PEASEMORE PLAN C O N T E N T S

1920 - Church Cottages 1920 - Village Pond with ‘Reading 1920 - Main Street with Old Room’ behind the water cart National School (Drake’s Cottage on right). CONTENTS

04 Introduction Location map

05 The community project and appraisal

06 The ‘Place’ called Peasemore’s interesting past

08 Peasemore present Population structure Settlement and residency Housing Employment

10 The Natural Environment What our natural environment means to us The landscape Trees, flowers, hedges and ponds Birds, butterflies, bats and mammals Footpaths and Bridleways

14 Parish map

15 Community Character of the village community Youth activities

18 Action Plan

24 Appendices Survey results Peasemore wildflowers Peasemore birds Peasemore butterflies Advisory agencies

27 Village Map

02 CONTENTS Peasemore School 1931

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The work of producing this Parish Council: Living and Ancient History Parish Plan was initiated by the Alexander Cameron, Pamela Group - Don Lindsay,Walter Parish Council and pursued by Muirhead, Adrian Foster, Gill Brown, Jack Nickson, Jenny the Steering Group and its Palmer, Katherine Wallace Maskell, Geoff Jacobs, Nancy component Working Groups. Palmer, Gwen Bolton, Joe Beginning with the Community Parish Plan Steering Group: Curry, Gill Arnold, Gill Golding Vision Day in 2002 it has Pamela Muirhead, Katherine always been the intention that Wallace, John Sturt, Wendy Individual Assistance - the Plan reflects as fully as Green, Neil Sanderson, Jack Alan Jones – photography, possible the views of the Nickson, Don Lindsay John Sturt, Alex Cameron – inhabitants of Peasemore. Editors These acknowledgements Working Groups: Jane Gibson - analysis of identify those who have Social & Community Issues - questionnaire responses contributed in a variety of Antonia Cretney,Wendy Sarah Ward, Abby Thomas - particular ways to the Plan's Green, Neil Sanderson, Glenys Community Council production. The Parish Council Angood for and the Steering Group wish Annelli Connold, West to record their gratitude to the The Built Environment – Berks Council many people who have, not The Parish Council, Donald least by their attendance at the Lindsay,Walter Brown, Jack Maps - copyright West Vision Day and their response Nickson, Berkshire Council to the Questionnaire, helped to make the Plan a document The Natural Environment - Grants towards the work of which, we hope, can be owned Katherine Wallace, producing the Plan were by the whole village. Elizabeth Keller received from: Council Young People - Bernie Davis, The Countryside Agency with the assistance of Denise Brown (Downland Youth Network)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 03 I N T R O D U C T I O N

Eliza Jacobs Outside The Old Shop, 1918

In November 2001 the received, a grant from the The Community Project Government produced its Rural Countryside Agency to produce White Paper; “Our Countryside: a Parish Plan. Peasemore also On 17th November 2001 two the future” identifying a received a grant from West members of Peasemore Parish number of measures for the Berkshire Council, as part of a Council attended the West future development of rural pilot, supporting four Berkshire Partnership, Vital areas of . One of these in West Berkshire to undertake Villages Workshop, at measures, ‘Vital Villages’, was parish plans. Village Hall. launched by the Countryside Agency in April 2001. The purpose of the Peasemore A short time later the Parish Parish Plan is to identify needs Council decided that it should One part of this scheme was and issues in our community produce a Parish Plan to help The Parish Plan. It was and to address them in the identify needs and issues in envisaged that these Plans form of an action plan. the community. would help local councils This will then be used by the involve local communities in community, Parish Council and identifying needs and issues Local Council, as well as West and in doing so improve the Berkshire Partnership through quality of life of the people the community Plan to guide living in that area. change and to conserve and Government Funding was enhance what is important to allocated to the Countryside us, for the benefit of future Agency to assist the generations. implementation of these Plans. In December 2002 Peasemore Parish Council applied for, and

04 I N T RO D U C T I O N The Lych Gate Old Barn, Manor Farm

Consultation and Appraisal could express and refine their producing Plans. This Parish Plan is the result of needs and views on our This Plan identifies the needs, extensive consultation with village/Parish. Each household the concerns and the wishes of villagers and outside bodies received a full copy of the the community. It is designed who have assisted us with results. to be a ‘living document’ specialist knowledge. In the representing the collective spring of 2002 the Parish 83 of the 116 households in the opinion of the people of Council, in conjunction with Parish returned the completed Peasemore. It is a statement of members of the community, questionnaire giving a 71.5% the things we value most held a well supported ‘Vision response [above the national about our village and Day’ to hear what the people of average.] Prizes were offered highlights the issues that have Peasemore had to say about as an incentive. 224 arisen from the consultation what we want our community individuals over the age of 11 process; it is intended for use to be. Following this a responded. A consultation by: all residents who wish questionnaire was distributed workshop was held for to participate as part of to every household. Residents children/young people of all the community. ages in January 2004. over the age of eleven were • the Parish Council asked to respond. Steering groups of interested At all stages of the process the • landowners, businesses volunteers, responsible for Parish Plan Committee and farmers specific Key Issues, were set endeavoured to consult with • providers of services up. Several workshops, the statutory bodies; and utilities meetings and feedback Countryside Agency, sessions were held, at which all Community Council for • local authorities the residents of Peasemore Berkshire, West Berkshire • the Parochial Church Council Council and other Parishes • other village organisations

