land management - Malvern Hills Conservators

MALVERN HILLS
CONSERVATORS
ANNUAL REPORT
2008
1
Manor House
Grange Road
Malvern
Worcs. WR14 3EY
Tel: 01684 892002
E mail: [email protected]
www.malvernhills.org.uk
Charity No. 515804
VAT No.
GB 275 8803 21
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KEY OBJECTIVES
Under the Malvern Hills Acts the Conservators have a statutory duty to:
• maintain the natural aspect of the land. Some 1200 hectares are under the
ownership or jurisdiction of the Conservators
• keep it open for the public
• not to do anything to interfere with the rights of commoners
This report outlines the Malvern Hills Conservators activities during the year 2008.
Any comments are gratefully received.
Section of the Shire ditch and ramparts of British Camp in the background
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CHAIRMAN’S FOREWARD
When I look back over my first year as Chairman of the Board of the Malvern Hills
Conservators, I cannot help but be pleased with everything that has been achieved
during that time. Reading through previous Annual Reports one becomes aware that
this is a common theme every year. It is proof, if proof were needed, that the
Conservators are a very active and energetic organization, working constantly for the
future of Malvern Hills and Commons.
The year started with a new Board, of which 12 members were newly elected or
appointed. It takes a little while for us to get to know each other. I am pleased to say
that we are all still working for the future protection of the land we own and manage on
behalf of the public.
Some things we do at once, others take a while. I am reminded, reading the 2002
Report, that we were then celebrating the success of the Heritage Lottery Fund Grant
some three years after the first application had been sent in. This year, another six
years on, I can now report that at long last the work is being completed, having crossed
many hurdles on the way. The HLF paid for the pioneering work that demonstrated that
the reintroduction of grazing would be a practical proposition. Work on installing the last
Cattle Grids at Chase End Hill has started and should be completed by the end of this
year.
Working together with the Malvern Spa Association and the local AONB
Officers, many of the Water Features on our land have been renovated or restored, St
Ann’s Well being the most ambitious of those projects.
Now we have demonstrated that grazing is feasible and with the confirmation of Higher
Level Stewardship for the next ten years, we are asking farmers and commoners to
come forward and take on the stock. We have been delighted with the interest shown in
tendering for grazing rights on the Northern and Central Hills. The Southern Hills and
Castlemorton Common will be going out to tender next year. I look forward to seeing the
Hills being grazed again as they were when I was a child.
We have now successfully obtained title to most of the anomalous areas of land
highlighted during the registration of the majority of the Conservators’ land in 2004 with
the Land Registry. We expect this to be finalised during next year. This has been a very
difficult job for our staff as land has been inherited, purchased or gifted to us in many
small dribs and drabs over the years; our original 550 acres having now expanded to
cover 3,000 (1,200 hectares).
As a result of lessons learned from problems that arose around the proposed
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development of the Old Railway Yard, off Peachfield Road., our Easement policy has
now been redrafted to further protect Conservators’ rights on Common Land.
The issue of Representation came to the fore again and as a result we sought advice
from Parliamentary Agents to see if another way was open for changing representation
without the need for an expensive Act of Parliament. They replied to the effect that this
could not be done at this time.
I have been particularly disturbed by the official interpretation of the new National Rules
regarding Conflict of Interest. In my view it disenfranchises local people from being fully
represented by their elected councillor when he or she is also a Malvern Hills
Conservator. I cannot believe that was the intention when these rules were drafted.
A great step forward in communication with the public has already taken place with the
setting up of the Recreation Advisory Panel. About a dozen representative user groups
have begun to meet several times a year to discuss issues that may affect their mutual
enjoyment of the Hills and Commons.
