working concerned, we have come NGT came to the rescue after O’Brien. closely with everyone up with a work programme vandals ruined a wildlife pond at HE countdown is on to the completion Europe. The cable arrived in 950-metre services. These include ventilation, “On the whole, the line concerned to ensure this that ensure the nightingales Windhill Primary School in of one of the biggest projects lengths on 63 drums, each weighing 44.5 communications, temperature sensing T crosses high-quality large scheme causes as can breed with the absolute Shipley, West Yorkshire. undertaken by National Grid Transco. tonnes gross and measuring 4.5 metres systems, gas and fire detection and a farmland owned by 135 little disruption as possible.” minimum of disturbance.” The pupils were devastated diameter, to the installation sites at monorail mounted tunnel inspection The £200 million scheme — known as when the pond they had Elstree, Hertfordshire and Cricklewood in vehicle. The London Connection — will reinforce designed and created north London. electricity supplies to the capital and has Two new 400kV substations are being Pylon perfect for peregrine perch themselves was vandalised involved the construction of a 20- Cable — designed to require low built at existing National Grid Transco In the last issue of GridLine, we Mannington substation in shortly before its unveiling. kilometre tunnel running from Elstree in maintenance — was pulled off the cable sites at Elstree and St John’s Wood and featured a story about the efforts Wimborne and Chickerell NGT — which was working Hertfordshire to St John’s Wood in north drums by winches at a rate of about 20 five new transformers have already been made by National Grid Transco substation in Weymouth. near the school refurbishing its London. metres a minute, or 1,200 metres an installed. and its contractors to protect About three kilometres of the network of underground hour. Launched in March 2000, the project is The three-metre diameter tunnel runs nesting peregrine falcons during line crosses the northern part of transmission cables — stepped on target for completion at the end of The new tunnel, all seven tunnel shafts at an average depth of 27 metres and a refurbishment project in the Army’s Bovington Training in and came up with the funds to 2005. and head house buildings have been built has been designed to accommodate a Dorset. Area — and Army photographer restore the pond and help create The final stage got under way in 2004 by Murphy Group, and the work has second circuit in years to come. The peregrines were nesting Alan Atkins was able to capture a bigger and better wildlife area as work started on one of the longest included the design, procurement and This will ensure we meet the needs of on towers on the 400kV some shots of a female peregrine for the children to enjoy. 400kV cable circuit installations in installation of all mechanical and electrical Londoners well into the future. overhead line between as it was about to leave the nest. 4 NEWS NEWS 5 Campaign Conference spells out helps save overhead supply risks

ATIONAL Grid Transco’s live as the electricity seeks a our history Nrelationship with trees path, causing a danger to the was reinforced at a confer- public and resulting in a fire. HE Tree Council has means that many of the trees ence in Warwickshire. A flashover or tree falling on Tlaunched a Green identified by wardens and The conference at to a line can also lead to a Monuments campaign to gain featured in our Great British Ettingham Park Hotel at loss of supply, as with recent special protected status for Trees book, could be ruled Stratford-upon-Avon was major power cuts in both the the UK’s ancient and historic out.” organised by The Tree USA and Italy. This illustrated trees. The Tree Council outlined Council for nearly 60 tree the importance of ensuring Even those dating from the weaknesses and warden network co-ordinators trees and vegetation next to William the Conqueror’s time shortcomings in a letter to representing councils around and beneath NGT’s electricity may be at risk because there Tessa Jowell at the the country. lines are managed. is no specific protection for Department of Culture, Media The theme was Protect Our Aileen also talked about historic importance — even for and Sport (DCMS) in October Heritage Trees in support of minimum clearances trees as old as Stonehenge 2003. The letter was written in The Tree Council’s Green necessary between high- are vulnerable. consultation with many of its Monuments campaign. It was voltage overhead line The Tree Council —which is members along with the chaired by Sue Roe, The Tree conductors and trees, and the supported by NGT — wants Campaign to Protect Rural Council’s chairman. safety measures needed the government to change this England and Tree Register of NGT land and development when working near overhead situation. the British Isles. A number of officer Aileen Smith outlined lines. “Historic trees are as these organisations, including the public safety and She said a survey of the important to our heritage as the Woodland Trust and electricity supply reliability NGT network revealed that the great stately homes and Ancient Tree Forum, are issues involved in trees and out of about 22,000 spans castles, yet many of them taking action to reinforce this power lines. along 7,200 kilometres of could be felled tomorrow campaign. She also described how the overhead line in England and without contravening any Pauline said that, so far, company works in partnership Wales, 11,000 spans require regulations,” said director- there has been no satisfactory with stakeholders to develop continuing management of general Pauline Buchanan response from the DCMS, so its tree policy. trees and vegetation. Black. “It is the view of Tree the Green Monument Working She described how live Council members that they Party is now compiling detailed conductors are uninsulated — ● NGT provides information should qualify as a form of evidence for a presentation to or bare — and how electricity on how close trees