INTRODUCTION 05 T H E P L A C E C A L L E D P E A S E M O R E

The Parish is set in the North first recorded on a map, drawn and probably centred around Wessex Downs ‘Area of by Rocque in 1761, and again the Saxon Church on the site of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ on on a copy by Willis in 1768. the present Victorian, Gothic the southern slope of the The road network has not Church. Between 1078 and 1097 at about 500 much changed since and a Richard of Peasemore built a feet above sea level. It is circular enclosure, which may chapel and cemetery here and situated on soil which is mainly be evidence of an Iron Age this became the parish church clay with flints on chalk. settlement (an archeological in 1104, and was rebuilt in Peasemore is an ancient village research project headed by Victorian style in standing at a high point on the BARG is currently underway) 1842 2. Rubble from the Norman Downs, midway between is clearly visible on Church was used as road Wantage and Newbury and just successive maps. foundations through three miles North West of the village! junction 13 of the M4. Over the A Neolithic stone axe head was centuries the village, with its discovered at Prince’s farm in The chancel cross was rescued landmark church spire, has the 1950’s [now at The by the Vicar of Brightwalton developed to become a mature Ashmolean Museum, Oxford] and now forms part of the settlement whose buildings fit and a number of flint tools Brightwalton War Memorial. comfortably into the landscape have been found at Warren of arable farmland within Down. These have been In 1809 the first Primitive which the village is set. The authenticated by Newbury Methodist Chapel was built large cities and towns of museum and suggest that the near the site of what is now London, Reading, Oxford and area has been occupied for at Walnut Tree cottage. This was Newbury provide centres of least five thousand years. replaced in 1831 by ‘Ebenezer’ employment at West View and the third Christianity was established in Chapel was erected in 1923 on Peasemore’s the village during Saxon times the site of what is now Interesting Past ‘Furlongs’. All three Chapels in succession have been demolished but they reflect the The first reference to what strong Methodist community became Peasemore Parish was that existed on the Downlands in 951AD in King Edred’s in the 19th century.They Charter when the boundaries of continued to hold regular open the Parish were defined and air ‘camp’ meetings and described as part of the services well into the 20th Parish. The village is century on what is known as first recorded in the Domesday Mell Green. book, in 1086, as Praxemere, and again in 1166 as Pesemere, meaning the ‘pond by which peas grow’, from the Old English ‘pise’ – peas, and ‘mere’ – pond1. Peasemore is

St Barnabas Church

06 THE PLACE CALLED PEASEMORE The Manor is an early 15th century hall house, bought by Thomas Chaucer, the son of the great Geoffrey Chaucer in 1410 and altered and extended in the late 18th century. It is Drakes (17th.C) grade II listed3. Priors Side - the old name for Peasemore House was for many years Prior to the building of the described in the Royal owned by Poughley Priory, Victorian Church School in Commission on the Historical which is now occupied by 1850 the village school was Monuments of England, Welford Aerodrome. The Priory sited in what is now known as Farmsteads survey, 1994. The was founded in 1160 and the Drakes Cottage. The village Iron Age Enclosure is recorded Peasemore property of house school finally closed its doors as an ancient monument on and farmland was given to it in the mid-1950’s here are few WBC: Historic Buildings, Sites shortly after its foundation. The natural water sources on the and Monuments Record 1/5/028. Priory was dissolved by Downs, so settlements grew Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 to help around ponds, which were The present village hall was finance the building of later supplemented by wells. built in 1900 and prior to this Christchurch, Oxford. A 1912 map of Peasemore social gatherings were held in shows several ponds, one of the reading rooms; a single After Wolsey’s downfall the which is probably that which storey thatched cottage on the Priory and Priors Side were gave the village its name, and site of what is now the house forfeited and went to King even more wells. These were called Las Vegas. Here villagers Henry VIII. Shortly before this still in evidence in a map dated came to be “read to” whilst the de la Pole family, who were 1960. The village has always knitting and sewing. Lords of the Manor and been an agricultural supporters of Richard II, found community, with the majority At one time, and within living themselves on the wrong side of the adult residents memory, all commodities were after the battle of Bosworth: dependent on farming in some brought to the village by carrier and their property including way or another for their living. and the village had two shops Peasemore Manor was also and a Post Office. All have long forfeited to Henry VII. So, for a In 1891 30% of the male since disappeared but the period in the 16th century workforce was employed in numerous village social events almost the whole of farming, mainly sheep and are remembered with affection Peasemore became crown corn, later this was cereals, - the school and village property until it was sold off then dairy, mixed livestock and concerts, dances, whist drives, to private owners in arable followed on from this, fetes and carnivals, the 4 Elizabethan times . and now arable6. Only in the Peasemore W.I. and the last forty years has farming thriving cricket club with its A great fire broke out in become a marginal annual family events including Peasemore on 27th July 1736 occupation7. the ladies’ match. when the whole of the centre of the village including barns Peasemore has, to date; eleven and ricks were destroyed. It Grade II listed buildings. started in the area of Drakes Priors, Widows and Princes’ and was declared a national Farmsteads are recorded and disaster with over £1500 of damage done5, 9.

KEY ISSUES

The information collected on the community vision day coupled with research carried out by local historians and recent investigations by Berkshire Archeological Group has highlighted the fact that Peasemore, in spite of its ancient history, historic farmsteads, buildings and outstanding natural beauty has no designated conservation area. In fact, it is one of only two settlements of the fifty- one on the Downs not to have a conservation area. In response to Q48 ‘Should Peasemore have a conservation area?’ 75% said ‘Yes’. Therefore, the action is to make a formal application to the West Berkshire Council in the form of a detailed document requesting that Peasemore be granted Conservation status.

