Give Open Spaces At Christmas
We have a Christmas gift solution that will be appreciated for a whole year. The perfect present for someone who may enjoy walking, riding or cycling outdoors, be that in their local park or further afield on our amazing commons, village greens or path network. Whitchurch Green, Bristol, registered 2011 A gift of membership for…
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The Perfect Gift For Outdoorsy People
Looking for a last minute present for Christmas that will give lasting enjoyment? Shopping for a gift for the outdoor fan in your life? Do you want to purchase and send the present without hitting the High Street? Southborough Common OSS membership gift vouchers will be valued by anyone who appreciates our amazing landscapes and path network,…
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Wiltshire’s Watercress Walk Is Now Recognised As A Public Path
The society is delighted that the Watercress Walk in west Wiltshire has been recognised as a public path, following a public inquiry in September. The route runs through woodland and by a stream east of Luccombe Mill in the parishes of Bratton and Edington and crosses land owned by Mr Henry Pelly of Luccombe Mill,…
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Massive Motorsport Development On Common Land In South Wales
We have objected to plans by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to revive the ill-fated Circuit of Wales motorsport development. The council has applied for renewal of planning permission for the massive racing circuit, hotels, showrooms and other industrial development on common land at Rassau, Ebbw Vale. Circuit of Wales – artist’s impression We fought…
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Round Two In The Battle To Save The Warcop Commons In Cumbria From The Military
On Tuesday 30 October we resume our opposition to the applications of the Secretary of State for Defence to deregister the extensive Warcop commons(1). The applications, if granted, would cause Burton, Hilton and Murton Fells, in the Cumbrian North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to cease to be common land after centuries—perhaps even a…
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Appalling Decision To Allow Wind Turbines On Powys Beauty-Spot
A Welsh Government minister has approved an application for seven wind-turbines at Llandegley Rocks, near Llandrindod Wells in Powys. The decision overturns the recommendation of an inspector at a public inquiry held in March. The Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has rejected the report of the inspector, planner Hywel Wyn…
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John Underhill-Day, 1943-2018
Kate Ashbrook writes: We are sad to report the untimely death of John Underhill-Day at the age of 74. He was an excellent all-round naturalist with expertise in common land, and a good friend to the society. John was born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and educated at Lancing College in West Sussex, which he hated.…
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Fight to stop major development at Harrow School
We have objected to Harrow School’s appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a new science building and sports hall. The society, which is concerned to protect public paths and open spaces, considers that the development would have a significant impact on Metropolitan Open Land and the attractive, historic landscape of the area, as…
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We fight common-land swap at the Canyons
We have objected to an application from Peakman Ltd to remove part of Mynydd Llanhilleth Common from the common-land register. This popular common is near Abertillery in south Wales. As part of its plan to extract aggregates from the nearby quarry, Peakman wants to widen the existing Blaen y Cwm road and create parking bays.…
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We call for greater protection of green spaces in cities
We have welcomed the Welsh Conservative Party’s consultation paper Liveable Cities and its support for parks and green spaces and sustainable transport in cities. In responding, the society has made some new proposals. While it welcomes the paper’s recommendation that local authorities should be required to submit plans that highlight land which can be made…
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