Returning to my opening comments, I would like to pledge that during my term as
Chairman, I would like to improve recognition of the hard work and dedication of the
Organization as a whole. It is easy for people to spot little things that niggle them when
walking the Hills or Commons but it is not so easy for them to spot all the good things
that are being done on a regular basis. If the work is not done it is soon very obvious to
everybody. We are lucky to have a very hard working, dedicated and loyal staff. They
cannot be praised too highly.
Enjoying the view at the toposcope on Worcestershire Beacon
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Contents
Pages
Resources:
Administration
6 - 8
Land Management
9 - 15
Financial Information
16 - 20
Members of the Board
20
Staff
21
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RESOURCES
ADMINISTRATION & RESOURCES
The Administration and Resources Committee is responsible for the financial
management, health and safety, implementation of the Byelaws, human resources,
property and public relations of the Board.
Representation
Advice was sought from Parliamentary Agents to see if another way was open for
changing representation on the Board without the need for a new Act of Parliament.
Following a thorough analysis of the options by the Agents and putting these facts to
DEFRA we were told this was unlikely to be possible.
Policies
During the year the committee reviewed many of the Board’s existing policies. This is
carried out every four years and is not only part of the induction for new members but
ensures that the policies are up to date with new legislation and current thinking.
Land Registration Update
Work continued to obtain title to areas of land that although managed by the
Conservators had never been conveyed to them. During the year we have successfully
confirmed our title to two areas on Castlemorton Common, the top of the Worcestershire
Beacon, an area to the north-east of North Hill, land above Westminster Road and Eaton
Road, Malvern Wells and a section of Newland Common. In addition the ownership of
five small parcels of land on the west side of the Worcestershire Beacon and off Jubilee
Drive has been transferred to the Conservators by Herefordshire Council. Work will
continue throughout next year to finalise registration.
Newland Common
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Web Site
More and more people rely on the internet to gain information. Visitors to the Hills want
to know where to park and what walks there are. Residents want to know what the Hills
Conservators are proposing that may affect them. Volunteers want to know how they
can help. In 2008 we commissioned a firm to give us a new look site.
www.malvernhills.org.uk
Buildings
Waste Storage Facility
Disused quarries are a good place to site our sheds and the working end of the
business; however they have settlement problems associated with the infill of waste after
the quarries were closed. We have experienced such a problem on the site chosen for
the Waste Storage Facility; this has delayed the construction which in turn has had a
knock-on effect on our grass cutting and waste storage in 2008. It is hoped that this
improved storage facility will be completed in 2009.
Public Conveniences - Wyche Cutting.
Following on from the upgrade of the public lavatories at British Camp, this very
necessary provision needed a complete refurbishment. The land on which the lavatories
stand is owned by the Conservators and the lavatories themselves were built by a
previous local authority. Working with Herefordshire Council we made money available
from our capital funds to bring these conveniences up to an excellent standard.
Refurbished public conveniences at the Wyche Cutting
7
Planning
Although not a statutory consultee on local authority planning applications, the
Conservators do comment on applications where they could have an impact on their
land. During the year we commented on these two major applications:
Downs School, Colwall
This development affects land managed by the Malvern Hills Conservators in that the
junction of Walwyn/Old Church Road/Brockhill Roads will be altered to allow better
access for the school.
Peachfield Old Railway Yard and Easement Policy
In 2003 the Malvern Hills Conservators agreed in principle to grant a right of access over
an existing track to permit development of the old railway yard off Peachfield Road as
the land was scheduled for residential development in the forthcoming review of the
Local Plan. The Conservators did object to the first planning application, where they felt
that the drainage issue, highway infrastructure and urbanisation of the common would
have an adverse impact. The internal layout of the site is a matter for the planning
authorities.
Lessons were learnt in the process which has led to the Conservators reviewing their
Policy Guidelines for granting easements to protect the integrity of the common.
Staff
•
•
•
At the beginning of the year Yasmin Lynes worked with staff for a month as part
of her Bulmers Foundation Masters Degree course in Sustainable Development
Advocacy.