THE PLACE CALLED PEASEMORE 07 P E A S E M O R E P R E S E N T

Population structure Settlement pattern Housing and residency Peasemore is one of the New housing development has smallest Parishes in the The majority of residents live in been a sensitive and Downlands area with, at an owner occupied home [69%] controversial issue for some present, 116 households, a that is their main residence. time so the appraisal population of 282 and an 31% have lived in the parish for questionnaire attempted to electoral role of 214. Census between 6-15 years [Q16]. 19% glean the views and opinions figures7 give its population in of households are Housing of the residents. 1891 as 263, 1911 as 237, 1951 Association or Local Authority as 197 and 1971 as 184. The rented and 11% of villagers The majority of residents [72%] decrease in population through occupy houses that are want the settlement pattern of the first half of the last century provided by an employer. Peasemore to stay as it is; a coincides with rural quintessential, rural, Berkshire depopulation which was Detached properties form the Downlands village environs. triggered by the decline in largest percentage of house [Q 56]. agricultural and rural types in the Parish [59%], 19% employment. The projected are semi-detached, 16% “We are happy with the Village population estimate for 20067 is bungalows and there are three as it is” 126 households with 285 rows of terraces at Mell Green, residents10. Bolton Row and Hatt Close. 75% of people, in answer to [Q5]. the question, “What is most Our Parish appraisal surveyed important to you about 72% of the households and 39% moved here with their Peasemore?” indicated that showed that 48% of family, 30% chose the area they choose to live in respondents were aged because of its attractive Peasemore because it provides between 25-59 years, the appearance, 23% moved here the environment and situation majority being between 45-59, for employment, 12% because that they desire. [Q18] Most 23% in the age range of 5-17 of family connections and 2% people move to the area with years, 2% 0-4 years and19% are for retirement. [Q12] their families because it is an 60 years plus. Compared with attractive area within easy the national average our Parish “AVillage community in a reach of employment. population has an older delightful rural setting” demographic profile. The “Please do not overdevelop” majority of the population is Housing in the village and made up of young/middle aged outlying Parish ranges from Although the majority of working families very few of Medieval to modern present residents want no further whom were born in the Parish. day.Well documented archive homes built [44%], numbers of evidence shows that the village other responses show that has grown from an ancient core homes for young people, small centred around the Church11. family homes, homes for House prices in the village have single people and homes for risen steeply in the last ten people with disabilities are years and the market for desirable. [Q31] country homes is maintained by the zero unemployment rate “An integrated rural in the Newbury area. community, despite inevitable change, we should endeavour to keep its character”

08 PEASEMORE PRESENT In answer to Q32, “Is there need for more 30% of houses in the Parish come into the accommodation of the following types in category of Housing Association rented, Local Peasemore?” 40% stated that there was no authority rented or tied. This is a high proportion need for any extra housing of any type, 30% when compared to most other small parishes. want more low cost housing for sale, 29% more restricted sale houses for local people and 25% “I was born in Peasemore and value more local authority/Housing Association rented traditional village life” homes. Individuals were able to make multiple responses to this question but it did reveal a Residents from six households are currently in broad spectrum of views e.g. nine responses to need of alternative accommodation [Q6] for the need for specially adapted housing and employment reasons, for family reasons and the twenty-two for sheltered housing. need to move to a larger or smaller home. [Q7] The majority of these home seekers would like “Attractive, quiet village with a strong to stay in Peasemore. Three respondents stated sense of place” that they are hampered by lack of suitable stock to buy and five by lack of available Local In the last 20 years Peasemore has seen the Authority or Housing Association homes. Most development of four cul-de-sacs, [a total of 25 need Housing Association rented or owner dwellings] one of which consists of 10 Housing occupied homes. [Q8 & Q9] Association homes at Palmer Close. This rural, rented, affordable housing development was “I would not like the village to become a built ten years ago under the guidance of the commuter community, but it needs affordable Parish Council on land given to the village by Lt. housing for children to stay” Col. Rodney Palmer. All the homes in this development carry a 106 agreement which restricts their occupancy to people with close KEY ISSUES family connections with Peasemore. The appraisal highlighted the need for more “Small, unspoilt village of great charm, rented housing for village people with close surrounded by open countryside” family connections hence the action to write to Sovereign Housing requesting that a 106 “People should value its natural and agreement be applied to the letting of two built environment” houses in Hatt Close

In 2003 the Parish Council processed 15 planning applications for extensions, alterations Employment and additional houses. The number of planning applications has been steadily increasing over The survey indicated that we are a community the last three years, in 2002 twelve were with people travelling out of the village to work processed and in 2001 six. This process has led and school. to conflict of opinion between residents, 30% of people in the Parish are employed within planners, landowners and environmentalists and a 10 miles radius of the village, 22% work more to the general fear of large-scale development than 10 miles away and 15% are retired. [Q20] within the community.This recent history The Parish supports a few small businesses supports the need to produce a Village Design including farms and agricultural concerns. 12% Statement which will reflect the views of our of residents work within the Parish itself. community. The appraisal indicates that the community generally supports more job opportunities within the Parish and 48% of residents are in favour of KEY ISSUES encouraging more Bed and Breakfast facilities but it also indicated that residents are not in Need to produce a Village Design Statement favour of small scale industrial workshops, small which reflects the community’s views about business or tourist development. [Q 21] maintaining, conserving, protecting and improving the appearance and character of Peasemore. VDS to be submitted to WBC for adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

