Haslemere Land Areas being considered for inclusion into National Park AONB
Haslemere Land Areas being Adopted into National Park AONB
Four AGLV (Area Great Landscape Value) areas in the immediate South Haslemere area are being reviewed inclusion into the higher protection class of AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural beauty), the same ranking as the majority of Haslemere and Surrey Hills AONB. The area, above its intrinsic beauty and placement adjoining the South Downs National Park has an incredible biodiverse habitat for many endangered and protected species, a significant woodland and ancient forest area, a natural corridor for migratory species.
Four AGLV (Area Great Landscape Value) areas in the immediate South Haslemere area are being reviewed inclusion into the higher protection class of AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural beauty), the same ranking as the majority of Haslemere and Surrey Hills AONB. The area, above its intrinsic beauty and placement adjoining the South Downs National Park has an incredible biodiverse habitat for many endangered and protected species, a significant woodland and ancient forest area, a natural corridor for migratory species.
The Haslemere AONB anomaly
Haslemere could soon be adopted into the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Surrey Hills AONB board proposes to extend the Surrey Hills area by almost 82.5 km² which includes the HSRA campaign area of AGLV labelled 24-3 on the map link below. This extension is currently being considered by Natural England and the Secretary of State for DEFRA. Reallocation of the AGLV to AONB provides additional protection from inappropriate development. See the Herald Article.
As quoted " The extension has been welcomed by CPRE The Countryside Charity, whose Surrey director Andy Smith said: “CPRE has long supported the extension of the Surrey Hills AONB boundary to incorporate within the AONB many of the adjacent Areas of Great Landscape Value – and beyond – so we are delighted to hear the long-awaited AONB boundary review can now go ahead".
When Natural England decides to extend the Surrey Hills AONB boundary, a Variation Order will be submitted to the secretary of state for a final decision, following a period of consultation.
Please see the PDF Map - This is dated 2013 as this is when the area was originally assigned for review.
Haslemere could soon be adopted into the South Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Surrey Hills AONB board proposes to extend the Surrey Hills area by almost 82.5 km² which includes the HSRA campaign area of AGLV labelled 24-3 on the map link below. This extension is currently being considered by Natural England and the Secretary of State for DEFRA. Reallocation of the AGLV to AONB provides additional protection from inappropriate development. See the Herald Article.
As quoted " The extension has been welcomed by CPRE The Countryside Charity, whose Surrey director Andy Smith said: “CPRE has long supported the extension of the Surrey Hills AONB boundary to incorporate within the AONB many of the adjacent Areas of Great Landscape Value – and beyond – so we are delighted to hear the long-awaited AONB boundary review can now go ahead".
When Natural England decides to extend the Surrey Hills AONB boundary, a Variation Order will be submitted to the secretary of state for a final decision, following a period of consultation.
Please see the PDF Map - This is dated 2013 as this is when the area was originally assigned for review.
Map courtesy of Surrey Interactive Map
AGLV anomaly area crosshatch without light green AONB background plus adjacent Ancient Woodland (Dark Green).
Aerial view of the green area requiring additional AONB protection as it backs onto SDNP (spin map 180 deg)
The North boundary of AGLV an historic Ancient Highway
(Scotland Lane)
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Wildlife taken from 2018 - 2019 - 2020 - 2021 :
As documented elsewhere on this website, the AGLV area 24-3 (Red Court Area ) is habitat for protected and endangered species including but not limited to Slowworms and Dormice. All photographs recently taken in across the AGLV in the immediate or bordering the proposed AONB / AGLV site area. Red Court requires protection. Under private ownership, it has been fallow for over 20 years and is one of Haslemere’s most abundant and biodiverse landscapes within the heart of our town, enriching Haslemere with the outstanding natural beauty of its tree cover, meadows, woodlands and ancient forest teeming with wildlife. HSRA has many videos of wildlife supplied by local people. Unfortunately we cannot at present or display these audio or video clips. |
even the humble Fly Argaric has its place
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The Specified Area
A view of the green high biodiverse area as it is today (2021) and the contribution it makes to the green areas surrounding Haslemere
all images are copyright and are taken locally on or around the AGLV area by amateur photographers
A view of the green high biodiverse area as it is today (2021) and the contribution it makes to the green areas surrounding Haslemere
all images are copyright and are taken locally on or around the AGLV area by amateur photographers
The AGLV area for AONB in all seasons supporting all wildlife, birds and plants. All aspects portray Surrey Hills as the place to preserve with a high tree density, yet fields of green.