Ken Cadwallader, a member of the Field Staff for nearly 20 years, retired in July.
Hazel Davis, part-time Administrative Assistant, retired in October after
completing ten years service.
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LAND MANAGEMENT
The Land Management Committee oversees the management of the 3000-acre estate.
The Hills and Commons are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) this
places a legal duty on the owners to conserve the land and its wildlife.
There are two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM), British Camp and the Shire
Ditch both legally protected.
Higher Level Stewardship
The Malvern Heritage Project has provided funds to see if grazing could be reintroduced
to the Malvern Hills. The Field Staff working alongside the stockmen have successfully
proved that we can have grazing without too much disruption to the users of the Hills.
However it was always our intention to work with farmers around the Hills and the
opportunity of a ten year Stewardship fund from DEFRA has enabled us to put the
Northern Hills and Central Hills out to tender for grazing contract. An application is going
ahead for Southern Hills and Castlemorton Commons and will be available next year for
members to approve.
Fishing Open Days
In an effort to promote responsible fishing at the Mill Pond, Castlemorton
Worcestershire Angling Academy ran three angling education days at the site. In
addition to the many young people turning up for the event there was a good opportunity
for fishermen present on the day to gain greater understanding of the welfare issues of
wildlife using the pond.
Following these education days the Academy’s manager has asked to be a voluntary
Bailiff for the area which the committee has taken up.
Fishing Day at the Mill Pond, Golden Valley, Castlemorton
9
Toad Crossing
We often report new initiatives. However it is also good to celebrate over 10 years of
help given by volunteers every spring who spend damp February and March evenings
helping toads cross at Jubilee Drive and Chase Road. The amphibians are desperate to
get back to their native ponds to spawn and are not adapted to deal with the speed of
today’s traffic on the west side of the Hill. The volunteers help by putting up signs and
collecting the toads to give them a much needed lift across roads.
Toad
Tree Management Policy
The tree management policy came under the spotlight from the committee. For many
years requests from residents to attend to trees that were on Conservators’ land were
met with a polite refusal. There are circumstances when the felling coppicing or
pollarding of trees can be of benefit for the trees, landscape and wildlife. In these cases
residents are given permission to carry out and pay for the work. Thus the policy aids
the work in managing the land. However it will always be a controversial decision as
some will like the area kept as it is whilst others will appreciate the change and there will
be occasions when the organisation is seen to pander to the wishes of a few.
Flood Damage from July 2007
Millpond, Castlemorton
The Mill pond at Castlemorton retains its water through a dam wall. This wall was
overtopped in the July 2007 floods. Repairs to the wall were carried out by a specialist
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mining firm who after re-contouring the bank with clay then injected foam into cracks that
solidified and thus prevented further leaks.
Old Hills
Wherever Hills exist water runs off them. If we alter watercourse we are in danger of
causing problems further downstream. However at Old Hills taking the advice of the
Environment Agency and a retired engineer, Tony Skelsey, we were able to solve the
flooding problems by replacing a pipe acting as a culvert with a larger 600mm pipe.
Eight Oaks, Castlemorton
A similar problem arose at Eight Oaks where a pipe of inadequate size had been
installed in a section of ditch under an access track. This was solved by substituting two
larger pipes.
Landslip at Wyche
Water cascading down the Wyche and percolating into an infill site resulted in a slip; a
household was evacuated and the area cordoned off. The ground needed to be
stabilised and contractor Lawrence Goodchap was contracted to dig out the loose
material and replace it with a concrete retaining wall.
Malverns Heritage Project
The final year of the Heritage Lottery Fund for water features and the grazing project will
see the restoration of the spouts on the hills. The Malvern Hills AONB working with the
Malvern Spa Association has restored the following spouts on Malvern Hills
Conservators’ land:
Hayslad – This popular spring has had a bifurcating spout was fitted, the stonework
repaired and the area paved.
The stone surrounds were repairs at Weavers Well, Willow spring and Ellerslie.
