SUSTAINABILITY

AROUND THE REGIONS
3
Buckinghamshire
RAF Halton
the ‘Ancient Monument,’ is misleading
as it was put in the wrong location,
however what was a mistake actually
affords the real monument an extra
level of protection! In the recent past,
the Barrow had not received any
attention, however this year we were
able to round up a group of
Servicemen awaiting Trade Training to
help clear it of scrub and weeds. After
a gruelling afternoon, the contours of
the Barrow became much clearer.
Since, Defence Infrastructure
Organisation archaeologist Guy
Salkeld has been to site to conduct
some surveying to reveal the extent
of the Barrow.
Volunteer Service personnel © Crown
Over the last year, the conservation
committee at Halton has been
overjoyed at a number of successes,
which are all thanks to the hard
working and committed volunteers
that keep driving and promoting
conservation. It was diffcult to note all
the Station’s achievements in such a
small article, nevertheless, here is a
snapshot of some of the activities from
the previous year.
The Station was fortunate to retain its
former Grounds Site Manager through
the CarillionAmey transition, which has
resulted in maintenance of care for the
sympathetic land use management
techniques formally employed. The chalk
grassland known as ‘Happy Valley’ goes
from strength to strength, having seen an
impressive array of orchids again this year.
In June, the Station hosted its Families’
Day at the Airfield. Wanting to
promote conservation to families and
friends alike, a conservation stand was
set up by committee member Dave
Short, who was supported by Lily the
barn owl. This was a great
opportunity for children and parents
alike to learn more about owls and
their behaviours. The Wheatley Birds
of Prey from Oxford generously
supported this event, extending the
scope to a range of birds of prey
including a peregrine falcon.
This year also saw a surge in interest
over the Neolithic Long Barrow which
sits nestled in the Chiltern Hills with
an impressive view over the Vale of
Aylesbury. To the unknown footpath
walker, the obvious sign indicating
During the spring, a small team were
able to survey for newts, and found 22
adult great crested newts alongside a
handful of palmate newts living in an
old training bund, which after a
number of years of non use had
naturally turned into a hub for
conservation. Night cameras were set
up by the committee to monitor
activity in and around the facility, and
revealed other visitors to the site,
including ducks and deer.
As the outgoing Conser vation
Of ficer, I wish to thank the whole
team for all their hard work,
dedication and commitment to the
Halton Conser vation Group. I have
enjoyed working alongside ever yone
from the bird sur veyors to ‘Batman’
and even the enthusiastic
Conser vation Operations team. I
know I leave Halton with
conser vation in a good place.
Emily Haddock
Station Safety Health and Environment
Advisor & Conservation Offcer
Sanctuary 44 • 2015 75