The magazine for National Grid grantors Spring 08

nationalgr d

Wildlife winners Welsh farmers look to the future Explained Electric and magnetic fi elds Horse power Profi le of Yorkshire grantor and horse whisperer Sarah Dent

Also in this issue: safety near overhead lines, County show dates, win a weekend break Are you taking part in Open Farm Sunday? Please let Gridline know if you are hosting an Contents Welcome to event this year. Turn to page 5 for more info.

A very warm welcome to the Spring issue of Gridline. Reaction to LIFE’S A BEACH FOR YORKSHIRE COUPLE the new-look magazine has been very positive and I would like to North Yorkshire grantors Gerald thank all those who have been in contact. and Catherine Kearby are Last year I was fortunate to be one of the judges at the Farming 18-19 planning a seaside getaway aft er and Wildlife Advisory Group Cymru – National Grid Silver winning the Britannia Hotels Lapwing Farm Conservation Awards. competition in the last issue As many of you know, in September last year the European Union reduced the of Gridline. Aft er being told of their good amount of set-aside farmland to zero. Th e objective is to encourage farmers to grow fortune, the couple, who own a more grain and off set recent poor harvests and soaring food prices. Conservationists 113-acre farm devoted to sheep fear that the return to production of arable land previously left uncultivated could 12-13 and grassland, are hoping to book have a serious eff ect on wildlife, including farmland birds like the yellowhammer, a weekend break at a hotel in grey partridge and skylark. Bournemouth later this year. Due to the demands of running With this in mind, it was encouraging to hear about the measures being taken by a farm, the couple don’t get away farmers in Wales to protect valuable wildlife habitats, oft en as part of planned agri- as oft en as they would hope to. environment schemes. National Grid is proud to be associated with these awards and Talking of Gridline, Gerald you can read about the achievements of the winners on page 12. said: “I like the new look of the In the current issue of Gridline, we also look at the subject of electric and NEWS NATIONAL GRID’S LAND AND DEVELOPMENT GROUP magazine and the photography is responsible for acquiring all rights and permissions from statutory is excellent. We will defi nitely be magnetic fi elds (EMFs) and provide an insight into the work of the EMF helpline, 04 National Grid’s Olympic authorities and landowners needed to install, operate and maintain entering future competitions.” which is operated by National Grid on behalf of the whole electricity industry. For project passes a key milestone National Grid’s electricity and gas transmission networks. We act as the facts about EMFs turn to page 6. 05 Finding a new home for the main interface for landowners who have our gas and electricity CONTACT US WITH YOUR Safety is always an all-important consideration for anyone who owns land in the otters near Felindre in Wales NEWS equipment installed on their land. Listed below are your local land and vicinity of power lines – and particularly for those working on the land. National development team contacts. Gridline is your magazine FEATURES – please get in touch if you have Grid takes its responsibilities to grantors in this area very seriously. Please take 06-09 ELECTRICITY AND GAS made on 0800 404090. Note the any news you’d like to share with a moment to read our guidance about the importance of respecting safe working 06-09 Electric and magnetic ■ North west and Scotland tower’s number – found just below other grantors, if you can think of zones near overhead power lines on page 16. fi elds explained 0161 776 0706 the property plate – to help crews a good subject for an article, Once again, National Grid will be attending a number of agricultural shows 10-11 A round-up of some PROFILES ■ South east 01268 642091 locate it. or if you would like to comment during 2008. Th ese events are an important opportunity for us to meet grantors National Grid projects ■ South west 01452 316059 ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC on anything you’ve read in 12-13 Farmers in Wales are 18-19 Yorkshire grantor and ■ East 0113 290 8236. FIELDS the magazine. and we look forward to off ering our hospitality to many of you in the months recognised for going the extra horse whisperer Sarah Dent WAYLEAVE PAYMENTS ■ For information on electric ahead. See page 14 for details. mile for the environment gives an insight into her work ■ For information on wayleave and magnetic fi elds, call the EMF To contact Gridline either And fi nally, don’t forget to turn to the back page for the photo competition and 14-15 Find out which payments, telephone the payments information line on 08457 023270 phone 01926 654948 or email for another chance to win a fantastic weekend away at a top hotel. agricultural shows National COMPETITION PAGE helpline on 0800 389 5113. (local call rate). [email protected]. Or write Grid is attending in 2008 ELECTRICITY EMERGENCY Website: www.emfs.info. to Gridline, Summersault, 122 16-17 Simple safety 20 Your chance to win a ■ Emergency calls to report pylon GAS EMERGENCY Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, precautions for working near weekend away for two and to damage to National Grid can be ■ 0800 111999. Warwickshire CV32 4QY. overhead power lines enter a photo competition Editor, Gridline