Westminster Spring - fencing was repaired around the collection tanks to exclude
animals.
Bifurcating spout at Hayslad Spring
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Conservation Volunteers
The Conservation Volunteers’ projects go from strength to strength and the Special
Management Areas (SMAs) that the volunteers mainly work on are increasing in number
and improving in quality. The twice monthly Friday Conservation Group is now well
established and complements the Saturday Group’s work, now entering its ninth year!
The areas worked on include the flush at Swinyard Hill, the ephemeral ridges at
Hangman’s Hill and Worcestershire Beacon and flower rich meadows at Lodge Field and
Old Hollow. Tasks often include clearance of invasive species such as brambles,
bracken, thistles and silver birch saplings. This year we were able to cut and rake hay
at Townsend Way Memorial orchard, prune some traditional apple trees at Golden
Valley and began coppicing trees in the Holywell Road area.
In addition to the regular volunteers we have had groups from Malvern College, Malvern
Rotary Club and IBM Worcester contributing to work such as litter picking and bracken
clearance.
A questionnaire has recently been sent out to our volunteers. The results will hopefully
help staff gain an insight into ways of improving the experiences of the volunteers who
give up so much of their time to the management of the Hills and Commons.
Conservation Volunteers having a well-earned break
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Visit to Bromesberrow Estate
The southern end of the Hills is less frequented than other areas; however they are not
forgotten. Although the Conservators own and manage Chase End Hill they do not have
jurisdiction over the western slopes. These are in the care of Bromesberrow Estate.
Therefore we need to work closely with the Estate to ensure management is coordinated
and also support it in the community over the installation of cattle grids on the highways
surrounding the Hill. The cattle grids were part of the Malverns Heritage Project and
installation will be completed in 2009.
The Conservators visited Bromesberrow and were shown around the estate gaining an
insight into the land management objectives of the estate as well as the letting of
buildings for business purposes. As well as providing employment, this also helps in
running the estate.
Cleeve Common Conservators
Cleeve Common near Cheltenham is managed by Conservators under an Act of
Parliament. An evening visit by the Cleeve Common Conservators in July provided the
opportunity for both organisations to exchange ideas and working practise to help solve
and understand common issues of managing popular recreation areas as, well as
balancing the protection of the common land.
An informal chat with Cleeve Common Conservators
13
Dog waste
Dog problems on the Hills were again aired in the Malvern Gazette.
The majority of dog owners is responsible and the committee was encouraged by some
improvements. It was decided to press on with our education role working closely with
the Kennel Club and others to continue to improve the situation.
Bridges on Malvern Common
From time to time we receive valuable donations in recognition of our work. A legacy
allowed us to improve access on Malvern Common by replacing sleeper bridges with a
design that will improve access for all. Initially six bridges were built on the upper part of
Malvern Common. Once these were completed those who prefer the lower end of the
Common requested a further three. The Gift Fund went some way to providing for
these.
Hedge-laying Brockhill Road
We employ six Field Staff under the guidance of our Operations Manager and we ask
them to turn their hand to a great variety of rural skills from drainage to stock
management. This year they completed a section of hedge laid in the traditional manner.
Fostering these skills is an important aspect of our management that is not often
celebrated.
Picture of hedgelaying
14
Livestock Numbers on the Hills and Commons:
Northern Hills:
There have been 14 cattle and around 20-30 sheep on this section of the Hills
on and off for most of the year.
Next year it is likely that there will be 70 - 100 sheep on this section of the
Hills along with the 14 cattle.
Central Hills:
There have been about 15 cattle and around 100 sheep on this section of the
Hills on and off for most of the year.
Next year it is anticipated that there will be similar amounts of livestock on this
section of the Hills.
British Camp:
There have been around 140 ewes plus their lambs on this part of the Hills for most
of the year.