PEASEMORE PRESENT 09 T H E N AT U R A L E N V I R O N M E N T

What our Natural Environment means to us

The findings in this section of the parish plan are partly from the Parish Plan Questionnaire; Blue Bells on the way to Roughdown delivered to every household (these are shown in percentages from questionnaire respondents The Landscape and its Wildlife (QRs), partly from responses to questionnaires targeted to The Countryside Agency There have been few major special groups, e.g. older describes the landscape of the changes in the landscape for residents, regular walkers, Berkshire and Marlborough centuries. The rolling hills farm-workers and partly from Downs as 'wooded dotted with isolated farms and informal conversations in the downland...high, large-scale, copses and criss-crossed by street or at the pub. rolling chalk landscape with footpaths and bridleways; the Throughout all the intensive arable farming and long views: towards , questionnaires, formal and sites of archeological across Old Street to , informal, and all the significance12. The area was and beyond the Wantage Road conversations carried out once heavily wooded and to Leckhampstead, would still whilst researching the Plan, the small tracts of ancient be familiar to our forebears. words most commonly used to woodland still remain around The setting and extent of the describe what is special about Peasemore. But since Neolithic village of Peasemore has also the parish of Peasemore are: times the woods have been hardly changed: it is still a progressively cleared for mainly linear development “Peace and quiet beauty” farming: first with tiny along two roads, the Street and enclosed fields for crops and Hill Green Lane, but most of and the features most valued livestock; then in strips the dwellings are not now are surrounding medieval thatched, and are sadly no settlements; then in large longer shaded by giant elms. “The variety of landscape and fields bounded by the mainly One marked change, though, is wildlife” hawthorn hedges of the the extensive tree and hedge enclosures13. It forms part of planting on Roughdown Farm, “The dark and being able to the North Wessex Downlands which in recent years has see the stars”14 and is classified as an Area of begun to provide increased Outstanding Natural Beauty. nesting sites for birds and valuable wildlife corridors.

10 THE LANDSCAPE AND ITS WILDLIFE The Landscape Trees, hedges, flowers after the berries have been and ponds eaten” Despite the majority of parishioners having little direct The great majority of A log kept by one resident from contact with the land, except questionnaire respondents January to July 2003 identifies 15 perhaps as a leisure amenity, believe hedges, ponds, and 63 species of wildflower . 94% for walking, cycling or horse- trees should be protected. of QRs considered wildflowers riding, 98% of QRs consider Fourteen tall, mature trees important or very important. Of the countryside around have been felled in the village special mention were: Peasemore 'very important' or in the last 15 years. However, “the blue bells in Hayley 'important'. Moreover, 60% many residents have planted Copse” think that all landscape new trees. features should be protected. “the aconites and snow drops Given special mention were: in Brown’s avenue brighten January and February” “The hills and long views” Ponds, particularly Mitchell’s pond in the middle of the “The beauty and tranquillity” village, and Mell Green pond which was the original historic “The variety of hedges and village pond, are especially copses, woods and open important to local people, both fields” as landmarks, and as wildlife habitats. “The diverse habitats” The village pond is one of the “The views of the village from most-mentioned features that the South, west and North- local people loved in East” Peasemore:

“The church spire is a “protect ponds.. recreate ponds marvellous landmark for miles on old recorded site” Village Pond around” “protect... the moorhens on the 79% of QRs believe that “the hazel tunnels are village pond” diverse wildlife habitats should Peasemore”Many residents be improved, and many that think that the hedgerows “(I Love) the pond in the centre more trees and hedges should around Peasemore are not only of the village with its wildlife” be planted, and that the pond beautiful, but provide valuable should be improved for wildlife food and shelter for wildlife. (Fig 2). The 2002 Countryside Many suggested that the Agency report “Our “the hazelnut tunnels... lovely village pond needs Countryside, Our Future” to walk through in dappled management - some cleaning recommends working in shade” and improvement for wildlife. partnership with local farmers and landowners particularly “hedgerows should be cut with regard to managing hedgerows and set-aside for wildlife.

KEY ISSUES

Wildlife conservation. The aim is to enhance/improve what could be bettered and to establish the link between “enhance” and “protect”.The action is to improve the village pond for wildlife by creating a three year management plan.

The improvement of wildlife habitats. The aim is to plant more trees and hedges. The action is to liaise with farmers and landowners for planting sites

THE LANDSCAPE 11 T H E N AT U R A L E N V I R O N M E N T

Birds, butterflies, bats grey squirrels, hares, rabbits, and mammals hedgehogs, moles, weasels, stoats, rats and mice. Many The vast majority of QRs residents value the variety of considered wild creatures in wildlife around us: the parish to be either important or very important, - “good to see the return of 94% for birds and 91% for kites” mammals (Question 49) and that we should 'encourage' and However, some residents improve habitats for wildlife regret the loss of numbers of (Question 47). some once common species:

“all the lanes are alive with “sad to see the decline in larks creatures” and lapwings”

98 species of bird have been There is cautious support for recorded as frequenting the recording species in order to Footpath to Peasemore House parish and 14 species of monitor change and for forming a group interested in butterfly16. This last figure is wildlife; there are several only part of the picture - the Footpaths and Bridleways wildflower meadow at ‘The Old suggestions for benefiting Rectory’ hosts many more wildlife. These range from species, as yet unrecorded. protecting the moorhens on An encouraging number of the pond through establishing residents know where the “the red kites, wildlife corridors and building footpaths and bridleways are buzzards,...owls...and many more owl nest-boxes to in the parish but very few walk other sorts of bird” inviting the Berks., Bucks., and them. They are, however, Oxon., Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) considered worthy of The church is home to a colony to talk about creating garden protection and a large number of pipistrelle bats, now wildlife habitats of volunteers would be willing protected under the 1981 to help maintain them. Wildlife and Countryside Act; “the British Trust for Perhaps it is enough that and the fields and woods Ornithology has noticed a the paths are there to be abound with fallow and sharp decline in swallow, swift enjoyed sometimes. muntjac deer, badgers, foxes, and house martin numbers in Peasemore”

KEY ISSUES

To recognise what we have that is good about the wildlife special to our Parish. The action is to create a Parish map highlighting important and cherished features and to reproduce it for display on the village noticeboards.

