The May diary | The Voice of the Allotment

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8 June 2024

Barry Cuff says a warm, damp spring means slugs and weeds – but also strawberries!

The lettuce has enjoyed the warm damp spring.
All images: Barry Cuff

May was a very busy month, both on the plot and in the greenhouses. With more than four inches of rain and fairly warm conditions, good growth was ensured, and flushes of weed seedlings kept the hoe busy! One of our ‘special’ weeds is thornapple, which has quite distinctive seedlings. When these started to appear on the 8th it was a good sign that the soil was warm enough for the more tender vegetables to go out.
So far, 2024 has been the year of the slug! Together with snails they have been active since February, and unusually they have even attacked plants like rhubarb, which they usually avoid. Pigeons have been another major pest this spring.

On the allotment in May:

1st – Plant up 20 tomatoes in large pots. Sown in individual small pots: six Crown Prince squash, six Butterfly squash, five Defender courgette and two Astia courgette, all in the greenhouse.
2nd – Cut paths, put straw under strawberries and cover with a net. Greenhouse – sow ten seeds of Cornichon de Paris gherkins.
4th – A cutworm has attacked a few lettuce. Harvest the tub-grown Jazzy potato: 19 tubers of varying sizes. Most of these were eaten with our evening meal – absolutely delicious with butter!
5th – Hand weeding, and prepare the ground for the first two lines of peas.
6th – Plant out second batch of Little Gem lettuce, and sow a patch of Scarlet Globe radish. Plant out the last of the onion seedlings – these will be used as spring onions. Sow Moonshine and Scarlet Emperor runner beans in the greenhouse.
7th – Put twine around broad beans for support.
8th – Sow 20 seeds of White Step cauliflower and 30 seeds of Safari dwarf French bean in the greenhouse.
9th – Pump water from the well (mainly being used in the greenhouses on the site)
10th – Sow 20 seeds Cheesy cauliflower and 36 seeds of Swift sweetcorn. This is a second batch, as those sown in April are a little slow.

12th – Prepare the ground for two lines of peas, more weeding, and feed the garlic and onions.
13th – Put net cloches over first two rows of peas.
14th – MORE THAN AN INCH OF RAIN!
15th – Sow 20 seeds of Cendis cauliflower and 15 seeds of Rudolph purple sprouting broccoli in the greenhouse. Tie and remove tomato side shoots. Hand weed the parsnip.
16th – Thin celery and celeriac seedlings in plugs. Another plot holder gave us two Butterfly squash plants as we had poor germination. Runner beans into the cold frame. Pull some spring onions.
17th – Sow 20 seeds of Ironman and 15 seeds of Atlantis calabrese in the greenhouse.
18th – Pump water for site. Weed raspberry canes. See we have lost two potatoes due to ant damage – we lose a few each year as ants nest on the roots.
19th – Harden celery and celeriac.
21st – Sow about 30 seeds of Nautica dwarf French beans (as Safari had poor emergence). Cut the hedgebank. Put more twine around broad beans.
22nd – Harden sweetcorn. Cut lettuce. Cut chicons for their fourth cut.
23rd – Erect canes for runner beans. Dug skulkers* from the next area to be planted.
24th – Patch first three rows of peas. Sow a line of Johan pea and half line of Carouby de Massaune mangetout pea. Pick first bunch of Sweet William and the first strawberries! Hand weed and thin parsnips.

At the end of the month most crops are looking exceptionally well

26th – Plant out 30 Moonshine and 20 Scarlet Emperor runner beans.
27th – Pull spring onions, cut lettuce. Delicious skulkers for dinner.
28th – Plant out about 70 Swift sweetcorn, weeding. Pick strawberries.
29th – Plant out Astia and Defender courgettes.Plant out Crown Prince and Butterfly winter squash.
30th – Pinch out tops of broad beans to aid pod production. Very little blackfly, but large numbers of Ladybirds. Taking side shoots from tomatoes
At the end of the month most crops are looking exceptionally well.

Dorset term for potatoes accidentally left in the ground from the previous year.

Love Local Trust Local champions teamed up for the Dorset Spring Show

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Editorial team

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8 June 2024

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From left: Rachael Perrett of Meggy Moo’s Dairy, Peter Morgan of The Book & Bucket Cheese Co, and Barbara Cossins, founder of Love Local Trust Local

Love Local Trust Local was fortunate enough to help showcase some of the best Dorset produce on offer at the Dorset Spring Show a few weeks ago.
We worked alongside Peter Morgan of The Book & Bucket Cheese Company and Rachael Perrett from Meggy Moo’s Dairy.
Both of these Dorset food champions are much-loved members of the Love Local Trust Local family, and have been since we set up in 2018.
The three of us were a great team; cooking and talking about our local Dorset produce and ingredients while we explained to the audience the importance of supporting our British food producers and farmers. Why we should all be using as much local and in-season produce as possible, to keep our carbon footprints to a minimum. It was great to see so many people enjoying their day out despite the challenging British weather. We’re a nation of real troupers!
On both show days we had a big audience listening and watching our food demos – it was fabulous to see so many people enjoying a taste of what we had produced and genuinely interested in what we had to say. We all came away buzzing with energy and excitement … and sore feet!

