Tag: #Farmers

Farmers! Please Submit Your Evidence

Cameron Farquharson’s cow Gladis made the national news last week, sadly for tragic reasons.  Her death has highlighted the need for farmers to have more say in taking care of their livestock in dealing with dogs off their leads.

When Cameron announced the very sad news on Facebook the following day, he begged, as all our local farmers repeatedly do to “please please please adhere to the notice on the gate and KEEP YOUR DOGS ON A LEAD!” He added ” We cannot afford in financial terms and for mine and my children’s mental well-being to continuously deal with these distressing losses.”  His post was shared over 10,000 times and made the BBC news.

Cameron and his family, who run Redlands Coppice, are now working with a group of farmers, farming related businesses and an MP to bring about a change in the law to give livestock more protection which they are calling Gladis’s Law.  They are trying to make contact with as many local farmers, smallholders holders and general livestock owners who have experienced dog attacks or worrying on their livestock in order to collate as much evidence of the problem as possible. Gladis’s Law would make it an offence for dogs to be off lead on farm land or land with animals grazing.

Sign up to be kept up to date of their progress on Gladis’s Law HERE.

Please message/submit your evidence through Facebook to: Cameron Farquharson HERE or Rachel Hayball HERE at your earliest convenience. Thank you.

Cameron’s family were “overwhelmed by the kindness shown” to them, as a family…. “so many we are not able to respond personally to each individual person as we would like. We have made this short video to introduce you to our hairy coos and say a personal thank you.“

 

Gladis died on 27th May on Eggardon Hill when dogs (reportedly Labradors) chased her to death killing both her and her full term unborn calf. R.I.P. Gladis x

Dorset Police Rural Crime Team also released a two and a half minute video on Facebook on Saturday about putting dogs on a lead which you can view HERE.

If you are a farmer needing livestock worrying signage, please send their team an email: ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.police.uk with the best name and address to send to and the quantity that’s required. Maximum of 4 signs per address.

Cameron has now launched a special Facebook page HERE to gather support.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#Farmers,#BWGPC,#Livestock,#Sheep,#Cows,HighlandCoo,#Gladis,#BBC,#ChrisLoderMP,#PCSO6386,#TakeTheLead,#LivestockWorrying,#LivestockAttacks,#RespectProtectEnjoy,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#GladissLaw,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Happy Lambs


This delightful ten second video was recorded inadvertently by 72 year old local farmer, Chris Sewell.  He was trying to take a photograph of his construction to bottle feed his five hungry lambs at once.  His wife Lesley had seen a similar structure on TV, feeding fawns and when she mentioned it to Chris he declared “I can make that!“.  Made from pallets and bits of guttering with holes drilled in to take 5 bottles – his lambs were very happy indeed 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#VillageLife,#Farmers,#Lambs,#LittleBoPeep,Happy,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

 

 

 

Minor Change To Lewesdon Hill Footpaths

All last week walkers have been reporting padlocked gates at Lewesdon hill and one has already been vandalised.

Farmer, Tim Frampton explained: “Every year gates are left open letting cattle & sheep out which ruins our crops of silage.  The locking of one gate on the footpath is only until the silage has been taken off.” There will soon be a directional arrow to the one kissing gate in the corner of the field.

His brother, Andrew commented: “Two kissing gates are right beside the existing field gates and the other one is 50 yards to the left in the corner against the hedge. The grass is now starting to grow and cattle are in the neighbouring field – it’s a tiny re route to prevent what happens every year, several times without fail!”  He continued, “The Dorset footpath officer installed the gates for us and now just waiting for official signage from them“.

This is also at a time when young calves, sheep and lambs are grazing and are easily spooked. Dog walkers are again reminded to keep their dogs on leads through these fields. Last week, farmer Rachel Hayball issued a plea re: lambing season after losing a lamb early last month.  Not restricted to Springtime, farmer, Jo Stover had her sheep attacked by dogs last November.   Dorset Police signs were put up last week.

