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ISSUE 22-SPRING/SUMMER 2010 THE NEWSPAPER FOR THE AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY The Cotswolds - a haven for biodiversity ORGANISATIONS TEAM UP OVER Think of biodiversity and raise awareness of the wonderful GAS PIPELINE the mind wanders to the diversity of wildlife and wild great plains of Africa, the places in the Cotswolds.” So what is so special about the Page 3 jungles of Asia, or the Cotswolds and why is the area so rivers and forests of South important for nature America. conservation? The facts speak for The Cotswolds Area of themselves - 86 recorded bird Outstanding Natural Beauty, species (as of 2002); 89 Sites of however, is also a centre for Special Scientific Interest; five biodiversity and nature European Special Areas of conservation - a nationally Conservation; and three National important area which includes Nature Reserves. features, such as rare limestone “The Cotswolds is a remarkably grasslands, ancient rich and varied landscape and woodlands, a network of pristine, deservedly designated as an Area limestone rivers, and an of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, abundance of flora and fauna. says Paul Hackman, Conservation CYCLING IN THE Biodiversity plays a crucial role and Land Management Adviser in all our lives. It provides us with for the Team at COTSWOLDS food, fuel and medicine, clothing, Natural , an independent building materials and shelter, public body which focuses on Page 5 recreation and tourism, flood England’s natural environment. management and much more. He continues: “It is perhaps the That’s why, in celebration of the scarp where the greatest 2010 International Year of concentration of biodiversity can Biodiversity, a host of events will be found, with its mosaic of be held across the Cotswolds orchid-rich limestone grasslands showcasing what the area has to and distinctive beech woodlands; offer in terms of its variety of plant some of which are of European and animal life, and what we can importance. However, the plateau do to protect it. has also become increasingly “The 2010 International Year of important as a refuge for Biodiversity is an opportunity to nationally declining and celebrate the wildlife of the increasingly rare farmland birds Cotswolds and campaign to and arable wildflowers.” CLIMATE - THE protect it for future generations,” Much of the biodiversity in the says Mark Connelly, Land Cotswolds is due to its rich and TIME FOR Management Officer at the diverse landscape, continues the CHANGE IS NOW Cotswolds Conservation Board CCB’s Mark Connelly. (CCB). “From the region’s unique Events will include a variety of geology and its escarpment - Pages 8-9 walks, talks and family days. In home to its limestone grasslands - April, there will be the Cotswolds limestone grassland. events during the Cotswolds through to its deep valleys, NTED O Bluebell Weekend, where residents And in September, the Bluebell Weekend and Wildflower woodlands, copses and hedgerows, RI N P and visitors can find out more Cotswolds Rivers Week will take Week to celebrate the it is highly appropriate that the about Britain’s favourite flower. In place. Cotswolds rivers are home International Year of Biodiversity”, Cotswolds should be actively June the Cotswolds Wildflowers to a host of wildlife, including the says Emma Bradshaw, Marketing involved with the 2010 Week features a series of events water vole, otter, the native white- Manager at Gloucestershire International Year of Biodiversity.” R celebrating the abundance of clawed crayfish and native brown Wildlife Trust. “To encourage The Cotswolds scarp, which E R C E wildflowers - many of which can trout. people to experience wildlife P YC A be found in the Cotswolds’ “We are delighted to be hosting through attending events helps to Continued on page 2 L E D P

Do you want to know more about what’s going on in the Cotswolds AONB? Log on to our website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 2 The Cotswold Lion • S P R I N G / S UMMER 2010

Continued from page 1 runs almost the whole length of Other Places to Visit the western edge of the Cotswolds Cranham Common National Nature Reserve. The 70 acre is home to some of the greatest grassland common near the village of Cranham is a Site of Special concentrations of plant species. Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. 34 varieties of The thin limestone soils butterfly, 20 trees and shrubs, 70 species of birds and 184 species discourage the more common of ground flora have been recorded on the site. vigorous plants and benefit the finer and scarcer plants. Beacon. 250 acres of common land looking down on the The Cotswolds’ limestone town of Painswick, which offers some excellent views across the grasslands, for example Severn Valley. On the top of the beacon the outlines of a large Iron (particularly the unimproved Age hill fort can also be seen. The area is a unique limestone grassland grasslands, unaffected by modern site with associated fauna, flora, geology and other historical features. farming methods) support a Brown’s Folly, Avon Wildlife Trust. Standing high above the River variety of plants, which in turn Avon, with commanding views towards Bath, Brown’s Folly near provide a home to a large selection the village of Bathford in Bath and North East boasts rich of insects and birds. grasslands and woodlands. The extensive remains of Bath stone The Adonis Blue butterfly with quarries provide a rich variety of wildlife habitats, the old mines its vibrant blue-coloured wings offer a safe sanctuary for the threatened greater horseshoe bat, and the fast declining Duke of and the damp cliff faces support a fascinating variety of ferns, Burgundy butterfly can both be fungi and spiders. found in these grasslands, along with up to 25 other butterfly Foxholes Nature Reserve. A beautiful 165-acre woodland and wet species. In June last year, the meadow, famed for its spectacular spring bluebells and abundant Duke of Burgundy, which bird life. Over 200 species of fungi have been recorded along with normally only appears in spring, a diversity of liverworts and mosses. Once part of the ancient was sighted on Rodborough Wychwood Forest, this tranquil woodland slopes gently down to Common - only the third time in the in West . more than a century that a second brood has appeared in the UK. finest beechwoods and nationally biodiversity.The flatter arable “Through a combination of site and the National The grassland sites are home to rare plants, such as the fingered plateaux have become important designation and environmental Trail have been vital to making over 100 wildflower species and sedge, stinking hellebore and as a refuge for nationally declining grants for landowners, and the sure the Cotswolds is enjoyed and many rare orchids and plants, yellow Star-of-Bethlehem. and increasingly rare farmland creation of wildlife corridors valued by local residents and such as the fragrant orchid and Woodland animals include rare birds and arable wildflowers.These through habitat creation to protect visitors alike.” musk orchid; the Cotswold spiders and snails and breeding include the declining corn bunting existing sites, Natural England is From plants to butterflies, bats Pennycress, a tiny flower almost birds include the tawny owl, and tree sparrow and rare arable working hard to protect the to birds, biodiversity is an integral only found in the Cotswolds and buzzard and wood warbler. wildflowers, such as the shepherd’s diversity of the Cotswolds for part of life in the Cotswolds.We associated with bare ground and Cooper’s Hill, just south of needle and red hemp-nettle. people today and for generations hope you will join the Cotswolds old quarry workings; and the Brockworth and famous for its And in the north of the to come”, continues Paul Conservation Board in celebrating Pasque flower, a scarce native annual cheese rolling event, is Cotswolds is Bredon Hill, one of Hackman. this special year of biodiversity. plant. another good place to see the most important wildlife sites “However, this cannot be done For further details of all The Cotswolds are also famous biodiversity, providing 137 acres in England, and a habitat for such in isolation and the partnerships nature events taking place for their ancient beechwoods, of stunning beech woodlands with rare invertebrates as the violet that have developed with the in the Cotswolds, visit excellent examples of which can small open areas of limestone click beetle and the bark beetle, Cotswolds Conservation Board www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/events. be found near the villages of grassland. previously only known from Cranham and Sheepscombe.The People sometimes forget how Windsor Great Park and Moccas area includes many of Engand’s important arable farmland is for Park near the Welsh border. Man-made structures are also supporting biodiversity with the Cleeve Common is the highest point in the Cotswolds with network of old barns and stone dramatic views across the Severn Vale to the Malverns and Did You Know? mines of Bath and Bradford-on- As many as 40 different plant species can be found in a Avon, home to the hibernation beyond and east across the rolling Cotswold Hills as well as single square metre of unimproved limestone grassland sites associated with 15% of the down to the world famous Race Course. UK’s greater horseshoe bat.The within the Cotswolds. Yet it is not just on Gold Cup Day that enthusiasts are former stone mines around The only UK population of a small snail Lauria sempronii Minchinhampton also provide drawn to Cleeve Hill. The area is also a magnet for biodiversity can be found on two short stretches of drystone walls at suitable bat accommodation. and also a geological phenomenon representing the thickest Edgeworth near . Yet, such biodiversity needs section of Inferior Oolite rocks in the country. The limestone protecting from changes in land grassland has a variety of flowering plants, grasses and 50% of the UK’s total Jurassic unimproved limestone use, lack of appropriate habitat grassland is to be found within the Cotswolds. management and development. butterflies. Cotswold Lions roam the AONB

The Cotswold Lion Cotswold rams were exported all commercial sheep, there is a long newspaper takes its over world, and widely crossed way to go before the breed can be name from those hardy with other breeds to assist in the considered truly safe. Cotswold sheep descended production of larger, leaner lambs. Cotswold sheep are sensible, Changes in agriculture at the kindly sheep and are generally from the flocks that grazed beginning of the 20th century, led easy to handle in spite of their the hills in Roman times. to a dramatic fall in the popularity size.They lamb easily and make One of the largest British of the sheep, so much so that by excellent mothers.The breed does breeds, they were often referred to the 1960s the breed was almost well in a wide variety of as ‘Cotswold Lions’ because of extinct. It was at that point that landscapes: from their natural their long and lustrous wool, some the Cotswold Sheep Society was Cotswold hills, to the mountains of which can form a ‘lion’s mane’ revived and the decline was halted of Wales or the frequently flooded around their necks. and soon reversed. fields of the Thames plain. In the Middle Ages their wool Once on the Rare Breed Summer is show time for many became a major export and Survival Trust’s ‘Endangered’ list, enthusiastic flock keepers, and that brought great wealth to the the breed has grown in popularity is where the sheep can be seen Cotswolds. Indeed the famous and is now considered to be a parading at their very best. From ‘wool’ churches were built by the ‘Minority Breed.’This is extremely The Cotswold Show at merchants whose fortunes were encouraging, but it should be Park in early July, to the National built on the back of the breed. In remembered that with a total of Show of Cotswold Sheep at the 19th century the Cotswold was only around fifteen hundred Moreton Show in September - again popular, and much sought breeding ewes, a number smaller keep your eye out for this historic after for the quality of its meat. than many single flocks of breed of ‘Cotswold Lions’. www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk SPRING/SUMMER 2010 • The Cotswold Lion 3 National Grid andThe Cotswolds Conservation Board team up over gas pipeline

National Grid and the England. As with any large-scale Cotswolds Conservation infrastructure project and in particular one which cuts through Board (CCB) are working an AONB, there are significant side-by-side to minimise challenges in both the route any negative selection and construction phase. environmental impact and “The final route was carefully chosen after extensive where possible enhance investigations and discussions”, the local surroundings of said Ian Sarson National Grid a 44 kilometre-long gas Senior Project Manager. “We pipeline between the sought the views of landowners and other consultees such as villages of Wormington Natural England, the Cotswolds and Sapperton. Conservation Board (CCB), the During the initial consultations Environment Agency, local for the pipeline, the CCB objected authorities, and many local to the route and challenged the countryside, farming and route selection assessment. conservation groups.We are However despite being continuing to work closely with disappointed with the final them, and with local communities decision, the CCB has accepted affected by our works, to ensure it and wants to ensure that the they are kept informed as work environmental qualities of the progresses.” Cotswolds are safeguarded During construction, pipes will throughout the construction need to be delivered, hedges process. coppiced, topsoil removed and Stone Walling Association of understanding of the traditions impact.We look forward to Projects include monitoring the stored, and trenches dug and Great Britain’s guidelines. Local and practices which make the continuing to work with National construction of the pipeline and backfilled, once the pipelines have stone as a replacement will be Cotswolds countryside such a Grid as we move from the restoration of the route, support been laid.The ultimate aim, used, where necessary, and special place.” construction to the restoration with dry stone walling, and help according to Ian, is “to restore all reinstatement will be carried out Finally, the CCB has been phase.” with access to a National Grid of the land to its original pre- by qualified and registered dry working with National Grid and Some footpaths and bridleways local community fund for construction condition as soon as stone walling contractors with the the local community over may need to be closed or diverted environment, conservation and possible after the pipeline is in the appropriate experience. additional projects that the for short periods during pipeline education projects. ground.” The CCB has been working National Grid may be willing to construction. All closures and National Grid started pipeline When the pipeline crosses dry closely with National Grid in three fund. diversions will be agreed with the construction during March 2010 stone walls, they will be key areas to ensure a seamless “National Grid takes its relevant local authority and will be as a means of meeting the growing dismantled, stored, and re-used as construction and restoration commitment to the environment clearly signposted. Further demand for reliable and economic much as possible. All rebuilding period. Firstly, a consultant has extremely seriously”, said Ian information will also be available gas supplies in the South West of will take place in line with the Dry been funded by National Grid to Sarson. “As part of the project we through the CCB’s website, the work as part of the pipeline team are working with the CCB to Gloucestershire County Council but report to the CCB.The support projects that will conserve website and the National Grid consultant’s role will be to ensure and enhance the AONB’s natural web site (address at bottom of the that all the construction and beauty. National Grid is keen to article). restoration work meets the conditions set by the Department As guardians of the community and the of Energy and Climate Change when planning consent was landscape it was very important for us to share originally granted. Secondly, with dry stone walls our expertise and knowledge with National Grid such an integral part of the Cotswolds landscape, the CCB is ‘‘work with those communities National Grid is keeping working with National Grid over who will be temporarily residents living close to the the rolling-out of a grant scheme inconvenienced by the pipeline route informed of that will enhance some of the construction of this pipeline. progress throughout the ’’project, existing dry stone walls in the We have a limited budget available and a specialist community vicinity of the pipeline route.The to support projects in the key areas relations team is available to CCB is currently identifying such of environmental conservation and answer any questions and to help walls which need to be replaced enhancement, education and solve any problems.You can and is in discussion with local skills, environment and energy, or contact them at enquiries@ landowners, providing advice on community investment.” sw-rp.co.uk or by calling the the grant application process. Malcolm Watt concludes: project information line on To get a real feel for the art of “What this partnership has shown 0800 731 0561. Further dry stone walling, up to 12 is that it’s possible to roll-out this information on the project is engineers and project managers large-scale infrastructure project available at www.nationalgrid.com/ from the National Grid project with an acceptable environmental uk/Gas/Pipelines/Wormington. team, including National Grid Project Manager, Mark Beard, recently undertook a two-day dry stone walling course run by the National Grid Pipeline CCB. “As guardians of the community and the landscape so Community Fund to speak, it was very important for A new grant for community and environmental us to share our expertise and knowledge with National Grid”, projects is available from National Grid. Further said Malcolm Watt, Planning details of criteria and eligibility are available from: Officer at the CCB. “We needed National Grid Community Relations, telephone to ensure that all people working 0800 731 0561 or email to: [email protected] on the project had an innate www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 4 The Cotswold Lion • S P R I N G / S UMMER 2010 A new Visitor Centre for the Cotswolds

Visitors to the Cotswolds will be able to learn more about the area’s history, geology, landscape, and people through a new visitor centre, to be opened on the site of the Old Prison in Northleach. The new centre for the Cotswolds AONB will help bring the story of the Cotswolds to life through the installation of imaginative information panels as well as a variety of interactive materials and activities. Housed in the spacious North Gallery area, between the Old Prison and the Cotswolds Conservation Board offices, the new development will also enable the re-opening of the Old Prison itself, a former house of correction built in the 1790s and a once popular visitor attraction. As the largest of 40 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, the Cotswolds offers not only diverse scenery and landscape, but a rich history and heritage that has been shaped over the centuries by limestone and wool. It is a fascinating story to tell the many visitors to the area, as well as the people who call the Cotswolds their home, and it is hoped that a dedicated interpretation centre will help more people gain an understanding and appreciation of this beautiful and quintessentially English landscape. The new centre is planned to open this summer. For further details, contact the Cotswolds Conservation Board on 01451 862000. First walking festival for Winchcombe