Several images some on the land area (before it was locked out) and many across the land, ie the public amenity view. Through all seasons it can bee seen why the term "natural beauty" is used as this is atypical of Surrey so must be preserved for all our children and grandchildren. The area is used to graze sheep which is beneficial to the land providing it is managed and meets the Surrey Hill AONB Management style. The key objection is the mowing of the specific AGLV area, assumedly to reduce the biodiversity. The people responsible for mowing do not seem to be aware that the hedgerows are rife with slow worms and dormice, or if they are they are deliberately endangering protected habitats.
The Local Wildlife
All the images included here are taken on or around the AGLV nominated AONB site in the last few years
PROTECTED WILDLIFE (RED) on the specific land area : Dormice (recorded) Slow worms (abundant) Cuckoos (male) and Song thrush
All the images included here are taken on or around the AGLV nominated AONB site in the last few years
PROTECTED WILDLIFE (RED) on the specific land area : Dormice (recorded) Slow worms (abundant) Cuckoos (male) and Song thrush
Rodents - including protected Dormouse
Although abundant other rodents they are generally fodder for the larger predators. The Owls can be seen and heard nightly (usually at 11pm and 4am) hunting and calling in the fields. The rodents can also bee seen scurrying along the hedgerows adjacent to the AGLV. Although camera and automated camera trigger devices have been built they remain evasive, except for these.
Hazel dormice are rare and vulnerable to extinction in the UK. They are a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and are found all over the estate - over 20 pairs last recorded.
Although abundant other rodents they are generally fodder for the larger predators. The Owls can be seen and heard nightly (usually at 11pm and 4am) hunting and calling in the fields. The rodents can also bee seen scurrying along the hedgerows adjacent to the AGLV. Although camera and automated camera trigger devices have been built they remain evasive, except for these.
Hazel dormice are rare and vulnerable to extinction in the UK. They are a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and are found all over the estate - over 20 pairs last recorded.
Protected dormice (left sleeping while photographed - he then ran off) are about in reasonable numbers and can be seen but rarely photographed like this in the wild and naturally not disturbed in any way. Field mice and voles and shrews also all habitat here on the AGLV area. Keen stargazers are well aware of the rather strange rustling through the hedgerows at night as these cute furry friends move about. Unfortunately the large Owl population can also detect them and although sadly are predator-fodder, they maintain their numbers as seen in the pictures.
The felt tiles (shown) are simple nest sites which mice adore, but obviously never lifted once set. However a bit of observation at dusk gets the picture.
The felt tiles (shown) are simple nest sites which mice adore, but obviously never lifted once set. However a bit of observation at dusk gets the picture.
Lizards and snakes
The area has abundant protected slow worms (which of course are actually lizards), plus sand lizards. The images are over a few years by different residents around the AGLV area. Grass snakes and Adders have also been caught on camera in the area.
Slow worm Anguis fragilis: Conservation status is protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
The area has abundant protected slow worms (which of course are actually lizards), plus sand lizards. The images are over a few years by different residents around the AGLV area. Grass snakes and Adders have also been caught on camera in the area.
Slow worm Anguis fragilis: Conservation status is protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
Our bordering hedgerows are a continuous shuffle of small animals running, or slithering, along the edges as they have done for decades. Many resident report slowworms when turning compost heaps on a warm day as they gain heat in the spring warmth. Many building projects across the UK have ben halted by these critters and they are so lovely to see in such volumes. Surrey Wildlife Trust ran an article about areas of slowworms in Summer 2021. Although aware of this area and the population, SWT chose to ignore the population and instead suggest that a property developer has the right to concrete over their habitat. The logic to this, along with the mowing is criminal from the wildlife perspective. As an endangered species, how can a desk survey outweigh pictures taken at the site over many seasons.
The images above include a juvenile female adder (bottom left) and a green snake adjacent. The common sand lizard can be found, usually where magpies start a flurry of excitement.
Middle bottom row is actually a snake with a frog in its mouth.
The images above include a juvenile female adder (bottom left) and a green snake adjacent. The common sand lizard can be found, usually where magpies start a flurry of excitement.
Middle bottom row is actually a snake with a frog in its mouth.
Resident or passing through; birdlife over the AGLV.