Senior Ranger for the West & Coast, Russell Goff when asked, was unaware of the changes made to the footpaths and at the time of publishing has yet to respond further.  However, the post will be edited to include them, should he provide any comment or information.

Broadwindsor’s councillor, Dorothy Rowe is the ‘Rights Of Way and Liaison Officer‘, colloquially known as the Footpaths Officer. She has worked with Russell Goff, Senior Ranger on a number of footpath issues over the past three years.  Cllr. Rowe, who has over time posted numerous notices up on footpath gates asking walkers to pick up after their dogs and respect the countryside, had spoken with Andrew Frampton and also walked up to Lewesden to look at the gates:

“There is now a clear sign by the locked gate indicating the site of the kissing gate  50 yds to the left. I understand that the footpath will be re routed to the kissing gate in the near future, I believe at the expense of the landowner.”

Wanting to share some of the issues around footpaths with people generally, Dorothy continued, “I think we are extremely lucky to have so many footpaths in this part of the world and such beautiful countryside.  I don’t think that most people are aware that the designated space for a public footpath is a one metre width right of way across private land. It is appreciated  that whilst dogs are able to be let off the lead and will inevitably wander off the path (where no livestock are in the fields) they must be kept under control. That means no throwing sticks , balls etc for dogs to chase. And all dog mess picked up immediately and taken away. Extra bins have been provided for this purpose on the way to and from Lewesden. The areas either side of the footpath are private and not a public park, are managed by the land owners for grazing and planting of crops, and this must be respected.”

Public Right Of Way
  • For reporting footpath & bridleway problems to Dorset Council – Click HERE.
  • To report the problem by locating it on a map – Click HERE
  • Alternatively you can report problems by telephoning Dorset Council on 01305 2211000
Leading to Lewesdon Hill [Google]

The Rules:

Signposting and waymarking

Dorset Council has a duty to signpost public rights of way where they leave a metalled road. Rights of way are also signposted or waymarked particularly where the route is not obvious.

Stiles and gates

It is the landowner’s responsibility to maintain stiles or gates on public rights of way on their land. Dorset Council usually contributes a minimum of 25% of costs.

Obstruction

It is an offence to intentionally obstruct a public right of way. An electric fence across a right of way is an obstruction, regardless of whether the current is live or not. Electric fences alongside a right of way should be adequately signed and give plenty of width to ensure there is no danger of users coming into contact with the electric fence.

Ploughing and cropping

Crossfield paths may be ploughed or cropped as long as the path is reinstated within 14 days. Headland paths should not be ploughed or cropped.

A dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the Dorset Council area came into force on January 1st 2021. Read more HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#LewesdonHill,#Walkers,#DogWalkers,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#Farmers,#Calves,#Lambs,#RussellGoff,#DorsetCouncil,#Life,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,

Broadwindsor Group Annual Parish Online Meeting – Tuesday, 27th April

Broadwindsor Group Parish Council are holding their Annual Parish Meeting online using the Zoom platform at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 27th April 2021.
This meeting welcomes Groups and Organisations wishing to present or submit a report.  All are welcome to attend.

The full agenda is available to download HERE.
Minutes of previous Group Parish Council meetings can be found online HERE

The meeting can be accessed HERE.
The Meeting ID: 834 9495 2686
Zoom is Free! – Sign Up and get it HERE.

Welcome and Introductions from Chairman Rowland Hibbard will be followed by any apologies for absence and approval of the minutes from May 2019.
The Chairman will then deliver the Annual Report of the Parish Council.

Reports will then be submitted from the following:

  • Dorset Council Report.
  • Marshwood Vale.
  • Community Policing Report.
  • Broadwindsor School.
  • Blackdown, Broadwindsor and Burstock Churches.
  • Village Halls Report : Blackdown; Comrades Hall; Drimpton.
  • Broadwindsor Group Parish Climate & Ecological Emergency Group.
  • Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust.
  • The FMR Trust.
  • The Blackdown Educational Trust.
  • The Sick Poor Fund.
  • Broadwindsor Allotment Group.
  • Broadwindsor Community Stores.
  • BroadwindsorRainbows, Guides and West Dorset Rangers.
  • Post Office Users Group.
  • Drimpton & Netherhay Youth Club.
  • Clapton, Wayford & Drimpton HorticulturalSociety.
  • Broadwindsor Cricket Club
  • Broadwindsor Community Sports Field

