Last chance to stake roam claims
LANDOWNERS, tenants and holders of sporting rights in Cumbria, parts of North Yorkshire and a small area of north east Lancashire, are being urged to take a last look at a provisional map showing areas of the landscape where the public could have new rights to roam.
It is part of the work to introduce the new Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000, which is expected to be in place by August 2004 or early 2005.
November 19 is the last chance for people who have a legal interest in land to appeal. The Cumbria area section of the map spans from Carlisle to Hexham in the north, down to Ripon and Harrogate in the east and from Skipton to Kirkby Lonsdale in the south, and also includes most of the Lake District National Park. To access the map call up www.countryside.gov.uk/access/mapping, telephone 0845 100 3298 or visit a local authority office or library.
Liquid promisesCONSERVATIONISTS and anglers fighting to protect the wildlife of the Lune valley hold another fund-raising event next week aimed at improving the river for fish and wildlife.
An Auction of Promises takes place on Friday, November 21, at the Scarthwaite Hotel in Caton, starting at 7.30pm with more than 100 items on offer and all proceeds going to support projects which preserve the river habitat and hatchery improvement.
Bids will be taken at the event, by post, and electronically for prizes such as shooting and fishing days, a helicopter or vintage car trip through the Lune Valley and meals out at various pubs. Most of the promises are contained in the first catalogue which can be accessed by e-mailing Chris Littlefield at boddles_uk@yahoo.co.uk (copies can be collected at the door on the night). To receive a catalogue by post, or any other inquiries, contact Chris on 01524-222174.
Red squirrels treatVISITORS to the Lake District are enjoying the antics of the local red squirrel population - thanks to a giant screen at Whinlatter Forest Park, near Keswick.
The Forestry Commission has set up spy cameras on one of its red squirrel feeding stations near Bassenthwaite Lake and is beaming live action back to the Whinlatter Visitor Centre, which was re-opened earlier this year after a £500,000 redevelopment programme.
The technology the Forestry Commission is using to monitor the squirrels in the wild was developed as part of the Lake District Osprey Project to stream pictures to Whinlatter and the project’s website while the famous birds were nesting and rearing a chick over the summer months.
The ospreys have now migrated, so the equipment is being used to capture other wildlife activity in the area until the ospreys’ expected return to the region next spring.
Leafy gifts
COUNTRYSIDE readers wanting to get their partners a unique gift this year and also help the local environment are reminded to contact the Woodland Trust in Lincolnshire.
The charity is offering the chance to have a broadleaf tree planted in the wood at Old Hutton for £10 with every dedication going to support its work.
Our recent story did not include the contact details, which are freephone 0800 026 9650, write to The Woodland Trust, Freepost, GM 63/2, Autumn Park, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 6BR, or over the internet at www.woodland-trust.org.uk/christmas with orders having to be placed by Dec 1.