02 | Gridline Gridline | 03 UPDATE Key stories from National Grid and its nationwide grantor network

Gearing up for Online search tool locates pipelines and cables National Grid has joined a growing number to fi nd out quickly (and free of charge) whether Open Farm Sunday of companies providing details of pipelines, they might be aff ected by members’ equipment. Lancashire grantors Ian as well as underground and overhead electric Th e inclusion of National Grid’s 7,000km and David Pye are among lines, for an online search enquiry system of high-pressure gas pipelines, 7,000km of 500 farmers throwing open called Linesearch.org. overhead lines and 700km of 275kV/400kV their gates to the public on Developed by Fisher German, the search underground electricity cables brings the total TUNNEL: Project manager Owen Keith package provides a single point of contact, length of apparatus covered to 24,000km. Visit 1 June as part of the Open making it easier for anyone carrying out work www.Linesearch.org or call 08704 036484. Farm Sunday programme. Olympic milestone National Grid is a sponsor Two 6km tunnels – one for of the event, organised by National Grid and the other Linking Environment and for EDF Energy – have been Farming (LEAF). dug beneath the Olympic Park The Pye brothers enabling the power needed for manage a herd of 100 the 2012 Olympic Games to be organic milking cows on carried underground. “Breakthrough of the National 250 acres of land at Old Grid tunnel occurred in June Holly Farm in Garstang. last year,” said Owen Keith, “Many children have National Grid project manager. little idea about where “Work on installing the two their food comes from or new circuits, comprising a total how it is grown,” said Ian TREE CHEERS: Louise of 36km of cabling, is now well Alabaster and other (pictured below). “They members of the project underway.” team cut logs for the holt Electrifi cation of the leave us with a real sense underground cable is on target of being reconnected to for completion later this year. Th e the countryside and with existing 52 pylons (29 owned by LUCKY DIP: Alison Williams an appreciation of the way Helping hand for otters National Grid) between Hackney (second from right) with the their food is produced.” and West Hamwill then be rest of the group To fi nd out more visit How otters on the Afon Lliw, near Felindre, have a new home dismantled. Th e overhead line was – or holt – thanks to National Grid and grantor Louise Alabaster temporarily diverted in August www.farmsunday.org or 2007 to enable work to begin on call 08704 036484. he opportunity to improve for natural holts and so by building an the Olympic Village. Visit proves an education the environment for the local artifi cial holt we are hopefully helping to otter population came to light preserve and increase otter numbers.” Environmental Education Centre welcomes overhead line project team T during surveys by National Volunteers from Glyntaf, a housing IT’S Grid for the 316km natural gas pipeline association for young adults with learning group from National Grid Electricity “Th e idea was to get an insight into the activities project between Milford Haven in South diffi culties, helped build the holt using A FACT Alliance East had their pond-dipping organised for the children,” said Alison Williams, Wales and Tirley, Gloucestershire (now fencing posts, twigs, branches and bracken, £120 million – National skills tested recently at a team-building lands offi cer south east. “For example, we had a completed). Th e stretch of river frequented and cleared the riverbank of invasive weeds. Grid’s investment at the A day at Canterbury Environmental go at pond bingo in which the aim is to be the fi rst by the otters crosses Louise’s land and she “Besides otters, we’re very lucky to have Olympic site on overhead line Education Centre in Kent. person to complete a row of four pond animals on was only too happy to lend a hand. a variety of wildlife on our doorstep, works, tunnel construction National Grid has a network of environmental a spotter chart. A site assessment was also carried “National Grid is committed to including owls, kestrels and buzzards,” said education centres in the UK located on land it out to ensure that suffi cient safety measures would safeguarding and enhancing the Louise, who runs a 100-acre beef and sheep and associated electric owns near substations. Run in partnership with be in place for the children when refurbishment environment in which it works,” said Jason farm. “Otters are very shy creatures so it’s cabling Kent County Council, the Canterbury centre hosts works on the Canterbury-Kemsley overhead line PERFECT HOST: Old Holly Farm’s Ian Appleby, the project ecologist. “Th ere are hard to tell if the holt is occupied yet, but around 4,500 visits a year from local schools. take place later this year.” Pye will be opening his farm only limited areas along the river suitable we’re keeping our fi ngers crossed.”

