GridLine Newsletter for National Grid Company grantors Autumn 2003 Minister starts tree tag drive ATURE Conservation Minister Ben N Bradshaw has launched a National Grid Transco/Tree Council campaign to protect hedge trees. The aim is to ensure there is no net loss of hedgerow trees in the UK, helping to meet one of the National Biodiversity Action Plan targets. Tagging saplings is the first stage of the campaign — making them more visible so that anyone cutting hedges knows to avoid them. The modern practice of flailing hedges every year with mechanical cutters means that saplings normally get trimmed back, along with the hedge, giving them no chance to grow into trees. And National Grid grantors are being encouraged to help. “Anyone who wants to get involved simply has to get in touch with our wayleaves team, who will supply the brightly-coloured tags,” said NGT community relations manager Sean Regan. “Safety is the company’s highest priority and an important part of our maintenance programme is to manage the growth of trees near high-voltage overhead lines, helping to protect the public and the network by maintaining Tagging an ash tree… Nature Conservation Minister Ben Bradshaw, centre, with Tree Council statutory safety clearance,” said Sean. chairman Caroline Davies and Gareth Llewellyn, group head of safety, environment and “That, along with our environmental corporate responsibility for National Grid Transco commitment, is why we are delighted to The leaflet emphasises the importance is then up to the farmers and landowners support the hedge tree campaign.” of seeking permission from farmers and to make sure the hedge-cutter operators Tags, and a tagging tips leaflet, are landowners before any tree tagging. leave tagged saplings to grow into also available from The Tree Council. “We want volunteers to get in touch mature trees.” The scheme was launched at an with farmers and landowners and offer to To obtain free hedge tags (while stocks Oxfordshire farm. Mr Bradshaw said: “The help them by tagging hedge tree saplings last) contact our wayleaves team (address tagging of hedgerow trees is another for them,” said Jon Stokes, the Tree on the back page) or The Tree Council, practical way for farmers and landowners Council’s director of community projects. 51 Catherine Place, London SW1E 6DY. to show their growing concern for the “The success of this campaign depends E-mail: English countryside. This initiative is a way on volunteers gaining permission and [email protected]. of helping them to do this.” then tagging safely and responsibly — it Website: www.treecouncil.org.uk 2 NEWS NEWS 3 One-stop ‘shop’ to handle all wayleaves issues ATIONAL Grid Transco has with all rights, access and hope this will ensure that the some of our wayleave officers incorporates all field wayleave because of the heavy is concerned with exploring deals with the acquisition of Nestablished a new policy issues over land used for highest possible standards are are leaving and others have officers, wayleave wardens workload. best practice across the planning permission and department to unite the energy transmission and maintained. Merging the three moved on to new roles. Our and administration assistants. This team is headed by field country. Former wayleave consents for new electricity previous gas and electricity distribution, and with the groups so that all operational grantors are key stakeholders They deal both with gas and wayleaves manager Alan warden Lucy Hunter (née transmission lines, new gas wayleaves departments grantors who have land issues fall under one in the company and we hope electricity wayleaves, and Naylor. Wilson Holmes, Alan Williams) has joined this team. pipelines and valuation and the former National Grid transmission assets on their umbrella, will also offer that they too will benefit from cover 11 “patches” around Whitmore and Simon Gronow Consents and issues. Planning and Environment land. opportunities to improve the the changes.” the country, with one wayleave have been promoted to senior Acquisitions is headed by The Wayleaves and Group. “This rationalisation gives us quality and consistency of The 70-strong Land and officer and one wayleave field wayleaves officers. Paul Roberts, and his senior Easements Enquiry Team is The Land and Development an opportunity to identify and service. Development Group is split into warden in each patch, apart Land and Development specialists are Trevor Beeston, managed by Richard Walsh, Group — headed by manager share best practice across the “For our grantors, however, four teams: from the North East where Policy is managed by Charles Waite and Steve and it offers the 0800 389 Hector Pearson — now deals country,” said Hector. “We it’s business as usual, although Field Wayleaves there are two wayleave officers Catherine Lowe, and this team Knight-Gregson. This team 5113 helpline. We say farewell to… Meeting the Queen one of the highlights of a colourful career AS PART of the reorganisational changes, National Grid Transco has or is about to WHEN red tape thwarted Percy Claridge’s the South of England Show as National bid farewell to a number of wayleave staff. plans to follow a career in the United Grid’s representative, and meeting “Together, they represent more than 100 years of experience and service in the States, he became a wayleave officer as a Prince Charles twice in the same world of wayleaves,” said Hector Pearson. “Some have served not only National Grid “temporary” measure. capacity. and National Grid Transco, but also the former Central Electricity Generating Board. “I needed to find a job quickly and “Not so good memories include getting “All have worked towards setting the highest of standards and have done much when I saw the job advertised in the lost on a cold and wet February day in to build constructive and successful relationships with our grantors. We wish them Farmers Weekly and the East Anglian 1983 on Graveney Marshes, pre-mobile all the very best for the future.” Daily Times, I thought that would do phone and radio days. It took me until We spoke to some of the leavers… nicely until I got some money together,” 8.30pm to find a way out!” he said. he said. Percy says he always enjoyed the As it turned out, Percy’s “temporary” challenge of seeing a job to completion, Off to a new life Down Under job lasted for almost three decades — with harmony and minimal interference and after joining Central Electricity damage to grantors’ land. “I shall miss the DAVID Warner, formerly wayleaves head Generating Board’s wayleave team grantors,” he said. “It is really important for (South), has also left… but he has jetted off during the scorching summer of 1976, a wayleave officer to get to know his Down Under to carve out a new future with he stayed on for over 27 years, finally grantors, and, of course, to be known by his wife Cindy in Christchurch, New Zealand. retiring during this year’s scorching them. You need to be the face of National Cindy is nursing at the main hospital in summer. Grid Transco. Grantors always want to Christchurch, while David, 38, pursues Percy’s early years were spent in know who to contact if they have a query plans to buy a livestock farm and set up a Sussex before his family moved in 1946, or a problem. land management consultancy. immediately after the war, to what was “It’s always worked for me. Over the “We had visited New Zealand a couple of then British North Borneo — now last 21 years I have done all the times and really liked it,” he said. “When we known as Sabah — where his father wayleaves for eight or nine major line decided we wanted to buy a farm, we felt worked for the country’s post-war Civil refurbishment schemes or other major New Zealand was the place to do it because Service. projects and I am sure that knowing so of the outdoor lifestyle there. The adventure Three years later, the family was living in many of the grantors involved, and having and challenge involved also appealed.” Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Percy grew a lifelong involvement in agriculture, David — formerly Gloucester-based as helped smooth the way.” David Warner up there — his father farming at times, Transco’s Western area wayleaves officer either growing tobacco or rearing poultry. In retirement, Percy and Joanna, a — joined National Grid in 2000 as group course in estate management at the Royal When he left school, Percy worked on the company secretary, hope to spend more head for the South West Area. He was Agricultural College in Cirencester in 1989 land before spending two years at time at their holiday home in Beauchamp brought up in Cirencester with a strong and moved to Transco after working in agricultural college. After graduating, he in France’s Poitou-Charentes region and farming background — generations before private practice for four years. got a job with the Ministry of Agriculture they are looking forward to visiting him had farmed in Gloucestershire. After “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with as an agricultural adviser to African Canada next year for their son’s leaving school, he joined the Royal National Grid, they were interesting years farmers that were mainly irrigation wedding. Percy bought a tractor over 10 Engineers on a three-year short service and I learned a great deal,” said David. settlements. years ago to restore — he’s hoping that commission, serving in the Middle East “Ultimately, Cindy and I would like to set up “I had a lot to do with seed growing Flashback… National Grid wayleave officer Percy Claridge, right, meeting the Queen at the now it will get some attention for the first and Africa as well as the UK. a farm stay holiday business, so discount because the African farmers used to South of England Show, 2002 time! He completed a three-year degree will be offered to GridLine readers!” grow seed lettuce, beans and tomatoes Percy was a keen horseman in his for the European market,” said Percy. But red tape held him up — and that’s increasingly large area that eventually younger years in Africa and an “For the next nine years I worked as when he spotted the wayleave officer’s job included parts of Essex, Suffolk, enthusiastic polo crosse and polo player. “I will miss the people…” Seeds Officer for the Department of in Essex. “Fortunately, my agricultural Cambridgeshire, Northants, Hertfordshire Also involved with the organisational side NATIONAL GRID Transco is also bidding farewell to administrator Research and Specialist Services, within experience stood me in good stead when I and Middlesex. On the formation of of equestrian activities, when still in Gill Evans who has worked for more than five years within the the Ministry of Agriculture, implementing got the job,” he said. “As it was such a hot National Grid, he and his wife Joanna set Rhodesia, he “invented” the timing system wayleave team based firstly at Penwortham near Preston, then at the Seed Regulations, and helping to summer, I was probably one of the few up home in the village of Bethersden, now used all over the world for timing the Daines at Carrington, Manchester. introduce and operate the seed people around who could discuss with when he became wayleave officer for cross country phase of Horse Trials. As a “I have enjoyed working within wayleaves and have learnt a great certification scheme.” farmers the effects of high temperatures on Kent Area. qualified British Show Jumping deal over the years,” she said. “My role is moving to the company’s Percy had planned to take his experience wheat yields!” After 27 years, Percy leaves the world Association judge, he is also hoping to offices at Thorpe Park in Leeds, so unfortunately I will not be able to to the USA, and he stopped off in England Percy settled in Colne Engaine in of wayleaves with a host of memories. have more time to adjudicate at local and stay on. I will miss the people and the job.” Gill Evans on his way there to obtain the relevant visa. Essex, and until 1991, covered an Highlights include meeting the Queen at major shows.

