| 1 |
To adhere to the objects of the Trust |
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These are laid down in the Trust Deed as
approved by The Charity Commissioners (registered number 1050272), namely:
|
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(a) |
to preserve, conserve and protect Hurst Water Meadow and any
other land acquired by the Trust, its terrestrial and aquatic life and
their habitats for the benefit of the public; |
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(b) |
to advance public education in the study and research of
Dorchester-on-Thames water meadows and their conservation and the
dissemination the useful results of such research; |
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(c) |
to provide on such land appropriate facilities for
recreation for the benefit of the public with the object of improving the
conditions of life of the said public. |
| 2 |
To manage the land in a way that best meets
the wide-ranging interests of its users, both now and in the future |
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The main users of the Hurst are dog walkers,
individuals and families exercising and picnicking, anglers of all ages,
and those with an interest in the fauna, flora and enjoying the beautiful
landscape. They come from Dorchester and surrounding villages, including
Berinsfield. Land management has to be particularly sensitive to the
differing needs and perceptions of all these groups. The limitations on
the use of the meadow are set out in the By-laws. |
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The Trust benefits from its contract with the
Natural England 'Higher Level Countryside Stewardship Scheme'. This has
set the broad parameters of land management practices to be followed for
the next ten years, namely: taking a hay crop in mid-July, followed by
aftermath grazing (ideally with cattle or sheep), increasing the
biodiversity of the sward and rotational pollarding of the veteran
willows. In the longer term, the successors to existing trees and shrubs
must be planted in good time before they die with a view to maintaining
and enhancing the character of the Hurst. |
| 3 |
To encourage greater variety in the habitat
for wildlife. |
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Ecologists from the Northmoor Trust and BBOWT
have assessed the contribution of this type of habitat to biodiversity.
The management practices outlined above will themselves encourage a more
varied habitat in the Hurst. Several projects for introducing species of
plants native to the area have been undertaken in accordance with
Oxfordshire's Biodiversity Action Plan for neutral meadows and pastures.
Two scrapes have been dug, with one left to natural propagation and the
other planted with 400 wild flower plants. |
| 4 |
To ensure that management practices on the Hurst
follow the policies of the Environment Agency in so far as they affect the
management of the River Thame, the mill stream and their banks and the
flood plain |
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There is regular contact and rapport with
officials of the Environment Agency. |
| 5 |
To facilitate education about conserving the
Hurst and its fauna and flora; and provide educational materials |
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The notice board and interpretation leaflet are
the first steps. Species lists and other reports and projects in
co-operation with interested bodies such as the Northmoor Trust, appear in
the Conservation Management Plan and on the Hurst website:
www.hurst-water-meadow.co.uk and the County Archive. Local schools and
colleges are encouraged to visit the site and have been given a
comprehensive Teachers' Information Pack and the web data on CD. |
| 6 |
To take all reasonable steps to ensure public
access and safety |
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Access for the public will be maintained and
improved where possible. Riverside and woodland paths will be maintained
in a natural manner, rather than as in parkland. Access for the disabled
is available in so far as the site allows. A risk assessment table is
available for school visits. Abuse of children and vulnerable adults will
not be countenanced.
Surgery will be applied to all trees that appear dangerous, and notices
have been put up warning about the deep water in Buck Pool.
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| 7 |
As opportunity allows, to bring adjoining
land under complementary management practices |
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If a suitable property is put up for sale,
consideration will be given to purchasing, leasing or renting it. |
| 8 |
To ensure that the Trust has sufficient
income to cover expenditure for routine maintenance and contingencies |
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Maintenance, and recurring costs such as
insurance, will mostly be covered by income from the Environmental
Stewardship Scheme, interest on deposits, covenants, and angling. Reserves
will be required to cover contingencies. |
| 9 |
To raise money for future capital projects
and contingencies, by public or selective appeal, grant applications, etc. |
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Investment on items connected with the
Environmental Stewardship Scheme is complete but a substantial and
accessible capital reserve will be needed to cover land acquisition and
special projects. |
| 10 |
To conform to the principles of ethical
governance such as the Nolan Principles and also the recommendations of
the Charity Commissioners' 'Hallmarks of an Effective Charity' in so far
as they apply. |
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Trustees have all signed up to the Nolan
Principles |
This document was approved and accepted by the trustees at their 24th meeting
on 11th October 2007 as representing the current policies of the Trust.