Please be aware:
The APM is recorded in both visual and audio formats.  They are stored securely for twelve months then deleted.  If you have any issues or queries about this – please contact the Clerk to the Council at hello@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SocialDistancing,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#BWCC,#GirlGuiding,#PostOffice,#OnlineMeeting,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

A Plea From Local Farmer Re: Dogs

Prompted by a lost dog plea (which was subsequently found), local farmer, Rachel Hayball of Speckets Knapp Lamb posted her plea on social media, on behalf of all farmers dealing with their new lambs at this time –
“This is not aimed at anyone. Please do not take offence. I am so glad that today’s missing dog is back safe and sound.
Many of us [farmers] are getting very worried by the number of dogs going missing around Pilsdon and Lewesdon hill.  Areas where dogs should be on lead due to sheep grazing on and near the hills.
Obviously, no one ever intends to lose their dog. But it happens. Dogs can get disorientated when following a scent, they can see something and give chase. Or they can just lose sight of you.
Once they are lost and away from you, who knows what they get up to?
Even the best trained dogs in the world can become over aroused and start chasing and even attacking sheep. They may go up to sheep just being inquisitive and the sheep, being sheep, will run away. This is often enough to get a dog to chase.
A sheep doesn’t have to be attacked to die. Just being chased can cause them to drop dead from shock. They can also abort their lambs…
Newborn lambs also have no chance to get away from a dog.
Please, please keep your dogs on lead on and around Lewesdon Hill and Pilsdon Pen. We [Farmers] shouldn’t have to constantly worry about our livestock potentially being at risk and your dogs need to be kept safe too.
I am a dog lover. I spent years working with dogs. My dogs are well trained and guess what – they stay on lead unless we are in a secure area.
Thanks for taking the time to read.“
– Rachel Hayball
#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Farmers,#Livestock,#Sheep,#DogsWorryingSheep,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Broadwindsor Group Parish Council – Online Meeting Monday 12th April 2021

Broadwindsor Group Parish Council are meeting online using the Zoom platform at 7.30pm on Monday 12th April 2021.  All are welcome to attend.

The full agenda is available to download HERE. Minutes of previous Group Parish Council meetings can be found online HERE

The meeting can be accessed HERE.
The Meeting ID: 13 8477 8938
Zoom is Free! – Sign Up and get it HERE.

This month Councillors are called upon to update their Disclosures of personal and prejudical Interests and Dispensations prior to the last meeting’s minutes being approved.
Any matters arising will be addressed.
Residents are then invited to give their views and ask questions of the Parish Council on issues on this Agenda. This will be followed by:

a. Report from Councillor Christopher, Dorset Council
b. Report from Dorset Police

This month’s Correspondance and Notices include a Request for a Grant from Bridport & District’s Citizens Advice and Chris Loder MP presents his views on a Proposed Dorset National Park.

In the Parish Council’s response to the Coronavirus – there will be a Call for Evidence: Local Authority Remote Meetings.

Accounts present a timetable for Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2020/2021 and seek to approve payments of an Annual grant of £1,800 to each of the Village Halls in Broadwindsor, Drimpton and Blackdown and to Broadwindsor Community Stores.  The Town Clerk receives a 3 month Salary Adjustment of £930.06 and £53.63 is being requested by Cllr. Rowe for reimbursement of wildflower seeds. £1.80 is to be approved for HMRC (NI).

There is only one Planning Application for consultation:

  • WD/D/20/002187, Ellaway Cottage, Wood Farm, Wood Lane, Kittwhistle, DT8 3HG

Updates and Reports will be delivered by Broadwindsor Cricket Club; Climate Change Emergency Working Group; Footpaths Officer; Common Water Lane and BWGP Community Land Trust.

