Brill Common & Village Green Advisory Group Meeting Report
June 10th 2024 5pm

Attendees: Alex Cruickshank (AC - BBOWT – Chair) Pat Stone (PS - BVHC), Christine Bailey (CB - BVCH), Dave Munson (DM - Common Volunteers), John Cable (JC - Walks Committee), Roger Stone (RS - Friends of Brill Common), Emi Slater (ES - Brill Parish Council – Common Rep), Tim Patrick (TP)

Bobs Damerell (BD – Minutes)

Apologies: Elaine Dickinson (ED - Walks Committee), Liz Springs (LS - Brill Parish Council)

NORTH HILL ENCROACHMENT & FURTHER TRACK MAINTENANCE 

ES updated the group that in the immediate aftermath of the work, there had been one informal visit by ES meeting with TP and also Paul Godwin. An Official visit occurred two weeks prior to this meeting and the Cllrs present agreed the area that has become a car parking area outside AF house is encroachment. The Council is currently in discussion as to the next steps following the encroachment process including the cost of the work to repair the area removal of the encroachment.

ES confirmed that the decision to grant a contribution towards the works initially was to act as a reminder that the land is Common Land and under the ownership if the Parish Council. The Council agreed to pay the contribution as it was most of the Council’s belief that the work was carried out in good faith.

The Council is looking at two options for the restoration; whether the Council carried out the work and then look to charge those responsible or absorb the cost themselves.

The Council has resolved that it will not contribute any funding to track maintenance in the future.

SUMMER SCHEDULE

TP confirmed that the sycamore on S21 has been removed though has left the brambles nearby.

Ragwort - FOBC – The group agreed to hold a volunteer day to help remove the Ragwort encroaching on the Common on 6 July 2024.

Mowing – DM confirmed that the Common Volunteers mow the common when appropriate.

Goats – TP to leave the goats where currently situated due to the current growth of vegetation.

UKPN – The Clerk to check whether UKPN have assessed the power lines behind 11 North Hills.

RIGHTS OF WAY

Hannah Hulme Hunter addressed the group whether there would be any objection from the group in keeping the footpath pinch points in the Parish clear for a small remuneration. This would be approximately two cuts a year. This should be to cut back the grass and nettles not hedging.

The Group in principle had no objection to the proposal. The proposal will then be passed though to the Parish Council to discuss.

HHH to report the inaccurate footpath markers on Windmill Street to the Right Of Way Fix my Street. 

AOB / NOTICES

The Council is working on the new HLS Agreement. This though cannot be submitted until Spring 2025 as current agreement expires in December 2025. The new agreement would take effect form 1 January 2026.

BD and AC looked at applying for 10 hectares under ‘GS6’ - Management of Species Rich Grass, upgraded from the Restoration of Species Rich Grassland’ from the last agreement. This would include the grassland on the common and some of the bramble / scrubland. This would bring funding of approximately £6,600 / year. It was also suggested to include the Difficult site supplement for funding of £93/hectare totalling approximately £1,000 /year. The Council could also apply for a capital payment for scrub control of £2,240 per hectare. The Council will also consider a grant for Span Green grass scrub of £150/ hectare approximately, totalling £350/ year. The Walks have also be considered and could be eligible for Wood Pasture funding for approximately 3 hectares totalling £650 /year.

Beating the Bounds

ES confirmed that Beating the Bounds is still being planned for the summer but will take place after the work on North Hills has been concluded.

Little Annie Acres  

ES asked about the grass cutting and bailing taking place on the Common opposite Little Annie Acres. It was suggested this was Spring Valley House. The group agreed it would be beneficial for the Parish Council to speak to the farmer about the bailing

BVCH 

PS confirmed that Two more cows have been added to the herd on the Common, and have fitted in well. 

Grass Cuttings 

There was concern that a large volume of grass cuttings are being dumped on the Common behind Norcutts Kiln. 

Boundary fence to Hy Banks 

PS raised concern about the fencing by Hy Banks. This fencing is not stock proof and the cows are able to escape off the Common through this gap. ES to visit the resident and remind them of their obligation for stock proof fencing.