Tuesday, June 1
New Forest National Park - Chief Executive #3
Yet another appointee as Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority takes up their post today.
That's nine months after the original announcement of the plan for replacement. But already five months after the start of 2010 target.
The NFNPA CE position is proving a difficult one to sustain. And with the frequency of changes at this senior level the real work of bedding down the NFNPA during its formative period has been diversionary for the organisation as a whole.
The jury is out.
Lets see what happens on this particular turn of the wheel.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Monday, May 31
New Forest Holiday - Watch the Birdy
Finally an improvement in this Bank Holiday's weather. Not that it has been particularly unpleasant in my opinion.
But local traffic volumes this weekend, especially an increasing number of caravans & mobile homes fleeing local campsites during Sunday afternoon, suggest that anything other than Brilliant Sunshine is regarded by this year's tourist as A Bad Thing if it happens during a Bank Holiday break.
Mid morning I decided on a whim to visit one of my New Forest secret spots. A strange location with the traffic noise of the busy A35 the accompaniment to the start\end sections of this circular route.
But despite such an ominous introduction I can usually guarantee, whenever I visit, to spot plenty of New Forest wildlife. The sort of things that the scurrying holidaymaker comes to the area to enjoy, but so rarely finds outside sanctified Forestry Commission sites (Or the 'to be avoided tourist traps' as we locally know them to be)
Today I thought my luck was due to fail when in the distance I spotted a walker & dog crossing directly through one of the main areas where I'd usually expect browsing deer.
Happily this worked to my advantage instead.
Ten minutes later I came upwind onto the largest herd I've seen in this location to date. Possibly the earlier presence of that walker/dog combination had spooked some separate groups to herd together and move to a safe location. One on my immediate path.
I moved forward carefully until the inevitable happened. My doggy companion, trotting to-heel, has a powerful scent where deer are concerned. One that the herd's scouts, always alert to the unusual, had caught.
And off they went.
I watched them for a while, tracking their escape route for future reference. The herd 20-30 strong circling my position at a safe distance, until they felt secure enough to drop their heads and return to once again to their browsing in the sunshine. Blending, as they so easily do, into their background.
(New Forest Deer)
I ambled onwards. A solitary presence despite the Bank Holiday.
Further on a movement underfoot caught my attention alerting me of a forest ant trail.
I love watching the industry and single mindedness of these particular insects. As usual after a few seconds the eye\brain focuses into the detail turning the initial sight of several individual ants into a wide & endless trail of large black individuals busily intent on travel to & from their nest.
(New Forest Ant)
Nothing seems to deter these busy workers. Not even my size 7 feet menacingly moving in their direction. Wary of my potentially disruptive influence, and mindful of my Godlike ability to deliver mass destruction, however unintentional, I carefully side track around the flowing dark ribbon, to continue my wandering observation of Nature's daily routine.
Later, I came across a complimentary pattern, but this time a result of Bank Holiday tourists milling aimlessly around a local market. Unlike the ants their efforts seemed ill suited & haphazard.
All in the name of Bank Holiday leisure and relaxation.
It left me musing as to exactly who had the best lifestyle deal this holiday Monday?
Those with the 'choice' & 'self-awareness' to decide their own action and activity?
Or is it those creatures of Nature we believe have defined actions and reactions within a rigid hierarchical framework. All part of an interdependent & complex social order?
If the birds & bees lack that Free Will, which we Humans so celebrate, how is it my amateur observations today concluded the latter group to those so out of balance with their environment.
And so clearly dissatisfied as a result?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, March 21
New Forest Waterfall
Another period of rainfall during the last 24 hours.
Burbush waterfall is back in residency once more & all just a few steps away from a usually busy car parking area.
Hope the New Forest Authority don't cotton onto this as a potential tourist attraction!Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Sunday, March 7
Hengistbury Head & Fi(a)tness Trends
As promised earlier (and following some mild reflection \ toning down) where did all the Nordic Walkers come from so suddenly? And more to the point, what do some of them hope to achieve? (The clue was in the photo - walking poles and cafe seat BTW)
Saturday's duties took me into the Christchurch area. So for a change I took a walk out over Hengistbury Head, along Mudeford Sandspit, before tracing a route along the shore of Christchurch Harbour and back to the car.
Its not a long trip, less than 5 miles even taking the longer alternatives. However it manages to include a short but steep ascent & some superb coastal views.
To the east is The Needles Lighthouse drawing the eye beyond to the Isle of Wight.
And turning westwards a sweep across Bournemouth Bay. Swanage in the far distance, with the dowdy sprawl of the Poole/Bournemouth conurbation as one's gaze tracks the beach back towards your position.
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Quickly turning to the north what remains of the Dorset heathland these days, along with the New Forest in the distance, is laid out before your feet. Twinkling distant in today's sunlight are the Rivers Stour & Avon, their floodplain meanderings finally joining up as they reach Christchurch, its Priory clearly silhouetted against the town.
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Sounds idyllic doesn't it? A pity then the local council charge prohibitive amounts to use the car park. But despite that the area this Saturday morning was teeming with people, dogs, kids etc etc.
Well I should have known really. Its not a place to come for a quiet walk, not unless there's a gale lashing rain inland from the English Channel. Which for some reason tends to deter some people.
Not so your humble scribe. Although it has the dubious pleasure of being one of the few places where I had a (well fitted) cap ripped from my head and discarded some 50m away. Mind you it was a bit gusty that day - and I did seem to be the only one on the headland tasting salty raindrops. The rain actually wind sped spray spat up from the sea some 300m distant at the foot of the cliff 30+m below.
But that's another tale.
As usual I parked in one of the side streets to avoid the parking charge & avoid the predatory Traffic Wardens that roam the area. As I walked towards the headland track contouring the coastline the unexpected drone of bagpipes was wafted on the stiff breeze.
Well I say wafted.
Common to most bagpipe enthusiasts, interested in remaining on good terms with their neighbours, the only practice sites seem to be far out in the wilds as the skirl(?) of the pipes does have a tendency to carry some considerable distance.
Especially true today. Turning a corner the hedgerow on my right dropped away to reveal two of the buggers playing a spirited duet (whilst trying not to look as if they were up to no good in the bushes)
They needn't have worried - their playing was accomplished. Although quite what a brace of pipers were doing here on the south coast was another question entirely. Particularly when dressed in full Highland Regalia.
Nearing the Head the amount people increased - and with it an increasing number of those carrying/using walking poles. At first I thought nothing of it. That is until I noticed the strange outdoor regalia being worn. Trainers, jeans, tracksuits. It felt like a poorly funded fashion show. But the poles were clearly in pristine condition sporting brand names I'd not previously come across before.
And so it continued as I strode purposefully up to the OS trig point on the Head itself.
Onwards across the headland, wind blowing hard as usual, to eventually descend the far side, a spur of the moment decision made to head for the cafe on Mudeford Spit.
Note I've carefully not mentioned the cafe's name, or provided a link. If you're in this area use the Hungry Hiker next to the car park, which has a good reputation. Avoid the Spit's cafe unless you happen to like slow service, costly but poor quality food & the dubious distinction of queuing for a table whilst staring out over all the empty spaces!
This was the first (and last) time my business will be remitted at said establishment. A pity as its sister premises on Christchurch Quay is a long time & favourite haunt of mine, although recent visits suggest a subtle drop in ambiance & service.
Sitting in the cafe and awaiting my order, my attention was again drawn to the frequency of fellow diners with nice shiny walking poles leaning haphazardly by their tables.
It seems that Nordic Walking as a fitness regime has hit this area big time. Quite how or why this has happened remains a mystery to me.
Now please don't take my skepticism as a negative feeling. I'm all for anything that gets people outdoors and enjoying the landscape. But judging by the amount of food being consumed today's exercise benefit was for fast being negated by a mass intake of carbs, fats & sugary substances.
As I pushed away my half eaten meal (a salad - naturally) I made for the exit and a more solitary route back to avoid the excess of humanity working hard at working hard. But I couldn't help but wonder as I passed the "Noddy Train" stop, its lengthening queue of people awaiting the 5 minute ride back to the car park, just how many of the Stick Brigade would take that option for their return journey. Full bellies complaining at the thought of the reasonably short walk back.
Maybe I was right.
My route back followed the edge of the harbour. A quiet & solitary amble with not a soul met along the way until I neared the tarmac track to exit the headland. And with it the inevitable bottleneck of people, sticks & wandering dogs.
Now I remember why I avoid this area like a plague during the summer months; And most of the Winter ones as well.