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And occasionally we get bigger birds of prey captured on the security camera
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The bordering hedgerows, trees and neighbouring gardens all house nesting and some have local cameras to ensure no disturbance to the families.
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The whole Red Court site is a massive bird "stop-over" nesting site and feeding area which both fruit, nuts and small mammals to enjoy. Many species stop here as it is a good feeding grounds and start the morning chorus and evening song which is very dominant in spring and summer. The resident ornithologist has also confirmed sightings of rare and red category (RSPB) birds over the last few years including redwing and honey buzzards, as well as bats, skylarks, woodcock, hen harrier, greater spotted woodpecker, pair male cuckoos & bountiful owls. Nests are common in hedges so trimming a hedge must be restricted at nesting time.
Bottom left is a Nightingale in the hedge - hard to see but the song is unmistakable akin to a historic modem
Bottom left is a Nightingale in the hedge - hard to see but the song is unmistakable akin to a historic modem
BATS
The Natural Balance is under threat with the proposed Red Court development : (Local Expert Commentary)
In terms of underscoring the likely importance of the Red Court site as a habitat for rare bat species and the potential concerns associated with
1) habitat removal and
2) installation of bat boxes in disrupting the natural balance between common and rare species (to the detriment of the latter).
CPRE will be making a formal complaint regarding the way in which CPRE policy has been quoted in the Red Court publicity material in a way that suggests CPRE endorsement of the scheme.
Damaging the local ecology through limited knowledge of the Ecological systems around Haslemere. Locally in Haslemere, sites have been found to have at least 12 of the 14 Surrey bat species including the very rare western barbastelle and Bechstein’s bats. These two species are dependent on ancient woodland. They do not survive in its absence. Many of the species found at Imbhams Farm in Haslemere are also found along the valley (Swan Barn Farm NT) to the town itself, including the barbastelle which has been regularly detected around woodland only a few hundred metres from the town centre.
The Natural Trust land adjoining the Red Court definitely supports at least eight different bat species. The developers make a point of installing bat boxes in the properties. These might possibly attract more of our most common pipistrelle and long-eared species which are already plentiful in the area. However, it would be at the expense of rarer species which are dependent on the habitat which would be destroyed. Mitigation measures undertaken where other developments have gone ahead very rarely prove successful. If we consider there are probably over 3 million pipistrelles and a quarter of a million long-eared bats in Britain, compared with just a few thousand Bechstein’s and barbastelles, the potential trade-off is very concerning.
The Natural Balance is under threat with the proposed Red Court development : (Local Expert Commentary)
In terms of underscoring the likely importance of the Red Court site as a habitat for rare bat species and the potential concerns associated with
1) habitat removal and
2) installation of bat boxes in disrupting the natural balance between common and rare species (to the detriment of the latter).
CPRE will be making a formal complaint regarding the way in which CPRE policy has been quoted in the Red Court publicity material in a way that suggests CPRE endorsement of the scheme.
Damaging the local ecology through limited knowledge of the Ecological systems around Haslemere. Locally in Haslemere, sites have been found to have at least 12 of the 14 Surrey bat species including the very rare western barbastelle and Bechstein’s bats. These two species are dependent on ancient woodland. They do not survive in its absence. Many of the species found at Imbhams Farm in Haslemere are also found along the valley (Swan Barn Farm NT) to the town itself, including the barbastelle which has been regularly detected around woodland only a few hundred metres from the town centre.
The Natural Trust land adjoining the Red Court definitely supports at least eight different bat species. The developers make a point of installing bat boxes in the properties. These might possibly attract more of our most common pipistrelle and long-eared species which are already plentiful in the area. However, it would be at the expense of rarer species which are dependent on the habitat which would be destroyed. Mitigation measures undertaken where other developments have gone ahead very rarely prove successful. If we consider there are probably over 3 million pipistrelles and a quarter of a million long-eared bats in Britain, compared with just a few thousand Bechstein’s and barbastelles, the potential trade-off is very concerning.
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Bat species encountered on the NT land adjoining Red Court are:
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A flock of Bats, just hard to capture at dusk +1hr.
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Whiskered bats are a cryptic species, easily confused with two other small woodland bats, so it is possible that these too are present. At Imbhams Farm in addition to the bats listed , barbastelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, and breeding colonies of Bechstein’s and Alcathoe bats have bene found.
The ancient woodland around Red Court similar species will be there.