We say farewell to… continued on Pages 4&5 4 NEWS NEWS 5 We say farewell to… Ron seeks a new tune in business Injured rider HE MAY be hanging up his — lives with his wife Linda in still positively finding a way thanks Times when the job has been wayleave wellies soon, but Ron Yate. He joined the former ahead.” Hodey has no intention of Central Electricity Generating Of particular pride to Ron is wellwishers letting the grass grow under his Board, where he met Linda, in the fact that he was the first to JOHN Cunnington sends a hair-raising experience! feet. 1970 as an administrative identify Iver substation in his thanks to all North East JOHN Griffin clocked up 46 years in the overhead line to provide a clear route for After 33 years in the trainee, based in Bristol. After Buckinghamshire as a grantors, land agents and electricity supply industry before he retired the Blackburn Southern bypass, and the electricity industry, 23 of them 10 years in the South West possible site for an colleagues who sent their at the end of September. Isle of Man Interconnector. in wayleaves, latterly in the Region legal liaison and environmental centre that good wishes for his recovery from a serious Now 62, he joined the former North West He has also enjoyed his involvement with South West and South insurance section, he joined would meet the needs of road accident in June. Electricity Board in 1957 as a 16-year-old county shows, grantors’ golf days and Midlands, Ron has plenty of Estates and Wayleaves, where, people with disabilities. Since junior clerk, based in his home town of other grantor public relations activities. plans to keep him busy — he said, “both job satisfaction its humble beginnings in 1990, Wayleaves officer John and career took off.” was badly injured in the Manchester. “A real pleasure of the job is meeting so including some featuring his Iver Nature Study Centre has accident just a mile from many people from all walks of life. I have beloved tuba! “I have always enjoyed the expanded to become a prime Seven years later, he became a wayleave his home in Bubwith in the known a number of grantors and families Ron, 52, played the job, particularly meeting focus for environmental, administrator with the Central Electricity East Riding of Yorkshire. Generating Board at Offerton, Stockport. for a long time. In some cases, I have gone euphonium in his teens, but grantors and learning about scientific and energy gave it up for 30 years until his their interests and concerns,” education, and is now at the He was riding his Suzuki John found his niche in 1973 when he on to deal with their sons or daughters. daughters Michelle and Laura said Ron. “Our grantors are forefront of horticultural motorcycle when he was was appointed wayleave officer. “I was “There have been some memorable began playing brass very important to the company, therapy in the south east. Ron involved in a collision with a finally able to get out and about,” he said. characters — I remember one tall farmer instruments. He caught the bug and their enthusiasm for their was also involved in the car; it left him with a “One of the best things about the job is who tried to lift me off the ground by my again, bought a tuba and enterprises and diversifications development of National Grid broken left foot, broken that every day is different — you never hair. I told him I’d tell him about the founded Dodington Parish is inspiring. Even in times of Transco’s Bramley Frith right leg, two broken arms know what’s going to happen.” forthcoming project when he put me down!” Brass Band in Yate, difficulty — such as the foot environmental education and heavy bruising. He John and his wife Barbara live in Bramhall, Over the past 30 years, John’s “patch” Gloucestershire, in 1996. Today and mouth crisis — they were centre near Basingstoke. spent a month in hospital Cheshire, and are the proud grandparents of has been mainly the North West and North the band performs at charity and is now back home. five-year-old Jordan who lives close by with Wales and he has been involved with a events, fetes and other “I have been very their son Jonathan and his wife Danielle. host of major projects. They include the community events. touched by the many calls, underground cables between Dinorwig A keen golfer for the past 18 years, John “Sitting around doing nothing cards and visits from Pump Storage and Pentir substation, new is looking forward to having more time to John Griffin set fair for more time on the golf in retirement is not for me,” said grantors and land agents,” overhead lines and diversions of an existing get his handicap down. course Ron, a Dodington Parish said John. “My thanks to Councillor. “I’m looking forward them all for their kindness to finding more time to improve and thoughtfulness. ” Opportunity for a fresh challenge in rural Devon my tuba playing and I intend to When back at work, EARLIER this year, Southern Born in Manchester and In 1985, Mike moved east to Indian Queens in set up a brass musical John will take up a new Home Counties wayleave brought up in Peterborough, south to join the former Cornwall. instrument repair business — it appointment as a land and officer Mike Gleaves Mike joined the accounts Central Electricity Generating Mike moved to Tunbridge won’t make much money, but I development officer with completed 31 years service in team in the East Midlands Board at Bedminster Wells in 1998 to look after hope it will benefit others. the consents and the electricity industry — Electricity Board’s offices in Down near Bristol, wayleaves in Surrey, Sussex Hopefully I will also find some acquisitions Team. mostly in wayleaves — and he Chesterfield at the age of 18, transferring to Winchester, and parts of Kent in the south gainful employment, perhaps is now looking for a new later moving to another Hampshire, in 1991 after the east Area. promoting the benefits of trees Welcome to challenge in south Devon. accounts position with the electricity industry’s A keen golfer, Mike also or cycling, both interests of Mike, 49, hopes to keep in Yorkshire Electricity Board at privatisation. enjoys travelling, particularly to mine — I was a cycling a new warden touch with the farming Wakefield Area. Shortly after Based in Nursling near Switzerland where he would proficiency instructor for 17 AMY Jones has moved community and says he will his marriage to Beverley in Southampton, he had a huge like to live one day. He has two years.” over from the Wayleaves miss his contact with the 1978, he joined the wayleave wayleave “patch”, covering an daughters, Sarah, 12, and Wiltshire-born Ron — who Rapt listeners… wayleave officer Ron Hodey captivates an unusual Enquiry Centre team to grantors. team there. area from Chichester in the Rachel, 10. also has a married son, James audience while practising for Dodington Parish Band become a wayleave warden in East Anglia, working with wayleave Former competition ploughman sets out to cultivate his long-held country interests officer Barry Cullimore. Amy, 23, was brought ANDREW Carpenter spent 13 he was just 13 when he first got often judges at local shows. Hampshire before going into pylons in their fields before. My championships!” said Andrew. up in Shropshire and years as a wayleave officer — behind the wheel of a tractor the agricultural supply industry agricultural experience came in Andrew was delighted when The family moved from studied at Harper Adams and enjoyed every minute of and plough. in 1981 where he specialised in very useful.” National Grid began its Hertfordshire last year to St University College in them. crop protection. He went on to do well in sponsorship of the Society of Jacqueline, and the couple’s John’s Fen End in Norfolk. Newport. She “Wayleaves allowed me to competitive ploughing and in Ploughmen in the late 1990s. It was his wife Jacqueline — daughter Grace and son David, Andrew intends to mull over graduated last meet thousands of people over 1984 won his county “It’s hard to describe the head teacher of a large primary have got used to Andrew’s plans for the future during the year with a the years — and work with championship, earning a place pleasures of ploughing,” he school in Wisbech — who preoccupation with ploughs, winter months — and he’s got degree in rural many great colleagues. I’m in the national event, although said. “It’s just a wonderful persuaded him to apply for the tractors and all things plenty of other interests to keep enterprise and certainly going to miss the he was unable to attend. feeling to turn the soil and post of wayleave officer. agricultural. Jacqueline didn’t him busy, including his Amy land regular contact with the Among his most prized breathe in the smell of the “She had worked for Eastern even protest when she and collection of unusual breeds of Jones management. grantors, many of whom I Andrew stopped off in Canada poultry. possessions today are a newly-turned earth. It’s a sign Electricity and felt that my Amy said: “I had done consider firm friends,” he said. on the way home from a holiday Kverneland reversible plough of a new year, another season background was ideal for the “I’ll also have time to get to some wayleave work as an in California this summer to Andrew, 53, took early and a recently acquired restored and renewal of the land.” job,” said Andrew. “When I was grips with three quarters of an assistant land agent with attend the World Ploughing retirement at the end of August. vintage International Harvester After leaving school in 1966, appointed in 1990, I found acre of garden,” he added. the National Trust during a Championships at Guelph, He is a countryman through tractor which he shows off at Andrew began working in myself meeting and negotiating Andrew will have a constant college placement. I really Ontario. and through — his family has rallies. He is an honorary practical agriculture and with many grantors who were reminder of National Grid enjoyed it so I was run a market garden and member of the Kimpton studied at Oaklands College in previously customers — I was “Jacqueline had half-an-hour Transco; he can see overhead delighted to get the chance Andrew Carpenter and his nursery business near St Agricultural Competitions St Albans. He later worked as thrilled by this, as I’d never to see Niagara Falls and I got to lines and Walpole substation to join National Grid restored vintage tractor Albans for nearly 80 years, and Association in Hertfordshire and manager of a farm in taken too much notice of the spend three days at the from his kitchen