A good walking route, like a good wine, is to be enjoyed & savoured for inner contentment. And regrettably the well intentioned aims to make this area into a 'Visitor Attraction' has instead created a strange sort of venue.
My tip - it can be an enjoyable walk with superb veiws. But go when the weather is foul & the Stick People are more likely to stay away.
Labels: Fitness, New Forest, walks
Smoke on The Water: New Forest Style
Looks like Spring is a-sprung as locals welcome the new tourist season with their Old Tradition of Setting Fire to the First Caravan of the New Season.
Apparently not. More like the semi-regular gorse burning to take advantage of the wet ground underfoot, before it starts to dry & harden.
At last. Its been a long Winter this year.Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Sunday, January 10
Whitten Pond - Ice Bound
A few snaps from this afternoon's wander near Burley in the New Forest.
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The camera flash creating a strangely moody image at my regular crossing point on this pond outlet stream. A place where I've occasionally spotted a swimming snake - but certainly not today.
The beam traverse may be short but it requires a steady nerve & careful balance to avoid the potential early dip. Not that that has happened to me. Yet.
But today it is an easier passage with careful short sliding steps across the surface of thick ice.
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A few steps further on lies Whitten Pond, a large pool of water easily visible from the Burley/Bransgore road.
I remain wary of the variable nature of the icy conditions underfoot. So those who decided a trip out onto the ice, and so far from shore, were foolhardy to say the least.
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In places the steeping ground requires careful attention to avoid a loss of footing. Necessary caution.
Occasionally the path route leads across a flat areas of snowy ground. Too flat to be solid ground I belatedly realise with ominous sounds of cracking ice underfoot. A reminder of the vast quantity of stored water potential awaiting the inevitable thaw before returning the New Forest tracks back to muddy quagmire for the winter months ahead.
Dark was falling as I finally returned to the car park, today's walking pace reduced by the need for wariness.
As I carefully maneuvered the car towards the icy incline at the car park exit other vehicles were still arriving to start their own excursions out into the dark and mildly treacherous conditions.
Well at least the cold will keep any victim suitably embalmed for easy body ID.Labels: nature, New Forest
Saturday, January 2
New Year. New Forest. Old Haunts.
The local cold snap continues unabated. With local low lying areas exhibiting their seasonal floods the persistence of hard & frozen ground is at present an useful advantage. Boggy and potentially treacherous areas have for a brief time become firm routes of iron surfaced mud and thick ice.
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Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.
Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.
Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.
I like this hidden spot.
In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)
But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.
Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.
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The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.
My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, December 20
Christmas WanderLand
I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
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Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
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We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
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Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, November 1
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
That's nine months after the original announcement of the plan for replacement. But already five months after the start of 2010 target.
The NFNPA CE position is proving a difficult one to sustain. And with the frequency of changes at this senior level the real work of bedding down the NFNPA during its formative period has been diversionary for the organisation as a whole.
The jury is out.
Lets see what happens on this particular turn of the wheel.
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
New Forest Holiday - Watch the Birdy
Finally an improvement in this Bank Holiday's weather. Not that it has been particularly unpleasant in my opinion.
But local traffic volumes this weekend, especially an increasing number of caravans & mobile homes fleeing local campsites during Sunday afternoon, suggest that anything other than Brilliant Sunshine is regarded by this year's tourist as A Bad Thing if it happens during a Bank Holiday break.
Mid morning I decided on a whim to visit one of my New Forest secret spots. A strange location with the traffic noise of the busy A35 the accompaniment to the start\end sections of this circular route.
But despite such an ominous introduction I can usually guarantee, whenever I visit, to spot plenty of New Forest wildlife. The sort of things that the scurrying holidaymaker comes to the area to enjoy, but so rarely finds outside sanctified Forestry Commission sites (Or the 'to be avoided tourist traps' as we locally know them to be)
Today I thought my luck was due to fail when in the distance I spotted a walker & dog crossing directly through one of the main areas where I'd usually expect browsing deer.
Happily this worked to my advantage instead.
Ten minutes later I came upwind onto the largest herd I've seen in this location to date. Possibly the earlier presence of that walker/dog combination had spooked some separate groups to herd together and move to a safe location. One on my immediate path.
I moved forward carefully until the inevitable happened. My doggy companion, trotting to-heel, has a powerful scent where deer are concerned. One that the herd's scouts, always alert to the unusual, had caught.
And off they went.
I watched them for a while, tracking their escape route for future reference. The herd 20-30 strong circling my position at a safe distance, until they felt secure enough to drop their heads and return to once again to their browsing in the sunshine. Blending, as they so easily do, into their background.
(New Forest Deer)
I ambled onwards. A solitary presence despite the Bank Holiday.
Further on a movement underfoot caught my attention alerting me of a forest ant trail.
I love watching the industry and single mindedness of these particular insects. As usual after a few seconds the eye\brain focuses into the detail turning the initial sight of several individual ants into a wide & endless trail of large black individuals busily intent on travel to & from their nest.
(New Forest Ant)
Nothing seems to deter these busy workers. Not even my size 7 feet menacingly moving in their direction. Wary of my potentially disruptive influence, and mindful of my Godlike ability to deliver mass destruction, however unintentional, I carefully side track around the flowing dark ribbon, to continue my wandering observation of Nature's daily routine.
Later, I came across a complimentary pattern, but this time a result of Bank Holiday tourists milling aimlessly around a local market. Unlike the ants their efforts seemed ill suited & haphazard.
All in the name of Bank Holiday leisure and relaxation.
It left me musing as to exactly who had the best lifestyle deal this holiday Monday?
Those with the 'choice' & 'self-awareness' to decide their own action and activity?
Or is it those creatures of Nature we believe have defined actions and reactions within a rigid hierarchical framework. All part of an interdependent & complex social order?
If the birds & bees lack that Free Will, which we Humans so celebrate, how is it my amateur observations today concluded the latter group to those so out of balance with their environment.
And so clearly dissatisfied as a result?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, March 21
New Forest Waterfall
Another period of rainfall during the last 24 hours.
Burbush waterfall is back in residency once more & all just a few steps away from a usually busy car parking area.
Hope the New Forest Authority don't cotton onto this as a potential tourist attraction!Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Sunday, March 7
Hengistbury Head & Fi(a)tness Trends
As promised earlier (and following some mild reflection \ toning down) where did all the Nordic Walkers come from so suddenly? And more to the point, what do some of them hope to achieve? (The clue was in the photo - walking poles and cafe seat BTW)
Saturday's duties took me into the Christchurch area. So for a change I took a walk out over Hengistbury Head, along Mudeford Sandspit, before tracing a route along the shore of Christchurch Harbour and back to the car.
Its not a long trip, less than 5 miles even taking the longer alternatives. However it manages to include a short but steep ascent & some superb coastal views.
To the east is The Needles Lighthouse drawing the eye beyond to the Isle of Wight.
And turning westwards a sweep across Bournemouth Bay. Swanage in the far distance, with the dowdy sprawl of the Poole/Bournemouth conurbation as one's gaze tracks the beach back towards your position.
Quickly turning to the north what remains of the Dorset heathland these days, along with the New Forest in the distance, is laid out before your feet. Twinkling distant in today's sunlight are the Rivers Stour & Avon, their floodplain meanderings finally joining up as they reach Christchurch, its Priory clearly silhouetted against the town.
Sounds idyllic doesn't it? A pity then the local council charge prohibitive amounts to use the car park. But despite that the area this Saturday morning was teeming with people, dogs, kids etc etc.
Well I should have known really. Its not a place to come for a quiet walk, not unless there's a gale lashing rain inland from the English Channel. Which for some reason tends to deter some people.
Not so your humble scribe. Although it has the dubious pleasure of being one of the few places where I had a (well fitted) cap ripped from my head and discarded some 50m away. Mind you it was a bit gusty that day - and I did seem to be the only one on the headland tasting salty raindrops. The rain actually wind sped spray spat up from the sea some 300m distant at the foot of the cliff 30+m below.
But that's another tale.
As usual I parked in one of the side streets to avoid the parking charge & avoid the predatory Traffic Wardens that roam the area. As I walked towards the headland track contouring the coastline the unexpected drone of bagpipes was wafted on the stiff breeze.
Well I say wafted.
Common to most bagpipe enthusiasts, interested in remaining on good terms with their neighbours, the only practice sites seem to be far out in the wilds as the skirl(?) of the pipes does have a tendency to carry some considerable distance.