Loss of species. The aim is to preserve what we have and form strategies to combat loss. The action is to record and publicise species numbers. Use evidence of change to encourage better practice; in farming, in gardening, in treatment of our natural surroundings.

Participation and education. The aim is to promote enjoyment and participation. The action is to organise guided walks, night walks, competitions, illustrated talks and activity days.

12 BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES, BATS AND MAMMALS Main Street

One of the main objectives of the Parish Survey was to give the community the opportunity to say, in their own words, what they value about Peasemore. The information shows what they would most like to see preserved or maintained.

The chart below summarises the number of responses in answer to question 19. “What is the most important thing to you about Peasemore?”

Quintessential small village location /life 49

Quiet/ Peace/ Tranquillity 45 Countryside/Rural environment 28

Sense of Community 17 Friends and Family close by 16 Friendly village 13 Unspoilt environment/views/scenery 11

Good location 10

Attractive setting 8 Good place to bring up children 4 Work 3

10 20 30 40 50 Number of Responses

FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS 13 P E A S E M O R E P A R I S H M A P

14 PEASEMORE PARISH MAP C O M M U N I T Y

The Fox and Hounds Village Hall

Community Character of the Village community In answer to the survey question (Q18) ‘What is most important to you about Peasemore?’ Whilst the majority of the inhabitants are ‘community’ ranked only third (14.3%) behind ‘incomers’ the village still retains a nucleus of ‘the environment’ (42%) and ‘the situation’ highly valued people who have lived in (35%). Anecdotal evidence suggests, however, Peasemore for many years and, in some cases, that community relationships are highly valued all their (long) lives. Like all rural communities but, perhaps, taken for granted. the character of the population has changed radically in the last half century. Only a handful “Being part of the community and being close of people still have a direct connection with to my friends” agriculture and many of the working population now commute long distances to work. Whilst survey responses suggested interest in a variety of new initiatives for maintaining and There is a large number of young people improving community spirit, such things can under 18 in the village (Q2), as well as a only happen if interest translates into active substantial number of people over 65. 13 people support. live alone (Q1) Communication was highlighted as a major In the absence of a village shop there is no concern. Plans are in hand to provide more obvious meeting place, apart from the village notice boards around the village in order to pub. However, anyone strolling through the ensure that information about village events is village or walking a dog is likely to meet as widely disseminated as possible. A seat someone else doing the same thing. The arrival outside the Village Hall would create a place and departure of the school buses also provides ‘where people can sit and chat’ (Q42). an opportunity for people to congregate. Events organised by the Social Committee and, Another form of communication, the setting up occasionally, by the church provide opportunities of a skills register, is also recommended. for getting together, as does the worship regularly offered in the church. In the summer the sports field and cricket pitch is also a focus KEY ISSUE of social exchange. The low level of traffic driving through the village still makes it possible Maintain and strengthen community links for children to congregate and play on and through providing facilities and events which around the roads through the village. encourage people to meet/talk/ get together.

The village has a friendly feel to it and there is Extend the source of information (noticeboards) the generally held belief that people in which is currently most widely used and Peasemore ‘look out for’ one another. encourages people to meet/talk

COMMUNITY 15 C O M M U N I T Y

Footpath from Prince’s Lane The Children’s Play Area

Whilst Peasemore does not have a traffic There was considerable concern shown in the problem and our children do therefore play in survey (Q36) over daytime property crime, when the street, there were concerns raised that some the village is very quiet, and over fly tipping. We additional signage or environmentally sensitive have a neighbourhood watch scheme and a traffic calming might be implemented to review of this will be carried out with input from safeguard them still further. the Police.

KEY ISSUE KEY ISSUE

Slow traffic through Village and make Reduce level of concern over burglary, drivers more aware of children in road and theft and fly tipping need for care The survey revealed a significant interest (Q38), Peasemore does not have a formal good especially amongst young people, in some form neighbour scheme. The survey response (46.6%, of basic shop/post office services. This is unlikely Q35) indicated support for the implementation of to be economically viable except as a social such a scheme. Most of what such a scheme service, but possible utilization of the traditionally offers does appear to happen pub to service this need in some way, will already in the village. Specific views on this be investigated. issue will be sought by community groups to see if a formal scheme would KEY ISSUE be desirable. Provide a small scale way to purchase KEY ISSUE basic items

Enhance the number of activities available Whilst it was not highlighted by the survey, within the Village for all ages and backgrounds. widening computer ownership and the recent availability of Broadband Internet access in the village has renewed interest in a Village website and the use of e-mail and bulletin boards as an additional form of communication. The domain name www.peasemore.com has been registered by one of the residents for the use of the community. A copy of the planned parish map will be displayed on village notice boards in due course.