window. Transco’s wayleave team.” 6 NEWS NEWS 7 Web wonder Did you know…? NATIONAL Grid Transco Shooting live pigeons released from Group has the best website boxes or traps was a among Britain’s top 100 fashionable competitive companies. It won the web RIGHT: sport, often involving large “Oscar” based on research shooting with a sums of money. The competitions on home pages carried out smile… grantor Jackie were made illegal in 1921. for Interactive Bureau, a leading UK web strategy Boyer from Withy Farm, and At the beginning of the last and design firm. instructor Chris Miles century, glass balls were substituted BELOW: grantor Henry Shilles prepares to for live birds and these in turn were From left: James and Rosemary Massey, Idris and Helen shoot, with instructor Peter Johnson and superseded by “clay pigeons” — Info boost Roberts, Rhodri Ap-Gwyn, Janet Clarke (left) wayleave officer Ron Hodey saucer shaped discs of baked A WEALTH of new ceramic material, often information on National Grid recycled mineral waste. Transco’s approach to corporate social responsibility It is governed and regulated has been added to its website by the Clay Pigeon Shooting (www.ngtgroup.com). Association — commonly known as The “Responsibility” section the CPSA. now has more than 100 (Source www.cpsa.co.uk and pages, which are packed with www.basc.org.uk) information on the Group’s For further information about social, safety, environmental CPSA, e-mail and occupational health [email protected] or write to activities and on how it has Maurice Cutler, Phil Burgess, Mike Lindsell, Sydney CPSA, Edmonton House, performed over the last year. Duffield and Robert Speakman Bisley Camp, Brookwood, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NP. Channel change A 530-TONNE transformer RESULTS at National Grid’s THE FINAL: Team flush — substation for the cross- Clay pigeon days trophies went to Peter Jones, Channel interconnector has James Massey, Geoffrey Consett Programme and Mike Lindsell. High gun for been changed after being the best experienced shot — “floated” out of position. Robert Speakman. Highest new The converter transformer hit right target gun — Idris Roberts. Highest proves itself — one of eight at Sellindge guest score — Mrs Zoe Ascroft. in Kent — developed a fault REGIONAL WINNERS that couldn’t be repaired (experienced): Gordon Boyer of while it was in place. Highbridge (Bradford on Avon); Geoff Consett, Ali Consett, Zoe Ascroft, Lucy Hunter, with grantors over again Engineering Services moved Robert Speakman of Braintree Mike Rockett, Peter Jones and Chris Ascroft (Aldermaston); Mark Alton of NATIONAL Grid Transco took to meeting more than 3,000 the twelve-by-six metre DOZENS of grantors showed off their novice and more experienced Wetherby (Wetherby); James transformer and swapped it Massey of Macclesfield the road at the end of May as grantors and their guests at the marksmanship in a series of clay shooters, with 15 guests in each this year’s agricultural relations different events around the for a spare. Contractors pigeon shooting events organised by event. National Grid invited grantors (Nantwich); Peter Crew of then used a “water-skate” Birmingham (Fillongley); Chris programme swung into action. country. We were delighted to National Grid. who in questionnaires had previously system in which skates are Ascroft of Cambridge (Cheshunt); It kicked off at the Stafford receive lots of enthusiastic indicated their interest in shooting. inserted underneath the The seven invitation-only events and Gomer Thomas of Show and moved round the feedback from our guests.” They were joined by other guests, Portmadog, Gwynedd transformer and lifted by culminated in a grand final at the NAC country, visiting the South of Among them was arable mainly land agents. (Caernarfon). water pressure. at Stoneleigh and a celebration dinner England Show at Ardingley and farmer David Priestner and his at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Alan said: “We divided into groups REGIONAL WINNERS (novice): the Cheshire, Lincolnshire, wife Janet, from Dunham Kenilworth, where Hector Pearson, for safety briefings, tuition and Jackie Boyer of Highbridge Cotswold, Yorkshire, Durham Massey, Altrincham, who visited Prison plans (Bradford on Avon); Andy Barr of land and development manager, practice. After a strictly alcohol-free County, Lancashire, and New the Cheshire Show. David said: THE National Grid Transco honoured the winners. lunch, there was competition Chelmsford (Aldermaston); Maurice Cutler of Stokesley Forest and Hampshire Shows. “The invitation to the National Foundation has plans to step Alan Naylor, field wayleaves shooting before tea and prize-giving. (Wetherby); Idris Roberts of Mold Its tenth and final outing was Grid Transco stand gave us a up help for young offenders. Bob Tute, Gordon Boyer, Jackie Boyer and Ron Hodey manager, said: “It’s the first time The days were a fantastic success.” (Nantwich); Robin Smith, Sutton at the National Ploughing chance to meet up with our The much-acclaimed scheme we’ve arranged clay pigeon shoots Peter Jones, 55, who has a mixed Coldfield (Fillongley); David Prime, Championships on October 11 wayleave officer Alan Whitmore.” currently trains young Bishops Stortford (Cheshunt); and but, as it is a sport enjoying ever- farm in Gwynedd, won the novice and 12 — the company was Other happy guests included offenders at Reading Prison in increasing popularity, we thought it Peter Jones, Penrhyndeudraeth, class at the Caernarfon event in North Gwynedd (Caernarfon). one of the main sponsors. More long-time grantors John and Vi Berkshire to become would be a good opportunity to get Wales and went on to pick up a than 160 ploughmen were Varrier, from East Brabourne, groundwork engineers. REGIONAL RUNNERS-UP: — grantor enthusiasts together to share trophy in the team flush. “The whole cheered on by 27,000 Ashford, who attended the It will be extended this year to a mutual interest.” competition was a great experience,” Dick Stainer of Melksham spectators at Brougham, near South of England show. “We (Bradford on Avon); Mike Lindsell four prisons and train 40 The qualifying events were staged he said. of Great Sampford (Aldermaston); Penrith, during two days of had a thoroughly good day,” inmates as gas operatives. at Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire; “I had never tried clay pigeon Geoffrey Consett of Thirsk competitions. The climax was said John. The foundation’s head Dr Aldermaston in Berkshire; Wetherby shooting before. Now I have, I will (Wetherby); Edward Massey of the selection of John Hill and Alan said: “We would like to Mary Harris said that in 2004, in West Yorkshire; Nantwich in have to keep practising for the next Macclesfield (Nantwich); Anthony Simon Whitty to represent have invited more grantors to the company will be working McKenna, Sutton Coldfield Cheshire; Fillongley in Warwickshire; event! We had a really warm England at the 2004 World join us for lunch. However, we in partnership with 12 prisons Cheshunt in Hertfordshire; and (Fillongley); John Deacon, St Ploughing Contest in Northern welcome, were well looked after and Albans (Cheshunt); and Rhodri were pleased to welcome many to train up to 100 inmates as Robin Smith, Anthony McKenna, Charlie Waite and Caernarfon in North Wales. it was good to meet up with other Davies, Penrhyndeudraeth, Ireland. of the 3,000 or so members of operatives for the gas, Richard Evans The days were designed both for grantors from around the country.” Gwynedd (Caernarfon). Alan Naylor, field wayleaves our exclusive Grantors Club for electricity and water manager, said: “We enjoyed refreshments and a chat.” industries. 8 FEATURES FEATURES 9

Liz and Roger Sutton with current Dominic takes steps Job training and future milk producers to help youngsters scheme picks LAND and won’t be in any development hurry to do it officer Dominic again… if ever.” up business Toft donned his Together the walking boots walkers raised and helped raise £5,000. National honour £6,000 to Grid topped it up provide with £1,000, NATIONAL Grid Transco has been honoured in equipment for bringing the total this year’s Business in the Community’s award children with to £6,000. scheme for corporate responsibility in the UK. hearing Dominic much The company also sponsored the Business difficulties. prefers pedal in the Environment Award, one of 19 Dominic, power and has categories in the Business in the Community pictured, is a often cycled long Awards for Excellence. governor of St Mary’s distances, including a The awards, now in their fifth year were Catholic Primary School in 140-mile coast-to-coast developed to encourage companies to Congleton where his 10- Sustrans route over three measure, continually improve and year-old son is a pupil. days. He recently cycled communicate their positive impact on society. The money was from south to north They focus on impact and evidence of results earmarked for a hearing Wales. and are open to UK businesses large or small. sound loop to help children National Grid has been National Grid Transco’s Jobs Training for at the school. named the top utility when it Young Offenders was named a national Dominic joined nine other comes to payroll-giving to example of excellence in the Healthy parents for the 34-mile walk charity. Communities Award category. The programme along the Sandstone Trail aims to stop young offenders returning to crime The Charities Aid between Frodsham, near by offering them training and employment as Foundation reveals that Runcorn in Cheshire, and gas groundwork engineers. Goat about 19 per cent of National Whitchurch in Shropshire. Grid staff donate to charities The company also received a highly “It took us from 6.30am to direct from gross pay, commended in the national Neighbourhood notes… tops – 6.30pm — fortunately we making it the fifth most Renewal Award for impact on a specific Goat’s milk is The goat is believed to be enjoyed good weather,” he generous company in the location, rural or urban. It recognised Transco’s OME people might say it was vision second only to the dog in said. “I’ve never walked that country for this method of Affordable Warmth programme which aims to Sthat led to Cheshire grantors Roger terms of how long it has far before — and frankly I tax-efficient donation. benefit up to one million homes, particularly and Liz Sutton launching themselves been domesticated. people in low-income groups. into dairy goat farming. and no butts! More people in the world Strong culture The couple