Selection of The Book & Bucket cheeses, with Meggy Moo’s butter and cream

The local directory
Dorset is a beautiful place with an abundance of food producers and it’s so important to keep spreading the good word about what we are doing for food and farming. We will shortly be launching a handy directory of Dorset food producers on the new Love Local Trust Local website. This will help people to discover where they can buy local produce in their villages and towns; which of the shops will be stocking local Dorset produce, as well as where the county’s milk vending machines are located. It will include lots of farm shops and butchers for sourcing local meat and cheeses, plus some of our local Dorset bakeries with their delicious homemade bread and cakes.
Now more than ever it is so important that we all work together and help support each other in these costly and challenging times.
We must not rely on imported foods and we must not forget that supermarkets do not grow the food; our farmers do.
Remember folks. No farmers, no food. It’s the real people in the food chain that matter
lovelocaltrustlocal.co.uk

We’ve been to Spring Countrsyide Show 2024!

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Editorial team

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8 June 2024

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Dingle Fingle & The Clown Town Crime Watch were an absolute MUST-SEE in the main ring of the Spring Countryside Show today! We ooh-ed, we boo-ed and we roared with laughter as the car hurtled round the ring (with or without Dingle Fingle inside it), sliding the corners and spraying the crowd with water. It’s a truly great slapstick comedy clown act which not only had all the kids shouting, but the adults too. The mime was first class – Dingle Fingle getting his briefcase stuck IN THE AIR had everyone gasping and laughing.

Not to be out done, the terrier racing was it’s usual chaotic hilarity – helped along by the commentator being thoroughly rude about everyone’s dogs. Pig racing was exactly as bonkers as you’re picturing – these are not highly-trained big pigs. No no. These are mad and speedy young pigs, racing over jumps to get to the food bucket. Brilliantly fun.
We loved the heavy horse area – not only being able to get up close to the Shire horses, but also to watch them being plaited, washed and harnessed – it was a fascinating insight.

In the farmyard area children were able to meet the goats and VERY small sheep, hold adorable floofball baby chicks and chat to the therapy ponies from Tokes Farm.

There were of course aisles of craft and artisan stands to browse, the food stands had plenty of choice for lunch, and the call-important coffee was excellent. There’s something for all the family, so if you didn’t make it to today, go tomorrow!

Spring Countryside Show is at Turnpike Showground, SP7 9PL.

Tickets on the gate: £17 per adult (KIDS GO FREE – 15 and under!).

Gates Open: 9:30am to 5pm. Dogs welcome, but must be on a short lead.

https://gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk/springcountrysideshow

A whirlwind tour of all that’s coming up in Sturminster Newton this month

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Editorial team

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8 June 2024

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Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events

We’re just in time for the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival 2004 – see the poster opposite! There’s something for everyone … and the ever-popular Ghost Walk event looks like it will be repeated beyond next week, as we have a waiting list (or is it the local poltergeists booking the places?). In addition to the broad range of literary walks, talks and workshops, the UK commemorates 80 years since D Day on the 6th June. As part of this commemoration, Sturminster LitFest is devoting the 9th of June to military history, with a special day ticket covering all events on the day. This will include the Story of the Hampshires, Dorsets and Devons on 6th June 1944 by James Porter, the official opening of the special D-Day testimony exhibition and The Army that Never Was – D Day and the Great Deception by Taylor Downing.
Saturday 15th June is the LitFest’s first Crime Writer’s Day, with another day pass available for the three crime writing talks – come be on a jury and solve a real crime!
Dorset Arts Week is happening right now around the county, but Sturminster will be holding its own Arts Fortnight next month, the 13th to 28th July, with a pop up exhibition soread around the town’s shops. A big thank you goes to all who have offered window space – and there is still room for more artists, whatever your type of work.

Wolf wine stock the old bank vault in 1855

Elsewhere in Stur…
SturAction’s four shops continue to flourish and benefit the town by bringing shoppers in as well as putting money towards projects. Amazingly we now have almost 100 traders in 1855 – but we can always find space for more!
SturAction does not give grants to individuals, but does consider applications for funding from groups and organisations, as well as initiating projects itself. The key qualifier is that the money must go to support the economy of the town and to the benefit its residents. In addition, SturAction’s volunteers are a lively social group, and we are always pleased to welcome more people into our family! In particular we are currently looking for folk to help staff our Furniture Warehouse – do speak to our shop manager Cheryl Basten (usually found at either 1855 or The Emporium) email her on [email protected] or phone 07733 430105. Cheryl will also point you in the right direction to apply for funding.

The end of an Eventing era

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Editorial team

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8 June 2024

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William Fox-Pitt bids a quiet farewell to 5 Star Eventing – Sally Cooper talks to him about his plans for training and breeding … and some family time

William Fox-Pitt at his yard in Dorset – All images: Courtenay Hitchcock

No fuss, no pomp … just a casual announcement on Sunday 12th May at the end of the BBC Badminton Eventing coverage, surrounded by his children.
‘Yes, that’s it …’
And so, with no fanfare and in his own typically quiet, unassuming style William Fox-Pitt – the Great Equestrian from our own county has retired from 5* Eventing in his 40th year of competing, aged 55.
At the May 2024 Badminton, as he rode the most amazing Cross Country on the mare Grafennacht, the question on everyone’s lips was if, as had quietly been rumoured, it really was to be the end, was he to get his dream swan-song?

