Welcome to the winter edition of the Commoner. This is the first one I have edited, so I’d be delighted to get your feedback and - particularly! – your contributions to the next edition.
Thanks to all our contributors, Peter Bridge for production and a host of distributors.
A special welcome to new arrivals on Bringsty, Catherine, Chris and Darren at number 8, and Graham, Andrea, and (most important), Kevin the dog at Spring Cottage, and Andy, Alison, Tobey, William and Claudia at Bramble Cottage Have a happy Christmas on Bringsty.
Remember the carol singing at the Live, on Christmas Eve (8.00 pm) and the new year celebration with Life of Rilley. Details from Sue on
821462.if you’d like to see an electronic version of this newsletter, visit www.bringstycommon.com.
And finally whatever the weather make sure you enjoy and look after our common!
Notes from Bringsty Common Manorial Court
Paul Friend
Our AGM held at Whitbourne Village Hall had around the same attendance as previous years with 31 people attending.
Management for biodiversity
As I am sure you all know that it was decided not to cut or roll the bracken this year because the bracken looked at risk of being too weak to maintain the correct habitat for the high brown fritillary and other butterflies.
Major concerns were addressed over damage/disturbance to our bird and mammal life, a topic which has been well covered in the commoner and Off The Record
.
Natural England has committed to providing us with a new plan for controlling the bracken in an easier and more sympathetic way to encourage biodiversity.
Hard track surface
We are still trying to gain permission to use road planings as an alternative track surface to type1 material.
Electric fencing for stock control on the common
As most people would have seen, we have used electric fencing on the common to keep sheep in the required area.
Herefordshire Council state that electric fencing is allowed under the 2006 Act and is very pleased that we have been in touch with Malvern Hills Conservators on the best practice for sheep grazing using electric fencing.
We have had incidents of dogs worrying the sheep. This is not an easy problem to overcome: on one side the sheep should be reasonably safe behind wire, whilst on the other side a dog can become very excited and deaf to any commands that the owner uses to prevent the dog worrying sheep. Using electric fencing does give dog owners the advantage of knowing where the sheep are at any given time.
The law is clearly on the side of the sheep and in the worst situation a dog may be shot for worrying sheep. This would not happen on the open common, as we have a bylaw prohibiting the discharge of firearms on the common. However this bylaw would not apply to privately owned land within the common.
If you have doubts about your dogs steadiness around stock, please take a wide berth or use a lead.
Tree Management
This will always be a difficult area to manage. As the old saying goes dammed if you do, dammed if you don’t. Some would like to see the common left alone and revert to scrub and woodland. Others would like Bringsty to have very few trees some bracken and a lot of very short grass as can be seen in old photographs of the common.
At present we are committed to maintaining the common for all flora and fauna. This which will mean maintenance on trees for safety, longevity and encroachment, control of scrub, bracken, fire breaks and grass.
We are looking to plant fruit trees on the common; Natural England will be advising us on suitable areas.
Pet matters
Thanks to Martin and Kerry Flamank, from the Bromyard veterinary practice, for their time to come and talk at the AGM. I wish my dog was as well behaved as the kestrel Kerry brought along.
Martin sends this advice to all us dog owners:
“With the season of dietary indiscretion fast approaching, it may be pertinent to remember that the most common problem we see with pet dogs and cats is obesity. Arthritis, diabetes, pancreatitis & heart disease are a few examples of disease processes exacerbated by obesity; treat your dog with extra walks and play this Christmas rather than extra treats.”
(The same advice goes for us too! - Tom)
And finally...
I wish to thank last year’s committee for their work and other people who quietly contribute to the wellbeing of the common and the people who live here.
We are still looking for a clerk to help with the smooth running of the manorial court. If you would like to have a go or know someone who could be persuaded please let me know.
That’s all for now folks.
RIGHTS OF COMMON – did you lose yours?
Derek Brookes
Under the new Commons Act, section 6 (during a transitional period) it is now possible to rectify any mistakes that were made when common rights had to be registered in the 1960s.
Many residents did not register their common rights at that time because they believed they could not lose their rights. Unfortunately many properties lost their historical common rights and some mistakes were made.
Rights of common for Bringsty can include:
grazing sheep or cattle (herbage)
taking peat or turf (turbary)
taking wood, gorse or furze (estovers)
The Manorial Court is considering how to assist residents to obtain rights of common and will be contacting Natural England as well as Herefordshire Council to see how it could assist and make the process as easy as possible.
The transitional period began in the county of Herefordshire on 1st October 2008 and was originally due to end on 30th September 2009, but has been extended to 30th September 2010. During this transition period, some applications may be made without charge although most will be subject to a charge which could vary from £25 to £190
The events which may be registered during the transitional period are:
the creations, surrender, variation, apportionment, transfer or extinguishments of a right of common
legal events affecting registered land or registered rights of common, such as a compulsory purchase order or the giving of any land in exchange.
You can apply under Section 6 only if you are either:
• the owner of the land over which the right of common will be exercisable;
• the owner of the land (the dominant tenement) to which the right of common will be attached.