themselves say it was a drink goat’s milk than cow’s City scheme worthy The award sponsored by National Grid gamble that fortunately paid off. was a real future for goat’s milk — so Lodge Farm* at Aston by Budworth, milk — and many more Transco was won by Shields Environmental, After starting with just five goats in we decided to take the plunge.” said Northwich, with farm manager Graham people eat goat meat than which offers the world’s first nationwide mobile 1985, they now own one of the six Liz. “We started off by making cheese Routledge moving there to run the site. sheep meat. of consideration phone recycling scheme. This both helps to largest goat herds in the country and in the farm kitchen and personally Graham had previously worked in Many babies have been provide affordable communication in NATIONAL Grid has been progressed well with supply milk, goat’s cheese, butter, delivering it to local customers — which dairy farming… but very quickly saved by a switch to goat’s developing countries and also equates to commended by Birmingham much of the work now cream and yoghurt, to nearly every is why my daughter Charlotte and son became a goat enthusiast. “They are milk after severe allergic City Council for the way it complete. savings of more than 250 tonnes of landfill. James spent so much time in the car major retailer and supermarket chain in great animals, friendly, intelligent and reactions to cow’s milk and tackled a major upgrade Brian Smethurst, project National Grid Transco director of when they were very young.” the UK. great to work with. It would take a lot to intolerance to the same scheme in the area. engineer and team leader, communications Gareth Lloyd said: “We have Different from the days when it was The couple persevered as the get me back to cows.” type of protein in soya milk supported this particular award for several The company received a said: “Throughout this very much “garden gate marketing”, business gradually expanded. They Last year, the couple moved milk formula. years because the company has a strong Considerate Contractor project, we have made sure said Liz. “I think our children grew up in decided that the constraints of cheese processing to another company, which The Saanen goat culture of environmental responsibility, both in Streetworks Scheme award that those living and working the back of the car.” making were not practical, so they has the latest technology for packing originated in Switzerland our UK electricity and gas businesses. for the Pirelli-managed close by have been kept Liz and Roger both come from joined forces with a local dairy to sell milk for longer shelf life. Seven other and was first imported into facelift to the Bustleholm informed about the works “Several of our community investment farming backgrounds, and when they the milk to a local supermarket. herds in Cheshire supply the Britain at the end of the to Nechells 275kV under- going on around them. programmes have an environmental or married in 1980, Roger was working as “Soon after that, in 1987/88, we processing plant, as do a number of nineteenth century. The ground cable. “The patience and sustainable development theme — a prime a representative, selling animal decided to do our own marketing — herds in the South West. early imports were crossed example being the network of environmental It recognised the conduct co-operation of the local feedstuffs. In 1982, he began and very quickly landed our first big Today, the Suttons have about 1,050 with British breeds and a education centres at 12 of our electricity and quality of work along the community during the work managing a beef unit at a farm in the customer, ASDA,” said Liz. goats, mainly British Saanen. About new type was developed substation sites.” A34 between Birmingham has been greatly middle of Cheshire’s Delamere Forest. “Fortunately for us, supermarkets 850 make up the milking herd, and called the British Saanen. and Walsall during late appreciated. The awards were organised in association Three years later, Roger’s employer were beginning to look at stocking there are also 200 young animals. Goats are browsers and spring 2002. This section of with the Financial Times, sponsored by the “By working closely with decided to cease beef production so alternatives to cow’s milk to meet The goats are milked twice a day in a highly selective grazers. work was also completed Department of Trade and Industry and Pirelli, we have ensured that the couple started their own business customer demand. We were able to state-of-the-art rotary milking parlour, They have a reputation for two weeks ahead of supported by ScottishPower, Company of the impact from the works at the site with five goats. At the time, meet that demand — so Roger’s hunch each animal giving an average of three eating all sorts of rubbish… schedule. Year 2002. themselves has been there was little market for dairy goat was correct.” litres — and that makes about 2,550 but this is untrue. They are National Grid is mitigated where possible. Business in the Environment director Patrick products. By 1992, the couple had moved their litres a day… “A bit different from the fastidious eaters and if food refurbishing about six We have also worked hard Mallon said: “The real power of the awards lies Frozen, unpasteurised milk was business to a farm on the Tabley estate early days,” said Liz. falls to the ground or is too kilometres of underground to maintain the standards in what we all learn from their example. The available, but usually in health food near Knutsford and started their own * Feldy Lodge Farm is crossed by the coarse, mouldy or in cable between Bustleholm recognised by the award to support of National Grid Transco is invaluable shops or small specialised outlets. dairy processing plant. In 1997, the Daines/Deeside 400kV overhead line anyway imperfect, they will and Perry Barr substations. the final stages of the to raise the profile of the BiE Award each year.” “Roger just had this idea that there milk production side moved to Feldy which is being refurbished this year. not eat it. The £4 million scheme has project.” 10 LONDON LONDON 11 Power cut Hole lotta Easy does it for down to a extension team combination THE construction of an that excavation and trench digging extension to London’s work could be carried out, 400kV City Road but information about the of factors substation is now project had been made A COMBINATION of factors led to the complete. widely available. rush-hour London power cut, says In order to connect the Visits had been made to National Grid Transco. going on! new substation to the people living alongside the electricity network, cables These were: £200 MILLION scheme to circuit in the future when towpath, information running underneath a planned normal summer maintenance ensure that National Grid demand for electricity bulletins were sent out and A canal towpath have been work meant that Wimbledon and New can meet increasing demand increases further. On average, a 24-hour query line was upgraded. Cross and Hurst and Littlebrook were for electricity in central London it is about 27 metres available. Local authorities connected by only one circuit is on course for completion by underground, so most of the And project engineer were also kept updated an alarm indicated a fault at Hurst spring 2005. work has been invisible and Dave Palser said: “This on all aspects of the was quite a contentious project. substation, a transformer was taken out A key feature of the scheme inaudible at ground level. issue that needed careful 1 Great care was taken of service and power rerouted into is a 12 ⁄2-mile tunnel that will be Tunnelling management.” London through other circuits used to transmit electricity has also with certain elements of within seven seconds another fault from Elstree, in Hertfordshire, meant little The 400kV indoor the project because the occurred, stopping flows on a 275,000- to St John’s Wood, in the traffic double busbar substation, substation was so close to volt underground cable between New heart of the capital. disruption. equipped with gas houses, the care home, insulated switchgear, has the school and Cross and Wimbledon substations. At Two new 400kV substations Jim Street, been built to meet London businesses. And Islington this point, electricity supplies to the will also be built at National the project affected areas could not be maintained. manager, Electricity’s requirement to Borough Council guided Grid sites in Elstree and St take extra power from The problem — an incorrect said it was a the design of the John’s Wood. National Grid’s 400kV protection relay installed in 2001 when “tremendous building to make sure it This has been the largest supergrid system. old equipment was replaced — was challenge” to fitted in with its tunnelling project so far identified, fixed within half an hour and build a 121⁄2-mile tunnel and Alongside the City Basin surroundings. undertaken by National Grid. full power was restored to the two new substations in canal towpath affected by Meanwhile, National transmission system. Fifteen minutes Huge machines worked complex urban environments the work are 24 flats and a Grid has continued to later distribution company EDF Energy night and day to dig the tunnel, with minimal impact, but he care home. support local charities, re-energised its system. which forms a vital part of the added: “We believe we will Another section is a well- such as the Islington Boat Inside part of the tunnel, above, and inset, members of the tunnel team “Of course, if the two circuits which London connection project. achieve this.” used through-route for Club and Groundwork, It is three metres in diameter were being maintained had been in The substation at Elstree will be finished by early 2005. These are needed for Brown & Root (now KBR) local people and pupils and, for the third year and was completed on service, there would not have been a be housed inside a new The new St John’s Wood ventilation and to hold control has worked with National Grid attending a nearby running, helped fund the schedule. power cut,” said Nick Winser, NGT building and will form the substation has been designed equipment for the operation of since 1999 to develop the school. Angel Canal Festival, which group director of UK and US The tunnel will house a interconnection between to fit in with the modern the transmission cables. scheme design. Other Dave said the towpath features many local transmission. 