Horse Riders Forum
The Hurtwood Control Trust (HCT) held a discussion forum for horse riders on January 29th 2008. Twelve riders attended and a lively discussion followed short presentations from the HCT about the management issues that arise from increasing levels of use. The Trust emphasised that mixed use is encouraged and there were no plans to curtail use by any one category (or more) of users (although this option does by definition theoretically exist) It was also stated that use of The Hurtwood by individuals and groups must necessarily be at their own risk. The risk of increased levels of conflict between mountain bikers and horse riders and the implications for safety, erosion of the landscape and, the impact on wildlife were all covered in the subsequent discussion.
The Friends Newsletter and Annual Report
The current Friends Newsletter and Annual Report is now available online to Friends of The Hurtwood. Please log on to the Friends area, and then go to 'Downloads'.
Mountain Bike Forum
The Forum was organised by Hurtwood Control (HC) on 25th July as a key first step in opening a dialogue with local bikers. HC are concerned that the present network of unsan
ctioned single track trails on Holmbury and Pitch Hills are causing conflict with other users and becoming unsustainable and are damaging the environment.
Fly-Tipping
Fly-Tipping as everyone who has seen the Ranger’s shocking photographs of the quantity and variety of rubbish dumped on the Hurtwood will know, is an increasingly serious, and expensive problem. We need all the assistance the Friends can give us to help to minimise the problem.
If you see any rubbish being dumped on the Hurtwood, please let the Ranger know as soon as possible. The easiest way to do this is via our contact form.
If you actually witness the dumping, we may be able to prosecute the offender if you can give us sufficient evidence. Please record details such as:
- A description of the waste
- The location
- The date of the incident or the date it was discovered
- The number of people involved and what they looked like
- Did you recognise them?
- What did they do?
- Was there a vehicle involved?
- If so, the make and registration number.
If possible and safe for you to do so – take photographs (these can be sent to us via the contact form too).
Much of the rubbish left on the Hurtwood is the product of tree surgery. If you are having work carried out to your trees or hedges, please ensure that the waste is taken to a licensed site. Ask your contractor to produce proof that he is licensed to carry waste, and to tell you where he is going to dispose of it. The same of course applies to builders waste.
With your help, Hurtwood Control will save precious resources and the Ranger’s life will be made much easier!
The CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) has produced an excellent leaflet about fly tipping, and how to minimise it. For more information, see CPRE Hampshire website
Forestry
All Friends of the Hurtwood will be aware that Shere Manor Estate has recently begun a major forestry programme on some of the main Scots pine plantations. By now, many of you will have seen the contractors at work. 
More felling is planned and we will keep you informed of the Estate’s programme. From the forester’s point of view, this is an essential part of the woodland cycle. The trees have reached maturity, and the time has come to harvest them while they are in their prime and of maximum value as timber; to leave them much longer would lead to disease, decay, and ultimately damage to the trees around them.
As the pines and I are much of an age, I view them very personally!
Read the full story....