can be historic monument and should Richard McCarthy, director- can arc or “jump” across to planted to high voltage be specifically protected. The general of the sustainable an object that is too close. overhead lines — visit communities delivery unit at fact that no single government A flashover to a tree can www.nationalgrid.com/uk/sen the Office of the Deputy Prime department has responsibility result in the tree becoming seofplace Conference speaker… Aileen Smith for historic and ancient trees Minister. It will include should not be an excuse to do evidence of trees already lost nothing.” through vandalism, planning or Pauline said the trees neglect, as well as examples of Project should keep trees on right lines Cash raised include yews that could have good practice in local been saplings when authorities. The Scone Douglas — one of Britain’s “green monuments” A PILOT project is under way in NGT to site visits could be reduced to once every five for charity Stonehenge was being built, prevent tall trees growing too close to years. and oaks that have probably overhead lines. David Roberts of overhead line national NGT helped boost the been around since before the The new system — integrated vegetation contracts said that advantages include the coffers of the BBC Children Norman Conquest. Heritage book will play its part management (IVM) — uses herbicide to stop creation of a biodiverse eco-system. in Need appeal in “There are others which A NEW publication — The projects and co-ordinator of confidant of Mary, Queen of re-growth of tall, fast-growing species. “A key advantage is the extended November by nearly may not be ancient, but still Heritage Trees of Britain and its national Tree Warden Scots shortly before his The pilot involves 100 sites across England maintenance cycles for grantors and £44,000. matter very much because of Northern Ireland* — is Scheme — which is run in murder, the legendary and Wales, 10 of which will be assessed by subsequent cost savings. Half of this money was their associations with an playing its part in supporting partnership with NGT — and Bleeding Yew in a Welsh ecological specialists before and after the “There are also a number of raised by staff in a important historic event or the Green Monuments Donald Rodger, a Scottish- churchyard, and the original herbicide application. environmental benefits because herbicide fund-raising bonanza that person or because they were campaign. based tree and woodland Bramley apple tree in Traditionally, trees growing near overhead applications don’t disturb wildlife and birds, included auctions, the first of their kind to be The hardback book, consultant. Southwell, Nottinghamshire. lines have been pruned or felled to maintain particularly during the nesting season, and dressing-down days, planted in this country. published by Constable & It features colour portraits Jon said he is delighted safety clearances between equipment and there is less need to fell large trees once raffles and even samosa “Such protection that exists Robinson in association with by British landscape the book has been received conductors and prevent faults on the the low-growing shrub layer has been sales! for historic trees is coincidental The Tree Council, contains photographer Archie Miles so well and hopes it will transmission system. established. The company matched and not by deliberate design. portraits of 88 trees from and Edward Parker, who is increase awareness of our However, this is a continuing task and “The initial feedback from grantors has been donations £1 for £1. around the UK chosen for renowned for his national “green monuments” People often assume that all repeated cutting leads to well-established very favourable.” NGT community relations their outstanding cultural and photography of international and the need for stronger historic trees are protected in hardwood tree root systems and even more The trials of the technique, which has been officer Trish Handsley and heritage worth. environmental issues. protection measures. some way, perhaps by tree vigorous re-sprouting. used successfully in the USA for 40 years, are colleagues were in the BBC preservation orders. But trees It has been written by Jon Among the trees featured *The Heritage Trees of Britain Using IVM establishes a low growing shrub, being carried out by Fountain Support Services TV studio to hand over the which are not visible to the Stokes, The Tree Council’s are Rizzio’s Chestnut, and Northern Ireland — ISBN herb and grass layer in the area underneath the as part of their vegetation management cheque. public are unlikely to qualify. It director of community planted by the Italian 1 84119 9591. £16.99. overhead lines. Once this layer is established, contract with NGT. 6 FEATURES FEATURES 7

Ron Gilmour beside the North Yorkshire line at Easingwold, New recruit Yorkshire loves the outdoor life SUE Dunham loves the setting for observing Great Outdoors — which is wildlife,” she said. why she is delighted to join After working in sales and NGT’s wayleave field team marketing, Sue became a in East Anglia as a wayleave mature student and studied warden. law at Hertfordshire After years in sales and University, graduating in marketing — she sold posh 1995. She worked in a hairbrushes to London chartered surveyors’ stores — law degree studies practice for some time, and office-based roles, she before joining NGT in is looking forward to getting December 1999 as section out and about in the co-ordinator for engineering countryside. services maintenance based Sue, who has two grown- at Bramford in Suffolk. up sons, is a keen dinghy She later joined Gridcom, sailor and loves being close the company’s to nature… so much so, that telecommunications she has lived for the past six infrastructure division, to years on a 1947 motor help run the access teams. fishing vessel on the River ● Sue takes over from Amy Deben in Suffolk. Jones who is now a land The boat, called and development officer Monbretia, is moored near based at NGT headquarters Woodbridge. “It’s an idyllic in Warwick.

