Transcript Historical Minute Book 1977 to 1993 - Ashdown Forest

which depended upon the co-operation of their members in observing the Riding Code. The Committee considered
that the possibility of a winter riding route should be studied, but they appreciated that there would be considerable
difficulties in establishing a route that was readily available to all riders. The Committee's recommendations were
approved, and they were asked to consider the long term winter solutions and report back.
6. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT
There have been some cases of sheep and deer being worried by dogs and some sheep had in fact been killed.
Where local dogs are involved the problem can, and has been dealt with. The isolated cases of visitors’ dogs
worrying animals are not so easily dealt with. It was impracticable to place an excessive number of warning notices.
The Press was asked to give the problem full coverage so as to warn dog owners of the problem.
There had been an allegation made that an encroachment has occurred at the site of a new bungalow at Putlands
Farm. Both Mrs. Maudslay and the Head Ranger had visited the site but the complainant is still not satisfied. The
Superintendent requested that a small Committee carry out an on-site inspection. This was agreed. The Chairman,
Vice Chairman, Mrs. Maudslay, Mr. Gent and Mr. Kavanagh agreed to serve on the Committee.
The inhabitants of Fairwarp village had purchased a field for recreation purposes and had requested permission to
make up the track leading to the ground. It was agreed that a Licence be granted at a peppercorn rent.
The Superintendent reported that, shortly before Christmas, a number of Scots Pine had been cleared from heather
areas and that these had been sold as Christmas Trees and a total of £100 had been made.
Purchase of a Projector. The Superintendent reported that we now have a good selection of slides which could be
used for lectures and he therefore wished to ask the Friends of Ashdown Forest for a Projector and Screen. It was
agreed that this should be done.
Uckfield By Pass. A letter had been received from some residents at Fairwarp complaining that the Conservators
had not considered the effect of the proposed by-pass on the Forest. The Superintendent reported that the present
proposed route presented no threat to the Forest, and would in fact reduce the weight of traffic from the present
level. Due to objections from residents of Maresfield, the East Sussex County Council was now carrying out ground
surveys to the East of Maresfield village. Should these surveys result in an alternative route being suggested, the
Conservators would then have to consider any possible effect of the Forest. The Superintendent had, in any event,
written to the County Engineer stating the . Conservators’ duties on the protection of the Forest from
encroachments under Section 16 of the Act, and their policies of opposing any increase in road traffic as agreed in
the Management Plan. Several Conservators, who were also County Councillors, informed the Board that they were
watching the interests of the Forest when proposals were discussed at County Council level. The Superintendent
was instructed to convey this information to the complainers.
THE BOARD THEN WENT INTO COMMITTEE
See Confidential Minute No. 6
THE BOARD CAME OUT OF COMMITTEE.
The date for the May Board Meeting was fixed for 23rd. May.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 5.40 p.m.
Chairman
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE COMMONERS OF ASHDOWN
FOREST HELD AT MARESFIELD VILLAGE HALL ON FRIDAY 10 TH MARCH 1978 AT 7.30 P.M.
PRESENT: There were over 100 Commoners and their spouses present.
1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN FOR THE MEETING. Nominations were put forward for Miss B. Willard
and Mr. D. Harman. After a tied first vote Mr. Harman was elected on the second show of hands.
2. NOTICE CONVENING THE MEETING. The Clerk read the notice convening the Meeting