If your application relates to the creation of a new right over an existing area of registered common land, you may, if convenient, describe the land over which the new right will be exercisable by reference to the existing commons register unit. However, if the right will be exercisable over only part of that unit, your application must include a map which identifies the relevant part of that unit. In any other case, you must supply a map which describes the land over which the right will be exercisable (i.e. the new common). The registration authority will still apply the sustainability test to see whether the land can support the new right of grazing.
Your application, which must be made using form CA1 available from Hereford Council, will need to include:
•evidence that you as applicant are the owner of the dominant tenement to which the new right is to be attached
• a description of the right to be created (e.g. ‘a right to graze ten sheep at any time of the year)
• a description of the common or intended common (including a map, unless the right is to be exercisable only over the whole of an existing register unit);
• a description of the dominant tenement (including a map);
• where the application is to create a new right of grazing, evidence that the land can sustain the new right taken with any existing rights of common.
The contact at the Council is:
Commons
Registration Office
Herefordshire Council
Franklin House
4 Commercial Road
Hereford
HR1 2BB
Office
Tel No: 01432
261991
Email:
commonsregistration@herefordshire.gov.uk
Tom and Jennifer Weale led a walk of the Herefordshire Ornithological Club round Bringsty Common.
Braving heavy rain, the group managed to see a flock of about 35 redpoll. The redpoll loves mature silver birch and this flock was spotted in the copse by Bell Vue. Tom reports that Bringsty Common is probably the best spot in Herefordshire for redpoll, which is a type of finch, because elsewhere you only see them in ones or twos.
redpoll
The group also saw a large flock of redwing - these are the size of thrushes but with a white strip over the eye - and had a good view of a goldcrest, one of Britain’s smallest birds. This was spotted near Cop Castle.
To find out more talk to Tom or Jennifer or visit www.herefordshirebirds.org
redwing
Your Winter Herb Garden
Jenny Powles
N
ow
that the nights are well and truly drawing in and the autumn chill
wind and rain have thoroughly permeated our bones, you may not
fancy a spell in the garden. Perhaps you’d rather be set by the
fire at the Live and Let Live nursing a pint or glass of wine. No
one would blame you.
It’s well worth it, however – if it’s not raining too hard – to bundle up and get outside for a while as the fresh air and occasional glimpses of the sun does us all the world of good! It’s a great way to combat the “winter blues”.
Just the ability to pick fresh herbs and enjoy their aroma as you add them to a piping hot casserole makes winter feel a lot less drab. Growing herbs in winter certainly takes a bit more effort and care and growth does continue although at a slower pace. It is still important to fertilise monthly, especially if you are harvesting continuously.
Protection is critical. You need a sheltered, draught-free area that catches the sun. It is best to grow herbs in pots so that you can watch the movement of the sun and move your pots accordingly. When planting herbs in pots, make sure that the pots have good drainage and the potting soil is fairly light.
Choose containers that are a minimum of 20 cm in diameter (larger is better), have drainage holes and are deep enough for the herbs roots to develop. Generally potted herbs only need to be watered one or twice a week in winter, preferably in the morning. Check the soil moisture levels daily because the soil should not dry out completely.
Herbs to grow in winter
P
erennials
like Thyme, Rosemary and Oregano, are more frost hardy and better
able to survive the lower temperatures, especially at night. Herbs
like Sweet Basil, Borage, Lemon Balm, Rocket and the various mints
are too tender and will die down so it is worth treating them as
summer annuals. Good examples of mild herbs that grow through
winter are Bay leaf, Chervil, Marjoram and Parsley. The more
robust herbs are Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme. It is no
coincidence that the more hardy herbs have a robust taste suitable
for use in winter comfort food while also having strong medicinal
properties for treating winter ailments like coughs, colds, sore
throats, sinusitis, fevers and bronchitis
Thyme (THYMUS vulgaris) - Is the hardiest of all the herbs. It does double duty as a culinary herb and as a tonic, also relieving coughs and colds.
Sage (SALVIA officinalis) - needs a little more nurturing than Thyme and its growth tends to slow down and its leaves get smaller in August. It is also good for treating colds and coughs.
Chervil (ANTHRISCUS cerefolium) - Is a hardy annual that actually prefers cooler weather and not full sun conditions. The leaves are full of vitamin C.
Parsley
(PETROSELINUM crispum) -
is also rich in Vitamin C, as well as vitamins A and E and iron.
The flat-leaf Italian Parsley is even easier to grow than the moss
curled variety and it has a more distinctive taste.
Oregano (ORIGANUM vulgare) - Is one of the more robust winter herbs, easily withstanding winter frost but liking full sun. An infusion of oregano can be used to treat coughs, tiredness and irritability.