Plans have been drawn up for day walks and short, level health 4,000 year old the first ever walking festival in walks.There will also be evening Belas Knap Winchcombe this May. social events, including a quiz and long barrow, Last summer, the a barn dance for those who still discover the Roman mosaic floor historic town have the energy! in the woods that brought Bill became the Experts have been lined up to Bryson to Winchcombe, and take first in the talk to walkers about the rare in views of Sudeley Castle, the Cotswolds butterflies and flowers, the burial place of Catherine Parr and to be archaeology, and the local steam wedding venue of Liz Hurley. awarded railway.Two of the walks on the Experts will lead walkers to the Walkers Friday will finish at historic sites of the rare Duke of Burgundy St. John Ambulance are Stanway House, where the Earl of butterfly, and to the habitats of Welcome Wemyss has agreed to give a several species of orchids, or walk status and will private viewing of the highest 30 miles of the Cotswold Way holds sponsored walk now be the centre gravity-fed fountain in the world. National Trail. of the three-day walking festival Experienced walk leaders are Winchcombe has a great range On the 19th June 2010, provides an opportunity for from Friday 21 May to Sunday drawn from many organisations – of accommodation, pubs and St John Ambulance families, seasoned walkers and 23 May. Ramblers,Walking for Health, restaurants, and attractions. Gloucestershire are challenge enthusiasts to stretch The Walkers are Welcome plus Voluntary Wardens from the To find out more and to book holding a sponsored walk their legs and help raise money concept started in 2006 in Hebden Cotswolds Conservation Board - your place while there are along the Cotswold Way for a vital local charity.To Bridge as a way of achieving more and all know the local countryside still some available, visit register or for more information publicity, attracting more walkers intimately. Winchcombe’s new website - www. from Cleeve Hill to please contact Chloe Moorhead to the town and helping local Walkers will be able to visit winchcombewelcomeswalkers.com. Painswick. on 01452 858220 or businesses. Since then there has Four different distances of cotswoldway-challenge- been a huge level of interest in the walk from 2 miles to 24 miles [email protected]. idea across the UK, with 31 towns having now achieved the status. Among its benefits,Walkers are Welcome helps strengthen the reputation of towns like Want to stock up on the Lion? Winchcombe as a place for visitors to come to enjoy the outdoors, Small outlets that would like door. If you have any questions, bringing useful benefits to the to display free copies of the please call 0845 644 1873 or local economy. It helps to ensure Cotswold Lion for members of email [email protected]. that footpaths and facilities for the public can now order via This service is only available to walkers are maintained in good the Internet. The service is ideal outlets or groups that would like condition, benefiting local people for stocking up on the newspaper to order multiple copies for as well as visitors. at peak times and can be done public consumption. If you would During the Winchcombe easily by going to www.promo- like to simply download an walking festival, there will be at direct.co.uk, registering and electronic copy of the Cotswold least five walks to choose from ordering as many copies of the Lion, go to the publications every day, varying in length and Cotswold Lion as you need.The section of our website at: difficulty from strenuous full day copies will be delivered to your www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk. walks on the Cotswold Way to half- www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk SPRING/SUMMER 2010 • The Cotswold Lion 5 CYCLING in the Cotswolds Cycling in the Cotswolds number 47. is one of life’s pleasures This route starts in Witney and and a great way to see the heads through the peace and tranquility of the Windrush Valley wonderful scenery and into the stunning Cotswolds soak up the distinctive countryside to Farmington. On atmosphere of this Area of arrival in Farmington, the route joins National Cycle Network Outstanding Natural Route 48 and heads down towards Beauty. Cirencester. Cyclists love the region for its Between Witney and excellent views, winding lanes Farmington are a number of with drystone walls, wildlife places of interest: and the hospitality offered by Minster Lovell - this quiet, picturesque villages with their picturesque village is home to the pubs and tearooms. historic ruins of Minster Lovell There are an abundance of Hall which is worth a visit routes and paths available, and if Burford - on the River you don’t have a bike, you can Windrush, this town is considered always hire one locally. Guided to be the gateway to the ridesAscott-under- and cycling holidays are all Cotswolds.There are lots of little availableWychwood throughout the Cotswolds. side streets to explore with many Sustainable transport charity tea rooms and quaint pubs - an Sustrans are great proponents of ideal point at which to rest up and Shipton-under- the benefits of cycling and, in refresh along the cycle ride. Wychwood partnership with both The Cotswold Wildlife Park Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire offers 160 acres of parkland and County Councils, run route gardens around a listed Victorian Farmington Manor House. and Warwick, and more information indicate a network of safe quiet Susie Lea, Co-ordinator of is available via the Sustrans country lanes, which interconnect Sustrans’ Active Travel projects, website www.sustrans.co.uk not only with the market towns told Cotswold Lion: “Surveys show Routes in the Cotswolds range and surrounding villages, such as that physically active people feel from the gentler slopes of the , Moreton-in- happier and more satisfied with life, South Cotswolds to the sharper Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water and Asthall so try dusting off an unused bicycle escarpments of the North.These Stow-on-the-Wold, but railway Leigh or show off a new one to enjoy a varieties in terrain give every level stations as well as visitor attractions. Little Hailey Barrington leisurely ride along the many scenic of cyclist a chance to enjoy the Further information about Minster Crawley routes in the Cotswolds and on the extensive network of tracks cycling in the Cotswolds is Lovell National Cycle Network.” and lanes. also available from Sustrans offers a resource called For a clearer idea of how to get www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/cycling. Free Your Bike, a free cycling around the Cotswolds by bicycle, a Do you have a favourite information pack which people series of pocket foldaway cycle cycling route in the Cotswolds? can obtain through the website maps have been produced by the Let us have details of the route, www.freeyourbike.org.uk and Gloucestershire Rural Transport where it is and why you like it, which is tailor made to individual Partnership, the Department for along with your name and requirements. Transport Cycling Projects Fund, contact details, and we will There are plans for a new cycle and Council. feature it on our website. Send route via Cheltenham, , The personal foldaway maps to: [email protected].

Key Regional Route 47 Ascott-under- National Route 48 Wychwood linkroute to railway station Aroad Broad, unclassifiedPlanned roadNational Route 48 (Fosse 2) to Shipton-under- B4437 river Moreton and Leicester railway, station Wychwood pub Great Rissington Finstock A429 A424 Farmington Leafield Steep hill

B4022 A40 Great Unsigned link route Taynton A361 A429 Sherborne Barrington to Charlbury railway Follow one-way station (6 miles) NORTHLEACH system in Burford Windrush Fulbrook Asthall Swinbrook Leigh Little Widford Hailey National Route 48 Barrington (Fosse 2) to Cirencester: Minster Crawley 12 miles, fully signed Eastington BURFORD Lovell Asthall WITNEY B4047 B4425 B4020

Aldsworth Westwell A40

A361 Follow cycle path along main road

Brize Norton

scale 0 1 mile CARTERTON A4095 Map data from OpenStreetMap (www.openstreetmap.org, CC-BY-SA). For licence details, see www.creativecommons.org. Cartography by Richard Fairhurst (www.systemed.net/carto). www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 6 The Cotswold Lion • S P R I N G / S UMMER 2010 Capture the Beauty of the Cotswolds

An exciting new photography competition, celebrating the beauty of the Cotswolds is being organised by Cotswold-based professional landscape photographer, Sarah Howard. The competition, which is open to people of all abilities and ages to capture the very best of the Cotswolds, contains 3 categories including landscape, people and ‘My Cotswolds’ - a personal interpretation of what makes the Cotswolds special. The winner will receive the top prize of a 2-night stay at the White Hart Royal Hotel in Morton-in-Marsh and a one-to-one Image Seen Cotswold photography workshop with Sarah Howard. Other prizes include a Ricoh camera, Manfrotto tripod, Lowepro mini trekker, a limited edition Sarah Howard fine art print, a half day Photoshop workshop with digital imaging expert Claire Reika Wright, copies of Sarah Howard’s book, ‘A year in the life of Westonbirt’ plus gift vouchers for Image Seen photography workshops for the runners up.There will also be an opportunity to win a commission to shoot a cover for the Four Shires magazine in 2011. The winning and runners-up images will be featured in The Four Shires magazine later this year, and the competition will culminate with a high profile 6 week exhibition at the O3 gallery in the Oxford Castle complex, Oxford, from 27th November. Full details of the competition and how to enter, along with details of the photography workshops, are available at www.imageseen.co.uk

Children to become local scientists this summer Primary school children Education Coalition, is a national food chains and pollination, will have an opportunity to survey designed especially for biodiversity and adaptations as be scientists and plant a primary school children and being well as the conflicts that occur virtual meadow this run for the first time in 2010.The where there are competing uses of survey is simple to complete and land.The pack has been written summer through the provides an easy way for children for Key Stage 2 but the survey is Bee Scene 2010 survey. to become citizen scientists and also appropriate for Key Stage 1. Local primary school teachers contribute to monitoring the The survey and activity pack and environmental coordinators natural environment. will be available online from mid will be able to take their classes The survey is supported by an March 2010. Primary teachers out to local parks, fields or any education pack with additional and environmental education other natural space and complete cross curricular activities to coordinators should contact the simple survey.The children support teachers to lead a Bee [email protected] can then head back to the Scene expedition in their local for further information. classroom and help plant a virtual green space. Children will also Bee Scene forms part of the meadow online to link their have the opportunity to write a Wild About Plants Project which findings with hundreds of others press release or take part in a news aims to increase people’s access to across the country. broadcast, design their own and enjoyment of natural spaces. The survey, developed by scientific investigation or take part The project is funded by Natural Plantlife, the Bumblebee in a design and technology England through Access to Nature, Conservation Trust, the John Muir project.The education pack will as part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Trust and the Child Safety promote deeper understanding of Changing Spaces programme. Saving the Water Vole

Over the next four years Wind in the Willows’ , who was in defined as 100 animals within a Gloucestershire Wildlife fact a water vole! They have a one and a half to two kilometre Trust (GWT) is planning lifespan of up to two years, inhabit length of good quality habitat. an ambitious new project the banks of wet ditches, slow- Water voles are now so rare that to save the Water Vole from moving rivers/streams, and the remaining populations are wetlands.Water voles are legally increasingly isolated and extinction within the protected under the Wildlife and particularly vulnerable to further rivers and tributaries Countryside Act 1981 (as habitat loss, mink predation, of the Cotswolds. amended). flooding, excessive disturbance The water vole is a Priority The Cotswold Rivers project and, especially in urban areas, Species in the UK and will provide advice to farmers and accidental poisoning by Gloucestershire Biodiversity landowners on how to bolster rodenticides.To this end, the Action Plans. Nationwide surveys water vole populations.The GWT’s Water Vole Project Officer have revealed that water voles are project will also help Cotswold John Field will work with absent from around 90% of the communities better understand landowners and farmers to help sites where they were previously this unique creature. them make simple changes to their And it is not just the strongly urge everyone to help recorded prior to World War II. In 2009, GWT conducted land management activities which Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and with this vital campaign in any Sadly, the national trend is a survey to urgently assess the can greatly improve the water its 23,000 members who are way you can”, they said. mirrored here in situation today.The survey voles’ habitat. Such activities coming to the aid of the water For further information on Gloucestershire.The main reasons covered 35 kilometers of good include protecting river banks vole. Stephen Fry and Mark the project please visit the for this dramatic decline are the water vole habitat on the Rivers from erosion and grazing livestock, Carwardine of BBC TV’s series Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust loss, degradation and Windrush, Churn, Coln, Dikler reducing over-shading of ‘Last Chance to See’, who both website which will have details fragmentation of habitats and and Eye and revealed that water watercourses and implementing travelled the world in search of of the launch later this summer. predation by introduced mink. voles were currently present on mink control.The project team high profile endangered species, www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk Water voles are the largest only 28% of the 35 kilometres will also provide advice to farmers, are also supporting the campaign. or contact Water Vole Project British vole and are often mistaken surveyed. None of these sites were landowners and residents in “We’re particularly worried about Officer John Field on 01172 for rats - probably not helped by found to have what is called a obtaining grants for sympathetic the plight of the charismatic and 309565. Ratty in Kenneth Grahame’s The ‘Minimum Viable Population’ - management and capital works. enchanting water vole - and www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk SPRING/SUMMER 2010 • The Cotswold Lion 7 Sustainable Tourism in the Cotswolds

