[DCV] Consultation in lieu of AGM

[Gareth Morgan]

Hi All,

Very interesting Val. I'd support free tasks for CRT to start. Hopefully
they need hedgelaying, pond restoration etc. I'd suggest we get to see more
of their work, ideally via tasks, before offering a donation. It'd be great
to get in early and build up a new long term client relationship for DCV.

My preference for this year is to offer free tasks rather than a donation
to any charity, but if we can't do many tasks, any donation should aim at a
charity where it would make an impact, so I guess smaller ones like BC come
to mind. The NT staff cuts have been well publicised, but I heard recently
that DWT are likely to cut too - it's getting really tough for some of our
clients.

Best Regards,
Gareth

On Fri, 28 Aug 2020 at 15:17, Richard Meatyard <richardmeatyard at outlook.com>
wrote:

> Hi All
>
> In the news recently has been the purchase by Countryside Restoration
> Trust of Bere Marsh Farm in Dorset.   I thought the name sounded familiar,
> Don and I passed through their land on a recent walk on the Trailway near
> Shillingstone.   CRT's aims are to purchase farmland and woodland where
> traditional farming methods, wildlife habitat and biodiversity are under
> threat, creating a working countryside using sensitive and sympathetic
> farming practices that encourage and protect wildlife and produce
> high-quality produce.     It's an interesting concept, an attempt to create
> traditional and diverse farming which thrives but also encourages nature to
> thrive.     They are a registered charity and I would like to suggest that
> consideration is given to their cause and that perhaps 1/   our annual
> donation be awarded to them (are we still making a donation to a charity or
> would free tasks be that donation?)   and 2/ that perhaps an approach might
> be made to see if DCV can do any work with them.
> All I know of CRT is what I've read in the news and on their website -
> perhaps Doug has more information regarding their activities.  Their
> website is Countryside Restoration Trust
>
> Below is a precis of their remit.  The project sounds interesting and
> worthwhile and I thought I'd bring it to your attention.   This is my
> suggestion - Butterfly Conservation still remains Don's suggestion . . . .
>
> We are both in favour of free tasks, restricted as has been specified.
>
>
> Val
>
>
> Countryside Restoration Trust
>
> Bere Marsh Farm, Dorset
>
> CRT vision -
>
> initial aim - to buy intensively farmed land with declining wildlife
> numbers to restore to create a living countryside.
> As the Trust has grown, aims broadened to encompass purchasing farmland
> and woodland where traditional farming methods, wildlife habitat and
> biodiversity are under threat.
> We create a working countryside using sensitive and sympathetic farming
> practices that encourage and protect wildlife and produce high-quality
> produce.
> CRT farmers pay rent (commercial conservation rates) that’s set at a level
> to allow them to farm in a wildlife friendly way.
> Much like grants from Government or EU conservation schemes, this varies
> and is dependent on how farmers choose to help nature – whether by reducing
> fertiliser use, cutting grass-for-hay late in the season, or replenishing
> livestock at a reduced rate.
> Our farms and properties use a mix of traditional and innovative new
> methods so wildlife is welcomed, encouraged, and given a new home.
> We have many hard-working tenant farmers and a growing number of committed
> volunteers restoring areas of our land to thriving landscapes where flora
> and fauna flourish.
> We teach current and future generations about the importance of conserving
> our natural world and show others how we can all make a positive impact.
>
>
> On 30 June 2020 we completed the purchase of Bere Marsh Farm, just outside
> Shillingstone and on the River Stour.
> It is a fantastic farm with a history of hope and conservation. It lies
> close to the village of Shillingstone. The River Stour runs alongside, and
> often over it when the floodplain does what floodplains are supposed to do
> flood. Just beyond is Hambledon Hill, a big chunk of chalk rising to over
> 600 feet - a place of incredible history, botany and geology.
> There is wetland, grassland, woodland. We hope to have a small milking
> herd of cows, a small flock of Dorset sheep, free-range hens and orchard.
> It has a trailway, footpaths, a bridleway. To put it in modern parlance, it
> has a high footfall - a lot of people walk by it and through it.
> So, we have the perfect property, but now we need to make it fit for
> purpose. Until recently it was a working farm and whilst this is important,
> we want to introduce an Education Centre, Visitor Centre, Conservation
> Activities, signage, toilets… the list is endless. And it takes time and
> money. We are not going to rush it as we want to do it right.
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