Warden hangs up her boots Moving on, but same line of work SOUTH Wales wayleave warden Sandra Stevens, HEN Ron Gilmour left school industry. He joined the accounts After a couple of years in the seen work being carried out on and the subsequent dismantling above, is off to pastures at 16, having spent his first 15 department of the former records office, Ron joined the overhead lines across of the overhead line between new — retirement. W years abroad as a serviceman’s Central Electricity Generating field wayleave team — and inhospitable terrain, perhaps Middlesbrough and Stockton. He She has worked at son, he went to work in the Board’s (CEGB) North East never looked back. “I have really 1,000 feet up on the Pennine Hills has no intention of letting the National Grid Transco for office of a steel construction and regional HQ in Leeds in 1976, loved the work, because no two where in some cases helicopter grass grow under his feet and is 10 years, the past two as fabrication firm in Harrogate. and later moved into purchasing days are ever the same and I’ve was the only practical way to keen to continue in the same line part of the wayleave field “The company provided steel contracts and stores before a chance to meet a wonderful, transport materials to site. of work on an agency basis. team. for 400kV pylons — little did I joining wayleaves in 1985 at diverse mix of people,” he said. “You really see life as a He and his wife Rosemary Sandra says she has realise then that one day I might CEGB’s offices in Harrogate. “One minute you can be wayleave officer — there are lots have three grown-up children thoroughly enjoyed her be standing in a field talking to a “I was encouraged to apply chatting to a humble farmer with of stories to tell, but probably not who are busy forging their own time with National Grid, grantor next to a pylon we had for an opening in the department a smallholding, the next talking in GridLine!” careers — “but still living at especially as a warden, and provided the steelwork for!” he by a couple of friends, both to a titled grantor with For the past 11 years, Ron has home,” said Ron. A keen DIY now looks forward to said. wayleave officers, Mike Ford and thousands of acres of land. been closely involved in man, he built his own house in spending more time with Ron, now 56, retires at the Scott Stephenson — Scott, of “Some projects have involved wayleaves for the £230 million Harrogate 20 years ago; he also her family and her two end of March after almost 30 course, is still a wayleave officer cable work in the centre of large second Yorkshire Line project expects Rosemary will have a young grandchildren. years in the electricity supply in the North East.” cities, while other projects have which was completed in 2003 few jobs lined up for him! Sue Dunham beside her house boat Monbretia 8 FEATURES FEATURES 9 The Exmoor pony is Exmoors feel the benefit thanks to a departure from Gatwick to Cornwall… said to be rarer than China’s giant panda — it’s certainly listed They’re as an endangered Ponies boosted by species by the UK’s Rare Breeds Survival born to Trust. The pony is a survivor couple’s ‘escape’ be wild that for many ● Exmoor ponies are centuries existed on HE Girdlers “escaped” to Cornwall fortunately fate brought us here thought to descend from the moor with little T16 years ago, and say it was the instead,” said Gill. the first wild ponies that best decision they ever made. Higher Trevilmick had been came to Britain between human interference. It’s certainly one that has benefited intensively farmed and the previous 100,000 and 200,000 But in the past 200 the future of the Exmoor pony — and owner had kept a beef suckler herd. years ago, walking across years there has been part of the Cornish countryside that Des and Gill were keen to enhance and a swampy plain that was a decline as the result has been returned to its natural state. conserve the natural landscape by later to become the English Channel. of enclosure of much Des, 65, and Gill, 69, moved to their returning the land to moorland. “We 180-acre farm at Higher Trevilmick, were one of the first farms to benefit Archaeological evidence of the moor, Lanivet, near Bodmin, when life from the Countryside Stewardship dating back over 60,000 agricultural became untenable in Surrey. Scheme which allowed us to develop years bears an uncanny intensification, the “We ran a poultry farm in Lingfield, an upland sheep farm,” said Des. similarity to the Exmoor spread of motor directly under the flight path to Gatwick Exmoor ponies first came to the farm pony of today. Airport,” said Des. “Air traffic was becoming 14 years ago thanks to Gill, who has been “horse ● Today, the ponies transport and the increasingly heavy, the great storm of 1987 severely mad” all her life. “improvement” of our participate in every sphere damaged our poultry buildings, and then we were hit She said: “I probably rode a horse before I of equestrian activity, be it native ponies by by the salmonella scare. We decided it was time to walked. I grew up living next door to the farm in showing, riding, driving, cross-breeding. move on!” Reigate owned by J Arthur Rank, the film producer. jumping, long distance NGT grantor Des The couple and their two children Colin and He had lots of Shire horses and some of my earliest riding or riding for the Jennifer — plus the family pony, llama and a memories are of being taken for rides by carters. disabled. Girdler and his wife collection of goats, cats and dogs — ended up at “I never had a pony of my own — I’d beg, borrow ● Gill in Cornwall are Higher Trevilmick, in an Area of Outstanding