With its attractive towns and With this aim in mind, this year the large area and tourism is hugely important to villages, beautiful landscape and Cotswolds Conservation Board (CCB) is the local economy. We believe that by going variety of attractions, the Cotswolds applying for the European Charter for through the charter process it will help us to Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas, strengthen relations with local tourism Area of Outstanding Natural awarded by the Europarc Federation.The stakeholders and wider industry, share ideas, Beauty has attracted visitors from Europarc Federation is the voice of Europe’s experience and expertise as well as raising across the UK and other parts of the protected areas with over 400 members in 36 the profile of conservation and countries, who themselves manage the ‘green environmental practices in the countryside.” world for decades. jewels’ of Europe’s land, sea, mountains, The CCB would also like to hear your This growth in visitor numbers has forests, rivers and cultural heritage.The aim views on tourism in the Cotswolds resulted in tourism becoming one of the of the Charter is to increase awareness of and AONB. Just fill out the attached survey largest and most important industries in the support for Europe’s protected areas and to form in this issue of the Cotswold Lion Cotswolds, generating over £400 million into improve the sustainable development and or go to thewww.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk the local economy each year and supporting management of tourism within them. to fill out online. Completed 11,500 jobs. (South West Tourism 2005) There are currently 75 Charter areas questionnaires will be entered into a In addition to the many economic benefits across Europe with ten of these awarded to prize draw to win one of 4 family of tourism, a well-managed tourism industry protected areas in the UK including tickets to The Moreton Show on can also be fundamental to supporting local AONB, Forest of Bowland AONB Saturday 4th September communities and culture as well as protecting and the Brecon Beacons National Park. (www.moretonshow.co.uk). and enhancing the natural environment.The Nicola Greaves, Information & Alternatively, if you have any general challenge is finding the optimum balance Interpretation Officer at the CCB, explains views that you would like to make between meeting the needs of the businesses, more, “The Charter recognises protected about tourism in the Cotswolds, local community, visitors and the areas that are following the right approach in please contact Nicola Greaves on environment through careful planning, developing and managing sustainable 01451 862003 or email: monitoring and controlling measures. tourism. The Cotswolds AONB is a very [email protected]. Dry-stone walling project comes to an end The Wychwood Project dry- disintegrating over many years. volunteers aged 16-25 who also fascinating stories about relatives College to practice and refine their stone walling group were The work on the wall was worked alongside members of the who had worked on the land and hard earned skills.” delighted to lay the final another example of the Wychwood Cotswold Voluntary Wardens and built many of the local walls, If you would like to try your topping stone, on 30th Project leading a joint working members of the church others had helped to build or hand at this old craft or have November 2009, to complete venture between local volunteer congregation. repair walls themselves but are no experience that you could share repairs to the wall of the groups and volunteers from the Jane Bowley,Wychwood v longer able to do such heavy work. with the Wychwood Project dry- churchyard of St John’s community. Expert wallers in the Project Officer said: “It was a The wall also provided an stone walling group please contact Church, Fifield, rebuilding dry-stone walling group helped to delight to see people of all ages opportunity for people who had Jane Bowley,Wychwood v Project much of the 25 metres of wall train young people from the trying this ancient rural craft taken part in the training courses Officer on 01993 814131or email that had been slowly Wychwood v project for together. Some people had run by Abingdon and Witney [email protected] Growing deer numbers cause concern in AONB Deer are beautiful, gentle Deer can have an adverse effect Management Group.” creatures - but with numbers on agricultural and horticultural There are currently two increasing throughout the crops, especially when adjacent to established Deer Management Cotswolds AONB, there is a woodland, through browsing and Groups in the Cotswolds, one based growing need for the population trampling and can damage around Wychwood and another in to be effectively managed. gardens in villages and other areas. the central part of the AONB which As a result, the AONB has Road accidents involving deer is one of the most active in the produced a leaflet providing a are also on the increase, with an country. However, these groups do range of useful information on the estimated 74,000 collisions not provide deer management cover Photograph © needs and benefits of managing involving deer taking place in the across the whole AONB area and Forestry Commission/ deer in the Cotswolds. UK every year.The AONB has there is a need for other groups to be John MacTavish Ed Dyson, Research & Policy mapped deer-related collisions in established and more collaborative Officer at The Deer Initiative said: the Cotswolds, which show a working to be extended. “Deer are an integral part of the number of accident hotspots. Advice on deer management, Cotswold countryside and the With disease, some deer suffer including to local Deer chance to see these animals is part from or may be implicated in Management Groups, is provided of the pleasure of living in, zoonoses such as Lyme disease through the Deer Initiative GRANTS UP TO working in or visiting the AONB. and animal diseases such as (www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk ), a “But deer numbers in the Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), Foot partnership of organisations £13,000 Cotswolds, as in the rest of the UK, and Mouth, and Bluetongue. In dedicated to maintaining have increased over the years and the Cotswolds bTB is of particular sustainable and healthy wild deer are continuing to do so, and this concern. A recently completed populations in England and Wales. AVAILABLE NOW brings problems which cannot be project to identify the level of bTB Ed added: “A sustainable Are you a small business, For more information visit ignored. As things stand, there is no in deer populations in the South population of wild deer is one individual or community www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk or reason why the trend in increasing West indicates that high densities which is in balance with the group based in the contact David Molloy, Rural deer numbers and range expansion of deer can be associated with environment and with minimal Cotswolds? Do you have a Skills and Grants Officer on will not continue.” higher levels of bTB in deer, negative effects on the economic project that promotes 01451 862002. Among the problems being although the risk of spread to or social needs of those who live, sustainable living and would created by a growing deer domestic livestock is low.Two work in or visit the countryside.” benefit the environment, local population are habitat damage, such populations are known to be The Cotswold AONB’s new community and/or economy? especially in woodlands, crop within the central Cotswolds. leaflet sets out why deer need to If so, the Cotswold AONB damage, increased collisions with Ed said: “The management of be managed and how a properly Sustainable Development vehicles, and disease. Many woods, deer is primarily the responsibility managed population of deer is in Fund could help. Grants some of them ancient Cotswold of the landowner. It should be a balance with its environment, is from a few hundred pounds woodlands, are suffering from the continuous, long term process and healthy for them by keeping up to £13,000 are now adverse effects of high numbers of not done only in response to a numbers in balance with their available for projects to be Supported by the deer, such as bark stripping, particular problem. It is much food supply, and how it can be a carried out in 2010/11. Cotswold Conservation Board’s browsing and fraying, with impacts more effective when landowners source of local income through SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND on other flora and fauna. work together as part of a Deer stalking and sales of venison. www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 8 The Cotswold Lion • S P R I N G / S UMMER 2010 Climate - the time NFU – Agriculture part of climate change solution Agriculture can and will be a wide range of bioenergy part of the solution to climate technologies to displace fossil change, according to the fuel use, such as biofuels and National Farmers Union. biogas and NFU combinable crops board the deployment of other chairman Ian Backhouse and Dr renewable energy technologies Jonathan Scurlock, the NFU’s like wind energy and solar chief adviser on renewable power. energy and climate change, Dr Scurlock added that the attended the recent international joint agricultural industry climate talks in Copenhagen to Climate Change Task Force, set help raise the profile of the up in response to the challenges agricultural sector. posed by climate change, had “In Britain, our Government recently delivered an Outline Chief Scientist Prof John Greenhouse Gas Action Plan to Beddington has warned of a Defra. ‘perfect storm’ of increasing The NFU, in partnership with demand for food, water and the Country Land and Business energy in the face of a changing Association (CLA) and the climate”, said Mr. Backhouse. Agricultural Industries “We believe that agriculture has Confederation (AIC), launched an important role to play in the Climate Change Task Force meeting all these needs - but we (CCTF) in 2007 to present a will need the co-operation of our united stance against the serious governments, the private sector, threat that climate change poses NGOs, the public and media.” to agricultural production and “Increasing productivity is the rural sector. According to the critical, to improve the adaptive NFU, agricultural production is capacity of both rich and poor currently responsible for about Climate change and Good soil and water introduction of some new crops in farmers against climate change, 7% of total UK greenhouse gas globalisation will change the management will be crucial to the Cotswolds.There is likely to to enhance food security and to emissions. character of the Cotswolds in climate change mitigation and be a need for more drought reduce pressure on our natural The food chain as a whole is the decades to come, a recent adaptation resistant crop varieties. Farmers environment.” sometimes blamed for as much report published by the Increasing regulation and and growers will need new According to Dr Scurlock, the as 18% to 20% of UK Cotswolds Conservation mitigation measures aimed at guidance ranging from water NFU and its national and greenhouse gas emissions, but Board has revealed.The controlling the emissions from storage to energy conservation.” international partners have much of this total arises ‘beyond report by Cumulus farming and forestry will have Among new crops that could identified four main themes for the farm gate’ in food Consultants Ltd, focused on negative and positive impacts become a familiar feature of the mitigation action, whereby processing, consumption or the potential impact of The Cotswold landscape will AONB as the 21st century agriculture in the UK and waste disposal, or indirectly climate change and change over the coming years progresses are durum wheat, worldwide could actively tackle through changes in land use globalisation on farming and While farming and forestry have sunflowers, soya beans and grapes, climate change.These are attributed to agriculture forestry, which together many of the solutions to adapt and forage maize is also likely to increased greenhouse gas elsewhere in the world. account for 96% of the land to climate change, individual increase. efficiency of resource use, Methane emissions from UK area of the Cotswolds Area of businesses must work together Livestock numbers are expected such as changes to nutrient production have fallen by Outstanding Natural Beauty, with their local communities to reduce overall, in line with management and livestock life 17 per cent since 1990, practical and stresses the critical role Richard Lloyd, Chairman of the recent trends, mainly in the cycles measures to further reduce farming and forestry are Board’s Conserving & Managing numbers of dairy cattle and pigs, enhanced carbon storage in emissions through improving going to have to play in the Sub-Committee said that the role while the reduction in beef cattle vegetation and soils efficiency are being considered. Cotswolds in the years ahead. of the Board was to inform people and sheep is expected to be more The 124-page report set out to and encourage them to adopt gradual. New types and breeds of gain a better understanding of the initiatives now to mitigate the livestock are likely to be implications of climate change and effects of climate change. introduced in response to higher globalisation on farming and “In 2080, it could be two or temperatures. forestry in the Cotswolds AONB, three degrees warmer, and while At the same time, with warmer particularly up to 2030. It this is currently beyond most weather and milder winters, concluded: adults’ lifetimes, they really need to farmers are likely to experience Understanding impact, think and act now, particularly if more and different types of pest reviewing responses and they are going to be handing over and disease.There will also be monitoring change over time the farm to a son or grandson.” greater importance placed on soil will be crucial to successful “The report we have and nutrient management, water AONB strategy development commissioned is our starting conservation, energy efficiency and management point, and we have since held a and renewable energy production Climate change will bring about farming forum and our annual on farms. new policy and planning forum which focused on this issue The south west is a huge challenges, with an increasing in depth.There is a lot to do.The region, and the actions and need for new policies and higher parts of the Cotswolds have policies that are appropriate in the strategies to reflect changing thin soils and these could become west of Cornwall are not going to priorities. unusable, and we need to be the same as that required for The Board could play a key role determine what we need to do to the Cotswolds. in raising the skill base and approach that.There may be crop The approach has to be much awareness of the farming, failures, and an increased fire risk.” more sub-regional and relevant to forestry and rural business “At the same time, climate particular areas - the Cotswolds community change could create 90 extra has separate issues to the Severn Rural businesses will need to growing days a year.Yields might Vale and Forest of Dean and change and diversify to manage increase but crop quality could farmers and foresters need to do future risks successfully decline. It might mean the different things in different areas. www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk SPRING/SUMMER 2010 • The Cotswold Lion 9 for change is now Simple measures to help Local communities combat climate change rise to the climate There are a number of which generates electricity to the carbon footprint. solutions to hand which can value of more than £12,000 a year When heating with wood rather change challenge help mitigate the effects of (and practically no electricity than fossil fuels, you actually climate change, and which are bills). achieve a net reduction in available in the form of Another solution is solar panels, greenhouse gas emissions. In renewable energy factsheets which currently represent one of addition, harvesting firewood has on the Board’s website. the best investments, increasing a pruning effect on forests, which Small scale wind power, for property values and reducing allows new growth to flourish. example, which uses the energy bills in the long term. Furthermore, burning wood can momentum of moving air to turn Going solar also makes a be a convenient means of a turbine to generate electricity, statement about your disposing of waste timber that can fulfil an important role. But environmental commitments and might otherwise be sent to a on a larger scale, the visual impact can encourage others to follow landfill site.The wood you burn can be harmful. your lead. likely comes from your local area - Just look at some of the other it’s not imported and not subject options, though.Wool insulation, QUALITY SYSTEM to price increases due to events for example, can reduce heat loss outside your control, as is the case and cut heating bills - and sheep’s A quality solar heating system will with oil. wool is nature’s most effective provide up to 70% of your home’s Ground source heat pumps use insulator. annual hot water or electric pipes buried in the garden to requirement, reducing your energy extract heat from the ground.This ECO-FRIENDLY bills and your family’s carbon is usually used to warm water for footprint for 25-30 years or more. radiators or underfloor heating Wool insulation is eco-friendly, Where traditional Cotswold systems. It can also be used to pre- saves money, increases your stone buildings and roofs are heat water before it goes into a energy rating, adds value to your concerned it would not be more conventional boiler. property, is efficient and unlike acceptable for the solar panels to many other insulation products, it be visible. But many buildings GROUND LOOP is totally safe and allergy-free. have central roof gullies or back Communities throughout the Cotswolds are rising to the What’s more, it will extinguish roof slopes which can only be seen A ground source heat pump challenge of climate change and CO2 emissions through itself in the event of a fire, it’s easy from a limited number of places circulates a mixture of water and technology, innovation and local team-work. to install and can be fitted and it may be possible to ensure antifreeze around a loop of pipe - One such example is the village of Randwick overlooking the anywhere in external or internal the character and appearance of called a ground loop.When the Stroud Valley in the Cotswolds AONB. Randwick Village Hall is walls, under timber or concrete the buildings are not harmed.This liquid travels around the loop it using ground-breaking technology that has transformed efficiency, floors, and in the attic where it can is particularly significant when absorbs heat from the ground - significantly improved the carbon footprint, and reduced running be rolled over existing insulation. dealing with listed buildings or in used to heat radiators, underfloor costs.Today, the village lays claim to being the UK’s first carbon At Elkstone Manor, owner and conservation areas. heating systems and even hot neutral village hall. Cotswolds Conservation Board water. Heating and hot water are generated from a ground source heat member Christine Shine used WOOD HEATING They reduce CO2 emissions, pump, which extracts energy from the earth. Electricity to power pure sheep’s wool to insulate every eliminate fuel bills and cut down the pump comes from photovoltaic cells on the roof.Today, fuel bills nook and cranny of the manor’s Wood heating systems are on wasted electricity. And as they have been cut by more than 60% creating both a sustainable and convoluted roof spaces - becoming more and more popular are buried there is no visual cost effective resource for the community, as well as demonstrating immediately reducing oil with consumers who are impact.There may be how climate change can be tackled at a local level.The initiative has consumption by 10 per cent. concerned about the environment. archaeological constraints in also been identified as an exemplar energy project by the Severn Wye Spurred on by this result, Wood is a totally renewable excavating trenches to install the Energy Agency. Christine has now installed a large resource, which, when burned, pipe, but there is considerable Photovoltaic Array (daylight results in no net carbon dioxide scope for their use within the panels) hidden behind a ha-ha increase and can help reduce your Cotswolds AONB. Cotswolds Conservation Board www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk Cotswolds Conservation Board Fosse Way, Northleach, Gloucestershire, GL54 3JH. Tel: 01451 862000 · Fax: 01451 862001 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk The Cotswolds Conservation Board looks after the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) The Board works: to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB to increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB All rghts reserved. Photographs copyright Countryside Agency, photographer Nick Turner, unless otherwise stated. Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the publishers can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 10 The Cotswold Lion • S P R I N G / S UMMER 2010 Keeping rural skills alive The Cotswolds Area of Board runs an annual programme Outstanding Natural Beauty is of courses and activities to help a living, working landscape. keep these traditional skills alive Many of the distinctive by encouraging people to develop features in the landscape are the skills needed to maintain these the result of man’s interaction unique, rural features. As well as with the land over the drystone walling and hedgelaying, centuries. the Board runs courses on green There are more than 4,000 woodworking, and gate, hurdle miles of drystone walls, and tool making.These courses constructed from the thin strata of inspire people to use traditional oolitic limestone that underlies the techniques to make products from Cotswolds. Hedgerows too are a coppice woodlands. Many of these notable part of the landscape, woodlands have not been providing important habitats for managed properly for years and, key species such as dormice, bats as a result they have lost the and many insects. biodiversity they once would have Sadly many of these features are supported. in a state of neglect and disrepair, For further details on all of and without action to maintain these courses and to apply, contact them, may soon be lost for good. the Cotswolds Conservation The Cotswolds Conservation Board on 01451 862000.

Course Date Location Price Gate Hurdle Making 10 & 11 April Prinknash £135

Dry Stone Walling 17 & 18 April £80

Introduction - Green Woodwork 24 & 25 April Prinknash £105

Dry Stone Walling 1 & 2 May Long Compton £80

Wooden Tool Making 8 & 9 May Northleach £105

Dry Stone Walling 8 & 9 May Tetbury £80

Lime Mortar 15 & 16 May Chavenage £80

Weekend - Green Woodwork 22 & 23 May Prinknash £105

Dry Stone Walling 5 & 6 June Lansdown, Bath £80

Cotswold Slate Roofing 12 & 13 June Cirencester £150

Introduction - Green Woodwork 12 & 13 June Prinknash £105

Gate Hurdle Making 19 & 20 June Prinknash £135

Taster Day - Green Woodwork 10 July Prinknash £60

Gate Hurdle Making 17 & 18 July Prinknash £135

Lime Mortar 17 & 18 July Chavenage £80 RURAL Dry Stone Walling 24 & 25 July Lansdown £80 Dry Stone Walling 7 & 8 August Huntsmans, Naunton £80

Field Gate Making 14 &15 August Northleach £135 SKILLS Dry Stone Walling 28 & 29 August Crickley Hill £80 Introduction - Green Woodwork 11 & 12 September Prinknash £105

Gate Hurdle Making 18 & 19 September Northleach £135 COURSES Wooden Tool Making 2 & 3 October Northleach £105 Dry Stone Walling 2 & 3 October Bradford-on-Avon £80

Weekend - Green Woodwork 9 & 10 October Prinknash £105

2010/11 Hedgelaying 27 & 28 November TBC £80

Hedgelaying 4 & 5 December TBC £80

Hedgelaying 23 & 24 January 2011 TBC £80

Hedgelaying 5 & 6 February 2011 TBC £80 www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk SPRING/SUMMER 2010 • The Cotswold Lion 11 Reliving the Cotswold Way in art form

