We have had two Board Meetings since the last Beacon News, the Annual Meeting in November and our ordinary meeting in January. At the November meeting members adopted the 10-year Forward Strategy. Progress is already being made on one of the specific objectives. This is to restore uninterrupted views from the Victorian walks on the northern Hills, particularly on the eastern slopes between Ivy Scar Rock and the southern end of Foley Terrace, by selective clearance of scrub to reveal intermittent views across the Severn Plain. Members of the Land Management Committee gave their support to the recommendations in a report prepared by consultants setting out how this could be achieved. The Conservators' Field Staff will be carrying out the work.
The Board were advised that Voluntary Warden, Jim McArthur, had retired after 17 years service. Members paid tribute to the valuable work Jim had done over the years and in particular his significant input into the naming of Millennium Hill.
The British Legion Memorial Garden at Barnards Green is on Malvern Hills Conservators' land. Following a request from the British Legion, whose members were finding it increasingly difficult to care for the garden, the Conservators have agreed to take over its maintenance.
For many months now the Conservation Officer, Rob Havard, has been working on the mammoth task of reviewing the Management Plan. At the Land Management meeting he gave a presentation summarising the structure of the new Plan which received the approval of members. Following the meeting a draft copy was sent to all Board members for their comments. The document was finally adopted at the Board meeting in January and will be in place for the next five years.
Both the Forward Strategy and the Management Plan, as well as the recently produced 2006 Annual Report, can be viewed on our web site www.malvernhills.org.uk. but for those who do not have access to the web, these are available at the office.
Future Meeting Dates:|
Annual Meeting of the Board |
8 March - 7 p.m. | The Council House |
| Land Management | 8 March - 7 p.m. | The Conservators' office |
| Administration & Resources |
15 Feb - 7.30 p.m. | TheConservators' office |
You will notice that we now have only two committees. The Access and Information Committee has been disbanded as it was under-subscribed and it was felt that much of the work could be best dealt with by working parties or the existing Urgent Business Sub-Committee.
Happy new year to you all from the admin staff.