Natural or steal a ride — so when our children came along, About 140 Exmoor fighting back with Beauty, and with Redmoor Memorial Reserve on its we bought one for them. Colin started riding at 18 ponies are still free-living on the moor. their Helman Tor boundary and the Neolithic hill settlement Helman months and grew up to do well on the show would be something we could do together. We the winter when food is scarcer. I’ve seen an Tor on its doorstep. jumping circuit. ● Exmoor pony herd… started off with two six-month-old foals and today Exmoor turn its nose up at top quality horse feed in The Exmoor is about 12 “We intended to move to Exmoor — but “We thought that keeping and breeding Exmoors we have a semi-feral herd of 37 ponies, including favour of gorse!” hands in height. Its colour two licensed stallions. Most we have The ponies graze about 100 acres of the is brown, bay or dun with bred ourselves, although we have Redmoor Reserve, part of the Cornwall Wildlife black points and mealy re-homed some ponies, including one Trust’s Helman Tor Nature Reserve. “When we muzzle. The ponies are from a riding school.” came here, Redmoor was like a jungle and I actually very stocky and strong Des said that they faced criticism to got lost in it once!” said Des. “The ponies soon with deep chests and large begin with. “A few people thought we made tracks through the reserve and by grazing girths. A unique feature is were being really cruel, because we along these tracks they made a safe trail that can the “hooded eye/toad eye” didn’t provide stables or field be used by visitors.” or heavy upper brow to shelters,” he said. Occasionally the couple exhibit some of their protect the eyes from wind and rain. “They didn’t realise it’s not Exmoors at events like the Royal Cornwall Show. necessary — nature has designed a “But the real pleasure comes from simply enjoying ● The body hair grows in a pony suited to survival in the cold and them and seeing them out there in their natural surface drainage pattern. It wet. It doesn’t need man and we habitat,” said Des. lies in an arrangement of didn’t want to interfere with nature, “It’s good to know that we are doing our bit to whirls and vortices which although obviously we look out for protect their future, and that they, in turn, are doing maximise water dispersal their welfare. They eat the grass, their bit to manage the land the way it should be.” away from the vulnerable heather and gorse, get extremely fat ● Higher Trevilmick is crossed by the 400kV parts of the body and in the summer and live off this fat in Landulph-Indian Queens overhead line. body openings. The winter coat grows in two layers which in effect provide “thermal underwear” and a “The coming generations will have good reason to call us unfaithful “raincoat”. stewards if when we are gone there are no little horses on the ● The Exmoor Pony Exmoor hills.” Society was formed in Mary Etherington, 1947 1921 and today has a Mary, who lived on Exmoor, championed the future of the Exmoor pony. The late 1940s membership spread nearly saw their demise — gates left open and ponies stolen to provide food for city dwellers throughout the British contributed to a dwindling pony population. By the end of the Second World War, no more Isles. For more information, visit Des and Gill Girdler have a Right: ponies tuck in to than 50 Exmoor ponies survived. Mary rallied the breeders who set about re-establishing www.exmoorponysociety. close encounter with one of their favourite meal of their herds. org.uk their charges, Pinkery Fuschia grass, heather and gorse 10 NEWS NEWS 11 Don takes title with ‘DIY’ plough 71-YEAR-OLD retired Aagricultural engineer took top honours at the British National Ploughing Championships — using a plough made from scrap. Don Woodhouse from Retford in Nottinghamshire was the surprise winner of the British Conventional Ploughing championship, beating former world champion James Witty from Malton, North Yorkshire, into second place by 11 points. It was Don’s first championship victory in more than 20 years of competition. “I’ve competed in this class for about 10 years, and for 10 years before that in the vintage class. But all I’ve ever won are local competitions,” he said. “It’s a case of third time lucky as I’ve made it to the hosted the European Vintage Champions… Don holds the final plough-off twice before.” Ploughing Championships Conventional Ploughing trophy Don designed and built his which attracted competitors while Andrew, also pictured above, plough — the DW2000 — in from 10 countries. receives the National Grid Transco 2000, using bits of old There was something for Award from field wayleave officer ploughs and other scrap. everyone — not just the Richard Evans “This is the third one I’ve built ploughing spectacular, but a and the most successful to host of trade stands, rural date,” he said. craft displays, vintage tractors Backing for new environmental education guide Don left school at 15 to and engines and magnificent work on a farm. After some shire horses at work. NATIONAL Grid Transco has outset how they make National Grid Transco's have scored more than 95 per time in the Army, he took up For once, the weather was backed a new guide designed judgements, based on Gareth Llewellyn with cent in the annual Business in lorry driving before getting good and the ground to support those involved in evidence, about the outcomes, (from left), CEE the Environment (BiE) Index of involved in commercial vehicle conditions were perfect. “But environmental education and value and quality of a president Sir Geoffrey Corporate Environmental fitting. He worked