From Damien Hirst’s studio in Stroud to Laurie Lee’s This time it will be lovers of the love of the Valley, and Henry James, John Singer Cotswold Way National Trail and Sargent and William Morris’s enjoyment of the picturesque the picturesque villages and countryside along its route that beauty of towns such as Broadway and Chipping will have a chance to relive it, Campden, the Cotswolds AONB has always been an through a stunning art exhibition inspiration for artists and writers through the ages. in the Cotswold town of Chipping Campden. The Cotswold Way National Trail Art Exhibition is taking place at CHIPPING CAMPDEN – the Gallery @ The Guild from March 23rd to May 2nd. It features The Jewel of the Cotswolds a variety of local artists presenting their own interpretations of the There are few more is well known as the home of C. Cotswold Way, including Diane appropriate venues to R. Ashbee’s Guild of Handicraft Fine,Waldo Nunwick and a group celebrate the creativity of the which occupied the property of Gloucestershire ceramicists. Cotswolds than The Gallery from 1902 to 1908.The Guild of The Cotswold Way is a long @ The Guild - the Old Silk Handicraft specialised in distance walking trail that runs Mill in Chipping Campden. metalworking, producing between Chipping Campden in the The Gallery @ The Guild is jewellery and enamels as well as north of the Cotswolds to the city today a cooperative of twenty hand-wrought copper and of Bath in the south, passing Nunwick St James Church (Drawing pen on paper) by Waldo three artists, calligraphers, wrought ironwork, and furniture. through many picturesque villages that we should use the Way as an Waldo Nunwick is a graduate ceramicists, designers, furniture It is still represented at the and historical sites en route. It is inspiration for local artists and of Winchester School of Art and makers, photographers, sculptors property through Hart’s 102 miles long and most of the trail also fitting that Chipping his work has been shown at public and textile artists.The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths and takes place along the Cotswold Campden - ‘the jewel of the galleries in Liverpool,Winchester, cooperative aims to promote its the new cooperative. escarpment.The Cotswold Way Cotswolds’ - be the venue.” Farnham and Southport. Originally members’ work and to provide Visit the Guild today and was formally launched as a Diane Fine has a BA in Fine from ,Waldo has now set the public with an opportunity to many will see the parallels with National Trail in May 2007. Arts from Concordia University, up home in the Cotswolds. An meet its members, each of whom Ashbee’s original guild. Some of “From the Roman heritage of Montreal with her work featuring interest in architectural heritage has takes a turn at stewarding the the cooperative’s members have Bath to Sudeley Castle near in several solo exhibitions in driven much of Waldo’s work over cooperative’s various exhibitions. given up urban life and fast Winchcombe, Hailes Abbey, and Toronto as well as galleries in the the last ten years with the Cotswold Each exhibition includes a moving careers to embrace arts the many beautiful churches, Cotswolds and numerous Private Way providing plenty of material. variety of disciplines so that and crafts and, as in Ashbee’s historic houses, countryside and Collections in North America and Other current art projects, in there is something for everyone. day, all of the cooperative’s villages along the trail, the Europe. Her work is instinctively addition to the National Trail Chipping Campden, known to members face competition from Cotswold Way encapsulates what drawn to creating life-enhancing exhibition, include the development many as ‘the jewel of the mass produced items.Yet, what the Cotswolds is all about”, said images and instigating emotional of a Bath Trail Marker at Bath Cotswolds’ has been a world shines through is the quality of James Blockley, Cotswold Way reactions from her audience with Abbey – a project to sculpt a stone renowned centre for crafts for the products and every person’s National Trail Officer. the Cotswold Way providing ideal obelisk at the Abbey to mark the over a century.The Old Silk Mill love for their craft. “It’s therefore highly appropriate subject matter. start and finish of the Trail.

Walk into the heart of Tony Phillips OBE, the historic City of Bath 1927-2009 The Cotswold Way National Trail is not just a long distance path for long distance walkers. A short walk government, was a Board anywhere along its 102-mile length will lead you right Member of the Cotswolds into the heart of the country’s most beautiful and Conservation Board since its varied landscapes and introduce you to the best of launch in 2004. what the Cotswolds have to offer.With such variety, a To ny was a specialist in walk one day will never be the same as the next. forestry and woodland To help more people discover the Cotswold Way, a series of management and leaves a lasting short, circular walks are available to guide you easily along legacy.This includes the National Trail in small sections, from Chipping Campden Brokerswood Country Park, 80 at the northern end, to the City of Bath in the south. acres of woodland in Wiltshire, Walk No.12, Journey’s End – The Walk into Bath, gives now owned by his daughter, and you a true sense of pilgrimage as it takes you from open hill Rocks East Woodland, 100 acres top in the Cotswolds, down into the World Heritage Site of of historic woodlands near Bath Bath. Conveniently starting from the Lansdown Park and in the Cotswolds AONB. Ride, the walk follows a 6-mile route past the Bath Today, Rocks East Woodlands Racecourse, the tree-topped dome of Kelston Round Hill is a thriving woodland education with wonderful views over Bath, through Shiner’s Wood and and training centre and an down into the city itself. Once in Bath, famous landmarks attraction for primary and such as the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths and the wonderful secondary school students, youth Bath Abbey, which is officially the start/end point of the clubs, scouts and brownies, and National Trail, remind you why this beautiful city is included A longstanding supporter and many more like-minded on the list of World Heritage sites and attracts millions of board member of the Cotswolds organizations. visitors every year. Conservation Board (CCB), To ny won the National To download the full details of this, and Tony Phillips, passed away Countryside Award for the other circular walks along the Cotswold Way, last year at the age of 82. promotion of understanding of go to www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cotswold and To ny,a former leader of West woodlands between town and click on ‘Planning a trip’. Wiltshire District Council with country people and received an For further details of things to see and do 53 years experience in local OBE in 1988. in Bath, go to www.visitbath.co.uk. www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 12 The Cotswold Lion • S P R I N G / S UMMER 2010 WALKS & EVENTS Guide

PLEASE always remember to wear appropriate footwear because some walks may be steep and muddy in places. Dogs are not allowed on walks, except guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf. Please always check the website beforehand for latest information including any changes to the walks programme, particularly during inclement weather – www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/guidedwalks

Guided tours of Chipping Campden and WEDNESDAY APRIL 14 • 10.30 “the most beautiful village street now left in the island”. - Stage 1 Meet at the Market Hall Chipping Campden for The principal part of the Macmillan Way runs for ABCDE FGH290 miles from Boston in to Abbotsbury a 2.30 pm start for tours led by Cotswold Voluntary Wardens. This is an easy walk that is in with a significant portion traversing all very suitable for families and will take one and Evesham Stratford- districts of the AONB. The intention is to lead M40 a half hours. We suggest donations of say £2 upon-Avon successive walks along this stretch over the next few summers with transport being arranged to per person towards the Voluntary Wardens’ WARWICKSHIRE Countryside Fund. 1 take walkers to the start points. The object is not WORCESTERSHIRE Map ref: OS Leisure 45/152 392 only to provide a series of interesting linked walks but also to raise money for Macmillan Cancer These walks will take place each Tuesday Chipping commencing 1 June 2010 until 28 September Bredon Support. In this stage of the project we walk from A44 Campden 2010 inclusive. Hill Lower Warmington back to Epwell, passing near the site of Brailes the Battle of Edgehill, with superb views along M50 Broadway A429 the route.A pub lunch will be available. Moderate Chipping Campden Town Walks 2 A44 The Cotswold Voluntary wardens offer a town Moreton- Starting point: Epwell, near the church walk, an audio visual show followed by either a in-Marsh Leaders: Alan Bulley & Kevin Myhill tea or a supper as appropriate, in Chipping 5.5 hours • 9 miles Campden for organised parties. Contact Ann OS: 151/353405 H2 M5 Stow-on- Colcomb on 01386 832131. the-Wold 3 Winchcombe Chipping WEDNESDAY APRIL 14 • 19.30 Walk the Cotswold Way Norton CHELTENHAM A44 Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Don’t Call Join a group led by the Cotswold Voluntary Me Honey: Bees, The Bigger Picture Wardens walking 10 miles of the Cotswold Way A40 Carlo Montesanti is a director of The Global Bee on the first Wednesday of each month. Walks Charlbury Project, with headquarters in Stroud. Its purpose commence in May of each year.Travel by coach A40 Bourton- is to raise awareness of the importance of all bee from Winchcombe to the start point. Lunches 4 GLOUCESTER on-the-Water species. Dr Adam Hart lectures in Ecology and Animal will be at pleasant inns en route. For further Behaviour at the University of Gloucestershire. His information and to reserve places please A40 research has been featured on radio and TV.Charge contact Bob Cox on 01242 820192. An early GLOUCESTERSHIRE Northleach Burford of £3; for further information tel: 01452 383333 booking is advised. A46 RIVER Starting point: Nailsworth Library, The Mortimer A417 Walk the Diamond Way 5 SEVERN Room, Old Market, Nailsworth GL6 0DU A429 Join a group led by the Cotswolds Voluntary STROUD OXFORDSHIRE WEDNESDAY APRIL 14 • 10.00 Wardens walking some 10 miles of the North M5 Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Egg Hunt at Cotswolds Diamond Way on the fourth Tuesday CIRENCESTER Fairford Chedworth of each month. The walks commence in April Nailsworth Lechlade each year, starting and ending at Moreton-in- Egg hunt at Chedworth.... with a difference! 6 Dursley There’s a monster living in a big hole and Marsh and continue for six consecutive months. A46 N A bus will meet walkers at the appropriate venue searching for food in the woods of this reserve. to transport them to the start point for a walk Tetbury Can you conjure up a spell to source a dragon - back to the cars. For further information and to Wotton- and find where it has hidden its eggs?? Pre- under-Edge reserve places please contact John Medlyn on booking required - tel: 01452 383333 01386 438060. An early booking is advised. 7 Starting point: Directions sent on booking Malmesbury Tailor Made THURSDAY APRIL 15 • 10.00 As well as the guided walks listed in this A46 Wardens’ and Windrush Way 1 newspaper, Cotswold Voluntary Wardens can SOUTH WILTSHIRE First in a series of four circular walks designed to provide tailor made outings for groups of all GLOUCESTERSHIRE cover the whole of the Wardens’ and Windrush abilities. Contact the Cotswolds Conservation 8 M4 Ways in sequence.We follow the Wardens’ Way from Board Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01451 862008. Winchcombe to Deadmanbury Gate returning via the Windrush Way. Please bring a picnic lunch. Moderate Map and Compass Course Chippenham Starting point: Winchcombe Back Lane (pay & Sunday 19th September 2010: 10am - 4pm display) car park Discover the Cotswolds using a map and Leaders: Jean Booth, Simon Mallatratt compass. Open to everyone, including adults 9 4.5 hours • 8 miles accompanying children over the age of 10. A46 OS: 45 / 023284 D3 Please call to book a place or find out more on 01451 862008. Adults £4, children free. Bring a SATURDAY APRIL 17 • 10.00 packed lunch, drinks provided. Use ‘em or Lose ‘em 10 A pleasant walk, with fine views from Ebrington Hill, COTSWOLDS BLUEBELL WEEKEND - BATH using some of the least frequented pathways in the 24-25 APRIL area. Bring a packed lunch and drinks. Moderate COTSWOLDS WILDFLOWERS WEEK - Starting point: Chipping Campden, The Market Hall 12-20 JUNE BATH AND Leaders: Pat & Roger Cook NORTH EAST 4.5 hours • 8 miles COTSWOLDS RIVERS WEEK - 11 OS: Leisure 45 / 151392 F2 SOMERSET 4-12 SEPTEMBER TUESDAY APRIL 20 • 10.00 Stile Free Walk at Badminton GUIDED WALKS LED BY COTSWOLD VOLUNTEERS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. A morning walk around Badminton and Little April Badminton with a mid-morning break. Easy All guided walks are free of charge unless otherwise stated, donations welcome. Starting point: Badminton - please park THURSDAY APRIL 1 • 10.00 considerately in the village Leaders: Gill Sheppard & David Hayes Chadlington Downs & Down to Dean MONDAY APRIL 5 • 10.00 WEDNESDAY APRIL 7 • 10.00 SATURDAY APRIL 10 • 10.00 3.5 hours • 5 miles A morning walk on footpaths over farmland with Down to a Combe Across to a Stoke Down the Churn to Ciren - North Cerney Mills and Moynes OS: 173 / 804827 B8 far reaching views across the Evenlode Valley. We A walk from Combe Down, Monkton Combe, to Cirencester From Tetbury through Long Newnton and the pass the mysterious Hawk Stone of uncertain Limpley Stoke, Midford and back to Combe An easy linear walk following down the river Avon Valley to Shipton Moyne for lunch. Return WEDNESDAY APRIL 21 • 10.00 origin. Picnic lunch or pub in Chadlington at the Down. Please bring a packed lunch. Churn to Cirencester passing water meadows, an via the Long Newton/Estcourt Estates and a end of the walk. On Cloud Nine Moderate Moderate ancient restored sheepwash and a visit to nameless valley. Moderate A walk along a section of the Cotswold Way Starting point: Cross Key’s South Stoke Road, Baunton church with its 14th century wall Starting point: Tetbury Old Station free car park Starting point: Park along Church Road, around Cleeve Common. On the return route Combe Down, Bath painting. Return to North Cerney by Stagecoach Leaders: Ted Thornton, David Collings Chadlington (opposite the Church) beyond the taking a short detour to the highest point in the Leaders: Wilf Dando, Dave Jennings bus number 151 for lunch at the Bathurst Arms or 5.5 hours • 9 miles school where the road widens. Cotswolds with views across the Severn Valley. 5 hours • 9 miles lunch and exploring in Cirencester with return OS: 173 / 893933 C7 Leader: Rosemary Wilson Refreshments available at the Golf Club. Easy OS:172/748619 A10 later.As an alternative, catch bus 151 from 2 hours • 5 miles Starting point: Public car park near golf club Cirencester at 9.20 to the start point at North OS: 164 / 333221 H4 Leaders: Royden Hales, Brian Chilvers, TUESDAY APRIL 6 • 10.00 Cerney. Parking at North Cerney by prior Mike Williams SATURDAY APRIL 10 • 10.00 SATURDAY APRIL 3 • 10.15 Tuesday Tramp arrangement for those having lunch or park 2.5 hours • 5 miles Walk around the various footpaths of Colerne considerately in the village. The National Trust: Spring Clean! OS: 179/990272 D3 Conservation in the Cotswolds Parish. Lunch available at the Fox & Hounds. Easy Minchinhampton & Rodborough Commons - come Visit the Evenlode Valley to see examples of Bring a mid morning munchie. Starting point: Bathurst Arms, North Cerney and help with our massive clean up and litter pick THURSDAY APRIL 22 • 10.00 access, landscape and natural habitat car park on the commons. Booking not needed. Tel: 01452 conservation, ancient and modern. Public Moderate Donnington Eights No 1: Around Longborough Starting point: The Fox and Hounds Car Park in Leaders: Tony Wilson, Pippa Burgon, Rosemary 810051 for further information transport: starts after arrival of 0948 train from First in a ‘figure of eight’ series based on the Colerne Woodham Starting point: Meet at the Reservoir car park Donnington Way and some of its pubs. As well as Oxford. Packed lunch required. 2.5 hours • 4 miles on Moderate Leaders: Russell Harding & Judith Slee Longborough, Sezincote and Hinchwick, this one 3 hours • 5 miles OL: 45 / 019079 D5 OS: 160 / 855012 Starting point: Charlbury Station (charge made passes by the Donnington Brewery itself including OS: 156 / 818711 B9 for parking) Donnington and the Battle of Stow site. Pub Leader: Dave Scott lunch available. Moderate Starting point: Ganborough, Coach and Horses Inn 5 hours • 6 miles Easy Length may vary but terrain is mainly flat (level). Moderate Includes some hills and some rough ground. OS: 164 / 352195 H4 Leaders: Keith Sisson and Paul Adams Strenuous May be rough underfoot, and ascents and descents may be steep. 6 hours • 11 miles OS Leisure: 45 / 173292 F3 www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk SPRING/SUMMER 2010 • The Cotswold Lion 13