16 COMMUNITY The Village Pavilion

Youth activities Transport

There are already a number of community 90% of the village use private cars as their main activities for young people in the village or method of transport, yet over a third experience nearby, including: football, cricket, tennis difficulties in getting to other places from (Chieveley) and a Youth Club (Beedon). It is Peasemore. There is limited public transport hoped that the Youth Club will occasionally meet serving Peasemore but its timing does not in Peasemore and that some form of local support travel to work or evening activities. summer activities for young people can be Specific needs, such as young people’s after arranged. The Downland Youth Network is school activities are not usually on bus routes at pursuing young people’s interests in the local all. School transport is an essential service, area. saving many car journeys especially in winter when local roads are not treated. Cycling on There were requests for additional play narrow country lanes is often made unsafe by equipment at the sports field, particularly swings cars and motor cycles driving at speed. and a marked football pitch. There is considerable support for participation in Car sharing schemes had limited support. Some activities (Q40) but very few who are prepared to of this happens already informally and in a small organise. village we think this is probably the best way to handle this. Young people (under 18) are being invited to consult together to enable them actively to determine their own needs and interests.

Dog fouling is a perennial problem in most communities and owners are reminded to clear up after their dogs, disposing of excrement at home and not allowing their dogs to foul near play equipment.

KEY ISSUE

Discourage dog fouling in all public areas and encourage owners to clean up after their dogs

COMMUNITY 17 A C T I O N P L A N - T H E B U I L T E N V I R O N M E N T

TOPIC TOPIC TOPIC

1.Lack of conservation status 2.Village Design 3.Need for more rented for Peasemore housing OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE To produce a VDS which To achieve designation of reflects the views of the To augment the 106 agreement conservation status for community about maintaining, to two existing Sovereign selected area of Village conserving, protecting and houses in Hatt Close. improving the appearance and ACTIONS character of Peasemore. ACTIONS To have it adopted by WBC as Apply to West Berks Council Supplementary Planning To write to Sovereign Housing for designation of Guidance requesting that a 106 Conservation area for agreement be applied to the Peasemore. Application to ACTIONS letting of two houses in Hatt take the form of a detailed Close. document To produce a VDS document and submit to WBC for LEAD RESPONSIBILITY LEAD RESPONSIBILITY adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance Parish Council Parish Council To publish for the community TIMESCALE TIMESCALE of Peasemore January 2004 February 2003 LEAD RESPONSIBILITY PARTNERS PARTNERS Built environment steering group. Steering group Local Historians Parish Council Sovereign Housing B.A.R.G. English Heritage TIMESCALE ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS WBC Conservation Officer August 2004 Letter written Jan 2004 ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS PARTNERS RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS Conservation document submitted to Mr G Lugg Head B.A.R.G., K.Wallace BA, Parish Council of Planning WBC English Heritage BBOWT, BTCV 15th Feb 2003 , English Nature, Farmers Landowners Local Historians RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS Parish Council in Partnership See Actions with WBC RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Funding — Local Heritage Initiative, Parish Council

18 KEY ISSUES A C T I O N P L A N - C O M M U N I T Y A N D A M E N I T I E S

TOPIC

1. Community

OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE

Maintain and strengthen Maintain and strengthen Extend the source of community links through community links through information (noticeboards) providing facilities and events providing facilities and events which is currently most widely which encourage people to which encourage people to used and encourages people meet/talk/ get together. meet/talk/ get together. to meet/talk

ACTIONS ACTIONS ACTIONS

Carry through plans for Provide Bench outside Village Provide three notice boards upgrades to Village Hall to Hall as a meeting place, and throughout village maintain it as village focus. bench on sports field Extend range of events which Provide a new large notice are organised there. LEAD RESPONSIBILITY board at the Village Hall

LEAD RESPONSIBILITY Parish Plan Community team LEAD RESPONSIBILITY

Parish Council TIMESCALE Parish Plan Community team

TIMESCALE December 2005 TIMESCALE

New toilets and disabled PARTNERS December 2005 access scheduled April 2004. Parish Council PARTNERS PARTNERS ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS Parish Council Peasemore Committee, Common Trust, Bench (tree trunk) on cricket RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS West Berks Council, CCB field provided free by local Village Halls Adviser, Microsoft landowner. Quotes and estimates to Ltd, other funding bodies inform amount to be RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS fundraised ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS Quotes and estimates to External work complete. New inform amount to be heating installed Dec. 2003. fundraised

RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Funding secured from local fund raising and grant applications. Current work is all funded. We will continue to work with a range of funding / advisory bodies as well as local fund raising.

KEY ISSUES 19 A C T I O N P L A N - C O M M U N I T Y A N D A M E N I T I E S

TOPIC TOPIC

2. Village Activities 3.Traffic speed and Control

OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE

Enhance the number of Enhance the number of Slow traffic through Village activities available within the activities available within the and make drivers more aware Village for all ages and Village for all ages and of children in road and need backgrounds. backgrounds. for care

ACTIONS ACTIONS ACTIONS

Try daytime get together event Summer Activities Review with Parish Council – format to be discussed with those normally in village Investigate what WBC and LEAD RESPONSIBILITY during daytime. others offer. Parish Council LEAD RESPONSIBILITY Investigate if Beedon Youth Club could occasionally meet TIMESCALE Parish Plan Community team in Peasemore August 2003 TIMESCALE LEAD RESPONSIBILITY PARTNERS August 2003 Parish Plan Community team Ongoing PARTNERS TIMESCALE ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS Church December 2004 Review with Parish Council ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS PARTNERS favoured keeping issue under village control. Letter from P.C. First daytime event held Downlands Youth Network, sent to all residents Summer August 2003, success. See Beedon & Peasemore youth 2003. PC trained for SIDS Nov how best to continue them. club, WBC Youth Service, 2003 Berkshire Association of Young People RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS No costs expected at present. (eg. signs not required, traffic £6000p.a. for 2 years funding calming rejected). for youth worker to run weekly youth session in Peasemore

RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

May require further work at village hall. Costs for events may be needed also.