There is a Grass Cutting contract at Hursey Common Sports Field, a ‘Scoop the Poop‘ poster and Ongoing Maintenance Considerations for a new Footpath in Drimpton to be discussed.

Residents are invited to give their views and ask questions of the Parish Council on any outstanding issues on this Agenda or raise issues for future consideration.

The date of the next meeting will then be arranged.

The FRM Trust are then to approve a payment of £224 to Broadwindsor Group Parish Council for their Trust Administration.

The meeting will then close.

The press and public are invited to attend.  Under the Openess of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014, members of the public may now film, photograph and make audio recordings of the proceedings of the formal Council meeting, though not, under current legislation, of the Public Participation session, as this is not part of the formal agenda of the meeting. Recording activity should be respectful to the conduct of the meeting and behavious that disrupts the meeting (such as oral commentary) will not be permitted.  Any member of the public shall not speak for more than five minutes.  A question asked by a member of the public during Public Participation shall not require a response or debate during the meeting though the Chairman may direct that a written response will be provided subsequent to the meeting.

There are 15 Elected Councillors – Click HERE to identify them.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SocialDistancing,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#Zoom,#AffordableHousing,#ComradesHall,#VillageHall,#Highways,#NationalLockdown,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Farmer Loses Lamb To Dog

* Please keep your dog secure in fields *

Local farmers, Neil & Rachel Hayball at Speckets Knapp Lamb have their sheep graze between Broadwindsor and Pilsdon pen.
Tragically yesterday, an out of control dog killed a 10 month old lamb that they have been nurturing along with the rest of the flock since birth.
An angry Rachel posted the picture of the dead lamb on social media stating “THIS is what happens when you fail to keep your dog on lead or secure within your property. . . . Before anyone asks whether I am sure it was a dog – yes I am.  I’ve just found dog foot prints and the injuries to the lamb are consistent with a dog attack.”
Rachel continued “Please be aware that if we catch a dog in with our sheep and we can’t get hold of it it WILL be shot as per UK law.“
Dorset Police have been informed and anyone with any information is requested to use the Crime Ref. number: 10-646

The Law –

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, if a dog worries sheep on agricultural land, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence. The Act considers sheep worrying to include: attacking sheep. chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering, abortion or loss of produce.
Dogs Will Be ShotFarmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.
Farmers cannot shoot dogs simply due to trespassing. If they do, they could be prosecuted in a civil action by the owner.
Farmers will need to prove they shot the dog as the only way possible or last resort to protect livestock.
Farmers cannot shoot dogs that have permission to be on the farmland.

* Please keep your dog secure in fields *

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#Farmers,#SheepWorrying,#LicenseToKill,#KeepYourDogOnALead,#DorsetPolice,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Broadwindsor Group Parish Council – Online Meeting Monday 8th March 2021

Broadwindsor Group Parish Council are meeting online for the first time since January, using the Zoom platform at 7.30pm on Monday 8th March 2021.  All are welcome to attend.

The full agenda is available to download HERE.

The meeting can be accessed HERE.
The Meeting ID: 849 1591 6794
Zoom is Free! – Sign Up and get it HERE.

After the minutes of the last meeting have been approved, the only matter arising is the Clarification of the VAT Refund Rules.

Residents are then invited to give their views and ask questions of the Parish Council on issues on this Agenda. This will be followed by:
a. Report from Councillor Christopher, Dorset Council
b. Report from Dorset Police
c. The co-option to BWGPC, Seaborough Ward.

Folowing Correspondance & Notices, the PC’s response to Covid-19, the Finance Report & Accounts to be approved, there are 4 Planning Applications to be considered:

  • WD/D/20/002888, London House, Broadwindsor, DT8 3QD
  • WD/D/20/003017, Castlewood Farm, Marshwood, DT8 5QQ
  • WD/D/20/003296, Broadwindsor Cricket Club
  • WD/D/21/000123, Land South Of Fullers, Bridport Road, Broadwindsor

Planning Application WD/D/20/001135, Land at Oathill Farm Holiday & Touring Park has been Refused.