THURSDAY APRIL 22 • 10.00 SUNDAY MAY 9 • 10.00 FRIDAY MAY 21 • 10.00 MONDAY MAY 31 • 18.30 Bluebell Theme: Up and Down and Round May The National Trust: Bluebells and Scrubs & Meadows An Evening in Ozleworth Bottom Beechwoods Picnic A walk through Puckham Scrubs, Warden’s Wood, A walk suitable for families, looking for orchids, Starting at Newark Park entrance, down hill to SATURDAY MAY 1 • 10.00 A stroll through the rich bluebell woodlands of the Brockhampton and Sevenhampton and past sites lilies and limes. An easy walk, but includes a Ozleworth Bottom, along the bottom then up to Ebworth Estate and Workman’s Woods with our of Roman and medieval settlement. One long climb. Easy Hen’s Cliff. Down again in the bottom. Field path, ’s Ancient Woodlands Countryside Manager, Paul Rutter, looking at the climb, some road walking and a couple of stiles. Starting point: Lineover Wood - parking up then to pick up Cotswold Way. Up Wortley Hill, A walk visiting Dowdeswell and Lineover Woods, history and the wildlife that live there. Please bring Pub lunch available or bring a picnic. Moderate track south of A40, 1 mile east of , with views across to Wotton-under-Edge. Some Ravensgate Common and the villages of a picnic. Booking essential. Entry £3. Call 01452 Starting point: Car park at Whittington Court, 100 yards east of Reservoir Inn. road walking and then back to Newark Park. Whittington and Dowdeswell. Pub lunch available 810051 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wessex by kind permission Leaders: John Heathcott, John Woodland, David Moderate or bring a picnic. Strenuous Starting point: Meet at the Ebworth Centre off Leaders: Colin Dickinson, Ken Buckle Burwell Starting point: Newark Park Starting point: Andoversford Station Road, B4070 1.5 miles south of Birdlip 4 hours • 7 miles 2 hours • 2 miles Leaders: Ken Leach & Les Jones meet by the bus stop OS: 45 / 012207 D4 OS: 179 / 986196 D4 3 hours • 6 miles Leaders: John Heathcott, John Woodland, David TUESDAY MAY 11 • 10.00 OS: 162 / 783932 B7 Burwell Two Tons and a Hill SATURDAY MAY 22 • 12.30 7 hours • 11 miles A circular walk from Stanton to Snowshill and International Biodiversity Day: The Big Picnic SATURDAY APRIL 24 • 14.00 OL: 45 / 023198 D4 returning via Laverton. There are some fine views, Join the Gloucestershire Farming & Wildlife Advisory June Cotswold Bluebells: Beckford Bluebells SUNDAY MAY 2 • 04.30 valleys and inclines. Moderate Group for a great day out for all the family including A mainly gentle walk (2 minor slopes) to look at Starting point: Stanton village car park walks, rural activities and a celebration of this county’s TUESDAY JUNE 1 • 10.00 bluebells above Beckford as well as some Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Dawn Leaders: Pat & Roger Cook rich biodiversity. For details call 01452 627487 Tuesday Tramp stunning views of the Cotswolds from a different Chorus at Greystones Farm 3.5 hours • 7 miles Starting point: Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Walk around the various footpaths of Colerne angle. Suitable for families. Early risers will be rewarded with great birds and OS Leisure: 45 / 068344 E2 Kings Common Parish. Lunch available at the Fox and Hounds. Easy coffee and a danish! More information and Bring a mid morning munchie. Moderate Starting point: Outside Overbury Church directions sent when booking - tel: 01452 TUESDAY MAY 11 • 10.00 SUNDAY MAY 23 • 10.00 Starting point: The Fox & Hounds car park in Leader: Colin Boulton 383333. Cost: £5 including coffee & danish Views of Long Compton better than a King’s A Charmy Walk Colerne 3 hours • 4 miles Starting point: Directions sent on booking A walk on the borders of Oxon and Warwickshire Down the St Catherine’s valley to Monkswood Leaders: Russell Harding & Judith Slee OS: Explorer 14 / 957375 C3 SUNDAY MAY 2 • 10.00 with plenty of views from the top of the scarp. Reservoir, up the hill to Charmy Down Airfield 3 hours • 5 miles The route includes the area of the Rollright which we cross on one of the old runways. OS: 156 / 818711 B9 SATURDAY APRIL 24 • 10.00 Shipston Rotary Club Cotswold Walk Stones and Little Rollright before dropping down Around the Ridge, down to Bath, then steep Cotswold Bluebells: Kings and Queens in Enjoy the footpaths and bridleways of the North into Long Compton where a pub lunch is descent back into the valley. Return up hill to WEDNESDAY JUNE 2 • 10.00 the Landscape Cotswolds with spectacular views over 4 available. Strenuous Ashwicke and level walk back to Marshfield Ancient Pathways - The Salt Way Starting at the top of Nottingham Hill this walk counties. Refreshments provided. Adults £5 Starting point: Great Rollright Village Hall Please bring a packed lunch. Moderate A gentle walk from Bibury to discover and goes over Stanley Hill to Gretton, returning over children £2. All proceeds in aid of Rotary Leader: Kevin Myhill Starting point: Lay-by at West End of Marshfield traverse the Salt Way - one of the ancient Langley Hill. charities. Call 01608 684304. 5.5 hours • 10 miles Leaders: John Walker & John Dougal footpaths of Gloucestershire. The walk will Pub lunch available in Gretton. Starting point: Foxcote Hill, Ilmington OS: 191 / 322314 G3 5.5 hours • 10 miles include a visit to Ablington village. Easy Moderate 7 miles OS: 155 / 772738 B9 Starting point: Bibury church WEDNESDAY MAY 12 • 10.00 Starting point: Car park at top of Nottingham MONDAY MAY 3 • 14.00 Leaders: Tony Wilson, Rosemary Woodham, Hill Hopefully Orchids TUESDAY MAY 25 • 10.00 Geoff Ricketts Leaders: Vivienne McGhee & Sue Greenwood Bank Holiday Bluebells A flat walk over two commons to Rodborough Deer Park and Secret Forest 2.5 hours • 5 miles 6 hours • 11 miles A Bank Holiday afternoon stroll to a quiet village Fort with a stop for a delicious ice cream. Pub A walk through part of the Ancient Forest of OL: 45 / 118065 F5 OS Explorer: 179 / 982279 D3 and through private bluebell woods. Pub lunch lunch after walk available. Easy Wychwood, off rights of way. Returning through available. Families welcome but not suitable for Starting point: Amberley Inn, Amberley - not Cornbury Park with its herds of fallow and sika FRIDAY JUNE 4 • 19.00 SATURDAY APRIL 24 • 10.00 buggies or pushchairs. The start of the walk pub car park deer. By kind permission of Lord Rotherwick. National Trust: Wildlife Walk Woods & Vales with Bluebells includes a short section beside a busy road. Easy Leaders: David Harrowin, John Hammill Please bring a packed lunch. Moderate A stroll with the Area Warden to look at the Uley - Horsley via Kingscote Wood - Nympsfield - Starting point: The Bird in Hand, White 2 hours • 4 miles Starting point: Charlbury, the Spendlove car park wildlife of the Cotswold high beech woodlands at Uley. Green on Witney to Charlbury Road. Please park OS: 162 / 850013 B6 Leader: Tony Graeme the Ebworth Estate. Booking advised. Call 01452 Moderate tidily the pub car park. Leader: Tony Graeme 5 hours • 8 miles 810051 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wessex Starting point: Uley village green 2 hours • 4 miles THURSDAY MAY 13 • 10.00 OS: 180 / 358196 H4 Starting point: Ebworth Centre off B4070 Leaders: Eric Brown, Ian Cooke OS: 180 / 344139 H4 Wardens’ and Windrush Way 2 Explorer 179/900114 WEDNESDAY MAY 26 • 10.00 5.5 hours • 9 miles TUESDAY MAY 4 • 10.00 Second in a series of four circular walks designed OS: 162 / 792986 B6 to cover the whole of the Wardens’ and Windrush Macmillan Way - Stage 2 SATURDAY JUNE 5 • 9.30 Hitting the Spot Ways in sequence. We follow the Windrush Way The principal part of the Macmillan Way runs for 290 Ermin Way Valleys and Villages SUNDAY APRIL 25 • 10.30 Leave Dursley via Long Street. Follow Cotswold from to Roel Hill Farm returning miles from Boston in Lincolnshire to Abbotsbury in A walk to explore the villages of Edgeworth, Cotswold Bluebells: Bluebells at Dover’s Way via Cam Peak and Long Down to Uley Bury, via the Wardens’ Way. Please bring a picnic lunch. Dorset with a significant portion traversing all districts Sapperton, the Duntisbournes and Winstone. Hill descend to Uley. Pub stop (drinks only) then via Moderate of the AONB. The intention is to lead successive Some steep ascents and descents. Pub lunch We’ll walk down from Dover’s Hill (near Chipping Owlpen, Shadwell and Elcombe to return to Starting point: Guiting Power Village car park walks along this stretch over the next few summers available or bring a picnic. Campden) to the carpet of bluebells in Lynches Dursley. Picnic lunch please. Moderate Leaders: Jean Booth & Simon Mallatratt with transport being arranged to take walkers to Strenuous Wood, then back up again. Starting point: Small car park on Hill Road 4.5 hours • 8 miles the start points. The object is not only to provide Starting point: Winstone - south of Pound Moderate Leaders: Les Jones & Ken Leach OS: 45 / 095248 E4 a series of interesting linked walks but also to raise Cottage on roadside verge by lodge entrance to Starting point: Dover’s Hill NT car park (leave 5 hours • 9 miles money for Macmillan Cancer Support. In this second Misarden Park OS: 162/753981 A6 no valuables in your car) SUNDAY MAY 16 • 10.00 stage of the Macmillan Way series we walk from Leaders: Sue Clark, Jill Stuart, Ted Currier Leaders: Martin Jones & Stephen Wright TUESDAY MAY 4 • 10.00 Epwell back to Little Compton (diverting from the 7.5 hours • 12 miles 2 hours • 2 miles Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust:Walk 4 Wildlife Way) along ancient track ways and through attractive OS: 179 / 956094 D5 OS Leisure: 45 / 136396 F2 Tuesday Tramp - sponsored walk led by BBC TV’s Mike Dilger villages. A pub lunch will be available. Moderate Walk around the various footpaths of Colerne Those boots were made for walking, so pull them Starting point: Little Compton, in front of Manor SUNDAY JUNE 6 • 10.00 SUNDAY APRIL 25 • 10.30 Parish. Lunch available at the Fox & Hounds. on and join us for the Golden Valley Walk for House. Leaders: Alan Bulley & Kevin Myhill The Grand Old Duke of York A Bluebell Bonanza Bring a mid morning munchie. Wildlife! Pre-booking required. Cost: £7 Adults, £2 6 hours • 10 miles The ups and downs of the valleys of Wellow, A circular walk around the BBOWT nature reserve Moderate children - for further information tel: 01452 383333 OL45: 261301 G2 Combe Hay, South Stoke, Midford and Twinhoe. at Foxholes. This ancient, species rich woodland is Starting point: The Fox & Hounds Car Park in Starting point: Full details sent on registering Please bring a packed lunch. famed for its stunning display of bluebells at this Colerne Leaders: Russell Harding & Judith Slee THURSDAY MAY 27 • 10.00 Moderate time of year. Suitable for all the family. 3 hours • 5 miles SUNDAY MAY 16 • 10.00 Donnington ‘Eights’ No. 2 - Around the Starting point: Wellow free car park OS: 156 / 818711 B9 Easy Beating the Bounds Comptons Leaders: Wilf Dando, Dave Jennings Starting point: Nature reserve car park (SP WEDNESDAY MAY 5 • 10.00 A walk round Nailsworth following the parish Second in a ‘figure of eight’ series based on the 5 hours • 9 miles 258206) boundary as far as possible (some sections are Donnington Way and some of its pubs. This one OS: 172/738581 B10 Bluebells in ‘Fox Holes’ Leader: Craig Blackwell impassable as boundaries are inaccessible or takes in the three manors of Little Compton, Starting from Shipton-under-Wychwood the walk WEDNESDAY JUNE 9 • 10.00 2 hours • 4 miles overgrown). Good views of Nailsworth and the Chastleton and Cornwell along with Long passes by Bruern Abbey reaching the beautiful SP: 258206 G4 surrounding valleys. One steep climb and possible Compton. Moderate A Poet, A Plotter, An Architect, a Geologist Foxholes Nature Reserve where the bluebells muddy sections. Bring a picnic. Starting point: Red Lion, Little Compton and the East India Company SUNDAY APRIL 25 • 13.00 should be in flower.We return by woodland and Moderate Starting point: Car park opposite Beaudesert Leaders: Keith Sisson & Paul Adams From Adlestrop we walk to Chastleton House and field paths. Easy Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Spring School 5 hours • 10 miles on to Cornwell. Lunch at the Chequers and a return Starting point: Village Hall, Shipton-under- Wildflower Walk Leaders: Peter Russell, John Hammill OS Leisure: 45 / 257302 G3 through Cornwell and Daylesford. Wychwood Leader: Gerald Simper Come and see some of the wonderful wildflowers 5 hours • 8 miles Moderate 4 hours • 7 miles SATURDAY MAY 29 • 10.30 which can be found in this hidden reserve in the OS: 162/855003 B6 Starting point: Adlestrop village hall (Trust the Kilcot Valley. OS: Leisure 278181 G4 Marshfield - Town & Country Motorist) Pre booking required on 01452 383333. WEDNESDAY MAY 5 • 10.00 A morning walk along the High Street of this small Leaders: Bob Fisher & Malcolm Duncan Starting point: Nature Reserve, south of SUNDAY MAY 16 • 10.00 medieval market town to the Almshouses, then 6 hours • 10 miles Nailsworth. Details sent on booking. Bluebells in the Woods A Walk with 5 Ends taking bridleways south to Ashwicke and returning OS Leisure: 45 / 243272 F3 A walk via Stoneridge Farm through the beautiful Walk from the Tite Inn, Chadlington to Pudlicote - through the fields on footpaths (only kissing bluebell woods at Standish using the Cotswold THURSDAY JUNE 10 • 10.00 WEDNESDAY APRIL 28 • 10.00 Ascott Mill - outskirts Ascott-under-Wychwood - gates). Lunch choice of 2 pubs or a teashop - or Way and other paths. Several pubs nearby for Chilson - Shorthampton - back to Chadlington via stay and visit our open gardens for lunch and / or From Neolith to Nouveau Riche Guiting Power, Guiting Woods and the possible lunch after the walk. Moderate . Optional pub lunch at end. cream tea. Suitable for families. Easy The walk straddles three counties and countless Windrush Way Starting point: Cripplegate car park Leaders: Moderate Starting point: Market Place, Marshfield centuries.We will try to unravel some of the clues on A walk from Guiting Power along the Diamond Pippa Burgon, Tony Wilson, Rosemary Woodham Starting point: The Tite Inn, Chadlington Leaders: Judith Slee & John Bartram the ground to surmise how the land may have been Way to Guiting Woods and return along the 2.5 hours • 5 miles Leader: Trish Gilbert 2.5 hours • 4 miles used over the centuries - from an ancient cattle Windrush Way. OS: 179 / 832086 B5 3 hours • 6 miles OS: 172 / 781737 B9 enclosure to very modern leisure facilities - and Please bring a packed lunch. OS: 164 / 325225 H4 THURSDAY MAY 6 • 18.00 everything in between! Optional pub lunch available Moderate SATURDAY MAY 29 • 21.00 at The Greedy Goose at the end of the walk. Easy Starting point: Guiting Power car park (Trust Cotswold Bluebells: A Search for Crowtoes TUESDAY MAY 18 • 10.00 Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Bats, Bats, Bats Starting point: The Greedy Goose on A44 the Motorist) A super walk with good views over the Vale of An evening exploring the night time world of between Norton and Chipping Norton GL56 0SP Leaders: Malcolm Duncan & Bob Fisher Evesham and a wander through a bluebell wood. A Countryside Walk from Box Midger Nature Reserve, as we look for bats and Leaders: Rosemary Wilson, Kevin Myhill 5 hours • 8 miles Crowtoes is a 16th century folk name for A morning walk in the countryside surrounding are sure to find a few suprises too! The event will 3 hours • 6 miles OS Leisure: 45 / 095246 E4 bluebells. Easy Box. A mid-walk stop for coffee and snack. Lunch include an unmissable opportunity to see a OS: Leisure 45 / 270289 G3 Starting point: Broadway. The War Memorial on available after walk in local pubs. Moderate WEDNESDAY APRIL 28 • 10.00 demonstration of mistnetting for live bats by the the village green Starting point: Selwyn Hall car park, Box Gloucestershire Bat Group. Directions will be sent SATURDAY JUNE 12 • 14.00 Leaders: Judith Slee & Bob Cole Journey to Horton Court Leaders: Gerry Burgess & David Jelfs on booking - tel: 01452 383333 Cotswold Wildflowers: The Flora of 3 hours • 5 miles Scenic walk, down and up the Cotswold 2 hours • 4 miles Starting point: Directions sent on booking Broadway Hill OS: 156 / 824686 B10 escarpment, from Hawkesbury Upton to historic OS Leisure: 45 / 094375 E2 A joint walk with Broadway Natural History Society Horton Court and back. Return journey via SUNDAY MAY 30 • 10.00 SUNDAY MAY 9 • 10.00 and botanist Dr Paul Smith, identifying flora on the Cotswold Way National Trail. Memorable views WEDNESDAY MAY 19 • 10.00 Half term - Views and Wild Flowers? way. The walk goes through beech woodland, along (weather permitting) of the Severn Valley, Forest Crossing County Borders The Well at Bisley Gentle climb up to Little Solsbury Hill for views road verges, across calciferous grassland and of Dean and Welsh Hills. Opportunity for pub A walk passing Monkton Combe, Midford, A walk taking in the well at Bisley, which is dressed over Bath, then down to Northend before through ancient woodland. Pay and display parking refreshments at end of walk, if required. Pipehouse, Iford, Upper Westwood, Limpley Stoke, with flowers on Ascension Day, Hawkley Wood, returning via the Old Reservoirs at Chilcombe available in Broadway. This is an easy walk and Moderate returning via Kennet & Avon canal. Please bring a Nashend and Hayhedge Lane. It embraces woodland Bottom. Bring the children or grandchildren! Easy includes a ramble to the top of Broadway Hill. Easy Starting point: Hawkesbury Upton Pond (please packed lunch. Moderate and pasture with wide open views. Moderate Starting point: Slip road for Swanswick east of Starting point: Outside Horse and Hounds park considerately) Starting point: Dundas Marina car park (small Starting point: Bisley Cricket Club car park A46 3.3 miles from Cold Ashton roundabout on A46 Public House, High Street, Broadway Leaders: Graham Bateman and Vicky Blitze charge) Leaders: Dave Jennings, Wilf Dando Leaders: Mike Williams, Brian Chilvers, Royden Hales Leaders: John Walker & John Dougal Leaders: Vivienne McGhee & Sue Greenwood 2.75 hours • 5 miles 5.5 hours • 10 miles 3 hours • 6 miles 2.5 hours • 4 miles 3.5 hours • 6 miles OS: 172 / 775873 B7 OS: 172 / 784626 B10 Explorer: 179 / 904061 C5 OS: 155 / 762683 A10 OS Leisure: 45 / 097374 E2 www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 14 The Cotswold Lion • S P R I N G / S UMMER 2010