for a firm as we found out on the Education for Sustainable programme.” Holland, CEE director Engagement. importing agricultural second day, surface Development (ESD). The guide was launched at a Libby Grundy, Joan ***The Dow Jones machinery before setting up conditions can be deceiving,” Published by the Council for CEE Policy Forum in London Walley, MP for Stoke- Sustainability World Indexes his own business in said Ken Chappell, the Environmental Education (CEE), that explored progress during on-Trent North, and consist of more than 300 agricultural engineering. Society of Ploughmen’s Measuring effectiveness: the first year of the Sustainable Peter Ainsworth, MP for companies that represent the The reversible ploughing executive director. “It’s not evaluation in education for Development Action Plan for East Surrey, at Portcullis top 10 per cent of the leading contest and the National Grid until you start ploughing that sustainable development* will Education and Skills, and House, Westminster, sustainability companies in 59 Transco Award was won by you find out what really lies help them integrate evaluation considered the future priorities London industry groups in the 34 Andrew Mitchell from Forfar, beneath the surface. into the planning and delivery of in a range of sectors. countries covered by the Scotland. Andrew won by a “The soil conditions in the learning programmes. The forum, also supported by Sustainable Development environmental performance is “Continual improvement is biggest 2,500 companies in the huge margin of 46 points, final plough-offs were among It was developed by a CEE NGT, attracted 70 delegates Commission. key to continual improvement. just as relevant to education as Dow Jones Global Indexes. over reigning world reversible the trickiest I have seen for working party that included a from around the country. They NGT group corporate “In our recent employee survey, it is to us as a multinational ● CEE’s work is funded by the ploughing champion Simon several years. That produced National Grid Transco represented a wide range of responsibility director Gareth environment was third in the list company, so the new guide will Department for Environment Witty, the brother of James. a few surprises, which is good representative. organisations, including Llewellyn was one of the of issues being managed well. be very useful for those Food and Rural Affairs and the We also use external involved in environmental National Grid Transco was for the future of the Nick Jones, head of Policy environmental charities, county speakers at a House of Department for Education and benchmarks such as Business education.” again a main sponsor of the championships.” and Programmes at CEE, said: and city councils, environmental Commons reception in the Skills. It aims to influence and in the Environment where we event, along with Total Butler, Visit www. ploughmen.co.uk “We hope the guide will be a education, professional and evening hosted by Joan Walley *The guide is available free develop policy, influence, are in the premier league** and Goodyear and Firestone, and for more information. useful tool. Thinking about industrial organisations and MP, a member of the from CEE, 94 London Street, develop and disseminate Environmental Audit Select Dow Jones Sustainability more than 15,000 visitors ● DIARY DATE: the 55th evaluation needs to be integral academia. They were Reading RG1 4SJ. Tel: 0118 practice and enhance the Committee and chairwoman of World*** where we are fourth. converged on the site at British National Ploughing to the planning and welcomed by CEE director 950 2550. Also available on the effectiveness and coherence Learning for Sustainability South Stoke, near Reading in Championships will be held at implementation of learning Libby Grundy and the first “The feedback from these CEE website www.cee.org.uk. of the sector. To find out more sub-committee. Berkshire. The organisers, the Soham, Cambridgeshire on programmes as this enables session was led by Jonathon help us constantly to improve **The premier league about CEE, visit the Society of Ploughmen, also October 8 and 9, 2005. people to determine from the Porritt, chairman of the Gareth said that assessing our environmental management. recognises companies that website. 12 NEWS NEWS 13

Peggy and Richard Grant Stuart Brown and catch of the day Dawn Webb Hector Pearson Reel good day’s fishing! EARLY 20 of our grantors and Ncontractors took the bait and escaped to the tranquillity of rural Hampshire for National Grid Transco’s first angling event. We organised a day’s fishing at the Avington Trout Fishery, near Winchester, one of the oldest stillwater trout fisheries in the country, famous for its clear water stalking and the big fish it produces. “It was another opportunity to get together with grantors in an informal social environment,” said Brian Mead, who hosted the day along with fellow wayleave officers Martin Bretherton, Wilson Holmes and Richard Evans. Our guests Robin Smith picks his spot in the clay pigeon shoot were also joined by Hector Pearson, who heads NGT’s Land and Development Group. Grantors in clay shoot-out “Despite poor weather, it was a fantastic day — everyone said “ ITHOUT doubt the most fun I membership increasing by 180 Left: they wouldn’t have missed it for Whave had for a long time” and per cent in the last 10 years. It’s Wayleave's anything,” said Brian. “Some of “a day to remember”. also a sport that can be enjoyed Richard our guests brought their partners These were just some of the by young and old, and people Evans lets and two of the wives, Jane Eastall comments from