04 | Gridline Gridline | 05

FEATURE

It’s a fact EMFs are both naturally Lines of produced and man-made ENQUIRY National Grid takes concerns about electric and magnetic fi elds seriously, which is why it has a dedicated helpline to answer people’s questions

lectric and magnetic fi elds In the United Kingdom, the Health (EMFs) have been a subject of Protection Agency (HPA) recommends debate ever since studies in the guidelines for exposure to EMFs. E 1970s suggested a link between National Grid is committed to EMFs and illness. But since it’s nearly following these independent guidelines impossible to prove a negative – that and all equipment is designed and something does not have an adverse operated to meet, and oft en exceed, eff ect on health – it’s a debate that seems these requirements. likely to continue to run. Callers contact the helpline for many Over the years National Grid has reasons – they may be buying or selling a actively supported ongoing and high property or want to know more about the quality research into the subject. Expert EMF generated by household appliances. organisations agree that the balance of “On one occasion, we were even asked evidence is against EMFs being a cause about hybrid electric cars, but in that of ill health. But as a service to the public particular instance, we had to admit we National Grid provides information to didn’t know the answer and referred people who have concerns. them to the manufacturer,” said Chris. Th e helpline unit was established more “When people call us, we will typically than 10 years ago. It is staff ed by National explain what EMFs are, talk through Grid employees although the service any concerns they may have, and, if operates on behalf of the whole electricity appropriate, off er to carry out further industry in the UK. Chris Haswell, EMF investigations to confi rm that levels are advisor, and colleagues Dr Hayley Tripp, within government guidelines,” he added. EMF scientist, and Jeremy Lee, team If an enquiry is about National Grid leader, are the fi rst points of contact for equipment, the EMF unit will handle it members of the public. from start to fi nish, but about half of the “EMFs are present wherever electricity calls relate to equipment owned by one is used,” said Chris. Th ey are produced of the Distribution Network Operators, naturally – the earth’s magnetic fi eld, such as E.ON or EDF. >> for example – and as a result of human activities. Overhead lines, substations “EMFs are present and underground cables all generate EMFs, and so do wiring and appliances wherever electricity in the home. is used”

06 | Gridline Gridline | 07 FEATURE EXPERT VIEW Q&A

MEASURED RESPONSE: (l-r) Jeremy Lee and Chris MEET THE TEAM Haswell The EMF helpline unit is EMFs – THE FACTS part of National Grid’s John Swanson is National Grid’s scientifi c advisor on electric and magnetic fi elds, and a Environmental Engineering member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group on EMFs, which advises the government. He team. Other members of answers some of the frequently asked questions about EMFs. the team are EMF scientifi c advisors John Swanson Q What are EMFs? Q How safe are power then ensure every power line in A Electric and magnetic fi elds. lines? the country complies. and Dave Renew, audible Th ey occur wherever electricity A We measure magnetic fi elds Q Why stop there – why noise engineer Mark is used, and are produced in a unit called the microtesla not reduce exposure Winter, and Vishaal Puri, by voltages and currents. (µT). A power line might rarely further just in case? Th erefore, they are always produce up to about 20 µT. All A All the easy things to reduce who assists on noise going to be present around fi elds below 100 microtesla are exposure we already do. We concerns as well as power lines as well as in the automatically compliant with the could do more but it would electronic compatibility home, near appliances, and government’s exposure limits. Th e start to have an impact on so on. average directly under a power society in other ways. For issues (for example, Q How do they affect us? line is 4 µT, and the fi eld falls example, as a precautionary interference to radio or A At high levels, EMFs can quite rapidly away to the sides to measure, you could introduce aff ect the body in known ways. an average of 0.4 µT at about strict planning controls on television reception). For example, high electric fi elds 60 metres. corridors of land around power can cause body hair to vibrate, Q What level has been lines. But that would devalue and even higher fi elds – way linked with childhood other people’s land and the cost above those produced by power illness? of it could run into billions Chris and his colleagues let people know equipment. Th e tripod-mounted electric fi eld helpline, Chris and his team provide design lines – can induce currents in At the lower levels A Exposure to an average of of pounds. which company to contact, and ensure they meter is operated using a fi bre-optic remote and development input for new National the body that interfere with you would get from 0.4 µT across the day is the It wouldn’t be right for us obtain the information they need for their control so that the user won’t interfere with Grid equipment. Th ey also work on nerves. At the lower levels you a power line there value where there seems to be to make decisions like that particular circumstances. Th ey will also the reading. Magnetic fi elds, on the other environmental statements associated with would get from a power line a statistical association with unilaterally. Th at’s why we go through the fi ndings of a report from a hand, are measured using a small hand-held new overhead line projects, and are present there are no established eff ects are no established childhood leukaemia. Fewer than created the stakeholder group Distribution Network Operator if people need device, known as an EMDEX. at public meetings and drop-in sessions to from EMFs. But there is some effects from EMFs 0.5% of homes in the UK have called SAGE (the Stakeholder further explanation about some aspect. “Home appliances can generate much answer EMF enquiries. evidence of a possible link to fi elds that high, and of those, Advisory Group on EMFs) “We receive an average of 60-80 calls a higher magnetic fi elds in their immediate Chris believes that the job calls for someone disease, particularly childhood slightly less than half come from so that we, in industry, month, although the number can be as high as vicinity than if you were directly underneath who is both a good listener and has the ability leukaemia. power lines, with more coming environmental and citizen 170 if, for example, there’s been a lot of media an overhead line – up to 800 microteslas (the to explain oft en complex issues. “It’s not our Q How strong is that from low-voltage wiring. groups and professional bodies, coverage,” said Chris. “Very oft en we are able unit of measurement) in the case of vacuum job to tell people what to think but we can arm evidence? Q What is National Grid can all work together to get the to tell people straightaway the typical EMF cleaners, for example,” said Chris. “But, of them with the facts so that they are able to A It is statistical evidence only doing about it? best outcome for society overall. levels near an overhead line, substation or course, these appliances are usually used for make up their own minds,” he stressed. and there is no good evidence A I hope we do all the things Q What is the very latest underground cable. But in about 10 per cent of only a short time.” “I feel it’s an important role – aft er all we are of eff ects from experiments you’d want a responsible company advice issued by SAGE? cases we will off er to carry out an EMF survey Aft er each visit, a report is prepared for the part of the public face of National Grid.” in the laboratory. It is strong to do. We support high-quality A SAGE has produced a to obtain a more defi nitive answer.” customer on what levels of EMFs were found enough for the offi cial research. We provide open report to the government Chris and other members of the unit and where they were found, together with classifi cation to be possibly and honest information. But recommending some simple undertake many of the visits, with the any conclusions. To contact the EMF helpline, telephone a cause of disease, but not importantly, we commit ourselves changes to wiring in the remainder carried out by fi ve EMF liaison If requested, a meter can be left with the 0845 702 3270 (from the UK). More strong enough for probably or to following the EMF limits set home but not any major offi cers (usually overhead line engineers) occupier if they want to monitor levels over a information on EMFs can be found at defi nitely. So we don’t think by the independent experts. We changes regarding electricity based throughout England and Wales. Where longer period of time. Th e devices are capable www.emfs.info/. A booklet called EMF the EMFs pose a risk – in fact the don’t decide ourselves what a safe transmission and distribution possible, visits are timed to take place at a of recording measurements over a 24-hour Facts, published by the Energy Networks balance of evidence is against level is; the Health Protection lines. Th e government is time of day when EMF levels would be most period, and data can be downloaded for Association, is available from the ENA – but we take even a small Agency and the World Health currently considering these representative of average readings. later analysis. website (www.energynetworks.org). possibility seriously. Organization decide that, and we recommendations. Measurements are taken using two kinds of In addition to their work with the