SUNDAY JUNE 13 • 10.00 THURSDAY JUNE 17 • 10.00 FRIDAY JUNE 25 • 20.15 WEDNESDAY JULY 7 • 10.00 SUNDAY JULY 18 • 14.00 Cotswold Wildflowers: Cleeve Common Wardens’ and Windrush Way 3 Midsummer Sunset and Moonrise Macmillan Way - Stage 3 Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Archaeology Wildflowers Third in a series of four circular walks designed to Midsummer night this year is rather special, The principal part of the Macmillan Way runs for Walk A great chance to walk Cleeve Common with the cover the whole of the Wardens’ and Windrush because just as the sun sets in the west a full moon 290 miles from Boston in Lincolnshire to A guided walk with Gail Stoten of Cotswold Common’s own conservation specialist. See some Ways in sequence. We follow the Wardens’ Way rises in the east.This last happened in 1994 and Abbotsbury in Dorset with a significant portion Archaeology looking at the history and importance rarities and learn about conservation grazing and from Guiting Power to Naunton returning via the we’ll have to wait until 2021 to see it again. There’s traversing all districts of the AONB.The intention is to of this Iron Age fortified town. This site is one of habitat management in this site of special Windrush Way. Please bring suitable a steady climb on a quiet land to the highest point lead successive walks along this stretch over the next the rarest of its kind in Britain. This site is mainly scientific interest. refreshments. in Warwickshire. Please bring a torch. Moderate few summers with transport being arranged to take flat but has undulating ground in places, stout Moderate Moderate Starting point: Ilmington (playing fields car walkers to the start points.The object is not only to footwear needed. Parking at Station Road car Starting point: Cleeve Hill Quarry car park Starting point: Guiting Power village car park. park on the Mickleton road) provide a series of interesting linked walks but also park, Bourton-on-the-Water.Tel: 01452 383333 Leaders: Cleeve Common conservation officer, Leaders: Jean Booth & Simon Mallatratt Leaders: Stephen Wright & Colin Boulton to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. In Starting point: Greystones Farm Nature Ellie Philips, with Simon Mallatratt and Jean 3.5 hours • 7 miles 2 hours • 4 miles this third stage of the Macmillan Way project we Reserve, Bourton-on-the-Water. Details sent on Booth OS: 45 / 095248 E4 Explorer: 205 / 210430 walk from Little Compton to Bourton-on-the-Water booking 2.5 hours • 5 miles (diverting from the Way) passing Chastleton House SATURDAY JUNE 26 • 10.00 THURSDAY JULY 22 • 10.00 SP: 989272 D4 SATURDAY JUNE 19 • 14.00 (NT), then through Adlestrop, Lower Slaughter and Painswick’s Commons other picturesque villages. A pub lunch will be Down to the Evenlode from Chippy SUNDAY JUNE 13 • 10.00 National Trust: Butterflies and Orchids A walk linking Painswick’s flora rich commons - the available and transport back to the start From the highest town in Oxfordshire the walk A stroll across the commons with the wardening Commons in Bloom Beacon, Hudinknoll, Edge, Juniper and Bulls Cross. arranged. descends into the Evenlode valley passing the team to discover the rich flora and diverse insects A circular walk across two wildflower rich Pub lunch available or bring a picnic. Strenuous Moderate ancient woodland of Dean Grove. The walk that call this species rich limestone grassland commons to Amberley. Returning via Starting point: Walkers car park, Golf Course Starting point: Little Compton, in front of passes through the villages of Dean, Spelsbury home. Booking advised. Entry £3. Call 01452 Woodchester. Pub snack available. road off B4073 north of Painswick Manor House and Chadlington. Lunch facilities available in 810051 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wessex Moderate Leaders: John Heathcott, John Woodland, David Leaders: Alan Bulley, Kevin Myhill and Mike Chadlington. Moderate Starting point: Common - first car park Burwell Colcomb Starting point: Chipping Norton Leisure Centre past cattle grid SATURDAY JUNE 19 • 18.00 7 hours • 11 miles 6 hours • 10 miles - off Burford Road OS: 179 / 867105 C5 OS: 151/261301 F3 Leader: Kevin Myhill Leaders: David Harrowin, Steve Knight Up to a Down 5.5 hours • 10 miles 6 hours • 10 miles From Bathampton along part of the Kennet and SUNDAY JUNE 27 • 10.00 OS: 191/315264 H3 OS: 162 / 828026 B6 Avon Canal, up to Bathampton Downs. Good SUNDAY JULY 11 • 10.00 Martyrs: Men who died for their cause views over the valleys. Moderate Battle to the Races In the steps of Hugh Latimer who was Rector at SUNDAY JUNE 13 • 10.00 Starting point: The George Inn, Bathampton From Lansdown to Chalcombe Woolley, TUESDAY JULY 27 • 18.00 the church of St Mary the Virgin at West Kington Parks & Ditches (park near railway line) overlooking the Tadwick valley then up to from 1530 to 1535. Moderate Evening Beside the Evenlode A walk between the Glyme and Evenlode Valley Leaders: Wilf Dando, Dave Jennings Battlefields and Bath Racecourse. Please bring a Starting point: Castle Combe car park An evening walk through Ascott-under- that includes Ditchley Park. On the way old 2.5 hours • 5 miles packed lunch. Moderate Leaders: Gill Sheppard & Phil Lawrence Wychwood and along the banks of the River historic stones are viewed. Packed lunch required. OS: 155 / 776665 B10 Starting point: Glanville Road, Lansdown, Bath 5 hours • 8 miles Evenlode. Returning to the Swann Inn, Ascott. Moderate Leaders: Wilf Dando & Dave Jennings OS: 156 / 846777 B9 Evening meals available. Limited parking. Please Starting point: Enstone Cricket Club (turn off SATURDAY JUNE 19 • 10.00 5 hours • 9 miles park sensibly on the road if full. A44 towards Charlbury then first right) OS: 172 / 743678 A10 Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Wildflower WEDNESDAY JUNE 30 • 18.00 Easy Leaders: Lucy & Martin Squires Starting point: The Swan Inn, Ascott-under- Walk (part of Cotswold Wild Flower Week) Dursley Evening Walks: 2 - Towards the Bury 5 hours • 10 miles Wychwood Limited parking. Please park sensibly Find out about how GWT manages its farms in A loop round Woodmancote and Rockstowes. Easy WEDNESDAY JULY 14 • 10.00 OS: 379238 H4 on the road if full the North Cotswolds. Suitable for children aged Starting point: Long stay car park, Dursley: Knights, Salt, Fruit Orchards and Fine Views Leader: Tony Graeme 11 and over.Tel: 01452 383333 (pre-booking access from Long Street opposite Market Hall SUNDAY JUNE 13 • 11.30 This is a pleasant walk from Temple Guiting 2.5 hours • 5 miles required) Leaders: Mike Brinkworth, David Collings towards Hailes touching the Salt Way then National Trust: Cotswold Grazing Project OS: 180 / 300187 G4 Starting point: Details sent on booking 1.5 hours • 4 miles following the Cotswold Way before a return via A free event run as part of the nationally OS: 162 / 757982 A6 Ford. Please bring a packed lunch. organised LEAF Open Farm Sunday. Get up close Moderate WEDNESDAY JULY 28 • 10.00 and personal with the National Trust’s herd of SUNDAY JUNE 20 • 10.00 Starting point: Temple Guiting Village Hall car park Romans, Reservoirs and Witcombe Woods Belted Galloways and their newborn calves at the Cotswold Wildflowers: More Kings and Leaders: Malcolm Duncan & Bob Fisher A walk around the Witcombe Reservoirs, the Ebworth Estate near Sheepscombe. Parking at Queens in the Landscape July 6 hours • 10 miles Roman Villa and Witcombe Woods that includes Ebworth Estate. Starting in Kinsham this walk goes through OS Leisure: 45 / 089279 E3 one fairly steep and moderately lengthy climb. Kemerton Nature Reserve to the top of Bredon THURSDAY JULY 1 • 10.00 Refreshments or lunch available at the pub at TUESDAY JUNE 15 • 10.00 Hill, returning through Westmancote. Please bring All the Best Bits (Summer Time) the end. Moderate a packed lunch. Roadside parking on Cheltenham THURSDAY JULY 15 • 10.00 Bath Skyline Two local wardens will show you their favourite Starting point: Car park of the 12 Bells pub at Road B4079 near phone box. Please park Walking on National Trust land south of Bath. bits of path (some well known some less so) Wardens’ and Windrush Way 4 the foot of Birdlip Hill old road considerately. Weather permitting, good views over the city. joined together to make an energetic but Last in a series of four circular walks designed to Leaders: Brian Chilvers, Royden Hales, Mike Moderate One uphill section to be walked at a leisurely delightful day out. With luck lots of wildflowers cover the whole of the Wardens’ and Windrush Williams Starting point: At telephone box in Kinsham pace. Fields, woods and historical interest. Coffee and views. Please bring a picnic lunch. Strenuous Ways in sequence. We follow the Windrush Way 2.75 hours • 5 miles Leaders: Vivienne McGhee & Sue Greenwood break midway. Drinks/snacks available after walk Starting point: Stanton village car park from Bourton to Naunton Downs returning via OS Explorer: 179 / 905157 C5 6 hours • 10 miles in Sulis Club. Parking with kind permission of Leaders: Simon Mallatratt & Jean Booth the Wardens’ Way. Please bring a picnic lunch. Sulis Club. OS: Explorer 190 / 935355 C2 Moderate 6 hours • 10 miles THURSDAY JULY 29 • 10.00 Moderate OS: 45 / 068343 E3 Starting point: By the war memorial next to the Starting point: Sulis Club, North Road, Bath SUNDAY JUNE 20 • 10.00 river in the centre of Bourton. Please allow plenty Wardens Work at Wotton (with permission given) Pyramids of the Commons Edge SATURDAY JULY 3 • 14.00 of time to find suitable parking. Take the Cotswold Way north out of Wotton up to Leaders: Jean Booth & Simon Mallatratt Leaders: Judith Slee & Bob Cole A short walk descending through Amberley and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust:A rare chance to and the Waterloo monument. Then 5.5 hours • 10 miles 3 hours • 6 miles returning by St St Chloe looking for wild flowers. experience Brassey Nature Reserve round Brackenbury Ditches. Back through West OS: 45 / 167207 F4 Explorer: 155 / 774629 A10 Moderate Brassey Nature Reserve in the North Cotswolds is Ridge Wood onto Coombe. Down into Coombe Starting point: Reservoir on Minchinhampton usually closed to the public, but today you will follow Dyers Brook returning to Wotton past Ram WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 • 10.00 Common have the chance to enjoy the wonderful SATURDAY JULY 17 • 10.00 Inn, a supposedly haunted house and the Leaders: Ted Thornton, John Hammill almshouses. Pub lunch available at end of walk. Cotswold Arts, Crafts and Flowers wildflowers, butterflies and the peace and quiet of From & to the source of the 2 hours • 3 miles Moderate Selsley Common - Woodchester - Selsley. Includes this hidden gem. Not suitable for visitors with A delightful and demanding walk linking the OS: 162/855013 C6 Starting point: Royal Oak, Wotton-under-Edge a guided tour of Selsley Church, famed for its Arts limited mobiligy as the reserve is very steep with delightful villages of Bourton-on-the-Hill and & Crafts movement, windows, coffee and a snack uneven ground. Tel: 01452 383333 Leaders: Ken Leach & Les Jones Blockley. Pub stop available for lunch or bring 2.5 hours • 5 miles lunch. Cost £5 to church funds. Need to have a SUNDAY JUNE 20 • 14.30 Starting point: The reserve will be signposted your own if preferred. Strenuous rough idea of numbers - so please telephone Eric off the A429 at Bourton-on-the-Water and the OS: 162 / 756934 A7 Summer Flowers Walk Starting point: Hinchwick Manor Brown on 01454 260446 at least 1 week in B4068 Stow to Naunton Road A walk through the village to see ‘ Leader: Colin Boulton advance. Slates’ through a wood besides the River 6 hours • 10 miles FRIDAY JULY 30 • 10.00 Moderate TUESDAY JULY 6 • 10.00 Evenlode and up to the common to see some of OL: 45 / 145301 F3 Monarchs, Diamonds and a Pinch of Salt Starting point: Selsley Common A Remote and Beautiful Valley England’s special rare plants. Picnic on the A circular walk from Northleach via Upper End Leaders: Eric Brown, Ted Thornton This is a circular walk passing through some of the common (if weather fine) overlooking the river and Hampnett using the Monarch’s, Diamond and 3 hours • 5 miles North Cotswolds most remote and beautiful SATURDAY JULY 17 • 10.00 and distant views. Complete walk back through a Salt Ways. A gentle walk with little in the way of OS: 162 / 828027 B6 countryside. The walk goes first through the Along a Future Monarch’s Way wood on the old ‘Chipping Bank’. Bring your own climbs and stiles but some road. A chance to visit woods above Hinchwick valley and then descends Chavenage Green - Beverston - Westonbirt picnic. Moderate Hampnett Church. If required, lunch is available in WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 • 10.00 briefly into an adjoining valley before a return (Down Plantation) - Highgrove - Charlton House - Starting point: Stonesfield, West Oxfordshire. cafe after walk. Easy along the Hinchwick valley. Chavenage. Lunch at Hare & Hounds. Chipping Norton and the Glyme Valley Visitors to contact organiser as limited parking Moderate Starting point: The Old Prison car park, Starting point: Hinchwick hamlet (please park Moderate A circular walk starting and finishing in Chipping available. Booking required: Ken Betteridge Northleach. Please park to the right of the barrier tidily on the grass verge) Starting point: Chavenage Green Norton. It includes a feast of wildlife habitats 01993 878615 Leaders: Colin Dickinson, Ken Buckle Leaders: Peter Mansion and Robin Cochrane Leaders: Eric Brown, Staszek Jarmuz including species rich limestone grassland, ancient Leader: Ken Betteridge 3 hours • 6 miles 2.5 hours • 5 miles 6 hours • 10 miles hedgerows as well as Over Norton parkland with its 3-4 hours • 3.5 miles H4 OS: 45 / 108149 E4 veteran trees and ridge and furrow pasture. Easy OS Leisure: 45 / 145301 F3 OS: 162 / 867957 C7 Starting point: Chipping Norton Town Hall MONDAY JUNE 21 - TUESDAY JULY 6 • 10.00 Leader: Craig Blackwell SUNDAY JULY 18 • 10.00 SATURDAY JULY 31 • 9.45 SUNDAY 27 JUNE • 17.00 Tuesday Tramp 3 hours • 4 miles A Canal and Two Railways! Step into the Cotswolds 3 Walk around the various footpaths of Colerne SP: 313270 H3 The National Trust: Hidcote Manor Gardens Drop down to Combe Hay and The Limestone A circular walk from Stonesfield through Parish. Lunch available at the Fox & Hounds. National Picnic Week: a unique opportunity to Link along the remains of the Somerset Coal Blenheim Park and past North Leigh Villa on a Bring a mid morning munchie. Moderate WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 • 10.00 enjoy Hidcote in a different light! We will be Canal through Midford and Tucking Mill to route improved through the Conservation Board’s Starting point: The Fox & Hounds car park in Edgeworth, Sapperton and the Thames and opening our doors for a special week of evening Monkton Combe. A steep climb to Claverton ‘Step Into The Cotswolds’ project. Pub or packed Colerne Severn Canal opening. The garden will be open until 10pm and Down before descending into Bath beside Prior lunch. Bus: Stage Coach service S3 from Oxford. Leaders: Russell Harding & Judith Slee A walk, including one long, but gradual, climb from visitors are invited to bring a picnic and take this Park, then Lyncombe Vale to Fox Hill, Combe Moderate 3 hours • 5 miles the picturesque village of Sapperton by the Thames one off opportunity to enjoy a summer evening Down and Odd Down. Please bring a packed Starting point: By Stonesfield Church OS: 156 / 818711 B9 and Severn Canal along the Macmillan Way to picnic supper.The Hidcote Shop will remain open lunch. Moderate Leader: Dave Scott until 10pm with the Garden Restaurant and Plant 5 hours • 8 miles the church and manor at Edgeworth. The walk WEDNESDAY JULY 7 • 10.00 Starting point: Odd Down Park & Ride, Bath will investigate the wild flora of the area as part Sales Centre closing at 9pm. Normal admission Leaders: John Walker & Phil Lawrence OS: 164 / 394171 H4 of the Cotswolds Wildflower Week. charges apply. Villages of the Churn Valley 5 hours • 10 miles Starting point: Please enter the garden through A walk exploring the upper reaches of the Churn Moderate OS: 155 / 734615 A10 SATURDAY JULY 31 • 10.00 Starting point: Entrance to Sapperton Church the visitor reception Valley. Starting from Cockleford the walk will pass Weaving around the Golden Valley Leaders: Mike Williams, John Foulkes through Cowley to Coberley and on to Upper SUNDAY JULY 18 • 10.00 A walk setting out to cross the Slad and 2.75 hours • 5 miles TUESDAY JUNE 22 • 18.00 Coberley returning via Tomtit’s Bottom, Cockleford From Castles to Abbeys Toadsmoor valleys to Eastcombe before returning OS: 168 / 948033 C6 Farm and the river valley.The walk will include a fine Dursley Evening Walks: 1 - Towards the Norman Church at Coberley and will pass the sites of Plenty of interest as the walk visits some via Bussage, Brownshill and Brimscombe and Peak picturesque villages in the north Oxfordshire along the Frome valley. Pub lunch available or WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 • 19.00 two ancient medieval villages. Includes one moderate A loop round Upper Cam, Green Street and climb and two main road crossings. Moderate Cotswolds. The route includes passing Broughton bring a picnic. Public transport available to Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Wildflower Ashmead Green. Suitable for families. Starting point: The Green Dragon pub car park, Castle and Wroxton Abbey. Packed lunch is Stroud. Strenuous Walk (part of Cotswold Wild Flower Week) Moderate Cockleford (with prior permission). Please use the required. Strenuous Starting point: Stroud, Stratford Park Leisure Find out about how GWT manages its farms in Starting point: Long stay car park, Dursley. rear part of the car park. Starting point: Shenington Village Green. Please Centre car park, near the top. the North Cotswolds. Suitable for children aged Access from Long Street opposite Market Hall Leaders: Tony Wilson, Pippa Burgon, Rosemary park considerately on roadside in village. Leaders: John Heathcott, John Woodland, David 11 and over.Tel: 01452 383333 (pre-booking Leaders: Mike Brinkworth, Steve Knight Woodham Leaders: Martin & Lucy Squires Burwell required) 2 hours • 4 miles 2.5 hours • 5 miles 5.5 hours • 11 miles 7 hours • 12 miles Starting point: Details sent on booking OS: 162 / 757982 A6 OS: 179 / 969142 D5 OS: 126/371428 H1 OS: 162 / 844056 B6 www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk SPRING/SUMMER 2010 • The Cotswold Lion 15