grantors taking with disabilities,” said Alan. rip and Peggy Grant, made excellent part in the grand final of our clay “We were delighted to welcome gillies throughout the day.” pigeon shooting event. grantors to our second clay NGT is considering making this It summed up the enthusiasm pigeon shooting events and an annual competitive event. If of all 15 finalists who gathered at equally delighted with the obvious any grantors are interested then the NAC at Stoneleigh for the enthusiasm of our guests — they Below: please contact your local shoot-out and celebration dinner. are already talking about the next Helen wayleave officer or wayleave Avington Trout Fishery, Hampshire, where our grantors caught some fine fish They had qualified at the five round this year.” Roberts warden — details on the back regional competitions held ● If you would like to find out takes aim page. around the country earlier in the more about clay pigeon shooting, And here’s our guests’ verdict… year. visit www.cpsa.co.uk, or contact RESULTS It was a great day out and it mattered not think the fish tales to wives and husbands Richard Biggs, Scott the CPSA at Edmonton House, ❛ ● Heaviest fish (13 lb) caught by that it was chucking it down most of the were all in excess! But that’s the great Stephenson, Richard Evans and Bisley Camp, Brookwood, Stuart Brown from Thorpe, time! I hardly noticed. My fish is due to make advantage of fishing tales! Phil Burgess from the field Woking, Surrey GU24 0NP. ❜ Surrey. its entrance at lunchtime next weekend and wayleaves team were hosts on Guy Anderson, Salisbury, Wiltshire ● I am looking forward to that very much! the day as our guests showed off RESULTS Heaviest bag (28.5 lb ) caught Thank you for a very enjoyable and their marksmanship. Alan Naylor, ● Winner experienced: Graham by Ray Beeles of Durham. My thanks for a wonderful day’s fishing. As memorable day. ❛ field wayleave manager, Andrew, from Sutcombe, Devon. ● Lady novice — Dawn Webb ❜ an experienced coarse fisherman, yet a fly presented trophies to the ● Winner novice: Richard Grant from Chelmsford in Essex, (wife Jonathan Tennant, Postling, fishing novice, I found that it was one of the winners. from Coventry of Roger Webb) who caught two Near Hythe, Kent most educational and enjoyable days fishing I “Clay pigeon shooting is one of ● Flush: Idris Roberts from four pounders. have encountered.❜ the country’s fastest growing Flintshire, Peter Jones from South Both Stuart and Ray were ❛ I did so enjoy myself and it was all down to Paul West, contract engineer, sports — the Clay Pigeon Wirral, Cheshire and Paul presented with smart new fishing you. Like everyone else I had great fun and I Balfour Beatty Power Networks Shooting Association reports Rosbottom from Manchester bags. 14 15 FEATURES FEATURES

THE Farm Energy Centre is the UK’s leading source of information on the Who’s in control? Watt application of energy-based techniques in farming and horticulture. IT’S time to take control, says Recently in an office heating Safety It works with farmers, utilities — the FEC. system, FEC engineers found says… including National Grid Transco — Farmers are always looking that, although the office was research institutes and manufacturers, for ways to reduce energy costs occupied only 40 hours a week, providing expertise on energy but so many options involve a the heating system was applications and energy efficiency. significant amount of operating night and day, at full It pays It covers a wide range of activities — investment in capital power for the remaining 128 from energy auditing and energy equipment. And where the cost hours. brokering to energy efficiency planning and product testing are high, paybacks are often Increasingly, more to think and evaluation. The FEC also works with other too long to be justified. sophisticated controls can be organisations in the energy business such as the Energy However, after on-farm energy used to get even greater Savings Trust, Action Energy and agricultural/horticultural audits carried out by the FEC, savings. For example, switches before organisations including the National Farmers Union, the one option in particular is put at that can sense if a room is Milk Development Council, Horticultural Development the top of the action priority list. being occupied and turn off you dig Council and the Health and Safety Executive. It involves some type of control. lights if no-one has been IT’S always a good idea to Its database of energy techniques and equipment is a There’s a good reason why around for 15 minutes, or check if there are cables unique resource which allows farmers to track down control heads the cost- sensors that will turn down the or pipes in the ground equipment suppliers offering specific equipment, and the Storing water in a reservoir or, inset, an irrigation tank, can help effectiveness league and that is temperature settings in an office before digging new drains FEC Trade Membership scheme helps to bring a controller — whatever it is — a few degrees if no-one is in. or foundations, manufacturers and farmer clients together. is usually a fraction of the price These save energy every day, which can contribute to Most electricity and gas For more detailed information about the FEC, visit of the item it is controlling. substantial cost savings in the transmission and www.farmenergy.com – how Whether it’s a timeswitch, a Water licence long term. distribution companies If you would like more information about any of the issues thermostat or some sort of So look closely at control and have a free service from highlighted on these pages, contact the FEC at