Especially true today. Turning a corner the hedgerow on my right dropped away to reveal two of the buggers playing a spirited duet (whilst trying not to look as if they were up to no good in the bushes)
They needn't have worried - their playing was accomplished. Although quite what a brace of pipers were doing here on the south coast was another question entirely. Particularly when dressed in full Highland Regalia.
Nearing the Head the amount people increased - and with it an increasing number of those carrying/using walking poles. At first I thought nothing of it. That is until I noticed the strange outdoor regalia being worn. Trainers, jeans, tracksuits. It felt like a poorly funded fashion show. But the poles were clearly in pristine condition sporting brand names I'd not previously come across before.
And so it continued as I strode purposefully up to the OS trig point on the Head itself.
Onwards across the headland, wind blowing hard as usual, to eventually descend the far side, a spur of the moment decision made to head for the cafe on Mudeford Spit.
Note I've carefully not mentioned the cafe's name, or provided a link. If you're in this area use the Hungry Hiker next to the car park, which has a good reputation. Avoid the Spit's cafe unless you happen to like slow service, costly but poor quality food & the dubious distinction of queuing for a table whilst staring out over all the empty spaces!
This was the first (and last) time my business will be remitted at said establishment. A pity as its sister premises on Christchurch Quay is a long time & favourite haunt of mine, although recent visits suggest a subtle drop in ambiance & service.
Sitting in the cafe and awaiting my order, my attention was again drawn to the frequency of fellow diners with nice shiny walking poles leaning haphazardly by their tables.
It seems that Nordic Walking as a fitness regime has hit this area big time. Quite how or why this has happened remains a mystery to me.
Now please don't take my skepticism as a negative feeling. I'm all for anything that gets people outdoors and enjoying the landscape. But judging by the amount of food being consumed today's exercise benefit was for fast being negated by a mass intake of carbs, fats & sugary substances.
As I pushed away my half eaten meal (a salad - naturally) I made for the exit and a more solitary route back to avoid the excess of humanity working hard at working hard. But I couldn't help but wonder as I passed the "Noddy Train" stop, its lengthening queue of people awaiting the 5 minute ride back to the car park, just how many of the Stick Brigade would take that option for their return journey. Full bellies complaining at the thought of the reasonably short walk back.
Maybe I was right.
My route back followed the edge of the harbour. A quiet & solitary amble with not a soul met along the way until I neared the tarmac track to exit the headland. And with it the inevitable bottleneck of people, sticks & wandering dogs.
Now I remember why I avoid this area like a plague during the summer months; And most of the Winter ones as well.
A good walking route, like a good wine, is to be enjoyed & savoured for inner contentment. And regrettably the well intentioned aims to make this area into a 'Visitor Attraction' has instead created a strange sort of venue.
My tip - it can be an enjoyable walk with superb veiws. But go when the weather is foul & the Stick People are more likely to stay away.
Labels: Fitness, New Forest, walks
Smoke on The Water: New Forest Style
Looks like Spring is a-sprung as locals welcome the new tourist season with their Old Tradition of Setting Fire to the First Caravan of the New Season.
Apparently not. More like the semi-regular gorse burning to take advantage of the wet ground underfoot, before it starts to dry & harden.
At last. Its been a long Winter this year.Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Sunday, January 10
Whitten Pond - Ice Bound
A few snaps from this afternoon's wander near Burley in the New Forest.
The camera flash creating a strangely moody image at my regular crossing point on this pond outlet stream. A place where I've occasionally spotted a swimming snake - but certainly not today.
The beam traverse may be short but it requires a steady nerve & careful balance to avoid the potential early dip. Not that that has happened to me. Yet.
But today it is an easier passage with careful short sliding steps across the surface of thick ice.
A few steps further on lies Whitten Pond, a large pool of water easily visible from the Burley/Bransgore road.
I remain wary of the variable nature of the icy conditions underfoot. So those who decided a trip out onto the ice, and so far from shore, were foolhardy to say the least.
In places the steeping ground requires careful attention to avoid a loss of footing. Necessary caution.
Occasionally the path route leads across a flat areas of snowy ground. Too flat to be solid ground I belatedly realise with ominous sounds of cracking ice underfoot. A reminder of the vast quantity of stored water potential awaiting the inevitable thaw before returning the New Forest tracks back to muddy quagmire for the winter months ahead.
Dark was falling as I finally returned to the car park, today's walking pace reduced by the need for wariness.
As I carefully maneuvered the car towards the icy incline at the car park exit other vehicles were still arriving to start their own excursions out into the dark and mildly treacherous conditions.
Well at least the cold will keep any victim suitably embalmed for easy body ID.Labels: nature, New Forest
Saturday, January 2
New Year. New Forest. Old Haunts.
The local cold snap continues unabated. With local low lying areas exhibiting their seasonal floods the persistence of hard & frozen ground is at present an useful advantage. Boggy and potentially treacherous areas have for a brief time become firm routes of iron surfaced mud and thick ice.
Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.
Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.
Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.
I like this hidden spot.
In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)
But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.
Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.
The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.
My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, December 20
Christmas WanderLand
I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, November 1
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
But local traffic volumes this weekend, especially an increasing number of caravans & mobile homes fleeing local campsites during Sunday afternoon, suggest that anything other than Brilliant Sunshine is regarded by this year's tourist as A Bad Thing if it happens during a Bank Holiday break.
Mid morning I decided on a whim to visit one of my New Forest secret spots. A strange location with the traffic noise of the busy A35 the accompaniment to the start\end sections of this circular route.
But despite such an ominous introduction I can usually guarantee, whenever I visit, to spot plenty of New Forest wildlife. The sort of things that the scurrying holidaymaker comes to the area to enjoy, but so rarely finds outside sanctified Forestry Commission sites (Or the 'to be avoided tourist traps' as we locally know them to be)
Today I thought my luck was due to fail when in the distance I spotted a walker & dog crossing directly through one of the main areas where I'd usually expect browsing deer.
Happily this worked to my advantage instead.
Ten minutes later I came upwind onto the largest herd I've seen in this location to date. Possibly the earlier presence of that walker/dog combination had spooked some separate groups to herd together and move to a safe location. One on my immediate path.
I moved forward carefully until the inevitable happened. My doggy companion, trotting to-heel, has a powerful scent where deer are concerned. One that the herd's scouts, always alert to the unusual, had caught.
And off they went.
I watched them for a while, tracking their escape route for future reference. The herd 20-30 strong circling my position at a safe distance, until they felt secure enough to drop their heads and return to once again to their browsing in the sunshine. Blending, as they so easily do, into their background.
(New Forest Deer)
I ambled onwards. A solitary presence despite the Bank Holiday.
Further on a movement underfoot caught my attention alerting me of a forest ant trail.
I love watching the industry and single mindedness of these particular insects. As usual after a few seconds the eye\brain focuses into the detail turning the initial sight of several individual ants into a wide & endless trail of large black individuals busily intent on travel to & from their nest.
(New Forest Ant)
Nothing seems to deter these busy workers. Not even my size 7 feet menacingly moving in their direction. Wary of my potentially disruptive influence, and mindful of my Godlike ability to deliver mass destruction, however unintentional, I carefully side track around the flowing dark ribbon, to continue my wandering observation of Nature's daily routine.
Later, I came across a complimentary pattern, but this time a result of Bank Holiday tourists milling aimlessly around a local market. Unlike the ants their efforts seemed ill suited & haphazard.
All in the name of Bank Holiday leisure and relaxation.
It left me musing as to exactly who had the best lifestyle deal this holiday Monday?
Those with the 'choice' & 'self-awareness' to decide their own action and activity?
Or is it those creatures of Nature we believe have defined actions and reactions within a rigid hierarchical framework. All part of an interdependent & complex social order?
If the birds & bees lack that Free Will, which we Humans so celebrate, how is it my amateur observations today concluded the latter group to those so out of balance with their environment.
And so clearly dissatisfied as a result?
Labels: nature;, New Forest
New Forest Waterfall
Another period of rainfall during the last 24 hours.
Burbush waterfall is back in residency once more & all just a few steps away from a usually busy car parking area.
Hope the New Forest Authority don't cotton onto this as a potential tourist attraction!Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Sunday, March 7
Hengistbury Head & Fi(a)tness Trends
As promised earlier (and following some mild reflection \ toning down) where did all the Nordic Walkers come from so suddenly? And more to the point, what do some of them hope to achieve? (The clue was in the photo - walking poles and cafe seat BTW)
Saturday's duties took me into the Christchurch area. So for a change I took a walk out over Hengistbury Head, along Mudeford Sandspit, before tracing a route along the shore of Christchurch Harbour and back to the car.