THURSDAY AUGUST 12 • 10.00 THURSDAY AUGUST 26 • 10.00 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8 • 10.00 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17 • 19.30 August Around Castlett Wood, Kineton and Barton Donnington ‘Eights’ No. 3 - Around Stanton The Evenlode Valley Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Wildlife This is a circular walk from Guiting Power which Third in a ‘figure of eight’ series based on the Starting and finishing in Chadlington the walk will Watch - Nightwalk SUNDAY AUGUST 1 • 10.15 follows the Castlett Brook through the woods, on Donnington Way and some of its pubs. This one follow a section of the close to the Experience Greystones Farm Nature Reserve as to the hamlet of Kineton and return. takes in the Cotswold Way Circular Walk No 3 River Evenlode and cross many of the springlines the sun sets and help us search for creatures of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Daneway & Moderate and also visits Laverton and Buckland. Pub lunch along the valley sides which feed the river. the night such as owls, bats and moths. A walk Siccaridge Wood Starting point: Guiting Power village hall car available. Moderate Easy for families with children aged 8+. Bring a torch A guided walk linking some of the lovely nature park (Trust the Motorist) Starting point: The Mount at Stanton Starting point: Cross roads in centre of and suitable clothing/footwear. Booking required reserves in this area. Walk is very steep and Leaders: Peter Mansion & Robin Cochrane Leaders: Keith Sisson & Paul Adams Chadlington - tel: 01452 383333 uneven with flights of steps and can be very 2.5 hours • 6 miles 5.5 hours • 10 miles Leader: Craig Blackwell Starting point: Directions sent on booking slippery in wet weather.Tel: 01452 383333 OS Leisure: 45 / 095246 E3 OS Leisure: 45 / 072343 E2 2.5 hours • 4 miles Starting point: Meet in the Daneway Inn car SP: 327219 G4 park, near Sapperton FRIDAY AUGUST 27 • 10.30 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19 • 10.00 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8 • 18.00 Rivers, Kings and Queens in the Landscape TUESDAY AUGUST 17 • 10.00 The National Trust: Woodchester Park TUESDAY AUGUST 3 • 10.00 A geological walk into the past - a walk for all Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Tales from A walk over Bredon Hill to Nafford Locks, Stile Free from Marshfield returning along the River Avon and the Tuesday Tramp the family with the Gloucestershire Geological the River Bank (part of Cotswold Rivers A morning walk from this historic hilltop town, Combertons. Please bring a packed lunch. Please Walk around the various footpaths of Colerne Trust and National Trust staff. Booking advisable Week) using green lanes and field paths. Weather park considerately in Elmley Castle. Moderate Parish. Lunch available at the Fox & Houses. Bring on 01452 810051. Entry £3 Discover the beautiful River Eye at Greystones permitting good views to the south and a visit to Starting point: Meet at 10.30am in the NT car Farm Nature Reserve with John Field, our water Starting point: Outside Church, Elmley Castle a mid-morning munchie. Leaders: Vivienne McGhee & Sue Greenwood Moderate see an unusual source of wool! Coffee stop park at Woodchester Park. vole project officer. Learn about the water voles, midway, lunch available after walk, in Marshfield 5.5 hours • 10 miles Starting point: The Fox & House car park in otters, dragonflies - and whatever happened to - tea shop or pubs. SATURDAY AUGUST 28 • 10.30 OS Explorer: 190 / 982410 D2 Colerne our native crayfish? Booking required - tel: 01452 Easy Leaders: Russell Harding & Judith Slee Coffee Morning Walk - Round and about 383333 Starting point: Almshouses, west end of village 3 hours • 5 miles Kingscote Starting point: Directions sent on booking SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19 • 10.00 Leaders: Judith Slee & Bob Cole OS: 156 / 818711 B9 Suggest morning coffee prior to walk. Walk starts Chocolate Box Memories 3 hours • 5 miles WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8 • 10.00 at 10.30. Moderate Circular walk: Castle Combe, Ford, Giddeahall, Explorer: 155/774737 B9 Starting point: Hunters Hall car park In the Footsteps of the Romans SATURDAY AUGUST 7 • 21.00 Yatton Keynell Nature Reserve, Long Dean and Leaders: Eric Brown, Staszek Jarmuz An exploration of some Roman archaeological back along the By-Brook. Pubs nearby at end of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Wildlife 2.5 hours • 5 miles features along the around Quenington walk or bring a picnic! Any donations to the Watch - Bats, Bats, Bats WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18 • 10.00 OS: 162 / 814960 B7 and Coln St Aldwyns. Pub lunch available after Alzheimer’s Society as part of their nationwide An evening exploring the night time world of the walk. Please park considerately in the village. walks day. Moderate Macmillan Way - Stage 4 SATURDAY AUGUST 28 • 10.00 Chedworth Nature Reserve, as we look for bats Easy Starting point: Castle Combe car park The principal part of the Macmillan Way runs for and are sure to find a few surprises too! The Delights of the Coln Starting point: Quenington village green Leaders: John Walker & John Dougal 290 miles from Boston in Lincolnshire to event will include and unmissable opportunity to Through Chedworth to Coln Rogers, Winson, Leaders: Pippa Burgon, Rosemary Woodham, 3.5 hours • 7 miles Abbotsbury in Dorset with a significant portion see a demonstration of mistnetting for live bats Calcot and Coln St Denis, returning through Geoff Ricketts OS: 156 / 845773 B9 by the Gloucestershire Bat Group. Tel: 01452 traversing all districts of the AONB. The intention Chedworth Woods. Bring a picnic. Moderate 2.5 hours • 5 miles 383333 is to lead successive walks along this stretch over Starting point: Disused Chedworth airfield, 1.5 OL: 45 / 144043 F5 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 21 • 10.00 the next few summers with transport being Starting point: Directions sent on booking miles north of Chedworth on Compton Abdale road A Countryside Walk from Box arranged to take walkers to the start points. The Leaders: John Heathcott, John Woodland, David THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9 • 10.00 object is not only to provide a series of interesting Another morning walk in the countryside around SATURDAY AUGUST 7 • 10.00 Burwell Cotswold Rivers: Springs to Silk Box. A midwalk stop for coffee & snack. Lunch linked walks but also to raise money for 7 hours • 12 miles Follow the Cotswold Way to the source of the Painswick Figure of 8 Macmillan Cancer Support. In this fourth stage of available after walk in local pubs. OS: 163 / 040133 E5 which we then follow back to Moderate 10.00 am start for the morning walk of 5.5 miles the Macmillan Way project we walk from Lower Winchcombe, through the historic mill sites. along the Painswick Stream. 2.00 pm start for the Slaughter back to Northleach (diverting slightly Starting point: Selwyn Hall car park, Box Please bring a picnic lunch. Leaders: Judith Slee & Bob Cole afternoon walk of 4.5 miles to Slad. Some steep from the path) along the Windrush valley and Moderate ascents and descents. Pub lunch available or bring later through the shrunken medieval village of September 3 hours • 5 miles Starting point: Winchcombe Back Lane (pay & OS: 156 / 824686 B10 a picnic if attending both walks. Moderate Hampnett. A pub lunch will be available and display car park) Starting point: Painswick Church South Door - transport to the start arranged. SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4 • 10.00 Leaders: Simon Mallatratt & Jean Booth WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22 • 10.00 park at Walkers Car Park, Golf Course Road off Moderate The Power of Water 6 hours • 10 miles B4073 Starting point: Northleach, Old Prison car park What’s in the Wychwoods We follow the River Avon to the confluence with the OS: 45 / 023284 D3 Leaders: Sue Clark, Jill Stuart, Ted Currier - please park to the right of barrier. Starting from Shipton-under-Wychwood this walk .Then to North Stoke to look down on John 6.5 hours • 10 miles Leaders: Alan Bulley & Mike Colcomb passes through the other Wychwood villages of Hore’s Bristol to Bath Navigation Scheme. Moderate SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11 • 10.00 OS: 179 / 867105 C5 6 hours • 9 miles Milton and Ascott where there is the option of a Starting point: The Shallows Picnic Site at By Water to the Heavens OS: 163/109149 F4 pub lunch. We shall discover there is more to Saltford off A4 Bristol to Bath road A walk to explore the these charming villages than at first appears and SUNDAY AUGUST 8 • 10.00 Leaders: Gill Sheppard & Phil Lawrence and the River Frome. The walk will include Far some amazing history of these unique villages The Valleys of St Catherine’s 5 hours • 9 miles Thrupp, Toadsmoor, Eastcombe and Middle will be revealed. Contact 07762019373 for A walk around the valleys to the south of THURSDAY AUGUST 19 • 19.30 OS: 162 / 686671 A10 Lypiatt. Some steep ascents and descents. Pub further details. Easy lunch available or bring a picnic. Public transport Marshfield. Some steep hills, packed lunch. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Wildlife SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5 • 10.00 Starting point: Village Hall, Shipton-under- available to Stroud. Moderate Watch - Bat Watching Wychwood Walk the Bugatti Hill Climb Moderate Starting point: Lay-by on A420 west of The evening is a bat extravaganza. We will walk Leader: Gerald Simper A walk across the contrasting terrain of Cleeve Starting point: Stratford Park Leisure Centre car Marshfield down to the mansion to view the bat cam, where 5.5 hours • 8 miles Hill and Nottingham Hill and which includes part park Leaders: Dave Jennings & Wilf Dando an expert will tell us about bats. If conditions are OS Leisure: 45 / 278181 G4 of the famous Bugatti Hill Climb. Lunch available Leaders: Sue Clark, Jill Stuart, Ted Currier 5 hours • 9 miles good we will go down to the lake to see them OS: 155 / 772738 B7 at the Golf Club after the walk. Moderate 6 hours • 10 miles WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22 • 10.00 hunting over the water! Booking required: cost Starting point: Cleeve Common car park next OS: 179 / 844056 B6 The Cotswold Escarpment £6 adult, £4 child. Tel: 01452 383333 to the Cleeve Hill Golf Club TUESDAY AUGUST 10 • 10.00 A short walk but with one long climb going Starting point: Directions sent on booking Leaders: Gerry Burgess & David Jelfs SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12 • 10.00 Pick and Mix around Little Compton around Crickley Hill Country Park then down the 3 hours • 5 miles A figure of eight walk giving a choice of a Rivers Walk - Avon to Avon to Avon escarpment to Little Shurdington and back up via OS Explorer: 179 / 988272 D3 morning, afternoon or full day walk centred on A walk to Luckington to explore the varied the Tumuli and Long Barrow. Moderate Little Compton. In the morning the walk heads SUNDAY AUGUST 22 • 10.00 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5 • 10.00 features of the headwaters of the Bristol Avon. Starting point: Crickley Hill Country Park car Moderate south to include Chastleton Hill Fort, Adlestrop All the Stanleys Journey to the Edge of the Cotswolds park Hill and Chastleton House, returning to Little Circular walk through Leonard Stanley and Starting point: Sherston High Street Leaders: Brian Chilvers, Mike Williams, Royden Scenic walk to Nympsfield and Coaley Peak Leaders: Ted Thornton & Stephen Knight Compton for an optional pub lunch. The Stanley Dowton to Selsley, returning via Kings viewpoint on the Cotswold Way. Return journey Hales afternoon walk (1.30 pm start) heads north into Stanley. Pub stop for a drink only. 5 hours • 9 miles 2.5 hours • 4 miles via Woodchester Park Mansion. Glorious views of OS: 173 / 853858 B8 the hills above Long Compton. Morning walk: 3 Moderate Severn Valley, Forest of Dean and beyond OS: 179 / 930164 C4 hours x 5 miles. Afternoon walk: 2.5 hours x Starting point: Coaley Peak picnic site (weather permitting). Please bring a packed SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12 • 14.30 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23 • 10.00 4.5 miles. Leaders: David Harrowin, John Graham lunch. Pub stop for drinks only. Moderate Summer River Walk by the Easy 5 hours • 9 miles Starting point: Long stay car park (opposite bus Unsung Beauty Circular walk taking in local and natural history Starting point: Little Compton Church - off A44 OS: 162 / 794013 B6 station) in Old Market, Nailsworth An undulating walk from Nailsworth to Owlpen between Asthall village and Worsham. If you wish Moreton to Chipping Norton road Leaders: Graham Bateman & Peter Russell via Newmarket returning via Nympsfield. Packed to take lunch beforehand at the Maytime, Leader: Kevin Myhill 6 hours • 10 miles lunch please. Moderate telephone 01993 823068. 5.5 hours • 10 miles OS: 162 / 849996 B6 Starting point: Old Market Nailsworth, long OL: 45 / 261302 G3 WEDNESDAY AUGUST 25 • 10.00 Moderate stay car park The Eastern Slopes of Cleeve Common SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5 • 10.00 Starting point: The car park at the rear of the Leaders: Les Jones, Ken Leach WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11 • 10.00 Walk out to join the Cotswold Way and follow it Down the Windrush in Mitford Country Maytime Inn, in Asthall village 5 hours • 9 miles to Belas Knap and beyond, meandering over hills Leader: Ken Betteridge OS: 162 / 849996 B6 Wardens’ Work and a Saxon Church The walk heads downstream from Burford to visit and through valleys to Charlton Abbots and the lost village of Widford, and then Swinbrook 2 hours • 3 miles A walk to highlight some of the Cotswold Brockhampton for lunch. We return via OL45: 288113 H5 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26 • 10.00 Wardens work party activities. Starting from and Asthall with their Mitford connections. A stop Sevenhampton and the site of the medieval Four Fords (or is it Five?) Daglingworth village hall the walk passes will be made at the inn at Swinbrook for an village of Sennington. Pub lunch available. A walk from Bradford-on-Avon, to Westwood, Daglingworth Quarry, a major working stone optional lunch. Moderate SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12 • 10.00 Moderate Hungerford Castle, Iford, Freshford and back to quarry where a viewing point with information Starting point: Burford car park (near church) Across the Battlefield Starting point: Wardens Wood car park. From Bradford-on-Avon. Please bring a packed lunch. board, has been established with Wardens’ help. Leaders: Kevin Myhill and Rosemary Wilson A walk with plenty of up and downs as it passes Brockhampton follow Park Lane and then turn Easy The walk then proceeds to Moor Wood, 5.5 hours • 9 miles around the battlefield of Edge Hill in right at a T junction; the car park is then within Starting point: Meet at Bradford-on-Avon Woodmancote returning along the Macmillan OL: 45 / 253123 G5 Warwickshire. The route includes the villages of one mile. Railway car park (small charge) Way past Dartley Farm, where Wardens have Ratley, Kineton and Lower Tysoe. Packed lunch Leaders: Bob Fisher & Malcolm Duncan TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7 • 10.00 Leaders: Dave Jennings, Wilf Dando participated in a major hedgerow restoration required. 6 hours • 10 miles Tuesday Tramp 5.5 hours • 9 miles project, to Duntisbourne Rouse with its Saxon Strenuous OS Leisure: 45 / 011237 D4 Walk around the various footpaths of Colerne OS: 173 / 824607 B10 church. Starting point: Ratley - top of village. Please Moderate Parish. Lunch available at the Fox & Hounds. Starting point: Daglingworth village hall (with park considerately on roadside. Bring a mid morning munchie. Moderate prior permission) Leaders: Lucy & Martin Squires SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26 • 13.00 Starting point: The Fox & Hounds car park in Leaders: Tony Wilson, Pippa Burgon, Rosemary WEDNESDAY AUGUST 25 • 10.15 5.5 hours • 12 miles Colerne Wildlife Watch: Dormouse Safari Woodham OS: 206/380475 H1 Wickridge Hill and Painswick Valley Leaders: Russell Harding & Judith Slee Come and meet the secretive small mammals of 2.75 hours • 5 miles From Stammages Lane car park through the 3 hours • 5 miles Midger Nature Reserve - hopefully some dormice OS: 179 / 993052 D6 ancient village of Painswick before ascending to OS: 156 / 818711 B9 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16 • 10.00 too! Learn about their tracks, habits and field FRIDAY AUGUST 13 • 9.30 the Frith nature reserve. Along Wickridge hill Donnington ‘Eights’ No. 4 - Around signs. This event is intended for families, but before returning along the Painswick valley. Fine WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8 • 10.00 Willersey interested adults would be very welcome. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust: Moths & views of the hills and valleys north of Stroud. Where the Windrush Rises Fourth in a ‘figure of eight’ series based on the Pre-booking required. Call 01452 383333 Small Mammals (joint event with Butterfly Walk accessible via the No. 46 bus route from An airy walk across the high wolds to the dry Donnington Way and some of its pubs. This one Starting point: Midger Nature Reserve Conservation) Cheltenham or Stroud. valley where a small Cotswold river emerges. Pub visits Saintbury and Weston-sub-Edge before We will set moth and small mammal traps the Moderate lunch available. Moderate taking in the escarpment overlooking Broadway. SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26 • 10.00 night before and you will be able to learn to Starting point: Stammages Lane (pay & display) Starting point: Ford on the B4077 east of Pub lunch available. identify them over an outdoor breakfast! An car park, Painswick Winchcombe (park across the road from the Moderate Meningitis Trust Five Valleys Walk event suitable for adults who would like to learn Leaders: Royden Hales, Mike Williams, Brian Plough Inn) Starting point: The New Inn, Willersey Walk as little as 1 mile or the full 21 miles in aid more about moths and small mammals. Booking Chilvers Leader: Stephen Wright Leaders: Keith Sisson & Paul Adams of the Meningitis Trust. To register your interest required. Cost £3 Tel: 01452 383333 2.5 hours • 5 miles 2.5 hours • 5 miles 5.5 hours • 10 miles call 0845 120 4530. Starting point: Directions sent on booking Explorer: 179 / 865094 C5 OL: 45 / 088294 E3 OS Leisure: 45 / 106396 E2 Up to 21miles www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 16 The Cotswold Lion • S P R I N G / S UMMER 2010