20 KEY ISSUES A C T I O N P L A N - C O M M U N I T Y A N D A M E N I T I E S

TOPIC LEAD RESPONSIBILITY TOPIC

4.Concerns over Crime Parish Plan Community team 7.Dog Fouling

OBJECTIVE TIMESCALE OBJECTIVE

Reduce level of concern over June 2004 Discourage dog fouling in all burglary, theft and fly tipping public areas and encourage PARTNERS owners to clean up after their ACTIONS dogs Community council for Organise a review with the Berkshire Post watch ACTIONS Police, reinforce existing neighbourhood watch scheme. RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS Erect signs asking dog owners Work with neighbouring to keep their animals away parishes to pool resources / Unknown at this stage. We are from the play equipment. advice. aware of several funding Small scale publicity campaign sources but concern is for – ongoing. LEAD RESPONSIBILITY ongoing viability rather than startup costs. LEAD RESPONSIBILITY Parish Plan Community team Parish Council TIMESCALE TOPIC TIMESCALE December 2004 6.Facilities Ongoing PARTNERS OBJECTIVE ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS Parish Council, Neighbourhood Watch Increase provision at sports Letter sent by Parish Council coordinator as primary. Also field to all residents. Summer 2003 may consult WBC Community Safety,. ACTIONS RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS Rural Action Group for fly tipping. Investigate costs and feasibility Cost of signs would fall on of swings, slide or other sports Parish Council if required. RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS facilities (eg netball/basketball)

Minimal LEAD RESPONSIBILITY

Parish Plan Community team

TOPIC PARTNERS

5..Village shop and Postal Parish Council, services Peasemore Committee

OBJECTIVE RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Provide a small scale way to Awaiting estimates – some purchase basic items funding sources identified.

ACTIONS

Investigate if there are any feasible options for any sale of sweets and basic items

KEY ISSUES 21 A C T I O N P L A N - W I L D L I F E A N D N AT U R A L E N V I R O N M E N T

TOPIC TOPIC TOPIC

1.Wildlife special to our Parish 2.Wildlife Conservation 3.Improvement of wildlife habitats OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE To recognize what we have To enhance/improve what that is good could be bettered and to To plant more trees and establish the link between hedges ACTIONS ‘enhance’ and ‘protect’ ACTIONS Create a parish map ACTIONS highlighting important and Liaise with farmers and cherished natural features. Improve village pond for landowners for planting sites. Reproduce for display on the wildlife by creating a three Village noticeboards and year management plan LEAD RESPONSIBILITY future website. Link this to the action point of walks (eg could LEAD RESPONSIBILITY Parish Council – Countryside inform a leaflet on a walk officer around the village) Parish Council – Countryside officer TIMESCALE LEAD RESPONSIBILITY TIMESCALE Three years Parish Council – Countryside officer On going three year plan PARTNERS

TIMESCALE PARTNERS Farmers, landowners and volunteers, especially children One Year BBOWT, BTCV and volunteers, WBC Ecologist , WBC ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS PARTNERS Countryside (Paul Hendry) One native tree or two metres Team of volunteers – Older ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS of hedge for each parish people with special local household knowledge. Others who have Cleaner Pond with planting done this (eg other parishes, more suitable for wildlife. RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS CCB). Volunteers – Newbury Increased biodiversity Volunteer Bureau/Millennium Tools, stakes, tree guards and Volunteers? RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS ties, research funding for plants - possibly a local ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS Tools, buckets, Wellingtons, nursery sludge removal. An attractive way of sharing what is special about our natural environment

RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

Paper, paint, parish map, photographs for initial design. Funding options are Countryside Agency and Heritage Lottery Fund.

22 KEY ISSUES A C T I O N P L A N - W I L D L I F E A N D N AT U R A L E N V I R O N M E N T

TOPIC TOPIC

4.Loss of species 5.Participation and Education

OBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE

To preserve what we have and To promote enjoyment, form strategies to combat loss. understanding and participation ACTIONS ACTIONS Record and publicise species numbers. Use evidence of Occasional guided walks, night change to encourage better walks, competitions, illustrated practice; in farming, in talks, activity days. Investigate gardening, in treatment of our working with neighbouring natural surroundings parishes.

LEAD RESPONSIBILITY LEAD RESPONSIBILITY

Parish Council – Parish Council – Countryside officer Countryside officer

TIMESCALE TIMESCALE

Every three years Ongoing

PARTNERS PARTNERS

English Nature, BTCV, RSPB, BBOWT & RSPB as advisors, BBOWT as advisors. local naturalists, volunteers, Volunteers, especially farmers, especially children and young children and young people people WBC Ecology Officer (Jeremy Davy)? ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS

ACHIEVEMENTS /TARGETS A more active interest in our surroundings and wildlife Species records and in time, a reduction of species loss RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS Posters & leaflets to advertise a venue for talks, prizes for Survey sheets, notebooks, competitions Research funding pens & pencils, binoculars, for materials. handbooks. Research funding for materials.

The full detailed results of the Parish appraisal, were distributed to every household in the Parish during the summer of 2003.