08 | Gridline Gridline | 09 FEATURE

Meeting tomorrow’stomorrow’s needsneeds

OCKER HILL TO KITWELL today ›› When: Completed between June and October 2007. Connecting new sources of energy, as well as ›› Why: Refurbishment was carried reinforcing the gas and electricity networks, are out on 275kV overhead lines between the Ocker Hill, Oldbury and Kitwell among National Grid’s key challenges substations in the West Midlands. ›› What: A total of 47 pylons over 13km were involved. Th e overhead line and reduce reliance on power from ISLE OF GRAIN TO SHORNE runs parallel to the M5 motorway for a south Wales and the Midlands. A GAS PIPELINE PROJECT considerable distance, and passes over 3km pipeline will connect the power railway lines and industrial units. Due station to the gas pipeline extension ›› When: Work has recently started and to the angle at which the line crosses at Choakford. Th e substation is is scheduled to fi nish in 2008. the six-lane motorway, scaff olding was necessary to step-down the power ›› Why: Th e 900mm diameter pipeline impractical. Working in trolleys, the supply from 400kV to the 132kV will transport natural gas from the LNG engineers had to pull themselves along local distribution network. importation terminal at Grain, in north- the lines to remove the spacer bars. Once ›› What: Although more costly, west Kent, to the existing Above Ground completed the old lines were removed and substations utilising Gas Insulated Installations at Shorne and Gravesend. new ones winched into place. Switchgear can be up to a fi ft h of the EASINGTON TO GANSTEAD and Lancashire to link pipelines running north Th e project will help to ensure suffi cient ›› Lie of the land: “As part of the size of conventional air insulated PIPELINE/ASSELBY TO PANNAL to south along the east and west coasts. quantities of gas are available for the needs project, we placed bird fl ight diverters switchgear (AIS) substations. PIPELINE ›› What: Two sections have been completed of London and the south east of England. (highly visible orange plastic spirals) on LANGAGE SUBSTATION Consequently, they are preferable in to date – the trans-Pennine route from Pannal ›› What: Most of the 21km route passes a span of the line crossing Sheepwash locations where space is at a premium. ›› When: Started March 2008 and due to to Nether Kellet (94km) and the Ganstead to through agricultural land. Around 4km Park in Tipton,” said Stan Roach, project ›› When: Construction started in ›› Lie of the land: Around complete this year. Asselby (53km) stretch. In the latest phase, the crosses the environmentally sensitive engineer, Electricity Alliance East. “Th ey 2006 and will complete this year. 80 acres of adjoining land have ›› Why: A new 759km sub-sea pipeline Easington to Ganstead (32km) and Asselby to Stoke Marshes and Shorne Marshes. help prevent the resident swans from ›› Why: Th e 400kV Gas Insulated been developed as a business park. was completed in late 2006 between the Pannal sections (62km) are underway. Horizontal directional drilling will be used colliding with the conductors.” Switchgear (GIS) substation is part Just getting to construction of Norwegian-owned Ormen-Lange North ›› Lie of the land: For the Pannal to Nether to avoid disturbing the habitat of breeding of a project by Centrica to build a the substation was a signifi cant Sea gas fi eld and a new gas import terminal Kellet pipeline, National Grid installed 500km of birds, as well as great crested newts and new £400 million combined cycle achievement given the very tight at Easington, north of the Humber. At full post-construction drainage, replaced 2.4 million small mammals such as water voles. gas turbine power station at Langage, planning regulations because the capacity, it will be able to supply up to 20 square metres of topsoil and rebuilt 362 stone ›› Lie of the land: “At one point, 50% near Plymouth, Dorset. Th e 885- site is on the edge of Dartmoor. per cent of the UK’s future requirements. walls. “Th e current sections of pipeline pass the pipeline will pass underneath the the amount of gas consumed megawatt plant is due to begin Businesses locating to the Langage To accommodate this, four new sections of through mainly low-lying land devoted to mixed Thames and Medway Canal, a highway in the UK that may have to be operations in late 2008. It will serve Energy Park also benefi t from a lower 1,220mm high-pressure pipeline are being arable and livestock,” said agricultural liaison and railway line,” said agricultural imported by 2010 one million homes in the south west electricity price than prevailing tariff s. constructed by National Grid across Yorkshire offi cer John Price. liaison officer Peter Roberts.