Further reading:
Building on the Red Court will impact the ecological interests of the site contravene WBC’s duty of care, as described under the NERC Act 2006.
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5717 BAP
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents NERC Act
The ancient woodland around Red Court similar species will be there.
Further reading:
Building on the Red Court will impact the ecological interests of the site contravene WBC’s duty of care, as described under the NERC Act 2006.
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5717 BAP
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents NERC Act
Butterflies
During the early summer of 2020 when the weather was warm for 6.5 weeks and the Buddleia and wild thistles were in full bloom there was a polethera of butterflies reocrded. This volume was slightly higher in this specific year but is always a high biodiversity signal.
During the early summer of 2020 when the weather was warm for 6.5 weeks and the Buddleia and wild thistles were in full bloom there was a polethera of butterflies reocrded. This volume was slightly higher in this specific year but is always a high biodiversity signal.
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Resident Mammals
The AGLV area has many roe deer which graze in all the fields most evenings. In the morning they jump hedgerows where they still can and come into gardens, mainly to eat the roses and precious young flower heads. Two baby deer were born in the AGLV field in 2016 outside Scotlands Close (image to right) |
Baby with mother
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Varied Wildlife all resident and contributing to the Biodiversity on the AGLV.
Some wildlife caught is not all it seems or has a strange view. A squirrel sitting waiting for bus, a Butterfly on an opening flower - but inside is a white spider(bottom right), a caterpillar which has the appearance of a twiglet, or a robin skiing in the snow. Bottom right, the fox has a bird stick out its mouth, hopefully not a Dartford Warbler.
And of course some more strange images to show the ingenuity of the Wildlife when left to strive. |
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DARK SKIES (NPPF Requirement)
Dark Skies map
2020 AONB Dark Skies:
Another reason to protect 24-3 from development is sometimes overlooked, yet infinitely precious.This significant area of natural beauty within the centre of Haslemere is the major contributor to our town’s rare ‘Dark Skies’ status.
. The International Dark Skies Reserve (IDSR) map shows the area, allowing all to see wonders like the planets and the amazing Milky Way.
It is not just the dark skies which afford such images, photographers and astronomers need zero "heat haze" - the heat from concrete and tilted roofs. Grassland is perfect - keep it as grass and trees. It also needs to be clear for miles to prevent light pollution.
Any development on the areas adjacent to Scotland Lane, in any configuration, will loose images and views like this, forever.
Another reason to protect 24-3 from development is sometimes overlooked, yet infinitely precious.This significant area of natural beauty within the centre of Haslemere is the major contributor to our town’s rare ‘Dark Skies’ status.
. The International Dark Skies Reserve (IDSR) map shows the area, allowing all to see wonders like the planets and the amazing Milky Way.
It is not just the dark skies which afford such images, photographers and astronomers need zero "heat haze" - the heat from concrete and tilted roofs. Grassland is perfect - keep it as grass and trees. It also needs to be clear for miles to prevent light pollution.
Any development on the areas adjacent to Scotland Lane, in any configuration, will loose images and views like this, forever.
Jupiter with Moons (365M miles). To gain a good contrast image a dark sky such as AGLV bordering SDNP is vital.
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Milky Way taken over Red Court July 2020
(low pollution due to Covid19 also helped)
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Not so Good
Unfortunately the zest to build on the protected AGLV land and potentially degrade both the AONB and AGLV so development would be easier is all too familiar in the UK. HSRA make no direct statement but the evidence is clear.
Much of the work, in HSRA opinion, is actually destructive and much of it dangerous to wildlife. If the gardener must put up out of character fences to destroy the elderly folks view, the effect of the wildlife must be considered - this is clearly an unprofessional approach. Clearing hedgerows with fires after the DEFRA nesting time in wildlife rich areas is not a professional approach to land management either.
Top right image is a fire in the nesting area in mid April in retaliation to a complaint in the Herald. Naturally this was also reported direct to Defra and local rural police and WBC.
Top right image is a fire in the nesting area in mid April in retaliation to a complaint in the Herald. Naturally this was also reported direct to Defra and local rural police and WBC.
Sadly the distressed deer which were highlighted in the Haslemere Herald in March and again later in the season had little impact on the approach taken by the prospective developer, but certainly riled the local residents who voted with their feet. Ploughing a supposed vertical cycle path through a historic badger sett (highlighted by local resident - top left) is a very strange development strategy .