Other items on the agenda include Census 2021; Mobile Phone Coverage; Broadwindsor Cricket Club; Climate Change and Allotments.

The Highways item addresses:

  • Report fom Footpaths Officer
  • Verge Management
  • Common Water Lane
  • Hursey Common Sports Field – Grass cutting contract
  • Highways Reporting Protocol
  • Scoop the Poop poster

Following a report from the Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust on Affordable Housing and any items of interest for the next agenda, Residents are invited to give their views and ask questions of the Parish Council on any outstanding issues on this Agenda or raise issues for future consideration.

The date of the next meeting will then be arranged.

To read the agenda in full – please download it HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#SocialDistancing,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#Zoom,#AffordableHousing,#ComradesHall,#VillageHall,#Highways,#NationalLockdown,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Fixed Penalty Notice in Force For Irresponsible Dog Owners

The Dorset Council wide Dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) came into force on the 1 January 2021. During that first month Dorset Council focused on advice and guidance to dog-owners explaining the new rules. The new rules were published on this website on 29th December 2020 – click HERE to read or re-read them.

The PSPO places restrictions on dog owners in control of their dogs. These restrictions include clearing up dog fouling and proper disposal of the waste in any open space. On certain land dogs are not allowed on marked sports pitches or enclosed children’s play areas or are required to be on lead, such as in cemeteries, formal gardens etc. There are also dog restrictions on some beaches relating to certain times of the year, see the map below for beach locations.

Dorset CouncilFrom yesterday (February 1st) if the rules are broken, fixed penalty notices (FPN) may be issued by enforcement officers. These can also be served by post if a witness provides details of the dog owner, such as their address, or their vehicle registration number and are willing to provide a suitable witness statement.
The current penalty level is set in legislation as £100 to be paid within 28 days. Early payment, within 14 days, will reduce this to £75.

To read more on the Dog Protection PSPO – click HERE

For more detailed information on where, when and what the restrictions are, if any, at Dorset’s Dog Friendly beaches – please click HERE.

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#SocialDistancing,#2021,#DogFriendlyBeaches,#DorsetCouncil,#Dogs,#PSPO,#Community,#FixedPenalty,#FPN,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#BeResponsible,#BagItBinIt,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Full Moon on Thursday, 28th January

The Full Wolf Moon rises on Thursday, January 28, 2021. It’s thought that January’s full Moon came to be known as the Wolf Moon because wolves were more often heard howling at this time. It was traditionally believed that wolves howled due to hunger during winter, but we know today that wolves howl for other reasons.

The Gaelic word for January, Faoilleach, comes from the term for wolves, faol-chù, even though wolves haven’t existed in Scotland for centuries. The Saxon word for January is Wulf-monath, or Wolf Month. Meanwhile, the festival of the Japanese wolf god, Ooguchi Magami, is also held in January. The Seneca tribe links the wolf so strongly to the moon, they believe that a wolf gave birth to the moon by singing it into the sky! So just why are wolves so strongly associated with January’s full moon?

The most obvious answer is because wolves are much louder and more noticeable in January, which is when breeding season begins. Wolves begin to howl more frequently and aggressively to establish their territory, threatening neighbours and enemies alike to stay far away from their breeding grounds. A small pack of wolves may even try to make themselves seem like a larger pack by howling together. While a lone wolf can sustain a howl for the duration of a single breath, an entire pack may howl in unison for longer than two minutes during breeding season. Howling and other wolf vocalizations are generally used to define territory, locate pack members, reinforce social bonds, and coordinate hunting.

Wolves are so well-known for their tight-knit communities that the Sioux tribe called January’s full moon the Moon Where Wolves Run Together. The wolf is often seen as a symbol of loyalty and protection in many cultures. The Wolf Moon is the perfect time for you to reach out to loved ones and reaffirm your connections, in preparation for deepening your bonds and taking on new challenges together over the upcoming year. We’ve most certainly got those ahead.

Stay safe with your pack!

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#FullMoon,#Farmers,#WolfMoon,#LookUp,#SocialDistancng,#SnowdropsAreUp,#StayAtHome,#StaySafe