400kV cable — one of the National Grid’s transmission buildings in the surrounding National Grid consulted with contractors involved are was temporarily closed so charities. “The maintenance, however, was longest of its kind in Europe. It system and the new 400kV area and it is due for local authorities, residents and Murphy Group, ABB and necessary and the security of the uses the latest cross-linked cable circuit to St John’s completion by late next year. businesses to ensure that the Siemens Power Transmission system had been properly planned for, polyethylene insulation Wood. Five intermediate tunnel buildings blended in with the and Distribution. including EDF’s pre-planned response technology. The tunnel head house access shafts and head house environment. All five head For more information, log on in the event of a transformer failure.” The tunnel was built to allow building was completed this buildings are being sited along houses were completed this to www.thelondonconnection The incorrect relay — one amp for a second 400kV cable spring and the substation will the tunnel route. spring. .co.uk instead of five — had not been detected during the 2001 commissioning and quality control checks. …and they’re going underground in Dartford “We are inspecting all 43,000 similar types of equipment and also WORK has started on construction associated overhead lines have up to 20 metres below the river implementing other actions to make of another 400kV tunnel in the already been removed. bed — and will be driven through sure we learn the lessons from this South. National Grid’s project manager chalk saturated with water. It will power cut.” The Dartford cable tunnel, which Jim Street said: “By replacing have a diameter of three metres. Energy Minister Stephen Timms, who will run from Littlebrook, in Kent, to existing cables with new cables in Creating the tunnel will take seven has received a report on the incident Thurrock, in Essex, forms part of a our own tunnel, the security of major months. from NGT, has launched an two-year, multi-million pound project and important National Grid assets Babtie, the UK-based technical investigation into the power cut. that is already under way. is significantly increased. Removing and management consultancy, has “I am grateful to National Grid for the It involves removing two 275kV the cables from the Dartford road been appointed as National Grid’s report on the recent power cuts and the cables that run beneath the road tunnel also allows maintenance to be consultant and site representative. lessons to be learned. However, I have deck of the west Dartford road carried out without affecting traffic The engineering services company decided in the light of the report that tunnel and running two replacement flow on London’s orbital motorway AMEC will undertake the £16 million 1 further work needs to be done to look 275kV circuits in the new 1 ⁄2-mile network.” tunnel construction contract and into the wider issues surrounding these tunnel under the River Thames. The new tunnel will be up to 35 ABB has won the £10m cable and power cuts.” About three-quarters of a mile of metres below ground level — and switchgear contract. City Road substation project has been completed 12 FEATURE FEATURE 13

Winners ‘can From this… to this… via this… make a real difference’ SCHEME to communities and it A help a food co- is run in partnership operative expand with the and a project to Improvement and help people reduce Development fuel bills and carbon Agency and the emissions were just two of sustainable development the winners in the National charity Forum for the Future. Grid Community 21 Awards. The winners were Ten local authorities announced by leading shared almost £50,000 in environmentalist Jonathon prize money in the awards Porritt, chairman of the scheme that celebrates the Government’s UK best new ideas in Sustainable Development sustainability. Commission and programme There was also a £10,000 director of Forum for the award for Wealden District Future. He said: “We are Council for demonstrating celebrating hard-edge MAIN PICTURE: outstanding community projects that serve people in Caviar ready for leadership. The money will real ways and make a real sale be used to establish the difference to their lives.” RIGHT (from top): priorities of communities on a He added that the joy of the worms in more localised basis than in the scheme was the Stable hand action; Terry an earlier strategy. opportunity it gave to Kieron Rutter feeds The awards scheme aims celebrate the work of Ashforth worms to to help councils in England activists, community groups, carries a bale sturgeons; Terry and Wales play a bigger part local authorities and private of shredded holds one of the in encouraging sustainable enterprise involved in cardboard PICTURE: CAVIAR HOUSE Siberian sturgeon development in their sustainable development. You can have a fishy on a little dishy when the board comes in HERE’S A recipe for success: their waste cardboard — shredded “We were able to get going when the grown watercress and other plants on it a rich soggy mixture. This is then placed KIRKLEES Metropolitan Council’s Take a pile of old cardboard, shred it packaging is supplied to farms and owner of Lepton Equestrian Centre offered — showing that in a larger operation, we in the worm bed — a layer at a time — winning Cardboard to Caviar project is and give it to farms and stables for horse stables for bedding. us land and a derelict building,” said Terry. could grow it commercially as a cash where thousands of worms get to work. one of the most innovative schemes to bedding ABLE was designed to take things a “The trainees were involved from the start, crop,” said Terry. “It’s important to get the timing right,” scoop a National Grid Community 21 step further. It got under way in helping virtually to rebuild the said Terry. “If they finish eating one layer, Muck out the soiled bedding and Award. It has attracted huge media For the initial research and development compost it by feeding it to worms September 2001 with five trainees, led by accommodation, using recycled materials phase, 26 three-year-old Siberian and another hasn’t been added, they interest and the attention of Treasury project manager Terry Rutter, 47, with where possible, and learning building skills would literally climb out of the bed and Remove the excess worms and feed sturgeon were introduced to the tank. Minister John Healey, who visited it help from employment mentor, fish fanatic from Mick as work progressed. vacate the property.” Older worms are them to sturgeon fish “They are very different from other fish,“ himself. GridLine takes a closer look at and qualified builder Mick Hinchliffe. “Getting involved at this stage regularly harvested by hand and fed to the Sell mature fish to top hotels the scheme that is breaking new said Terry. “Although very strong, they are Terry — a keen angler, fish breeder and generated ownership for the trainees — sturgeon. “The worms produce high ground in sustainability, as well as not aggressive and are curious creatures.” Keep some fish and produce caviar for experienced manager — spent 25 years in they really felt able to buy into the project, quality compost, so eventually we will bag providing an opportunity for sale. banking with the Halifax before taking and it also created team spirit. The Siberian sturgeon grows to about this up and sell it as another cash by- disadvantaged and long-term Sounds unlikely, doesn’t it? But that’s voluntary redundancy. He was looking for a “We furnished the place with unwanted three metres and does not reach maturity product,” said Terry. unemployed young people. exactly the process involved in the new direction and found it with ABLE. “The office equipment donated by the Halifax. — and able to provide caviar — until it is “The future of ABLE is really exciting,” community-based demonstration scheme job encompassed everything I enjoyed and Surplus equipment was given to other about seven years old. The first sturgeon he added. “National Grid’s award will help run by the Andrew Barker Lepton Wakefield area by providing employment gave me a chance to put something back projects or sold to raise funds. GBN- settled in well and thrived, and Terry is buy a second tank so that we can Employment Project at an equestrian opportunities and the opportunity to into the community,” he said. recycled carpet tiles were laid on the about to go to France to bring back 500 diversify and farm crayfish. Work is under centre at Lepton, near Huddersfield. boost their job-seeking skills. The trainees — their average age is 25 office floors and we even used recycled baby sturgeon that should grow up to a way to expand our operation to a 34-acre But it’s not just about demonstrating The project — a partnership between — are offered a placement for up to 12 plastic planks and flooring blocks made metre in length in 15 months. Some of the site made available to us by Yorkshire how waste cardboard packaging, Kirklees Council, the Green Business months. They get paid a proper wage for from old plastic bags.” more mature sturgeon will produce caviar Water. We hope to transform this former 1 three or four years after that. previously destined for landfill, can be Network, East Wakefield Primary Care a 37 ⁄2-hour week and receive training in A 15-metre by two-metre purpose-built landfill site by incorporating a tree nursery, used to produce compost, fish food and Trust and the charity Turning Point — was life skills, such as job search techniques worm bed was constructed and a fish About 60 horses are stabled at Lepton. willow and hazel coppicing, and a rural ultimately fish and fish products for human conceived more than two years ago. and computer literacy. Their health and tank installed. The tank filters, cleans and When their bedding is mucked out, it is crafts training centre. If things go to plan, consumption. It is also about providing a Since 1995, GBN has been helping welfare is also catered for and there is an recirculates water, greatly reducing the taken by wheelbarrow to ABLE’s compost up to 60 youngsters could be trained and support system for disadvantaged young local businesses improve their opportunity to work towards an quantity used. Even the nutrients heap where, with regular turning, it given a new chance in life in the years to people and their communities from the environmental performance by recycling environmentally-based NVQ Level Two. captured in the filter are useful. “We have spends the first month breaking down into come.” 14 15 FEATURES FEATURES Bid to boost The lapwing… more common Under threat… environment Big support on farms in the North the tree sparrow awareness for charity’s ENVIRONMENT Agency research reveals that environmental awareness among farmers remains low. bird survey It says that 78 per cent of P