Castlemorton Common:
There have been around 120 cows plus their calves on the common and
around 130 ewes plus their lambs on the common for most of the year.
Next year it is anticipated that there will be similar amounts of livestock on this
common.
Liaison with other bodies
A Recreation Advisory Panel was set up during the year. The purpose of the panel is to
provide input from users of the Hills to help inform the Conservators at their Land
Management meetings.
The Conservation Officer hosted the Black Poplar Forum visit and delegates from the
Worcestershire Ancient Tree.
The AONB Partnership have submitted a scheme to Central Networks for
undergrounding overhead cables on Castlemorton Common near Hoopers Patch
The future
o
o
o
The building of a Waste Storage facility will hopefully come to fruition following
advice from engineers on the unstable ground conditions in the quarry.
The completion of Higher Level Stewardship on the Southern Hill.
Continue work to the paths around the Hills.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A statement of the Malvern Hills Conservators’ financial activities showing incoming
resources and resources expended for the year ended 31st March 2008 is shown on
page 19. Total incoming resources were £732,775. Of this, £154,843 was restricted
funds and the balance was unrestricted and designated funds. Total expenditure was
£761,787. Expenditure from the unrestricted and designated funds was £606,565 and
from the restricted funds £155,222. The charts overleaf provide a breakdown of the
incoming resources and resources expended.
The Board’s policy with regard to its restricted and designated funds is clearly defined
and is set out in the Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts.
The levy for the year ended 31st March 2008, charged to the Council Tax payers in the
parishes subject to precept, was £349,250. This represents an amount of £25.27 for a
Band D equivalent tax-base (2006/07 £24.72).
The Board has maintained its policy of updating plant and machinery with modern
equipment.
The Board is required to maintain sufficient unrestricted funds to enable it to finance its
principal activity of conservation. At 31st March 2008 these amounted to £258,626,
representing approximately six months’ expenditure.
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17
Summarised extracts from the audited financial statements
for the year ended 31st March 2008
Summarised Statement of Financial Activities
2008
2007
£
£
Incoming resources
Incomi ng res ources from genera ted funds :
Vol unta ry i ncome
- Gra nts
- Dona ti ons
70,250
99,755
586
5,984
6,778
396,423
11,926
12,571
Acti vi ti es for genera ti ng funds
- Ea s ements a nd wa yl ea ves
- Renta l i ncome
Inves tment i ncome
- Ba nk i nteres t
Total incoming resources from generated funds
106,587
71,931
196,127
586,664
Incomi ng res ources from cha ri ta bl e a cti vi ti es :
Cons erva ti on a cti vi ti es under the Ma l vern Hi l l s Acts
349,250
339,100
Ca r pa rki ng fees
167,222
164,866
516,472
503,966
Total incoming resources from charitable activities
Other i ncomi ng res ources
20,176
21,490
Total incoming resources
732,775
1,112,120
Les s Governa nce cos ts
28,384
4,700
704,391
1,107,420
672,899
660,386
60,504
71,605
Total resources expended on charitable activities
733,403
731,991
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before transfers
(29,012)
375,429
0
0
(29,012)
375,429
Tota l funds brought forwa rd 1s t Apri l 2007
3,146,129
2,770,700
Total funds carried forward 31st March 2008
3,117,117
3,146,129
Net incoming resources available for charitable application
Resources expended on Charitable Activities
Cons erva ti on a cti vi ti es under the Ma l vern Hi l l s Acts
Ca r pa rki ng expens es
Tra ns fers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
18
Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2008
2008
2007
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Ta ngi bl e fi xed a s s ets
1,085,671
1,060,719
Stock
14,760
16,689
Debtors
18,964
20,194
2,027,243
2,144,804
200
200
2,061,167
2,181,887
CURRENT ASSETS
Short term depos i ts
Ca s h a t ba nk a nd i n ha nd
CREDITORS: Amounts fa l l i ng due wi thi n one
yea r
29,721
96,477
NET CURRENT ASSETS
2,031,446
2,085,410
NET ASSETS
3,117,117
3,146,129
258,626
279,514
2,810,240
2,810,619
48,251
55,996
3,117,117
3,146,129
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unres tri cted
Res tri cted
Des i gna ted
AUDITORS’ REPORT
The summarised figures have been extracted from the full accounts. In our opinion, these
summarised accounts are consistent with the full accounts which have received an
unqualified opinion.