Its not a long trip, less than 5 miles even taking the longer alternatives. However it manages to include a short but steep ascent & some superb coastal views.
To the east is The Needles Lighthouse drawing the eye beyond to the Isle of Wight.
And turning westwards a sweep across Bournemouth Bay. Swanage in the far distance, with the dowdy sprawl of the Poole/Bournemouth conurbation as one's gaze tracks the beach back towards your position.
Quickly turning to the north what remains of the Dorset heathland these days, along with the New Forest in the distance, is laid out before your feet. Twinkling distant in today's sunlight are the Rivers Stour & Avon, their floodplain meanderings finally joining up as they reach Christchurch, its Priory clearly silhouetted against the town.
Sounds idyllic doesn't it? A pity then the local council charge prohibitive amounts to use the car park. But despite that the area this Saturday morning was teeming with people, dogs, kids etc etc.
Well I should have known really. Its not a place to come for a quiet walk, not unless there's a gale lashing rain inland from the English Channel. Which for some reason tends to deter some people.
Not so your humble scribe. Although it has the dubious pleasure of being one of the few places where I had a (well fitted) cap ripped from my head and discarded some 50m away. Mind you it was a bit gusty that day - and I did seem to be the only one on the headland tasting salty raindrops. The rain actually wind sped spray spat up from the sea some 300m distant at the foot of the cliff 30+m below.
But that's another tale.
As usual I parked in one of the side streets to avoid the parking charge & avoid the predatory Traffic Wardens that roam the area. As I walked towards the headland track contouring the coastline the unexpected drone of bagpipes was wafted on the stiff breeze.
Well I say wafted.
Common to most bagpipe enthusiasts, interested in remaining on good terms with their neighbours, the only practice sites seem to be far out in the wilds as the skirl(?) of the pipes does have a tendency to carry some considerable distance.
Especially true today. Turning a corner the hedgerow on my right dropped away to reveal two of the buggers playing a spirited duet (whilst trying not to look as if they were up to no good in the bushes)
They needn't have worried - their playing was accomplished. Although quite what a brace of pipers were doing here on the south coast was another question entirely. Particularly when dressed in full Highland Regalia.
Nearing the Head the amount people increased - and with it an increasing number of those carrying/using walking poles. At first I thought nothing of it. That is until I noticed the strange outdoor regalia being worn. Trainers, jeans, tracksuits. It felt like a poorly funded fashion show. But the poles were clearly in pristine condition sporting brand names I'd not previously come across before.
And so it continued as I strode purposefully up to the OS trig point on the Head itself.
Onwards across the headland, wind blowing hard as usual, to eventually descend the far side, a spur of the moment decision made to head for the cafe on Mudeford Spit.
Note I've carefully not mentioned the cafe's name, or provided a link. If you're in this area use the Hungry Hiker next to the car park, which has a good reputation. Avoid the Spit's cafe unless you happen to like slow service, costly but poor quality food & the dubious distinction of queuing for a table whilst staring out over all the empty spaces!
This was the first (and last) time my business will be remitted at said establishment. A pity as its sister premises on Christchurch Quay is a long time & favourite haunt of mine, although recent visits suggest a subtle drop in ambiance & service.
Sitting in the cafe and awaiting my order, my attention was again drawn to the frequency of fellow diners with nice shiny walking poles leaning haphazardly by their tables.
It seems that Nordic Walking as a fitness regime has hit this area big time. Quite how or why this has happened remains a mystery to me.
Now please don't take my skepticism as a negative feeling. I'm all for anything that gets people outdoors and enjoying the landscape. But judging by the amount of food being consumed today's exercise benefit was for fast being negated by a mass intake of carbs, fats & sugary substances.
As I pushed away my half eaten meal (a salad - naturally) I made for the exit and a more solitary route back to avoid the excess of humanity working hard at working hard. But I couldn't help but wonder as I passed the "Noddy Train" stop, its lengthening queue of people awaiting the 5 minute ride back to the car park, just how many of the Stick Brigade would take that option for their return journey. Full bellies complaining at the thought of the reasonably short walk back.
Maybe I was right.
My route back followed the edge of the harbour. A quiet & solitary amble with not a soul met along the way until I neared the tarmac track to exit the headland. And with it the inevitable bottleneck of people, sticks & wandering dogs.
Now I remember why I avoid this area like a plague during the summer months; And most of the Winter ones as well.
A good walking route, like a good wine, is to be enjoyed & savoured for inner contentment. And regrettably the well intentioned aims to make this area into a 'Visitor Attraction' has instead created a strange sort of venue.
My tip - it can be an enjoyable walk with superb veiws. But go when the weather is foul & the Stick People are more likely to stay away.
Labels: Fitness, New Forest, walks
Smoke on The Water: New Forest Style
Looks like Spring is a-sprung as locals welcome the new tourist season with their Old Tradition of Setting Fire to the First Caravan of the New Season.
Apparently not. More like the semi-regular gorse burning to take advantage of the wet ground underfoot, before it starts to dry & harden.
At last. Its been a long Winter this year.Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Sunday, January 10
Whitten Pond - Ice Bound
A few snaps from this afternoon's wander near Burley in the New Forest.
The camera flash creating a strangely moody image at my regular crossing point on this pond outlet stream. A place where I've occasionally spotted a swimming snake - but certainly not today.
The beam traverse may be short but it requires a steady nerve & careful balance to avoid the potential early dip. Not that that has happened to me. Yet.
But today it is an easier passage with careful short sliding steps across the surface of thick ice.
A few steps further on lies Whitten Pond, a large pool of water easily visible from the Burley/Bransgore road.
I remain wary of the variable nature of the icy conditions underfoot. So those who decided a trip out onto the ice, and so far from shore, were foolhardy to say the least.
In places the steeping ground requires careful attention to avoid a loss of footing. Necessary caution.
Occasionally the path route leads across a flat areas of snowy ground. Too flat to be solid ground I belatedly realise with ominous sounds of cracking ice underfoot. A reminder of the vast quantity of stored water potential awaiting the inevitable thaw before returning the New Forest tracks back to muddy quagmire for the winter months ahead.
Dark was falling as I finally returned to the car park, today's walking pace reduced by the need for wariness.
As I carefully maneuvered the car towards the icy incline at the car park exit other vehicles were still arriving to start their own excursions out into the dark and mildly treacherous conditions.
Well at least the cold will keep any victim suitably embalmed for easy body ID.Labels: nature, New Forest
Saturday, January 2
New Year. New Forest. Old Haunts.
The local cold snap continues unabated. With local low lying areas exhibiting their seasonal floods the persistence of hard & frozen ground is at present an useful advantage. Boggy and potentially treacherous areas have for a brief time become firm routes of iron surfaced mud and thick ice.
Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.
Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.
Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.
I like this hidden spot.
In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)
But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.
Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.
The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.
My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, December 20
Christmas WanderLand
I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, November 1
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Burbush waterfall is back in residency once more & all just a few steps away from a usually busy car parking area.
Hope the New Forest Authority don't cotton onto this as a potential tourist attraction!
Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Hengistbury Head & Fi(a)tness Trends
As promised earlier (and following some mild reflection \ toning down) where did all the Nordic Walkers come from so suddenly? And more to the point, what do some of them hope to achieve? (The clue was in the photo - walking poles and cafe seat BTW)
Saturday's duties took me into the Christchurch area. So for a change I took a walk out over Hengistbury Head, along Mudeford Sandspit, before tracing a route along the shore of Christchurch Harbour and back to the car.
Its not a long trip, less than 5 miles even taking the longer alternatives. However it manages to include a short but steep ascent & some superb coastal views.
To the east is The Needles Lighthouse drawing the eye beyond to the Isle of Wight.
And turning westwards a sweep across Bournemouth Bay. Swanage in the far distance, with the dowdy sprawl of the Poole/Bournemouth conurbation as one's gaze tracks the beach back towards your position.
Quickly turning to the north what remains of the Dorset heathland these days, along with the New Forest in the distance, is laid out before your feet. Twinkling distant in today's sunlight are the Rivers Stour & Avon, their floodplain meanderings finally joining up as they reach Christchurch, its Priory clearly silhouetted against the town.
Sounds idyllic doesn't it? A pity then the local council charge prohibitive amounts to use the car park. But despite that the area this Saturday morning was teeming with people, dogs, kids etc etc.