agricultural producers questioned in ARMERS have given an inspiration to RSPB staff and ICTURES a survey did not believe they carried Fenthusiastic thumbs-up to a reinforces our belief that by out activities that could be harmful scheme that promotes good working together with the : rspb-images.com/A to the environment. relations between conservationists farming community we can But, when prompted, 87 per and the farming community. reverse the decline of farmland cent acknowledged carrying out at The RSPB Volunteer & Farmer birds like skylarks and corn least one potentially harmful activity Alliance offers a free service buntings.” such as storing chemicals, oils or that connects farmers who want The Alliance was launched in NDY to know more about birds on 1999 with just 40 farms in central H fuels. AY their farms with trained volunteers, England. The number involved With three-quarters of the land in who carry out early morning more than doubled the following England and Wales farmed, the way surveys during the breeding year by including the South East it is managed has a huge impact on season. and East Anglia. Last year, 850 Red alert for the the environment. Farming provides farms, covering 65,000 hectares 54 per cent of the country’s food In a survey, 98 per cent of across the UK, were surveyed, and provides many environmental farmers questioned said the bird involving more than 1,000 poor tree sparrow benefits, but it does have an adverse study was worthwhile, and 70 per volunteers, and 850 more farms impact on soil, air and water quality. cent discovered they had species AN ASSESSMENT of the dunnock, red kite, marsh on their land they had not known will be visited this year. About Two new initiatives have been UK’s bird population has harrier and Dartford about. 2,000 farmers have taken part so been published in The warbler. The last three launched to address the lack of far. environmental awareness among At least 85 per cent Population Status of Birds species were on the red Jenny said: “Demand within the the farming community: implemented the the scheme’s in the UK — Birds of list until recently, but have farmland bird management farming community is such Conservation Concern: recovered earlier losses online guidelines designed to guidelines — and twenty-six per that we cannot always meet it 2002-2007. thanks to the success of help farmers comply with their cent used the results to support and we are fully booked for It uses a scheme of conservation efforts by the environmental responsibilities applications to the Countryside this year. But if any National Grid colour-coding to group the RSPB and others. without having to contact the Stewardship Scheme, which grantor is interested in taking part, 247 species that are Green — this contains regulator. The NetRegs website makes payments to farmers and then they should get in touch as regularly to be found in the all other species, which explains complex environmental other land managers to enhance soon as possible and we will put UK according to their are increasing in number, regulations using plain language, rural England. them on the waiting list for next status: are stable, or have covering everything from agricultural Alliance project manager Jenny year.” decreased only slightly waste and emissions to water and Red — there are 40 Atkins said: “The staggering For further information, call and which should be fuel storage species whose amount of interest shown by Jenny on 01767 680551 or e-mail populations or range are monitored to enable any a new booklet, entitled farmers and volunteers is an [email protected] rapidly declining. Included future changes to be Waterwise on the Farm, is a simple are the skylark, song detected. guide promoting greater water 8 NEWS thrush, tree sparrow, The list was agreed by a efficiency in agriculture and THE Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a large landowner in the UK — and a National Grid grantor. In this issue of GridLine, we house sparrow, group of the UK’s main highlighting ideas to save farmers introduce a new RSPB initiative launched at this year’s Royal Show, the RSPB Volunteer and Farmer Alliance. The RSPB has long recognised the vital role farming must play if we are to reverse the alarming declines in skylarks, song thrushes, lapwings and the other birds that depend on F yellowhammer and lesser bird conservation money. The booklet has been farmland. The alliance highlights the society’s commitment to work with farmers to reverse this decline. spotted woodpecker. organisations, chaired by developed in partnership with the th the RSPB. National Farmers’ Union and Linking Amber — there are 121 Birdlife gets a helping hand fo species whose For further information, Environment and Farming. MANY ARMING and wildlife conservation have species. He can seek further advice from are fig populations are in visit www.rspb.org.uk/ LEAF chairman and National Grid Fnot always found it easy to go hand in established organisations if he wishes. impor hand in recent years. The icing on the cake is that the seriou moderate decline. They wildlife/birds/birdprio/bocc RSPB public affairs manager Andre information produced can help with disapp grantor Robert Campbell was with Farrar said: “In just 50 years, farmers have applications for funding through Now had to respond first to the priorities of Countryside Stewardship. suppo include the swallow and 2.asp NFU president Ben Gill and post-war Britain and then to the “We have been delighted by the conse production-led drive of the Common response of farmers — already about 250 Plantli Environment Agency chairman Sir Agricultural Policy. farms have taken part.” tide. T “The resulting agricultural industry has Andre said that although future policy donat left little room for wildlife. Birds like the tree changes are vital, reform of the CAP will charity John Harman when the two sparrow have declined by more than 80 not come quickly enough to save many of For per cent in just 25 years, and corn the populations of birds. in the Starling leads the way Online help sheets schemes were unveiled at the Royal buntings are all but lost from Wales.” “Working with farmers is the only short- Plantli But there is hope in the new RSPB term approach that will buy time until the becom Volunteer and Farmer Alliance. policy changes take effect,” he said. all sec Smithfield Show. includ Between 1999 and 2001, the in central England than New advisory sheets for farmers have been launched on the The project involves trained volunteers Other initiatives include the RSPB’s landow — including long-term RSPB volunteers, purchase of Hope Farm, an arable unit in individ The NetRegs is at farmers and wildlife enthusiasts — Cambridgeshire, which is allowing the Alliance surveys undertaken elsewhere RSPB website, along with improved farming pages, accessible carrying out a free and confidential bird society to test farming solutions to the Form www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ survey of participating farms throughout problem of dwindling wild bird enviro across England showed that: lapwings were found on via www.rspb.org.uk/farming. There is an e-mail link for you to the UK. populations. And, as an emergency Sarah assist At the end of the survey, the farmer is measure, it is working with farmers in the Cante 62 per cent of farms more farms in the North and send questions and comments. netregs given a map showing which birds inhabit UK to provide extra rations for seed- educa his land, and where they can be found. eating birds. This country-wide has jo Andre said: “At the very least, he has experiment should show if providing extra throughout the country had North West The RSPB is also hoping to set up a web-based discussion For a free hard copy of Waterwise She details which can influence how he food in winter helps boost breeding raising manages his land. He might discover, for numbers in the following spring. house sparrows group for farmers on conservation matters. This will be an of wild the starling is the most on the Farm, e-mail example, that a particular hedgerow is an The alliance, he said, is another way the aware important habitat for a certain rare RSPB can work with farmers to make a 65 per cent of the farms independent website with a wide range of conservation paula.wood@environment- real difference. Farmer Alan Vincent, ever-g common bird on those farms right, at Stonebridge “We know from experience that where Said Did you know? Farm with Nick Droy able to agency.gov.uk or phone 01903 the RSPB has worked directly with surveyed in East Anglia had involved, followed by the advisers from the agricultural sector involved. The RSPB, founded in 1889, is the farmers, birds have benefited. For during largest wildlife conservation example, cirl buntings in Devon and stone when turtle doves 832073. Copies are available for develo blackbird and then the For further information, contact Richard Winspear on 01767 organisation in E rope with more l i th th d Midl d h Farmer Alan makes the alliance co nt downloading at www.environment- more farms had bullfinches skylark. 