Bay (Laurus nobilis) - An evergreen tree usually clipped to maintain as a compact shrub in the herb garden. Leaves can be picked and used fresh throughout the year, to flavour stocks, sauces and marinades.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus sp.) - An evergreen shrub and leaves can be picked all year round. Use when roasting meat, potatoes or other vegetables. It can be added to a wood fire to give off a lovely aroma.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) - Lift clumps of chives and pot up for use throughout the winter. Place in a warm spot with lots of light, such as a kitchen windowsill.
Mints (Mentha sp.) - Lift clumps of mint and pot up for use throughout the winter. There are so many different species of mint available, with flavours ranging from chocolate to pineapple. It is a very versatile herb, suitable for use in drinks, salads and many other dishes.
Hyssop (HYSSOPUS officinalis) - Is a lesser-known herb that tolerates quite cold weather. Both the leaves and flowers can be used in an infusion to treat bronchitis and loosen mucus. The leaves have a peppery taste and are a good addition to thick soups and stews.
Preserving herbs
Of course there are other ways of keeping a ready supply of herbs during winter.
The best way to preserve Basil and other frost tender herbs is to chop or mince the leaves, removing the stems first. Place the chopped leaves in an ice tray and fill with water. When frozen, store the ice cubes in a plastic bag or sealed plastic box. Making Basil pesto, with olive oil, garlic, pine nuts or flaked almonds, and Parmesan cheese, is another way of extending the life of Basil. The pesto can be frozen in small serving quantities.
For other herbs, air-drying is the simplest. Dry small batches of leafy herbs on screens in the living room or kitchen. If you don’t have the space to dry them consider steeping them in oil or vinegar.
Using Herbs for Christmas Decorations and Gifts
S
prigs
of rosemary, thyme, bay, garlic and chillies can all be added to
wine and cider vinegars to make attractive and interesting
presents.To make herbal bath salts mix 200g of Epsom salts or coarse sea salt with a large handful of pine needles or rosemary leaves. Then add about 20 drops of essential oil – melissa or rose geranium will add a floral, seasonal note – and decant into pretty jars.
Christmas potpourri is simple to make from dried garden herbs and store cupboard ingredients. Mix juniper sprigs, dried rosebuds, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, cinnamon chips, cloves, and assorted pine cones together until it smells great and looks interesting. You can also add essential oils for extra scent and orris root to help retain the aroma.
Pomanders are easy to make and smell delicious. Take one large Seville orange and insert cloves through the skin to cover about 75% of the surface. You may need to use a knitting needle to make holes first. Roll the whole thing in dried cinnamon powder and orris root powder, then leave to dry for about 4 weeks in a warm dry place, such as an airing cupboard. Use to scent and repel moths from wardrobes and clothes drawers or place in a room to add a delightful seasonal scent.
Best of luck with your winter herb gardening and it might not seem like it, but Spring is just around the corner. You will want to be planning your Spring/Summer herb garden early in the New Year.
The Geology of Bringsty Common
Moira Jenkins of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust explains what we’re made of and where we come from
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Bringsty Common stands up as an area of high land because much of the underlying sandstone rock is hard and resistant to erosion. There are the remains of many small overgrown quarries on the common, where stone was obtained to build the local houses.
The picture shows an example, a rock known as a conglomerate, which has been used to build a wall. This rock contains rounded pebbles of quartz naturally cemented together in a sandy matrix.
About 400 million years ago, towards the end of the Silurian Period, Southern Britain and Scotland were separated by an ocean, on different tectonic plates of the Earth’s crust. These tectonic plates came closer together and eventually collided pushing up the Welsh Mountains and the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The area of Bringsty Common was then part of a large arid landmass. Seasonal streams eroded the mountains of Wales bringing sediment down into the lowlands to the southeast. During a stormy period with heavy rain, pebbles of quartz were washed down and deposited where Bringsty Common now is. The rock formed can be seen in the picture.
Some of the deep valleys on the common have been cut through the harder rock into the softer underlying mudstones, which also form the low land between Bringsty Common and the hills to the east, where you can see ridges of Silurian limestone. Beyond them the Malvern Hills, formed of old hard Precambrian rock, have been pushed up along a line of weakness in the Earth’s crust. The view to the east from Bringsty Common can be seen in the picture.
To the west is the high land of Bromyard Downs which are formed of sandstones, younger than those on Bringsty Common but also deposited by rivers crossing the arid land surface.
I would be very interested to hear from anyone who knows the history of the sand quarry on Bringsty Common. Some remnants can still be seen of yellow sand which was quarried here. In some of the local sandstones the grains are only weakly cemented together and these have been weathered to produce the sand. This may have happened during a cold spell in the Ice Age.
Winter reflections
Dorothy Brookes on the changing seasons
Even winter has its blessings – what can be better than an early morning walk across the common in the cold air, the rime of a hoar frost making fantastic traceries on the dead bracken, with spiders’ webs sculptured on the hedges in magnificent patterns. Then coming home to the smell of bacon frying – one of life’s simple pleasures.
I have a picture painted by Joseph Farquharson; his subjects seem always to be of sheep and snow. A friend staying for a winter’s weekend said; “look, you’re actually living your picture” and there out of the window was an almost identical scene.