Well I should have known really. Its not a place to come for a quiet walk, not unless there's a gale lashing rain inland from the English Channel. Which for some reason tends to deter some people.
Not so your humble scribe. Although it has the dubious pleasure of being one of the few places where I had a (well fitted) cap ripped from my head and discarded some 50m away. Mind you it was a bit gusty that day - and I did seem to be the only one on the headland tasting salty raindrops. The rain actually wind sped spray spat up from the sea some 300m distant at the foot of the cliff 30+m below.
But that's another tale.
As usual I parked in one of the side streets to avoid the parking charge & avoid the predatory Traffic Wardens that roam the area. As I walked towards the headland track contouring the coastline the unexpected drone of bagpipes was wafted on the stiff breeze.
Well I say wafted.
Common to most bagpipe enthusiasts, interested in remaining on good terms with their neighbours, the only practice sites seem to be far out in the wilds as the skirl(?) of the pipes does have a tendency to carry some considerable distance.
Especially true today. Turning a corner the hedgerow on my right dropped away to reveal two of the buggers playing a spirited duet (whilst trying not to look as if they were up to no good in the bushes)
They needn't have worried - their playing was accomplished. Although quite what a brace of pipers were doing here on the south coast was another question entirely. Particularly when dressed in full Highland Regalia.
Nearing the Head the amount people increased - and with it an increasing number of those carrying/using walking poles. At first I thought nothing of it. That is until I noticed the strange outdoor regalia being worn. Trainers, jeans, tracksuits. It felt like a poorly funded fashion show. But the poles were clearly in pristine condition sporting brand names I'd not previously come across before.
And so it continued as I strode purposefully up to the OS trig point on the Head itself.
Onwards across the headland, wind blowing hard as usual, to eventually descend the far side, a spur of the moment decision made to head for the cafe on Mudeford Spit.
Note I've carefully not mentioned the cafe's name, or provided a link. If you're in this area use the Hungry Hiker next to the car park, which has a good reputation. Avoid the Spit's cafe unless you happen to like slow service, costly but poor quality food & the dubious distinction of queuing for a table whilst staring out over all the empty spaces!
This was the first (and last) time my business will be remitted at said establishment. A pity as its sister premises on Christchurch Quay is a long time & favourite haunt of mine, although recent visits suggest a subtle drop in ambiance & service.
Sitting in the cafe and awaiting my order, my attention was again drawn to the frequency of fellow diners with nice shiny walking poles leaning haphazardly by their tables.
It seems that Nordic Walking as a fitness regime has hit this area big time. Quite how or why this has happened remains a mystery to me.
Now please don't take my skepticism as a negative feeling. I'm all for anything that gets people outdoors and enjoying the landscape. But judging by the amount of food being consumed today's exercise benefit was for fast being negated by a mass intake of carbs, fats & sugary substances.
As I pushed away my half eaten meal (a salad - naturally) I made for the exit and a more solitary route back to avoid the excess of humanity working hard at working hard. But I couldn't help but wonder as I passed the "Noddy Train" stop, its lengthening queue of people awaiting the 5 minute ride back to the car park, just how many of the Stick Brigade would take that option for their return journey. Full bellies complaining at the thought of the reasonably short walk back.
Maybe I was right.
My route back followed the edge of the harbour. A quiet & solitary amble with not a soul met along the way until I neared the tarmac track to exit the headland. And with it the inevitable bottleneck of people, sticks & wandering dogs.
Now I remember why I avoid this area like a plague during the summer months; And most of the Winter ones as well.
A good walking route, like a good wine, is to be enjoyed & savoured for inner contentment. And regrettably the well intentioned aims to make this area into a 'Visitor Attraction' has instead created a strange sort of venue.
My tip - it can be an enjoyable walk with superb veiws. But go when the weather is foul & the Stick People are more likely to stay away.
Labels: Fitness, New Forest, walks
Smoke on The Water: New Forest Style
Looks like Spring is a-sprung as locals welcome the new tourist season with their Old Tradition of Setting Fire to the First Caravan of the New Season.
Apparently not. More like the semi-regular gorse burning to take advantage of the wet ground underfoot, before it starts to dry & harden.
At last. Its been a long Winter this year.Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Sunday, January 10
Whitten Pond - Ice Bound
A few snaps from this afternoon's wander near Burley in the New Forest.
The camera flash creating a strangely moody image at my regular crossing point on this pond outlet stream. A place where I've occasionally spotted a swimming snake - but certainly not today.
The beam traverse may be short but it requires a steady nerve & careful balance to avoid the potential early dip. Not that that has happened to me. Yet.
But today it is an easier passage with careful short sliding steps across the surface of thick ice.
A few steps further on lies Whitten Pond, a large pool of water easily visible from the Burley/Bransgore road.
I remain wary of the variable nature of the icy conditions underfoot. So those who decided a trip out onto the ice, and so far from shore, were foolhardy to say the least.
In places the steeping ground requires careful attention to avoid a loss of footing. Necessary caution.
Occasionally the path route leads across a flat areas of snowy ground. Too flat to be solid ground I belatedly realise with ominous sounds of cracking ice underfoot. A reminder of the vast quantity of stored water potential awaiting the inevitable thaw before returning the New Forest tracks back to muddy quagmire for the winter months ahead.
Dark was falling as I finally returned to the car park, today's walking pace reduced by the need for wariness.
As I carefully maneuvered the car towards the icy incline at the car park exit other vehicles were still arriving to start their own excursions out into the dark and mildly treacherous conditions.
Well at least the cold will keep any victim suitably embalmed for easy body ID.Labels: nature, New Forest
Saturday, January 2
New Year. New Forest. Old Haunts.
The local cold snap continues unabated. With local low lying areas exhibiting their seasonal floods the persistence of hard & frozen ground is at present an useful advantage. Boggy and potentially treacherous areas have for a brief time become firm routes of iron surfaced mud and thick ice.
Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.
Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.
Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.
I like this hidden spot.
In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)
But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.
Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.
The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.
My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, December 20
Christmas WanderLand
I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, November 1
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Saturday's duties took me into the Christchurch area. So for a change I took a walk out over Hengistbury Head, along Mudeford Sandspit, before tracing a route along the shore of Christchurch Harbour and back to the car.
Its not a long trip, less than 5 miles even taking the longer alternatives. However it manages to include a short but steep ascent & some superb coastal views.
To the east is The Needles Lighthouse drawing the eye beyond to the Isle of Wight.
And turning westwards a sweep across Bournemouth Bay. Swanage in the far distance, with the dowdy sprawl of the Poole/Bournemouth conurbation as one's gaze tracks the beach back towards your position.
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Quickly turning to the north what remains of the Dorset heathland these days, along with the New Forest in the distance, is laid out before your feet. Twinkling distant in today's sunlight are the Rivers Stour & Avon, their floodplain meanderings finally joining up as they reach Christchurch, its Priory clearly silhouetted against the town.
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Sounds idyllic doesn't it? A pity then the local council charge prohibitive amounts to use the car park. But despite that the area this Saturday morning was teeming with people, dogs, kids etc etc.
Well I should have known really. Its not a place to come for a quiet walk, not unless there's a gale lashing rain inland from the English Channel. Which for some reason tends to deter some people.
Not so your humble scribe. Although it has the dubious pleasure of being one of the few places where I had a (well fitted) cap ripped from my head and discarded some 50m away. Mind you it was a bit gusty that day - and I did seem to be the only one on the headland tasting salty raindrops. The rain actually wind sped spray spat up from the sea some 300m distant at the foot of the cliff 30+m below.
But that's another tale.
As usual I parked in one of the side streets to avoid the parking charge & avoid the predatory Traffic Wardens that roam the area. As I walked towards the headland track contouring the coastline the unexpected drone of bagpipes was wafted on the stiff breeze.
Well I say wafted.
Common to most bagpipe enthusiasts, interested in remaining on good terms with their neighbours, the only practice sites seem to be far out in the wilds as the skirl(?) of the pipes does have a tendency to carry some considerable distance.
Especially true today. Turning a corner the hedgerow on my right dropped away to reveal two of the buggers playing a spirited duet (whilst trying not to look as if they were up to no good in the bushes)
They needn't have worried - their playing was accomplished. Although quite what a brace of pipers were doing here on the south coast was another question entirely. Particularly when dressed in full Highland Regalia.
Nearing the Head the amount people increased - and with it an increasing number of those carrying/using walking poles. At first I thought nothing of it. That is until I noticed the strange outdoor regalia being worn. Trainers, jeans, tracksuits. It felt like a poorly funded fashion show. But the poles were clearly in pristine condition sporting brand names I'd not previously come across before.
