BAWDESWELL HEATH TRUST  by  Bill Flynn.

VANISHING HEATHLAND:  Comparison of aerial photographs of Bawdeswell Heath taken in 1946 and 2002 tell their own story of how the open areas of the former heath have been overgrown by the incursion of mainly regenerating silver birch.  (See magazine website.)  The disappearance of hedgerows from nearby fields is also very noticeable.  We may not save the hedgerows but we could salvage the remnants of the heath.

COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP SCHEME:  Our application to join this scheme was submitted in late April and after prolonged negations, it is anticipated that a decision will be made by DEFRA in our favour within the next few weeks.  If our application is accepted, the work to restore and regenerate selected areas of the heath can be started.

BAWDESWELL HEATH TRUST FUNDS:  Income from the Trust from its former sources has seriously diminished and its main expenditure is now the mandatory premium for its public liability insurance, which mainly covers public access to the heath.  It is possible that many of the regular users of the Heath may wish to help the Trust to continue to provide the existing recreational facilities, by making some sort of donation.  A donation b ox will soon be available in Bawdeswell Stores, by kind permission of Mr A Battley, and further information is available from the Trust honorary Secretary, Miss M Joice.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE:  Once more we are  being assisted by occasional visits from the probation service, who provide conservation tasks for people who are doing community service.  This year again their efforts are being concentrated on clearing vegetation along the stream, footpath clearance, and removal of fallen trees.

THE LITTER PROBLEM:  Over the past few months there appears to have been a noticeable increase in the amount of litter discarded by heath users, also by fly-tipping.  It has been managed recently by collecting the litter, bagging it and disposing of  it in home domestic bins.  In view of the new system of waste collection by the local authority, this will no longer be permissible.  Advice has been sought from Breckland DC and the situation is under review.

DOGGY DROPPINGS:  Some concern has been expressed recently over the subject of dogs fouling footpaths and play areas on the heath.  The question has been asked as to what we should do to encourage dog owners to clear up dog waste and should we provide receptacles for the disposal of such matter.  Breckland District Council has agreed that they would have a liability to regularly clear such bins if they were installed.  The Trust is negotiating with Parish Councils, both Bawdeswell and Foxley concerning the provision of waste bins at both access points to the heath.