10 | Gridline Gridline | 11 FEATURE Habitat

Whyheroes three farmers in Wales have received prestigious conservation awards for going the extra mile in sustainable farming methods WINNERS: (l-r) David Vaughan, Peter and Rosamund Davies, and Bini Jones

uccessful commercial farming practice and measures to protect and enhance the grazing. “Th ere’s a growing realisation that land environment go hand in hand. Th at was should be used in the way it is best suited,” she said. Sthe message at the Farming and Wildlife Bini also gives regular talks to local Advisory Group (FWAG) Cymru – National Grid schoolchildren about hill farming and conservation Silver Lapwing Farm Conservation Awards. and has replaced hedges, renewed stone walls and Th e overall winner and runners-up were planted 3,500 native hardwood trees locally. announced at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Winter Fair at Llanelwedd. It was the RUNNER-UP AND MID-WALES WINNER: fi rst time that FWAG Cyrmru had staged its THE CNEWR ESTATE, POWYS own competition. Manager David Vaughan and his team of “National Grid is delighted to be involved with workers on the Cnewr Estate in the Brecon the competition, highlighting environmental our environmental credentials,” said Peter. are used regularly by the Heritage Coast Outreach Beacons National Park are making an important management and agricultural production working About 80 per cent of the farm’s pasture is Programme for Schools. contribution to the regeneration of the area’s in tandem,” said Clare White, National Grid’s land environmentally managed within the Tir Gofal valuable heather moorland habitat. and development policy manager, who was one of whole-farm agri-environment scheme – including RUNNER-UP AND NORTH WALES Th e 12,500-acre estate supports 5,000 ewes the judges. 200 acres given over to spring cereals. Th e winter WINNER: BINI ORGANICS, GWYNEDD and 300 Galloway suckler cows. But as part of its She was joined on the panel by Rod Williams of stubble provides a valuable source of food for Protecting the countryside is a passion for Bini commitment to the Tir Gofal scheme, stock levels the Countryside Commission for Wales and dairy birds, as well as nesting sites in spring. A variety Jones, who runs a thriving organic meat box have been reduced to prevent over-grazing on the farmer Terry Clarke, last year’s winner. of grassland is managed, including coastal cliff delivery business in Ffestiniog, Snowdonia. estate’s 800 acres of heathland. grassland, which provides a habitat for Bini follows traditional upland agriculture “Selective burning encourages regeneration THE OVERALL WINNER: SLADE FARM, butterfl ies and fl owers. methods – driving her organic Welsh black cows by creating a patchwork of established and new VALE OF GLAMORGAN Blocks of woodland on the farm have been to upland areas for summer grazing and returning growth,” explained David. “Taller growth provides Peter Davies has been a tenant farmer at Slade connected by wildlife corridors sown with wild bird them to the farm in Tŷ Isaf in autumn, where they ground cover for grouse and other birds like Farm, Southerndown, in the Vale of Glamorgan, cover crops, while insect diversity is encouraged by are fed haylage from conserved meadows. merlin, while shorter growth is better for grazing.” for 30 years. He runs a mixed beef, sheep, outdoor sensitive management of semi-natural grassland. She supplies organic beef and Welsh lamb to Estate workers have also restored hedgerows pig and arable enterprise on 800 acres of land Th is in turn has encouraged the breeding success of a network of customers around the country, and erected fencing using timber from shelter bordering the South Wales coastline. birds such as choughs and lapwings. delivering the meat in boxes packed with wool to belts of Sitka spruce planted in the 1960s, which “As well as supplying supermarkets we’ve just Slade Farm also provides educational WINNER: Peter keep the cuts chilled. is now being replaced by native hardwoods such as started a mail order and farm shop business to opportunities for children from more than 30 local Davies of Slade With the rise in feed and oil prices, Bini believes ash and oak. Double-fencing between fi elds has Farm who won market the farm’s organic meat, so to be schools. New footpaths have been created on the the prestigious there is a renewed appreciation for native breeds created wildlife corridors for small mammals recognised in this way is a valuable benchmark of farm to link up existing rights of way and these overall award of hardy cattle which thrive on rough mountain including voles.