NAC, sensor, chances are that even select one of the many devices which you can get route Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LS. Tel: 024 the most sophisticated model is that can help. information on pipes and 7669 6512 or e-mail: [email protected] not that expensive compared to secure your supply with the rest of the lines across your land. Use the same numbers to obtain a list of FEC publications, system. By referring to these you including technical guides, and technical notes. ATER, along with electricity longer as easy to get permission might be wasting water and In many cases, can get a quick idea Wand gas, is an essential from the Environment Agency to demonstrate your interest in simple control devices where you might Big boost for biomass utility for operating a farming take a private supply. New UK saving it. can pay back quickly. encounter a buried cable business. and European Legislation is ● Look at alternative sources — Time switches on office or pipe. FORMER farmers’ leader Sir is covered by a current Defra Arable farmers and making greater demand on capturing roof water, or treating it drinks machines and If you suspect services Ben Gill will head a scheme. horticulturists are big water users farmers to prove their need for for re-use can reduce the primary thermostats on heaters to be present, look for Government-appointed task Biomass can be used to with irrigation, and livestock water and demonstrate they are demand. may not be exciting telltale signs nearby, like using it wisely. Even farmers with force to stimulate biomass produce heat and electricity, farmers use lots for stock ● Reservoirs can be used to purchases but they are the presence of gas or existing licences are being asked supply and demand in a bid to using crops such as willow, drinking and cleaning systems. store water which has been important in controlling electric meter cabinets or to reapply for them. meet renewable energy miscanthus — a tall, woody Such is the demand that many abstracted during times of costs. street lights. If you suspect targets and boost farming, grass — and woodfuel from farmers have private water So to help farmers secure their surplus. that a service is near, forestry and the rural forests. supplies, using pumps to supplies for the future, here are carefully dig trial holes by ● Check for possible sources of economy. abstract water from boreholes, National Grid Transco’s tips to hand. The Government’s Energy pollution. One major factor in Food and Farming Minister streams or lakes. comply and work with the water Beating the price pinch White Paper includes an aim new environmental legislation is Larger cables or pipes Lord Whitty has also unveiled legislation: that renewable energy But resources have become to ensure that spent irrigation are often marked at road a £3.5 million UK-wide bio- sources should supply 10 per stretched in the UK, and it’s no ● Record your water use month MANY farmers are feeling the some slackening of prices was crossings. and washing water cannot harm effect of increased gas and seen in November and energy infrastructure scheme cent of UK electricity by 2010, by month so you can You may also come watercourses or wildlife. electricity prices in new December, farmers should still aimed at farmers, foresters doubling to 20 per cent by show how much you use across concrete, ● Get involved with CAMS. Each contracts. expect to see a real increase in and businesses interested in 2020. and where you use it. polythene or earthenware region now has a catchment rolling 12-month energy prices. setting up producer groups for ● For more details about the ● Write down how you There was a steady reduction tiles or ducts which are a water abstraction strategy harvesting, storing, processing scheme, visit use water and what in prices after privatisation in the In terms of the need to be good indication of the (CAMS) which is run by the and supplying energy crops www.defra.gov.uk/farm/acu/ difference it makes to your early nineties — but the past more energy efficient, price existence of a service Environment Agency and and woodfuel. energy/infrastructure.htm. For business. This will help in few months have seen an increases have, in fact, been below. requires the involvement of users uncharacteristic change. more influential than the Climate Grants are available for set- details about the Biomass arguing your case on how Another sign is the to derive a balanced approach to Change Levy which lifted prices up costs such as office rental, Study Task Force, see essential an adequate “Pressures on gas supplies presence of a marker tape local needs. You should find out by only about 10 per cent. In certain types of capital cost www.defra.gov.uk/farm/acu/ supply is to you. and international uncertainty in laid slightly above the how this works in your area and the face of rising prices, energy and training — but not the energy/biomass-taskforce/ ● Do an audit — this will the wider energy market set service. get involved. prices on a steep increase with efficiency measures will pay actual growing of crops, which index.htm help spot areas where you Most electricity cables ● Use an installation contractor some customers facing back more quickly than before. are black but some high with a certificate of compliance increases of as much as 50 per “Schemes dismissed voltage cables are as recommended by the Water cent,” said FEC managing previously as taking too long to Hello neighbour as NFU moves closer coloured red. Gas mains Regulations Advisory Scheme director Andrew Kneeshaw. pay back will start to look more laid before the 1970s are THE