And so it continued as I strode purposefully up to the OS trig point on the Head itself.
Onwards across the headland, wind blowing hard as usual, to eventually descend the far side, a spur of the moment decision made to head for the cafe on Mudeford Spit.
Note I've carefully not mentioned the cafe's name, or provided a link. If you're in this area use the Hungry Hiker next to the car park, which has a good reputation. Avoid the Spit's cafe unless you happen to like slow service, costly but poor quality food & the dubious distinction of queuing for a table whilst staring out over all the empty spaces!
This was the first (and last) time my business will be remitted at said establishment. A pity as its sister premises on Christchurch Quay is a long time & favourite haunt of mine, although recent visits suggest a subtle drop in ambiance & service.
Sitting in the cafe and awaiting my order, my attention was again drawn to the frequency of fellow diners with nice shiny walking poles leaning haphazardly by their tables.
It seems that Nordic Walking as a fitness regime has hit this area big time. Quite how or why this has happened remains a mystery to me.
Now please don't take my skepticism as a negative feeling. I'm all for anything that gets people outdoors and enjoying the landscape. But judging by the amount of food being consumed today's exercise benefit was for fast being negated by a mass intake of carbs, fats & sugary substances.
As I pushed away my half eaten meal (a salad - naturally) I made for the exit and a more solitary route back to avoid the excess of humanity working hard at working hard. But I couldn't help but wonder as I passed the "Noddy Train" stop, its lengthening queue of people awaiting the 5 minute ride back to the car park, just how many of the Stick Brigade would take that option for their return journey. Full bellies complaining at the thought of the reasonably short walk back.
Maybe I was right.
My route back followed the edge of the harbour. A quiet & solitary amble with not a soul met along the way until I neared the tarmac track to exit the headland. And with it the inevitable bottleneck of people, sticks & wandering dogs.
Now I remember why I avoid this area like a plague during the summer months; And most of the Winter ones as well.
A good walking route, like a good wine, is to be enjoyed & savoured for inner contentment. And regrettably the well intentioned aims to make this area into a 'Visitor Attraction' has instead created a strange sort of venue.
My tip - it can be an enjoyable walk with superb veiws. But go when the weather is foul & the Stick People are more likely to stay away.
Labels: Fitness, New Forest, walks
Smoke on The Water: New Forest Style
Looks like Spring is a-sprung as locals welcome the new tourist season with their Old Tradition of Setting Fire to the First Caravan of the New Season.
Apparently not. More like the semi-regular gorse burning to take advantage of the wet ground underfoot, before it starts to dry & harden.
At last. Its been a long Winter this year.Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Sunday, January 10
Whitten Pond - Ice Bound
A few snaps from this afternoon's wander near Burley in the New Forest.
The camera flash creating a strangely moody image at my regular crossing point on this pond outlet stream. A place where I've occasionally spotted a swimming snake - but certainly not today.
The beam traverse may be short but it requires a steady nerve & careful balance to avoid the potential early dip. Not that that has happened to me. Yet.
But today it is an easier passage with careful short sliding steps across the surface of thick ice.
A few steps further on lies Whitten Pond, a large pool of water easily visible from the Burley/Bransgore road.
I remain wary of the variable nature of the icy conditions underfoot. So those who decided a trip out onto the ice, and so far from shore, were foolhardy to say the least.
In places the steeping ground requires careful attention to avoid a loss of footing. Necessary caution.
Occasionally the path route leads across a flat areas of snowy ground. Too flat to be solid ground I belatedly realise with ominous sounds of cracking ice underfoot. A reminder of the vast quantity of stored water potential awaiting the inevitable thaw before returning the New Forest tracks back to muddy quagmire for the winter months ahead.
Dark was falling as I finally returned to the car park, today's walking pace reduced by the need for wariness.
As I carefully maneuvered the car towards the icy incline at the car park exit other vehicles were still arriving to start their own excursions out into the dark and mildly treacherous conditions.
Well at least the cold will keep any victim suitably embalmed for easy body ID.Labels: nature, New Forest
Saturday, January 2
New Year. New Forest. Old Haunts.
The local cold snap continues unabated. With local low lying areas exhibiting their seasonal floods the persistence of hard & frozen ground is at present an useful advantage. Boggy and potentially treacherous areas have for a brief time become firm routes of iron surfaced mud and thick ice.
Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.
Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.
Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.
I like this hidden spot.
In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)
But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.
Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.
The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.
My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, December 20
Christmas WanderLand
I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, November 1
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Looks like Spring is a-sprung as locals welcome the new tourist season with their Old Tradition of Setting Fire to the First Caravan of the New Season.
Apparently not. More like the semi-regular gorse burning to take advantage of the wet ground underfoot, before it starts to dry & harden.
At last. Its been a long Winter this year.
Labels: National Park, nature, New Forest
Whitten Pond - Ice Bound
A few snaps from this afternoon's wander near Burley in the New Forest.
The camera flash creating a strangely moody image at my regular crossing point on this pond outlet stream. A place where I've occasionally spotted a swimming snake - but certainly not today.
The beam traverse may be short but it requires a steady nerve & careful balance to avoid the potential early dip. Not that that has happened to me. Yet.
But today it is an easier passage with careful short sliding steps across the surface of thick ice.
A few steps further on lies Whitten Pond, a large pool of water easily visible from the Burley/Bransgore road.
I remain wary of the variable nature of the icy conditions underfoot. So those who decided a trip out onto the ice, and so far from shore, were foolhardy to say the least.
In places the steeping ground requires careful attention to avoid a loss of footing. Necessary caution.
Occasionally the path route leads across a flat areas of snowy ground. Too flat to be solid ground I belatedly realise with ominous sounds of cracking ice underfoot. A reminder of the vast quantity of stored water potential awaiting the inevitable thaw before returning the New Forest tracks back to muddy quagmire for the winter months ahead.
Dark was falling as I finally returned to the car park, today's walking pace reduced by the need for wariness.
As I carefully maneuvered the car towards the icy incline at the car park exit other vehicles were still arriving to start their own excursions out into the dark and mildly treacherous conditions.
Well at least the cold will keep any victim suitably embalmed for easy body ID.Labels: nature, New Forest
Saturday, January 2
New Year. New Forest. Old Haunts.
The local cold snap continues unabated. With local low lying areas exhibiting their seasonal floods the persistence of hard & frozen ground is at present an useful advantage. Boggy and potentially treacherous areas have for a brief time become firm routes of iron surfaced mud and thick ice.
Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.
Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.
Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.
I like this hidden spot.
In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)
But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.
Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.
The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.
My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, December 20
Christmas WanderLand
I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, November 1
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
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The camera flash creating a strangely moody image at my regular crossing point on this pond outlet stream. A place where I've occasionally spotted a swimming snake - but certainly not today.
The beam traverse may be short but it requires a steady nerve & careful balance to avoid the potential early dip. Not that that has happened to me. Yet.
But today it is an easier passage with careful short sliding steps across the surface of thick ice.
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A few steps further on lies Whitten Pond, a large pool of water easily visible from the Burley/Bransgore road.
I remain wary of the variable nature of the icy conditions underfoot. So those who decided a trip out onto the ice, and so far from shore, were foolhardy to say the least.
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In places the steeping ground requires careful attention to avoid a loss of footing. Necessary caution.
Occasionally the path route leads across a flat areas of snowy ground. Too flat to be solid ground I belatedly realise with ominous sounds of cracking ice underfoot. A reminder of the vast quantity of stored water potential awaiting the inevitable thaw before returning the New Forest tracks back to muddy quagmire for the winter months ahead.
Dark was falling as I finally returned to the car park, today's walking pace reduced by the need for wariness.
As I carefully maneuvered the car towards the icy incline at the car park exit other vehicles were still arriving to start their own excursions out into the dark and mildly treacherous conditions.
Well at least the cold will keep any victim suitably embalmed for easy body ID.
Labels: nature, New Forest
New Year. New Forest. Old Haunts.
The local cold snap continues unabated. With local low lying areas exhibiting their seasonal floods the persistence of hard & frozen ground is at present an useful advantage. Boggy and potentially treacherous areas have for a brief time become firm routes of iron surfaced mud and thick ice.
Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.
Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.
Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.
I like this hidden spot.
In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)
But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.
Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.
The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.
My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, December 20
Christmas WanderLand
I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, November 1
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
.jpg)
Well mostly. As I found out today - the sun may be far away, and brief in daytime appearance - but it still has the power to weaken icy surfaces. So crossing some of the flooded paths turned at times into an adventure of ice skating & river crossing, all within a few footsteps.