12 | Gridline Gridline |13 FEATURE

local lands offi cer in an informal setting, HOW DID WE DO? SEE YOU AT THE… Grantors at last year’s National ComingComing ttoo a and meet other grantors. It’s also an 15-17 May Ploughing Championships give opportunity to fi nd out more about Devon County Show (Exeter) projects in your area and to raise any their verdict. concerns you may have. 17-18 June “For us, it’s an opportunity to meet ›› Gordon Holmes, Burn Cheshire County Show (Knutsford) as many of you as possible. And the “I oft en go to ploughing matches so it was 18-19 June venue near you! valuable feedback we receive helps us to a pleasant surprise to receive a free show Lincolnshire Show (Lincoln) build on the excellent relationships we pass. I was impressed by how informative From Exeter to Edinburgh, National Grid is travelling hundreds of miles in have established with grantors.” and friendly the lands offi cer was.” 19-22 June 2008 to build on the relationships it has established with rural grantors On each day of a show, between 100 Royal Highland Show (Edinburgh) and 150 grantors will receive a free show ›› John Waterworth, Walkington 8-10 July as and electricity was launched in 1996. and includes seven other shows. pass and an invite to join us for lunch. “Excellent service, wonderful food and Great Yorkshire Show (Harrogate) grantors visiting eight Despite the sometimes atrocious “Our presence at these events is “Th e number of lunch guests we we were looked aft er very well. It was 18-20 July major agricultural weather, which caused the an opportunity to thank grantors can accommodate in the marquee is great to have a day off from the farm, see Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show shows in England and cancellation of a number of events for their valued support during the inevitably restricted,” said Clare. “Over my friends and talk with other grantors.” G (Chorley) Wales during 2008 can look forward last year, around 2,000 people essential work that we need to do time, we hope to invite those aff ected to a very warm welcome from joined us for complimentary lunch to maintain the gas and electricity directly by major works in the area at ›› Simon Everatt, Barmby-on- 21-24 July National Grid. in 2007, and many more of you networks,” said Clare White, land least once.” the-Marsh Royal Welsh Show (Builth Wells) Th e company has been asking visited us for free refreshments in and development policy manager. However, outside the busy lunch “We enjoyed our day at the show and 29-31 July grantors to meet its representatives the marquee. “As well as, hopefully, being an period, all National Grid grantors are very much appreciated the hospitality New Forest & Hampshire County at agricultural shows since the Th is year’s programme kicks off in enjoyable occasion, joining us for welcome to enjoy free refreshments of National Grid. Th e staff were friendly Show (Brockenhurst) Partnership on the Land initiative May with the Devon County Show lunch enables you to talk to your in the marquee. and nothing was too much trouble.”