680551 or e-mail [email protected] Flashback to how Gridline introduced the RSPB Volunteer & Farmer Alliance in 2000 agency.gov.uk/savewater 16 FEATURES FEATURES 17 Archers stars honour tree champions EPRESENTATIVES of the president of the Tree Council, of support: “I commend all efforts of tree wardens would Rparish council of one of who welcomed the volunteer those involved for their not be so effective. These Tree Britain’s best-known villages — tree wardens, their local commitment and contribution Council Awards are our way of Did you know? Ambridge, of BBC Radio 4’s network co-ordinators and to a project that, through recognising this hard work and Every year, thousands The Archers fame — joined tree other officials and politicians. planting and preserving trees, saying thank you to those who of recently planted trees champions for the presentation The reception was held to makes a truly valuable have run local networks with die from the lack of a of awards honour nearly 30 local contribution to the local such commitment.” few minutes of timely for 10 years’ authorities and voluntary environment — one which we National Grid’s external care. dedicated organisations that have been can all enjoy both now and in communications manager work to co-ordinating local tree warden future generations.” Ross Hayman said: “National Tree professionals accept protect the networks on behalf of the Tree The Tree Council’s director Grid maintains more than that often only half of their nation’s trees and woodlands. Council for over a decade. of community projects Jon 4,350 miles of high-voltage planted trees will survive beyond five years. Ambridge’s current tree The Tree Council launched Stokes, who co-ordinates the overhead power lines, mostly in warden George Barford, actor schemes nationally, said: “Tree the countryside, so the its countrywide tree warden Young trees need TLC Graham Roberts, was joined wardens are the eyes and ears management and conservation scheme in 1990, and it has — tending, loosening of by Phil Archer, actor Norman of their local communities on of trees is very important to us. been sponsored by National ties and clearing of grass Painting, a vice-president of tree matters and they form an Grid since 1997. Around “Local authorities and other and weeds. the Tree Council, for the event 7,500 wardens planted over important force in the organisations have a vital role at the House of Commons to half a million trees in 2001 and conservation and improvement to play in co-ordinating their For more information, visit celebrate the Tree Council’s dedicated 1.5 million hours to of Britain’s treescape. local tree warden networks, www.treecouncil.org.uk/ National Grid Tree Warden their communities’ trees. “However, without long-term which have made it possible projects.tlc.htm Archers actors Graham Roberts, second left, and Norman Painting, second right, with, left to right, Scheme. Nick Raynsford MP, support from their local for the tree wardens to National Grid’s group head of safety, environment and corporate responsibility Gareth Llewellyn, Caroline The event was hosted by Minister for Local authorities or other co- achieve great things in their Davis, chairman of the Tree Council, and Lord Best, at the House of Commons Brian Donohoe MP, a vice- Government, sent a message ordinating organisations the communities.” Warden puts winnings back into woods British trees are just great! DROITWICH Woods in Worcestershire are to be given FIFTY of the UK’s most outstanding trees “In the interests of safety we have to ensure a new lease of life thanks to are immortalised in a new book published by that trees do not grow too close to our National Grid tree warden the Tree Council in celebration of the overhead power lines and therefore effective Roger Claxton. Queen’s Golden Jubilee. tree management is a vital part of our work. Roger, a 60-year-old retired The publication of Great British Trees We have worked with the Tree Council for engineer, and one of more was made possible by National Grid nearly 10 years and the help and advice we than 60 tree wardens in Transco which has supported the National have received from them has been invaluable.” Worcestershire, scooped a Grid Tree Warden Scheme since 1997. If you don’t win a free copy, Great British £2,000 windfall in a national Trees (ISBN: 0-904853-02-0) is available by The 112-page book features stunning draw run by the Tree Council sending a cheque, payable to The Tree colour photographs by Archie Miles and after he contributed to a Council, for £8.99, including postage and Edward Parker and fascinating, well- countryside survey of tree packing, to The Tree Council, 51 Catherine researched text. The foreword is by The warden activities. Duke of Kent, the Tree Council’s patron. Place, London SW1E 6DY. He decided his prize would The 50 trees are some of the oldest, be used to improve the woods rarest and most striking in the country — that badly need some TLC. Cheque this… Roger Claxton receives the £2,000 cheque from Jon Stokes, watched by tree warden and all have stories to tell. They were “About 5,000 trees were Wade Muggleton, left, and National Grid wayleaves officer Richard Evans, right singled out from gardens, parks, planted densely 25 years ago, coppice some areas to give a in the area. By making “Trees form such unique churchyards, farmland and woods by the with the expectation of a 25- more natural profile and let pathways wider and safer, it shapes — if you are out Tree Council, with help from enthusiastic 30 per cent failure rate,” said light into the wood. We want to was hoped that more walkers walking in the countryside, you tree wardens around the country. Roger. “No one bothered to introduce native shrubs that would visit the area to use the can tell a chestnut tree from Compiled and written by the Tree Council’s keep an eye on them over the will provide flowers and food 7.5-mile Droitwich Green miles away.” director of community projects Jon Stokes, years and now they for insects and animals, and Necklace footpath when it is When Roger decided to retire the book gives an insight into why the 50 desperately need thinning as we plan to coppice ash that completed. four years ago, he looked trees are “great” and why they were chosen. the failure rate in most areas will eventually provide adjacent Jon Stokes, director of around for something to keep There is also information for those who might was almost zero. allotment holders with bean community projects for the him occupied. The Tree want to visit them. All 50 are marked with “Thinning will save some of poles and other garden items Tree Council who co-ordinates Council’s National Grid Tree commemorative plaques given by National the most valued species of — thus saving the import of the scheme nationally, said: Warden Scheme appealed. He Grid Transco to their various custodians. trees that are being shaded bamboo canes.” “We are very pleased to hear said: “I was forever looking for The Tree Council’s director-general, out by the more vigorous, but Roger said wood cut down what great plans Roger has for places to plant trees, or for Pauline Buchanan Black, said: “These less important species, such would be stacked in piles to using his prize money. In another tree to look after, even splendid examples highlight the fundamental as ash and cherry, which provide a site for fungi and setting out to improve if it wasn’t mine!” importance of trees to the national heritage rapidly outgrow oak. Oak plays beetles. The beetles would Droitwich this way, he will Roger says that he probably and the need to ensure they are not lost host to about 10 times more help control unwanted pests certainly be doing his bit as a won’t be around to see through ignorance of their worth. We want species of flora and fauna than on the allotments and the very active tree warden.” Droitwich Woods mature into a to make trees matter to everyone.” ash. increase in small mammals in Roger, who spends two new English woodland. “But at National Grid Transco’s external Join the National Grid Grantors’ Club and you could win a free copy of Great British “We also want to open up the wood would give extra days a week on tree warden least I’ll have the satisfaction of communications manager Ross Hayman, said: Trees. See the flyer enclosed with this issue of Gridline… pathways with glades, and food for the buzzards and owls duties, has always loved trees. setting it on its way,” he said. 18 NEWS NEWS 19 Centre the best source of energy info Drive is on to lower tax THE Farm Energy Centre is the UK’s The FEC also works with other FEC Trade Membership scheme helps leading source of information on the organisations in the energy business such bring manufacturers and clients together. ID you know… inverter drives, the Irrigation system The reduction could be up to 25 per application of energy-based techniques in as the Energy Savings Trust, Action For more detailed information about the Dcontrol systems that save energy by in operation cent for some installations. farming and horticulture. Energy and agricultural/horticultural FEC, visit www.farmenergy.com enabling electric motors to be run at Other benefits identified on an reduced speeds, attract tax-saving It works with farmers, utilities — organisations including the National For more information about any of the irrigation system incorporating two Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs)? including National Grid — research Farmers Union, the Milk Development issues highlighted on these pages, contact 50hp pumps were: institutes and manufacturers providing Council, Horticultural Development the FEC at NAC, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, ECAs were introduced among a reduced labour requirements for expertise on energy applications and Council and the Health and Safety Warwickshire CV8 2LS. Tel: 024 7669 package of measures giving financial adding/removing hose reels irrigators efficiency. Executive. 6512 or e-mail: [email protected] encouragement to invest in energy from the system due to an enhanced efficient equipment. It covers activities from energy auditing Its database of techniques and Use the same numbers to obtain a list of control system Cost of equipment has always been and brokering to energy efficiency planning equipment allows farmers to track down FEC publications, including technical smoother start up and shut down a limiting factor, so ECAs are a useful and product testing and evaluation. suppliers of specific equipment, and the guides, and technical notes. of the pumps incentive — allowing companies to write off 100 per cent of their reduction in pump maintenance expenditure on approved equipment and burst pipes. against tax in the first year. Inverter If you are considering installing an drives, or variable speed drives, are among for farmers operating on weaker electricity inverter drive, energy savings and an ECA Farm the list of technologies that currently supplies. could make the decision easier. qualify. The Farm Energy Centre assessed the The FEC can advise on suppliers of Inverter drives have many applications, use of inverter drive equipment on an equipment and a bulletin is available on its including pumping and conveying and irrigation pump installation. Results showed use on an irrigation pump installation. ventilation. They also help in reducing high energy reductions compared with Contact the FEC on the number above or audits starting currents, which can be a problem conventional mechanical pressure control. email [email protected] WAREHOUSES and The guide examines storage areas use high Guide has issues such as time amounts of energy resulting controls; purchasing lighting Watt pay off in