Strange to think I had sat on this bridge a few months earlier, munching sandwiches and watching a small New Forest stream trickle down below, firmly in its watercourse.
Signs also of the recent gales. Not yet up to the full strength of the Feb/March winds that will blow hard and long straight across from the nearby coast. But already impressive enough to knock about some less secure victims.
I like this hidden spot.
In fact I once bivvied the night here. Intending to sojourn with nature & pass a night with the deer herd that I can guarantee to find whatever the time of year & wandering tourists. Instead I discovered what horses can get up to during the dark hours
(The curious amongst you should follow the link)
But that's the joy of the British seasonal variation.
Familiar land & bye ways transform as vegetation growth rises & then falls, whilst the ground underfoot changes in response to the influence of sun, water & wind.
.jpg)
The deer didn't disappoint. Three heads bobbing up at a distance. Eyesight poor, but noses as keen as ever. The cold weather and low vegetation at this time of year making them less reluctant to flee with their usual alacrity.
(Spotted them yet?)
A pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a sunny day. Five miles of crunching underfoot, with only the occasional crack/splash along the way as my usually accurate footfall adjustments were mislead by nature's cheeky jests.
My audio accompaniment today - a documentary about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. World famous for his literary colossus Sherlock Holmes. But slightly less familiar as the man who introduced skiing to Switzerland, Portsmouth FC player (pre pro days), regular MCC team turnout & the catalyst behind the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeal.
Wonder if he had managed all this if he'd had TV in his day?
Labels: nature, New Forest
Christmas WanderLand
I love this time of year in the run up to Christmas.
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Sunday, November 1
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
No, not the stupidity of office parties, excessive drinking, & stop-until-you-drop-shopping.
For me it's the peace and quiet that can be found for these few special days when walking local paths.
For the moment the semi occasional visitors now have other places to be. Which is fine by me as it means my weekend wanderings in the New Forest are of a solitary nature, save for an occasional habitual dog walker, similarly benefiting from a lack of human activity.
Despite the car thermometer showing 3 degrees, in the forest puddles are frozen with thick ice, and the ground underfoot is hard & still frozen. Boggy areas, usually a hop skip & splash traverse, today are easily crossed, ice crunching underfoot as I take the straight line ahead.
Sun shine, although weak, is appreciated for the extra warmth offered as I move out from under the shade of the trees. On impulse I decide to extend my route onto Holmsley Tearooms. Usually a hive of activity, especially with the day tripping fraternity, today it is peaceful.
.jpg)
Dog and myself have the garden area to ourselves as we await our lunchtime repast.
.jpg)
We return along the old railway track, preparing to dive back down into deep woodland. Unexpectedly the mix of solitude, sun, and a clear path leading off into the distance unexpectedly brings one of those rare moments of Bliss.
That feeling of oneness with my surroundings; Open to the forces of nature all around me.
Its something I find quite regularly in the hills, especially after a couple of days wildcamping.
But to stumble across it today, on a short and familiar route, is a welcome surprise. And a reminder why I continue to seek the outdoor world, and saviour its offerings.
.jpg)
Christmas - well I can take or leave it personally.
But the rare joy that comes from visiting familiar areas, but finding unexpected joy, is my own gift to myself this Xmas time.
And to share with you, if you only care to go out there and look for yourself.
Oh - and as you can see the new mobile telephone has a much better camera with which to try & capture moments along the way.
Labels: nature, New Forest
Wet Weather Wonder
For once last night's weather forecast was correct. Hardly difficult when it looked like the whole of the UK would be covered by one rather large raincloud.
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.Labels: nature;, New Forest
Thursday, October 22
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
So naturally time to head for one of my local secret spots - a New Forest waterfall near Burbush car park.
As this only appears for a very short time with heavy rainfall its not a spot likely to become over populated with hordes of tourists, especially during the summer holiday months.
Hence the reason I can let you in on this particular secret.
The pool, usually a dry shale track, once more acting unwittingly as an outflow water course, before heading off westwards down along the old railway track.
On this occasion I clambered up to the top of the waterfall, to confirm the source of the water.
Heavy rainfall on the heathland above used to drain away naturally. But a heathland fire a couple of years ago somehow compacted the ground with the result that the small tracks are now channels for the excess water, leading to form deep pools at the edge of the heath. Which inevitably tips over the heathland edge and down onto the track below.
Once again I realise that I should get a a better camera phone for these sort of on the spot snaps.
Labels: nature;, New Forest
New Forest National Park - Revised plan (update)
A quick follow up to yesterday's NFNPA piece.
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Wednesday, October 21
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Here's the first responses from the Forest Uprising Group (Thread:New Forest National Park Management Plan - New Draft) & One Voice.
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
New Forest National Park - Revised plan
For those who have been following this site's observations with the birth pangs of the NFNP Authority there comes hot news - the NFNPA draft Management Plan will be available for public review from Thursday 22nd Oct.
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, October 3
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Public responses has a bare three weeks to provide feedback on the revised document (i.e. comments back by 12 November)
Let's see what is on offering this time around.
(Edit: Wed 18:50 - the document appears to be available already - find it here)
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
New Forest - Air Ambulance
Today's journey out into New Forest brought me upon the scene of a very recent car crash. I turned around and decided to take another route, leaving the emergency services to their unenviable tasks.
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile Labels: New Forest
Sunday, September 27
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
However as I passed near to the scene I spotted the arrival of the local Air Ambulance.
So if you happened to give something to support such a cause - know you know just why they are so essential even in the urbanised areas of the south coast.
Apologies for picture quality - all I had was my mobile
Labels: New Forest
Whre has all the rainfall gone?
(Posed for by model)
The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?Labels: nature;, New Forest
Sunday, September 6
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
(Posed for by model)The flat grassy area at the edge of this New Forest pool near Burbush has been under water for most of the summer months. But now, in late September, there's a couple of meters of dry land where at this time of year the edge of the pond would normally be.
Ok - who nicked all the water then?
Or perhaps a sign of a dry warm Autumn to come?
Labels: nature;, New Forest
NFNPA - New Leaf or Sleight of Hand
Following last week's public meeting with the New Forest National Park Authority representatives there's been much media & web discussion on how sincere the NFNPA's 'climb down' may prove to be.
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, August 2
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
The One Voice group has summarised the meeting & follow-up in this PDF document. Similarly the Forest Uprising Group have their own impression & details of a new advisory group.
So is it a U-Turn, or a ploy?
Time and events will tell.
My own limited take on matters is somewhat mixed. The NFNPA representatives have clearly got the message as to how poor their P.R. & policy stance has been.
Which is good.
But I spotted one worrying note in that the authority’s recently appointed Chief Executive, Barrie Foley, is due to leave at the end of 2009.
I, for one, hadn't picked up the fact his involvement was to be so short.
If his goal has been damage limitation following the sudden departure of the previous CE, then the boy has done good.
But in 2010 there will be yet another incumbent, and another new broom.
The key question. How much of the current improvement in NFNPA stance will be in place next year?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Its Summer? No its Autumn? Just take your pick
An early Sunday start prepping two motorcycles ready for a long weekend at a Well Known Event (but more on that later in the week perhaps)
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
Thursday, June 25
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Whilst I'm on the topic, when did the centre-stand become surplus to requirement? Trying single handed to get each bike on a paddock stand, for simple chain maintenance (a five minute job) became a heart stopping half hour if the end result wasn't to be one's pride and joy lying lifeless on its side after toppling over during the stand/mounting process.
Since when did a centre stand become a luxury item?
So imagine my joy when I wandered back indoors only to find my pc screen infected with a rather nasty Trojan virus which required some major low level surgery to eradicate.
And yes, I do use current Firewall & Anti-Virus packages.
Two hours later that was sorted, leaving many more hours to run some alternative malware/spyware software and complete a low level purge.
Time for a walk then? More like essential.
Out to Burbush in the New Forest for a bit of contemplative R&R, accompanied by a MP3 player of very loud rock music. Always works well when I'm in an anti-social frame of mind.
Predictably, given the summer season, the rural back roads were busy & the New Forest car park a seething mass of humanity. Why does the term 'tourist on holiday' seem to require leaving their brain & common sense in a small pail by the holiday accommodation's front door each day?
Oh well - a quiet route was essential today, far away from marked paths and over publicised guidebook routes.
