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February 2018 February 2018

which they then grazed the re-growth. This should give some of the rarer spring
flowers that were being smothered by the coarse vegetation a chance. As many
walkers will have seen the meadow is now popular with many birds particularly the
buzzard, a kestrel, song thrushes and blackbirds, and it was great to see a flock of
fieldfares who will have flown south to avoid the colder weather in the north. All
these birds are taking advantage of the wetter areas which will be rich in worms in
flooded patches. This would have been much less likely if the meadow was left as
coarse vegetation. Along the stream we have as well as the egrets, kingfishers and
visiting herons. Improvements in the variation of the stream have been achieved.
Even sea trout have been seen spawning and there has been a sighting of an eel.
The opening up of glades within the woodland along the footpath has led to a
much greater display of both spring and summer flowers. Some piles of brash have
been left as cover for hedgehogs and other small mammals.

We hope all villagers are pleased with the added wildlife interest that has been
created within our nature reserve. The wildlife group always needs as much
assistance as possible do come along and help us if you can.

Tony Bates

PURBECK DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT

Unitary Proposals

At its meeting on 12 December, Purbeck District
Council decided to withdraw its opposition to the
proposed reorganisation of local government in
Dorset. Whilst there are some Purbeck Councillors
who strongly support the proposed reorganisation,
including myself, there are others who have
reluctantly withdrawn their opposition because they
believe the Secretary of State (SoS) will soon confirm
his “minded to” decision. They believe their role is to represent the interests of
local communities and this is best achieved by playing a full part in the
preparations for the creation of the new unitary councils.

We are awaiting the SoS decision following the end of the consultation period in
January and we are hoping that he will make a decision by the end of February.
Whatever the decision is it will upset some people!

Local Plan Review

Officers are currently finalising the information and options to include in the
Council’s consultation starting at the end of January. The completed evidence

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