INFORMATION ABOUT COUNTRYSIDE AND ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS AVAILABLE WITHIN THE COTSWOLDS AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

A number of grants are available to help farmers, landowners, organisations and local communities make environmental improvements. These are administered by various organisations, all working to enhance the landscape, cultural heritage and biodiversity of the Cotswolds. Listed on these pages are just some of the grants available. For further information please contact the relevant organisation. The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) provides funding for a variety of rural activities. For further information, see www.southwestrda.org.uk. The Rural Enterprise Gateway also helps rural businesses in the south west – see www.regsw.org.uk or call Business Link on 0845 6009966, or for Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and the West of England, Graham Thompson on 01285 889873.

Wiltshire ...... 0845 600 9966 the design and operation of the scheme Sustainable Useful fundraising websites Email: [email protected] include: General fundraising Website: Accessing the RHI; Development Fund www.grantsnet.co.uk www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest Eligibility; A grant scheme administered by the Easy access to information on grants Warwickshire ...... 0845 113 1234 Tariff setting; Cotswolds Conservation Board supporting available to businesses and charities, with Email: [email protected] Reviews projects that bring environmental, social the ability to search grant schemes by area, Website: www.businesslinkwm.co.uk Interaction with other policies. and economic benefits to the Cotswolds project type or keywords Hereford and Worcestershire 0845 113 1234 AONB. www.access-funds.co.uk Email: [email protected] The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) for small scale low carbon Regularly updated news about sources of Website: www.businesslinkwm.co.uk electricity effective from 1 April as part of a wider Open to individuals, community, voluntary funding initiative on the Renewable Electricity Financial and partnership groups, the private sector, www.fundraising.co.uk Rural Development Incentives (REFI). Key highlights include: public bodies and local authorities and UK charity and non profit making fundraisers Programme for England FITs will be applicable to installations up to charities. www.ruralnet.org.uk (RDPE) 5MW (2kW for non-renewable CHP); Applications can be made for grants Details of rural funding sources has been allocated more Wind, solar PV and hydro projects of 50kW ranging from several hundred pounds up Charitable trusts than £156 million from the £3.9 billion national or less, and microCHP projects supported through the pilot will be required to use the to £25,000. The fund can provide up to www.acf.org.uk budget to help its land based businesses and Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) 75% of the total project costs. In Trusts and foundations rural communities to take advantage of new technologies, to learn new skills, to move into eligible products installed by MCS accredited exceptional circumstances 100% may be www.funderfinder.org.uk new areas of economic activity and to work installers to claim FITs support; provided for voluntary bodies. Information about the Fundfinder software and links to websites of trusts collaboratively to develop communities and All tariffs will be linked to the Retail Price If you think you have a suitable project, businesses. In addition the region’s farmers can www.dsc.org.uk Index (RPI); the Conservation Board would like to hear also benefit from national programmes to Information on the Directory of Social Electricity supply companies to make FITs from you; call 01451 862035 for details. Change, a guide to trust funding improve the environment and the countryside. payments to eligible generators; For information on Solutions for Business and More information is available on our FITs income for domestic properties will be Company giving the RDPE Resource Efficiency for Farms initative website at: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk exempt from income tax; www.cafonline.org call 0845 6009966, or the Soils for Profit Charities Aid Foundation supports corporate initiative call Natural England on 03000601244. Ofgem will act as the FITs scheme administrator; community involvement The new EU Regulations divide the aims of the programme into three main areas, called Axes: A levelisation process, undertaken by Ofgem, Government funding to share the cost of the scheme across all RDPE Axis 1 – improving the competitiveness National Grid www.governmentfunding.org.uk licensed suppliers in proportion to their share of the farming and forestry sector. Provides information on grants awarded by of the UK electricity supply market; and Pipeline government departments Contact Rural Enterprise Gateway on Regular reviews of the scheme, the first one 0845 6009966 or James Lloyd, RDPE Project Community Fund European funding in 2013. Facilitator – Gloucestershire First (01242) – www.dti.gov.uk/regional/european- Following consent given to National Grid 864149, Wiltshire - Heather White 01189 structural-funds/index.html to construct a new gas pipeline through 580584 the AONB from Wormington to Information from the Department of Trade Cash Rewards for Low and Industry on European funding RDPE Axis 2 – improving the environment and Sapperton, a new grant fund for countryside (80% of the total budget – mostly Carbon Electricity and www.esf.gov.uk community and environmental projects Heating European Social Fund site to be invested in national schemes such as has become available and will be Environmental Stewardship and The England Low carbon building programme call helpline administered by National Grid. Further Other useful websites Woodland Grants Scheme)...... 08704 232313 details of criteria and eligibility are www.charity-commission.gov.uk For Axis 2 contact: www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk available from: National Grid Community Charity Commission publications and charity Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) All products and installers must be accredited Relations, Unit 2a Vale Business Centre, register Contact 0845 602 4098 or 0800 060 1118 under the new Microgeneration Certification Asparagus Way, Vale Park, Evesham, www.grantfinder.co.uk Scheme Subscribing to Grantfinder, a leading Worcestershire WR11 1GN Organic Entry Level Stewardship www.microgenerationcertification.org.uk commercial sourcing organisation, enables Contact 0845 602 4093 Email: [email protected] you to search its database Big Lottery Fund Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) ...... 0800 731 0561 www.J4bgrants.co.uk The Community Sustainable Energy Registering on the website enables you to 0845 602 4098 (Farmland Birds Project Programme. Community Buildings, charities, search for relevant grants and make use of as part of HLS – contact Natural England Parish Council, schools and churches are all other services on 03000 601118) eligible for CSEP grants. RDPE Axis 3 – improving the quality of life in ...... Helpline 0845 3671671 Grant finder services rural areas and promoting diversification of www.communitysustainable.org.uk/ the rural economy – including Local Action for Gloucestershire Grassroots Funding Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Rural Communities. Environmental Trust (FWAG) Limited funding may be available for www.defra.gov.uk/rural/rdpe/pdf/guidh.pdf community buildings via the national The Gloucestershire Environmental Trust Conservation land management grants Grassroots scheme, administered locally by the Avon FWAG...... 0117 959 8522 Energy Grants Special provides grants from funds generated by Gloucestershire Community Foundation. For the Department of Energy and Climate the Landfill Communities Fund for the Gloucestershire FWAG ...... 01452 627487 www.gloucestershirecommunityfoundation Change visit: www.decc.gov.uk benefit of Gloucestershire, its people and Oxfordshire FWAG ...... 01993 886565 .co.uk/pages/recieving_grassroots.htm The UK Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) sets its environment. Warwickshire FWAG ...... 01926 318280 out a path towards achieving the UK’s target of Energy Suppliers –Green Tariff Funds Wiltshire FWAG ...... 0117 959 8522 Applications have to fit the Landfill sourcing 15% of overall energy consumption Most large UK energy suppliers now offer Communities Fund objectives and must be Worcestershire FWAG...... 01905 362955 from renewable sources by 2020. The lead ‘green tariffs’ including E.ON Sustainable approved and registered with ENTRUST Business Link scenario set out in the RES suggests that over Energy Fund ...... 02476 181945 www.entrust.org.uk [email protected] Business orientated advice and diversification 30% of our electricity (including 2% from ...... 01452 739006 opportunities for South West small scale generation) and 12% of heat EDF Green Fund ...... 0800 051 1905 www.glos-environment-trust.co.uk demand could come from renewable sources. [email protected] Gloucestershire, and Bath...... 0845 600 9966 The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme The Carbon Trust’s energy efficiency loan Email: [email protected] will be the first of its kind for renewable scheme has saved UK businesses £100m and Website: heating anywhere in the world and is intended 615,000 tonnes of CO2 by funding equipment www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest to implement this by April 2011. Proposals on replacement projects. www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk Produced and printed by Cotswold Media Ltd, 45 Dyer Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2PP 01285 650661