A success in that I saw no-one else once I'd left the vicinity of the car park. Sort of a success in a spur of the moment decision to try something a little more physically challenging by hopping off the back of my first route to link up with a longer outlying circuit.
It was via bog land. It wasn't any surprise. I know the land here abouts is liable to be undercut by narrow rivulets of flowing water, especially after rain. Adopting the trusted bog hop gait that Darren knows so well I quickly crossed onto the lower slopes of the far valley side, and picked up a pony track up to the pine topped mount ahead, in which nestled a World War II searchlight emplacement.
All going spiffing so far. A good workout over rough ground, much akin to Dartmoor in some places, and at a fast pace. Dog by my side, we moved ever onwards.
As I followed the ridge I was watching the boggy land below looking for a better track to cut across to rejoin the original route. An excellent & quiet circular if it wasn't for 400m of path crossing a major watershed plateau. Even the sinking of various peat and straw bales a few years earlier had failed to turn it into better than an inevitable paddle even during drought conditions. So its always been a bugbear of mine to find someway to hop this impassable section without getting a guaranteed soaking.
Today I thought I had cracked it. Spotting a clear pony track down I headed to the valley for a short 200m traverse to the far slope.
Along the way my path meandered by a solitary blackberry bush, already full of ripe fruit. A pause briefly to saviour a couple of large juicy berries unadulterated by proximity to car or human activity. Its going to be a bumper crop this year.
But hang on - doesn't ripe fruit signify the End of The Summer. A sign that Autumn's days are announcing their turn to become the seasonal host?
Maybe. Personally I'm yet to get my head around the fact its Summer, even as the evenings drawn in with each dusk arriving earlier than the previous one.
Onwards then into what turned out to be one of the worst pieces of broken ground I've walked over for some time. No make that walked through. Or maybe even under.
Initially hopping from tussock to tussock I turned to make sure Dog was ok. He'd disappeared. Nope there he was, the only sign of his passage the top of long sedge grasses moving, as he followed a track deep deep down in the undergrowth.
I persevered. Carefully. This was ankle snapping territory. The trusted bog hop gait, so suavely demonstrated not half an hour before soon became an arm whirling, keep the balance, plummet forward until finally the inevitable happened.
My foot went into a pool of water, far below and out of sight, with the result - a boot filled with a tantalising mixture of rain water and Grade A fresh bog land mulch (and all free of charge)
Bugger - this is the sort of incident that rarely happens to me. Even then it should be in some wild and harsh environment. Not 50m from the dry & well worn path in front of me.
I finished the rest of the walk with a noticeable squelch each time my right foot hit the deck. But I had to smile along the way.
Putting the valley's water levels down to this summer's rainfall level I mentally marked the route as passable, but with care and at the right time of the year.
So why, when I came to one of the Forest's permanent pool of standing water was it's level 2-3m below its normal mark; Foreshore mud clearly visible? A typical mid summer scene in fact.
Is this still a wet Summer this year? Or maybe a warm season with periods of rainfall that have coloured the general perception of inclement weather.
Or has the high season already passed, leaving us to face an early Autumn? One that indicates the
non Winter season is now one extended period of warm & occasionally wet weather?
Well I don't know, and I doubt whether the Met Office are truly qualified these days to proffer an opinion that anyone would trust.
I squelched my way back into the typical Soddam & Gomorrah scene surrounding the car park. As I started homewards to renew battle with a pc clean-up, I skirted Forest ponies obstructing the main access routes & road. Their particular season in full swing having relearnt the quickest way to get Oohs & Aahs from day trippers and more relevantly their free handouts.
I really need to get away soon!
Labels: nature, New Forest, walks
If a tree falls in the (New) Forest, does anyone care?
Farewell then Lindsay Cornish, soon to be ex-Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, who resigned at today's annual meeting of the park authority.
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Tuesday, June 23
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
"I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill informed and libellous as some of it is maybe damaging the reputation of the entire authority. For these and other personal reasons I will therefore be leaving the authority at the end of the month" (snippet courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo)
Speaking as a mere wage slave, leaving a job with barely six days notice comes as a bit of a sudden surprise. If not to say extremely convenient.
One suspects a damage limitation exercise by the National Parks Authority, possibly involving DEFRA, and decided on some time long before this juncture.
I guess that means the potential libel cases can be ignored now?; And the real issues concerning the NFNPA policies can start to be positively addressed?
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
One Voice - Public Meeeting
I've not mentioned the activities of One Voice for a little while. But as you'd expect OV continues to agitate for public & open consultation concerning the New Forest National Park Authority's plans.
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Saturday, June 20
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I've just been dropped an e-mail about their next step - an open public meeting in support of a Petition for fuller public consultation.
Location, naturally, is in the New Forest at Tiptoe on Monday June 29th with speakers from the majority of the key grass root groups & the local New Forest MP..
Full details can be downloaded here
Its a very positive move bringing, as it does, the diverse interest groups together under one roof, to present a formidable united and very visible presence.
On this occasion I'm not likely to make the meeting, but if there's anyone out there who wants to let me have their thoughts after the event, I'll be happy to post an update of the general mood & further activity.
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
New Forest National Park - Circling the wagons
Hot on the heels of my piece last week comes further news concerning the beleaguered NFPA as events continue to unfold.
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
Sunday, June 14
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Or should that be unravel?
Earlier in the week a parliamentary question raised by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne (refer "National Parks: New Forest")
Back at NPA, rebuttal of press enquiries "..because of legal issues.."
(New Milton Advertiser 20/6/09 quoting NPA deputy chairman Barry Rickman)
Then threat of libel action comes in a statement from NFNPA Chief Executive, Lindsay Cornish; The subject of the current fervour.
"We have taken legal advice in the light of allegations ……published on websites and in newspapers……Our legal representatives will contact those who published the allegations, seeking an unreserved apology and immediate withdrawal from publication…."
Full text is on FUG's site. Along with further updates which include the arrival of NFPA letters delivered to FUG organiser's homes earlier today.
(Thread: Statement sent on behalf of Clive Chatters...)
(Edit: A copy of NFNPA's letter can be seen here, along with their own thoughts on the matter here)
No link for the NFPA - their site doesn’t seem to carry the statement or any news on all of this, as far as I can see.
Forest Uprising's response was typically pragmatic "We're not exactly quaking in our boots…"
Quite so ladies.
Naturally I've rechecked my own jottings. Rest assured I will continue to report on the NFPA's increasingly disjointed efforts; They continue to avoid the real issues, whilst embroiling themselves in a scandal arising as a direct result of their own activities.
As for any legal activity directed in this direction?
Well I guess that means someone will need to try and find me first.
Ho hum. The joys of Internet anonymity.
[JH-Posted from laptop & mobile phone; Somewhere deep in the heart of the New Forest; With not an ice-cream van in sight]
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
New Forest Slow Worm
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.Labels: nature, New Forest
Wednesday, June 10
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I've no idea where the name Slow Worm comes from, but this little bootstrap didn't know that as it moved like greased lightening on my approach.
Strangely I spotted it around midday, in strong sunlight. Normally they have taken to shade cover by then.
That is the second "snake" I've spotted already this year; Both within the same couple of square mile area, near one of the New Forest's prime tourist car park/picnic spots.
Over past years I'd total up the number of my clear sightings to around about .... well nil.
Not too sure what that says about the current population of these reptiles.
But I'm just waiting for the annual adder warning in the local press.
And no - I've never seen one of those outside the confines of the local Reptiliary at Lyndhurst.
Keep 'em peeled folks.
Labels: nature, New Forest
New Forest National Park - Trouble in the woods?
Since my last piece back in January various rustles have continued deep down amongst the New Forest undergrowth. However in truth there had been little real progress to report, hence my silence. Until now.
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly. Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
The New Forest National Park Authority are still in situ; Still attempting to do things their own sweet way.
But recent news indicates that all may not be happy behind the doors of the NFNPA organisation.
First the announcement of the departure of Richard Lemon, NFNPA Director of Planning, & Strategy.
(He joined in Nov '08)
Last week came the shrill sound of whistle blowing NFNPA staff - and their issues with NFNPA's Chief Executive Lindsay Cornish. A noise which has even (finally!) reached the ears of the the local newspaper.
(The letter can be read here, along with FUG's response)
All of this on top of the May announcement extending the timescale for approval of the National Park Plan "to the end of October (09) to allow adequate time for the draft to be revised in the light of the many comments received" (ref)
I leave you to form your own opinion.
But try not to giggle too loudly.
Labels: Forest Uprising Group, New Forest, One Voice
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
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