Farm Energy Centre at its new home, a purpose-built “We are widely involved with will help ease the work we do (WRAS). “National Grid Transco shipping attractive,” said Andrew. usually black. Stoneleigh is looking forward office block at Stoneleigh, is the NFU at the moment on with NFU and aid a broader prices have not contributed to “The Farm Energy Centre By following these simple More recent pipes are to having a new neighbour by already under construction. Climate Change Levy issues service to their members.” this because our prices are recommends that farmers take recommendations you can yellow or very occasionally the end of 2005 — the The move, says the FEC, is and the promotion of energy The move will also bring pegged by regulation and are a second look at efficiency increase your chances of orange. National Farmers’ Union set to encourage greater co- efficiency,” said Andrew NFU closer to NGT with our convincing the Environment only marginally influenced by measures in the light of new If in doubt always stop (NFU). operation between the NFU Kneeshaw, managing director head office being sited only Agency that your water use is the ‘raw’ cost of energy. It has prices as they may now decide work and consult your The NFU is moving its and many other organisations of FEC. six miles away in nearby controlled, productive and can been the base cost of energy.” that it’s the right time to make local utility company. national HQ from London and working from the site. “Their move to Stoneleigh Warwick. be sustained into the future. Andrew said that although an efficiency investment.” 16 NEWS Contacts For further information contact your local wayleave teams on: North: 0113 2908224/8235 South: 01245 592028 Your wayleave teams and their contact mobile phone numbers North East Wilson Holmes 07836 543539 Scott Stephenson 07836 543541 North West Mark Thomas 07887 825073 Martin Bretherton 07786 021086 North East (South) Mike Rockett 07836 364634 Janet Clarke 07770 645599 North West (South) Alan Whitmore 07836 629530 Bob Tute 07836 668504 Fred King, who was born the same year that the old hall was built, opens the new village hall with National East Midlands Grid Transco wayleave officer Richard Biggs, second right, MP Annette Brooke, third left, and Mary Robin O’Brien 07836 293137 Mathers, fifth left, the secretary of the new hall steering committee Simon Booth 07786 021088 West Midlands Richard Evans Power funding 07776 225888 Paul Ganley 07836 549748 East Anglia Barry Cullimore lights up hall 07836 217478 Sue Dunham ATIONAL Grid Transco our Mannington to Chickerell and corrugated iron hut. It 07766 785684 Nhas brought power to the 400kV overhead line has been sympathetically South East (North London) people. refurbishment project, and designed to blend into its Brian Mead hope to use the hall for some surroundings and 07836 217520 The company came up Phil Burgess with £4,000 funding to of our meetings. incorporates disabled 07836 222051 provide electricity for a new “Village halls play a very access. South East (South London) and much-needed village hall important role in the It will be used for a wide Paul Sage at Morden in Dorset. community and credit must variety of activities from keep- 07836 638823 go to everyone involved in fit sessions and wedding Alison Williams The hall’s opening was the making this project a reality.” receptions to educational 07788 568678 culmination of six years of South Wales hard work through the The new hall replaces a 77- activities and group meetings Simon Gronow planning, design, fundraising year-old dilapidated wood for people of all ages. 07836 207262 and building stages of the South West project. Richard Biggs 07785 716961 Thanks to the commitment Walk on the wild side Jane Bishop and enthusiasm of the A £5,000 donation from The walk’s potential was 07771 864528 management committee National Grid Transco is identified in 1978 when the Wayleave payments members and their helping the Forestry Forestry Commission won ▼ For information on supporters, the local Commission to raise the permission to manage the wayleave payments community now has profile of its Butterfly Walk site under the 400kV telephone the payments purpose-built facilities to helpline on 0800 389 5113. at Haldon Reserve near overhead line that runs from meet their varied needs. Emergencies Exeter. Exeter to Indian Queens. ▼ Emergency calls to report National Grid Transco The money is being used Back in 1993, the then pylon damage to National wayleave officer Richard for new interpretation National Grid Company Grid Transco can be made Biggs was at the opening boards for the area along launched a booklet to tie in on 0800 404090. Make a ceremony. “It’s magnificent,” note of the tower’s number with a new bench with the walk and also he said. “The main hall has so commissioned from a local supplied display boards for — found just below the much space and there are property plate — to help craftsman depicting the the forest classroom and crews locate it. facilities for meetings, lifecycle of a butterfly. information notices along snooker and changing rooms Electric and magnetic fields The company has had a the walk. as well as a fully-fitted ▼ For information on long-time association with “We are delighted to kitchen. electric and magnetic fields, the butterfly haven, which is continue our support,” said ring the EMF information “We are delighted to be line 08457 023270 (local call home to a number of rare South West wayleave able to support this excellent species. warden Jane Bishop. rate). initiative as a consequence of

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