Little & Co.
Chartered Accountants
45 Park Road
Gloucester
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
The financial information on pages xx to xx represents summarised extracts from the full
statutory accounts and therefore does not contain sufficient information to give a full
understanding of the financial affairs of the charity. The full statutory accounts, approved on
10th July 2008, carried an unqualified statutory audit report and have been submitted to the
Charity Commission. A copy may be obtained from the Malvern Hills Conservators, Manor
House, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3EY.
Signed on behalf of the trustees
R. G. Roberts, Chairman of the Board
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Members of the Board
1st November 2007Appointed by:
CHAIRMAN: Ray Roberts
Chase Ward
VICE CHAIRMAN: Richard Thomas
Mathon Parish Council
Sue Adeney
Richard Chamings
Chris Cheeseman
Martin Cordey
Roger Hall-Jones
Terry Hunt
Judy Kelly
Mike Morgan
Andrew Myatt
Tony Phillips
Brian Pilcher
John Plant
Chris Rouse
Clive Smith
Joe Smith
Bryan Smith
Mike Soley
Helen Stace
Roy Stockton
Sue Thetford
Paul Tuthill
David Watkins
Pete Watson
Peter Watts
Will Watts
Jeremy Webb
Brian Wilcock
Church Commissioners
Guarlford Parish
Malvern Hills District Council
Worcestershire C.C. (Powick)
Malvern Hills District Council
Colwall Parish
Malvern Hills District Council
Malvern Hills District Council
Dyson Perrins Ward
Worcestershire C.C. (Newland)
Pickersleigh Ward
Worcestershire C.C. (Castlemorton)
West Ward
Malvern Hills District Council
Malvern Hills District Council
Worcestershire County Council
Malvern Hills District Council
Colwall Parish Council
Herefordshire Council
Mathon Parish
Malvern Hills District Council
Malvern Hills District Council
Priory Ward
Herefordshire Council
Colwall Parish
Worcestershire County Council
Wells Ward
Committee Chairmen
Brian Wilcock
Sue Thetford
Administration and Resources
Land Management
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STAFF
Ian Rowat
Val Moore
Rob Havard
Linda Churchill
Paul Saunder
Martin Cottrell
Simon Davies
Matthew Rouse
Matthew Gardner
Daniel Lovatt
Antony Griffiths
Nicky Quinn
Richard Vale
Robin Hill
Jill Hopkirk
Director
Administrative Officer/Deputy Director
Conservation Officer
Financial Assistant
Operations Manager
Field Staff
Field Staff
Field Staff/Stockman
Field Staff/ Assistant Stockman
Field Staff
Field Staff (p/t)
Warden
Warden
Warden
Site Warden (Tank Quarry) p/t
Voluntary Wardens
Volunteer Site Wardens
Malcolm Brown
Pete Watson
Alan Greatwood
David Cheale
Stuart Trigg
Trevor Wilson
Michelle Phillips
John Pole
Diana Maiden
Malcolm Brown
David Hope
Mike O’Brien
Douglas Castle
Tony Garner
Caroline Ogilvy-Morris
Peter Parkes
CONSULTANTS: Financial
Legal
AUDITORS
-
Cheryl Gentry
Harrison Clark
Whatley Recordon
Little & Company
The Malvern Hills Conservators would like to recognise support from DEFRA Rural
Development Service, Worcestershire County Council as well as many members of the
public who give donations, pick up litter and offer us support.
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