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orange as the sun slowly rises over the hill. By the time the sun rises fully the mist will ‘main towns’ to supporting households in areas that aren’t able to charge electric
be vanishing to reveal the village in the valley below, another day begins and the vehicles at their homes. The plans, which will play a key part in preparing the
daylight dwellers emerge. county for the government’s 2050 net-zero target, will see as many as 200 electric
vehicle charge points installed in communities across the Dorset Council area
The distant tawny owl again jolts me from memories of a thousand misty sunrises, over the next three years.
that is nearly three hours away yet. I leave the bench and make my way down
through the plantation, the ever present sika walking with me through the Funding for the new charge points will mostly come from the government’s local
shadowy young trees to my right. It is still and silent, just my frost crunching electric vehicle infrastructure (LEVI) scheme and Mer, a European EV charging
footsteps and the gentle sound of hooves betraying the tracking sika in the company, with additional contributions from the council. If your community could
shadows. No road noise at this hour, the A35 delightfully silent. benefit from a ChargePoint, you can suggest possible locations by submitting an
Emerging from the plantation I rejoin Dark Lane at the foot of the hill. Putting off online form on our website or by contacting your local town or parish council.
returning as long as possible I do not carry on to Shitterton but bear right into the
South plantation. With its wide open grassy pathways the frost is heaviest here.
The temperature is well below freezing and everything is white. The young trees School attendance strategy.
are as white as the grass in the moonlight, sparkling with encrusted ice so heavy is The new strategy, which will be implemented during this year and next, sets out to
the frost.
achieve the best attendance and raise the hopes and ambitions of our children
Walking through that South plantation then crossing the ancient holloway into the and young people through a community partnership approach. The vision for the
final plantation to home is Winters nocturnal scenery at its finest. The bright new strategy is “attendance is everyone’s business” and will be achieved by the
moonlight on the frosty grass and ice covered trees makes everything sparkle like community working closely and positively together, and with everybody taking
millions of cut diamonds have been scattered from above. These diamonds are responsibility to support children to be safe in school. Everybody in the community
more exclusive though, they belong to the nocturnal world and its inhabitants. By will be able to be involved in making the strategy work, from school staff, parents
dawn they will be gone, just a memory to cherish of what is unseen by many and and carers to local shop owners and GP surgeries.
unattainable for any amount of money.
After thorough consultation the attendance strategy has identified five key
I am now back where I started, leaning on Jubilee Bridge looking down into the priority action areas of work which are:
whispering silver stream on its relentless journey to the sea that will continue as
long as water rises from the chalk.....  Consistent Dorset-wide policy and practice

Simon Goddard.  Knowledge sharing and communication
Footnote:  Early identification and targeted intervention
I hope readers have enjoyed this nocturnal trip into nature with a little added
imagination. This walk was at the time of Decembers full moon. Known as the  Consistent approach to transition (moving to a new school)
C o l d M o o n i t c o u l d n o t h a v e b e e n m o r e a p t .
It was a red letter night when everything came together. A full moon, totally clear  Transport
sky, no wind and freezing temperatures made for great visibility and hearing
ability. So often I wait all month for the full moon phase and it is spoilt by cloud
cover. I still go and it is perfectly light enough to walk, but without unhampered Contacting Us
moonlight it is hard to actually see the wildlife so it becomes all about hearing. We are always available to our residents. Our contact details are below and we
We are lucky with what we have on our doorstep. From Black Hill to the Piddle are happy to meet in person, over zoom or to discuss your concern on the phone.
valley, to the open spaces of Bere Down with its stunning views, to walking up the Peter’s email address is peterwharf@hotmail.com telephone 07986 600799 and
valley and the old Roman road to Weatherby Castle and its Iron Age and Laura’s is cllrlaura.beddow@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk telephone 07814 569563
medieval settlement history are just three of my favourite nocturnal destinations.
If it has inspired you to try it be aware it is addictive. Just like The Lion, the Witch Peter Wharf & Laura Beddow, Dorset Councillors for West Purbeck
and the Wardrobe once you have passed through into the Narnia on your
doorstep your life will revolve around returning.....

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