14 | Gridline Gridline | 15 FEATURE Mind the gap Minimum clearances for working near overhead power lines are there for a good reason – so keep your distance

very year, on average, two people when horizontal or in their lowest position. TEAM EFFORT KEEPS are killed as a result of coming into Remember that jets of water or slurry that WATER PARK SAFE contact with overhead electric power come into contact with overhead lines will FOR VISITORS E lines, and many more are injured. conduct electricity.” “Safety is a way of life at National Grid High-voltage overhead electricity lines are Th e reckless actions of a minority of and we urge all grantors to adopt a similar normally uninsulated and if an object gets too anglers who left fi shing lines draped approach,” said Alan Naylor, regional delivery close a fl ashover can occur, which is where across overhead power lines came close manager, north west and Scotland. electricity jumps over a small distance. To to ensuring a permanent ban on fi shing “Contractors are particularly at risk because prevent this happening, it’s vital to maintain at Sale Water Park, located near the M60 they oft en operate on unfamiliar ground. minimum safe distances. motorway in Cheshire. Remind them and delivery drivers of the route Reducing the safety clearance under Repeated outages were necessary for of overhead electricity lines every time they an overhead line by creating temporary National Grid engineers to remove the CALM RESTORED: Measures have been taken to reduce the risk of fi shing lines come on your land. structures, like manure heaps, stacks of potato lines from the 275kV conductors, which coming into contact with overhead power “Avoid using tall equipment or lift ing gear boxes and haystacks, is another accident cross a portion of the 45-acre lake. Th e lines at Sale Water Park beneath an overhead line and don’t encroach waiting to happen. lives of people taking part in a range of on the safety zone of live conductors. Always “It’s fact that most accidents could be activities, including sailing and canoeing, check with the power company before using avoided if people were more aware of on the lake were put at risk. any gear of this or similiar type near to potential dangers and were less prone to risk “In just six months we had to close Th e measures paid off . “Th e lake is STRETCHING CREDIBILITY overhead power lines ,” advised Alan. taking,” said Alan. “Short cuts might seem the lake on eight occasions while the open again for fi shing and, apart from “Particular care needs to be taken when attractive at the time – particularly if they save lines were removed,” said Kristy Walden, one isolated incident, there have been no Darren Gibbons, National Grid fi eld moving ladders, elevators, irrigation pipes time and money – but they can be expensive Traff ord Water Sports Centre manager further problems,” said Kristy. technician, could hardly believe his eyes and other long objects. Only move them in the longer term.” for Deckers, the company which runs the “National Grid was very supportive when he investigated a safety concern park on behalf of Traff ord Metropolitan during the whole process and by reported by a helicopter line patrol. “A Borough Council. “In the end we had to working together we have achieved a bungee jump platform on a lorry was apply for a bye-law imposing a total ban very positive outcome.” placed within 30 metres of a 400kV DANGER: on fi shing in the aff ected part of the lake.” overhead line. If the lorry had tipped over Don’t reduce Bob Tute, lands offi cer north west, REMEMBER for any reason it would have come into minimum safety clearances said: “National Grid has a duty of care to ■ Take care when carrying carbon fi bre direct contact with the conductors. Th e protect visitors to the lake and we were fi shing rods or poles near overhead lines council’s safety offi cer, who came with me keen to do everything we could to work – carbon fi bre is a good conductor on the visit, closed it down immediately.” with the grantors to resolve the problems. of electricity “We met with Deckers and the local ■ Be aware, and Look Up and Look Out authorities, and a number of actions ■ Pay attention to notices that may say it were agreed, including the appointment is unsafe to fi sh in a particular place EMERGENCY NUMBERS of a full-time bailiff to patrol the area ■ Fish at least 30 metres away from all To report damage to National Grid overhead lines, pylons or conductors call 0800 404 090. If round the clock, planting vegetation on overhead lines you smell gas or are worried about gas safety, call 0800 111 999. Further information on working the bank near the power lines to act as a ■ Don’t mistake electricity cables safely near electricity lines is available from the Health & Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk/) and physical barrier to anglers and erecting mounted on wooden poles for the Energy Networks Association (www.energynetworks.org/). new warning signs.” telephone lines.

1610 || GridlineGridline Gridline | 17 FEATURE

Straight from the horse’s mouth Dr Doolittle liked to talk to his animals but horse psychologist Sarah Dent says that the key to training horses is to listen to them