KEY ISSUES 23 A P P E N D I X 2

Peasemore Parish May Wild Flowers 1. Hawthorn This list was compiled from 2. Pink Campion flowers observed blooming on 3. Black Medic walks around the parish, 4. Buttercup during the following months, it 5. Hedgerow Cranesbill is by no means exhaustive. The 6. Wood Spurge common names are from 7.Wood Avens Phillips, R. 1975 Wildflowers of 8. Dog Mercury Britain Pan: London, 1975. 9. Forget-Me-Not 10. Goosegrass January & February 11. Speedwell - Wood, Germander Snowdrop 12. Goldilocks Aconite 13. Vetch -Bush, Pink,Kidney Hazel Catkin 14. Achillea, Pink Wood Anemone Sweet, & Dog 15. Clover - Pink, White 16. Dog Rose March 17. Bramble 18. Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon 19. Solomon's Seal 1. Celandine 20. Evergreen Alkanet 2. Dandelion 21. Wild Strawberry 3. Daffodil 22. Comfrey 4. Violet - Pale Wood, 23. Convolvulus 5. Primrose 24. Fumitory 6. Pink Dead Nettle 25. Agrimony 7. Blackthorn 26. Woundwort 8. Daisy 9. Cowslip June 10. Ground Ivy

April 1. Briar Rose 2. Rosebay Willow Herb 3. Scentless Mayweed 1. Stitchwort, Greater & Lesser 4. Poppy 2. Bluebell 5. Self-heal 3. Cherry Blossom 6. Scabious 4. Cow Parsley 7. Scarlet Pimpernel 5. Birdseye Speedwell 8. Bedstraw - Yellow, White 6. Yellow Archangel 9. Silverleaf 7. Garlic Mustard 10. Pink Bugle 8. Herb Robert 9. White Dead Nettle July 10. Shepherd's Purse 1. Hard Heads 2. Pink Mallow 3. Achillea, White

24 APPENDIX 2 A P P E N D I X 3

Peasemore Parish birds Owl, Little Peasemore Parish Owl, Short-eared butterflies The birds on this list are those Owl, Tawny seen fairly regularly in the Partridge, Red-legged This list represents only a parish - not 'one-offs'. Many Pheasant small number of those thanks go to Jack Nickson and Pigeon, Wood butterflies that frequent the Walter Brown for their Pippit, Meadow parish. We need an invaluable help in compiling Plover, Golden experienced entomologist to the list. Redpoll complete it. Redstart Blackbird Redwing Brimstone Blackcap Robin Comma Brambling Rook Fritillary Bullfinch Siskin Gatekeeper Bunting, Reed Sparrowhawk Holly Blue Buzzard Sparrow, Hedge (Dunnock) Large White Sparrow, House Chaffinch Marbled White Chiffchaff Starling Meadow Brown Crow Stonechat Orange Tip Crow, Carrion Swallow Painted Lady Coot Swan, Mute Peacock Cuckoo Swift Red Admiral Dove, Collared Thrush, Mistle Small Tortoiseshell Dove, Stock Thrush, Song Speckled Wood Dove, Turtle Tit, Blue Silver-washed Fritillary Fieldfare Tit, Coal Finch, Gold Tit, Great Finch, Green Tit, Long-tailed Flycatcher, Pied Tit, Marsh Flycatcher, Spotted Tit, Willow Goldcrest Treecreeper Goose, Canada Wagtail, Grey Gull, Black-headed Wagtail, Pied Gull, Common Warbler, Garden Gull, Herring Warbler, Willow Hen Harrier Wheatear Heron Whinchat Hobby Whitethroat, Lesser Jackdaw Woodpecker, Green Jay Woodpecker, Great spotted Kestrel Wren Kite, Red Yellowhammer Lapwing Linnet Lark, Sky Magpie Mallard Martin, House Martin, Sand Moorhen Nuthatch Owl, Barn

APPENDIX 3 25 A P P E N D I X 4

Addresses of agencies agreeing to act as RSPB advisors/consultants for implementing Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Peasemore Parish Plan, Action Plan Kirsty Meadows Agriculture & Rural Development Berks, Bucks, and Oxon Wildlife Trust Central England Office Kerry O’Flinn RSPB Community Wildlife Officer(Bucks) 46 The Green Calvert Education Centre Banbury [email protected] Oxon OX16 9AB 01295 676466 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers [email protected] Community Officer BTCV English Nature Suite 2 English Nature 16 Bridge Street Northminster House Caversham Peterborough PE1 1UA Reading 01733 455100 Berks RG4 8AA [email protected] 0118 9475049 www.english-nature.org.uk

Funding for Action Plan Projects Peasemore Parish Council Contact West Berks Council Email: [email protected] T: 01635 42400

Community Council for Berkshire 01635 523857

End Notes 9 Letter from Ralph Shirley, Rector of Peasemore to William Archer, Lord of the Manor, 1736. 1 Mills, 1991. 10 West Berkshire Council, Census 2 Page and Ditchfield, 1924. Population projections. 11 3 English Heritage, Undated. Berkshire Records Office, Reading 12 4 Brown, W. Some more History of Peasemore, Berkshire Character Landscape assessment, Unpublished, 1999, downloaded from: http://www.berks- jsu.gov.uk/environ_character.htm 5 Berkshire Records Office October 2003, 6 Dills, 1998. 13Taylor, C. Fields in the English Landscape, 7 West Berkshire Census statistics, 1961 London: Dent, 1975. and 1981 14 Mentioned in the NWD ANOB’s action plan 8 West Berkshire Council Sites and Monuments (action point A14, pools of darkness) – record, SMR No. 3287-01333.03.000 see www.northwessexdowns.org.uk NGR SU471762 15 See Appendix 1. 16 See Appendices 2 and 3

26 APPENDIX 4 Key:

PAV Pavilion PH Pub VH Village Hall OS Open Space (Designated WBC) OS Church

Ancient Farmsteads RCHME 1994

PEASEMORE PLAN 27 J E S S I C AA T K I N S O N A G E 1 0

One copy delivered FREE to every household in the Peasemore Parish.

Additional copies £5.00

Proceeds to Parish funds

28 THE PUB AT DUSK