large bills. which saves energy by But reductions of more loads of new being gradually dimmed; Safety lighting staff areas at higher NERGY auditing on farms is important than 50 per cent are easily says… levels than areas with little or as a means of reducing costs and achievable if warehouse E data in store no staff; installing demonstrating a commitment to the management takes a look occupancy detectors, which environment and energy efficiency. at lighting design and use and implements a control system. can sense movement and light the area Many farmers use it to comply with Watch your Help is now at hand with the publication of a accordingly and in high and open areas, avoiding quality assurance schemes that demand dark shadows and casting light on all vertical an appropriate policy as part of being new guide from Action Energy. overheads The Lighting of Warehouses and Storage sources for the reading of labels and marks. signed up to the scheme. CONTRACTORS and people Areas (Ref: Lighting Guide 006) has been To receive a free copy of the publication or for For everyone, time spent on the audit delivering goods are published to ensure safe and efficient working information on Action Energy, organisations will be quickly paid back in reduced fuel especially at risk if you have conditions are created and to increase the should call the helpline — 0800 58 57 94, or visit bills. overhead lines on your understanding of lighting design. www.actionenergy.org.uk The FEC can offer two levels of service premises. The guide outlines the importance of Action Energy — previously known as the to farmers wishing to audit their energy YOU know they are there introducing controls, which will in turn reduce Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme — use — a self-audit system or on-farm — they may not. auditing. consumption. A few control methods can was created in 1989. The programme has dramatically reduce costs, encouraging helped many organisations save up to 20 per There has been a steady There are five self-audit packs covering maximum use of daylight and avoiding cent on their bills, which equates to total UK increase in vehicles making different farm types — field vegetables, unnecessary use of lighting. energy savings of about £800 million a year. contact with overhead lines horticulture, pig, dairy and poultry which has already led to fatal farms. accidents. These are step-by-step guides and Voltage control kit hits the UK Most overhead cables are allow the user to put together an action bare with no insulation plan to address problem areas. When the NEW Japanese-designed equipment supermarket site, it was shown that around them so making plan is returned to FEC, it is checked by Pack proved its worth for Liz (pictured) that saves energy and reduces lowering the voltage by six per cent contact or getting near the the experts and a certificate of audit is bills by controlling voltage is now available reduced the amount of energy used by 10 lines can cause serious issued. LIZ JOHNSON is well aware of the “We have been using the self-audit in the UK. per cent.” problems. It is dangerous to value of the FEC’s self-audit packs. packs since 1997,” said Liz, pictured The plan is backed up by regular “Ask anyone what the UK electricity Andrew said that marginally reducing assume the lorry driver or above. “They are user-friendly and newsletters and an optional She is the farm technical manager voltage should be and they would guess voltage affects equipment in various ways. contractor has seen the lines really get you thinking about how we comprehensive reference folder on energy with arable and salad growers G S at 240V,” said the FEC’s Andrew Heaters or water heaters are slightly less — a reminder could avert a can save energy in all sorts of different efficiency. The cost of the audit package Shropshire and Sons in Kneeshaw. effective and simply deliver a little less serious accident. is £65 + VAT. The reference folder is £60 Cambridgeshire, a family business operations, from vegetable storage to “The officially declared voltage is 230V with a heat. If a thermostat is used, the equipment The increasing height of + VAT. established more than 50 years ago. machinery use. tolerance of -6 per cent to +10 per cent. So actual operates a little longer to produce the same effect, material-handling machines If you prefer, you can ask an FEC The company was the first winner of “We decided, for instance, to buy voltage can legally lie between 216V and 253 V — using the same energy as before. and other agricultural engineer to visit for on-farm auditing. They the Cambridgeshire Bio-Diversity machinery with lower running costs quite a range. “Lights use less energy and last much longer but equipment means have considerable experience of on-farm Challenge County Awards in 2001, and a selection of machinery to reduce “Interestingly, in most situations, the voltage is their output is reduced slightly,” he added. “With clearances between vehicles auditing and can produce a plan for any which invited companies to the number of passes — an eight-row usually towards the high end of the operational motors, operation is invariably more efficient. and lines are diminishing. type of farm. You can also hire monitoring demonstrate how they are caring for celery planter for example. We also band. “In a nutshell, lowering voltage for lighting and If in doubt, contact your equipment that can track electricity wildlife and incorporating environment- ensure regular maintenance and “In most cases lowering voltage on equipment motive load saves energy and affects little else.” local distribution company consumption on a half-hourly basis. friendly practices into their workplace. servicing to ensure efficiency.” — better safe than sorry! reduces consumption. In a recent test on a Contact Andrew at the FEC for more information. 20 NEWS Contacts For further information contact your local wayleave teams on: North: 0113 2908236 South: 01245 592028 Your wayleave teams and their contact mobile phone numbers North East Wilson Holmes 07836 543539 Scott Stephenson 07836 543541 North West Mark Thomas 07887 825073 Martin Bretherton 07786 021086 North East (South) Mike Rockett 07836 364634 Janet Clarke 07770 645599 North West (South) Alan Whitmore 07836 629530 Bob Tute 07836 668504 Mark and his wife Sylvia check on their horse Fairy at Westerfield East Midlands Robin O’Brien 07836 293137 Mark gives his all Simon Booth 07786 021088 West Midlands Richard Evans 07776 225888 to the community Paul Ganley 07836 549748 ANY National Grid grantors still find the and went on to study agriculture at East Anglia Mtime and energy to put something back Newcastle University, graduating in the early Barry Cullimore into their community, despite the demands of 1950s. “I don’t think I ever seriously 07836 217478 running a business and meeting the considered any other career,” he said. After Amy Jones challenges of modern day living. graduation, he returned to work on the family 07836 200761 South East (North London) A classic example is 73-year-old Suffolk farm, then ran his own 81-hectare farm at Brian Mead farmer Mark Partridge, a former parish Witnesham before moving to Westerfield in 07836 217520 councillor and stalwart of the local Baptist the early 1960s. Phil Burgess Church, who has championed equestrianism Today the farm is crossed by the 400kV 07836 222051 in the county for almost 40 years. Sizewell-Bramford overhead line and has 12 South East (South London) towers on the land. “I well remember the line Paul Sage He has supported the British Show 07836 638823 Jumping Association in Suffolk for decades being constructed and seeing the hole dug Alison Williams and, with his wife Sylvia, has hosted for the first tower in 1963/64,” said Mark. 07788 568678 countless horse shows at his 324-hectare “Over the years, as I acquired more land, I South Wales farm at Westerfield, near Ipswich. One of also acquired more towers — I always tell Simon Gronow these is the annual Westerfield Horse Show, people that I liked the first couple so much, I 07836 207262 which has raised thousands of pounds for had to have more.” Sandra Stevens 07776 161429 charity over the years. Since those days, Mark has dealt with at South West Mark has also been a show jumping judge least five wayleave officers, including Barry Richard Biggs for more than 30 years and, for a long time, Cullimore for the past 15 years. Mark and 07785 716961 built BSJA show jumping courses for shows Sylvia have twin children — their daughter Jane Bishop in Suffolk and surrounding counties. Joy, also a keen rider, works with her father, 07771 864528 while her brother Philip runs the arable side of Wayleave payments He comes from true farming stock — his For information on ancestors farmed as far back as the 1500s. the farm. wayleave payments A former Suffolk county chairman of the Mark oversees the cattle-rearing and still telephone the payments National Farmers’ Union, Mark recently enjoys getting out at the weekend to care for helpline on 0800 389 5113. retired as the area representative of the BSJA the cattle. After 40-odd years, he says, it’s Emergencies after 37 years — believed to make him the hard to get out of the habit of doing all the Emergency calls to report longest-serving area rep in the association’s weekend feeding. pylon damage to National Grid can be made on 0800 history. 404090. Make a note of the Mark’s love affair with horses began when tower’s number — found just he was just three and was put on the back of Safety first advice below the property plate — his brother’s pony for the first time. “I can still BE SURE you know who is working on your to help crews locate it. remember my father riding around our farm land. That is the advice of wayleave staff to Electric and magnetic fields on horseback, visiting all the farm workers as grantors. All National Grid personnel and For information on electric they got on with their jobs,” said Mark. and magnetic fields, ring the their contractors carry identification. Ask to EMF information line 08457 He was brought up on the family farm at see it if you are unsure about people visiting 023270 (local call rate). Kersey — one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages — your site or farm.

GridLine: Published by National Grid Transco, NGT House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, Warwick CV34 6DA; written and produced by Papers Publishing, Stirling House, College Road, Cheltenham, Glos GL50 7HY; printed by Severnprint Limited, Gloucester GL2 5EU.