atching a demonstration by Monty “It’s all about understanding... Roberts – the original horse whisperer – proved truly inspirational for the horse’s point of view and W Yorkshire grantor Sarah Dent. reading its body language” Th e description horse whisperer is oft en used for Sarah’s chosen profession, but it’s not a term she thinks is particularly accurate. “Actually, there’s no clipped, shod or loaded on to trailers. “Unfortunately, talking involved in what we do, and I prefer to call all too oft en people come to me as a last resort, and myself a horse psychologist,” she said. I have to do a lot of work with the horse unravelling Sarah qualifi ed as a Recommended Associate six other people’s attempts at training,” she said. years ago with Intelligent Horsemanship, a training Sarah is now also applying the Monty Roberts organisation run by former champion jockey Kelly training approach to four young racehorses under her Marks. Acting as the agents for Monty Roberts in care. She plans to present the horses at this spring’s NAME: Sarah Dent LOCATION: Marton- the UK, it has representatives covering every county Doncaster Blood Stock Breeze-Up Sales, where cum-Grafton, in the country. Sarah’s area includes North and West promising two-year-olds are put through their paces Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire and County Durham. to potential owners. Yorkshire At her 60-acre farm in Marton-cum-Graft on, near Racehorses traditionally spend most of their time LAND USE: 60-acre farm Boroughbridge, she has secure ring-fenced arenas in stables when not training on the gallops, but Sarah GRANTOR TYPE: Gas and turn-out paddocks, where she can work with believes that providing a more natural environment horses with behavioural issues. She also trains young produces more rounded, well-balanced horses, who horses or starters to become accustomed to wearing will perform better on the racetrack. a saddle, a process which conventionally is called She also thinks this alternative approach will avoid breaking in – another term she dislikes. some of the behavioural problems encountered when “Monty’s Join-Up technique rejects the use of racehorses retire. For example, many are reluctant to intimidation and violence, and is instead based exercise solo because they have been conditioned to on building a relationship of trust with the horse train in a group or string. and recognising that its behaviour relates to herd So do Sarah’s training techniques always work? instincts,” she explained. “Training the horse is the easy part, and the “It’s all about understanding things from the horse’s techniques will only continue to work if the handling point of view and reading its body language. We’re by the owner is consistent and follows the correct supposed to be the clever species, so why not learn methods,” she said. their language, rather than expect them to learn ours?” “But usually we get a positive result. In the nicest Sarah sees horses with a variety of behavioural possible way, I always tell people when they leave that issues. Some horses don’t like being ridden or are I hope I never see them again.” prone to bolting, while some have a fear of being Find out more at www.gallabarfarm.com.

18 | Gridline Gridline | 19 To contact Gridline : ✆ 01926 654948 : [email protected] LAST WORD +122 Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4QY.

Winter wonderland wins top marks Congratulations to Dr Simon Parson, the winner of the last photo competition

Simon’s photo of a snow-covered WILL YOU BE GRIDLINE’S bridleway (right) was singled out NEXT PHOTOGRAPHY by Gridline’s judges from a bulging COMPETITION WINNER? postbag of entries as the most Th e theme of this issue’s photo evocative image of winter, the competition is movement. theme for the competition. Simply send in a favourite Th e photograph was taken two photograph for the chance to win years ago, close to where Simon a voucher from National Grid was living at the time in Guisley, grantor Camel Valley Wines, Yorkshire. Th e picture was shot entitling you to 12 bottles of wine with an Olympus digital camera. (up to a maximum value of £130). “As gas grantors it was the fi rst Send images* to Gridline photo issue of Gridline we received and it competition, 122 Warwick Street, was a really good read,” said Simon, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire whose prize was 12 bottles of wine CV32 4QY. Or email your images from Camel Valley Wines. to [email protected]. Closing “It’s the fi rst competition I’ve won date Friday 23 May 2008. since being presented with a book * Regrettably, submitted prints on nature photography at school,” cannot be returned. added Simon, who teaches medical Visit camelvalley.com for more students at Edinburgh University. details on its wine.

WIN YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A WEEKEND AWAY AT A LUXURY HOTEL A RELAXING Gridline is offering one lucky reader Georgian listed building situated competition, 122 Warwick Street, TWO-NIGHT the opportunity to win a break for in the World Heritage Site of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire BREAK two at one of three hotels, courtesy Ironbridge in the stunning setting of CV32 4QY. Entries must be in by of Best Western Hotels, plus £200 the Severn Gorge. 23 May 2008. spending money. CITY Q. How many hotels does COASTAL Best Western The Cromwell, Best Western have in the UK? The Best Western Royal Clifton London, is a recently refurbished If you do not win this time, why Hotel & Spa, Southport, has hotel offering 57 air-conditioned not book a break at one of Best outstanding views across the en suite bedrooms. Ideally located Western’s 280 hotels across Great northwest coastline, and the health for central London. Perfect for a Britain. Two-night packages, club and beauty salon make this city centre break. including dinner on the fi rst night, haven a special treat. To be in with a chance of start from just £109. COUNTRY winning, answer the question To book your break with Best STUNNING: The The Best Western Valley Hotel, below and send your answer Western contact 0845 33 00 120 Best Western Valley Hotel in Telford Telford, is a beautifully refurbished to Gridline Best Western or go to www.bestwestern.co.uk.

20 | Gridline