William Fox-Pitt riding Grafennacht at Mars Badminton Horse Trials 2024 © Badminton Horse Trials Ltd.
Photography by Kit Houghton Photography

A parent, not a trainer
William’s career started in the 1980s – he has been so successful that it is hard to provide a snapshot without writing a book. William has been British number one many times, and was the first British rider to become World No.1. He has won 20 major Championship medals and represented GB at five Olympic Games, winning two team silver medals and one team bronze. He is the only rider to have achieved five of the six 5 Star three-day events worldwide. William was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s 2019 birthday honours for services to the equestrian world.
I met William to have a chat about his plans for the next stage of his career. He has a state-of-the-art eventing training yard near Sturminster Newton, where he lives with his wife Alice Plunkett, one of ITV’s BAFTA-winning racing team, and their four children, Oliver, Thomas, Chloe and Emily. The family is happily ensconced in Dorset life.
William can often be seen driving his children and their ponies around and supporting Portman Pony Club and school Show Jumping events. How many Pony Clubs and schools can say that their children are coached and encouraged by a 5 Star Olympian?
And yet he accepts no formality or ceremony, and teaches with his trademark quiet persuasion and enthusiasm. ‘I enjoy my involvement with the young people – but as a parent, not a trainer. Retirement from 5 Star allows me to attend their events more. Next weekend we are off to Goodwood, pony racing!’
Many moons ago, when my own children were members, I remember the Pony Club being invited to the Fox-Pitt eventing yard to have a look around. As you’d expect, it was all very impressive and chic, but there were certain things which we can all still recall today.
On the yard tour, William showed us a horse literally wrapped up in many red ribbons. ‘That one’s a secret,’ he said. ‘Its Alice’s new horse for her birthday today. No telling!’
William was asked by the wide-eyed young riders if they could look in the enormous eventing horse lorry. Not a problem. They were all examining the travelling horse and human facilities when William realised that he had a visitor – a horse owner had unexpectedly turned up to see him ride her horse. It was spectacularly windy, and William said: ‘You can all stay and watch me ride in the outside arena if you stay out of sight and are very quiet.’
We watched in silence as he calmly mounted a beautiful, skittish animal in the high winds. The horse immediately went crazy – but the long legs, calm seat and Velcro bottom just went with the flow. He simply stayed put and rode on. Young and old alike, we were all in awe of what we saw – a true equestrian, doing his thing to perfection. Calm, confident horsemanship with total respect for the animal.

The swan-song that wasn’t
William survived a major riding accident in France in 2015, when he suffered a life-threatening head injury during a cross country fall at the 2015FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses. He was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks, and had to learn to walk and talk again. The fall threatened to end his career – but, despite lingering vision problems and memory issues, he miraculouslyreturned to competing and even went on to ride in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Unfortunately, this year’s Badminton dream finale was not to be. While the pair were in second place after that fabulous Cross Country, they had six down in the Showjumping and dropped to 13th position. William was typically self-effacing. ‘The mare will definitely return – but with younger bones on her back …’
William’s plan is to have more time to develop his business model for the Dorset estate. Naturally he is keen to spend more time with his children, family and friends and, he admits, his chickens. ‘Yes! I love my chickens! Thanks to Mr Fox we have some gaps, and one of my daughters and I are having fun with the incubator, producing some new fancy breeds.’
William is the first to accept that he is very lucky to still be in one piece after a long career in a dangerous sport.
He also recognises that he has been extremely lucky to choose to retire in his own time – and he admits that Alice is absolutely delighted that he is hanging up his 5 Star boots! ‘Particularly since my 2015 accident. It’s been very hard on Alice and my family to watch me competing – they do it with great fear and trepidation. But equally, it’s very nice that they care!’
But why was 2024 the year? ‘The decision hinged on many factors: horsepower, financial issues like sponsorship making the business model less appealing and, inevitably, my age,’ he says.In the month that saw the sad death of Georgie Campbell at Bicton, it was inevitable that the conversation turned to Health and Safety.
‘Standards have improved enormously in my time,’ William says. ‘There is a huge degree of assessment and safety in Cross Country. We try to make it as safe as possible, but at the end of the day it is a very risky sport involving huge animals and vast jumps. It is no different from skiing or driving – sometimes we are in the lap of the gods. And we know that. Sadly, accidents do happen, and lives can be lost.’

William Fox-Pitt and the photo bomb horse Lucky

New plans
This summer William will be at the Paris Olympics as both trainer of the Brazilian event team and coach of the Japanese rider Kazuma Tomoto. He sees training and teaching as a natural and enjoyable progression from his own career – and it’s one for which he is increasingly liked and respected.
‘I enjoy the international teaching, and inspiring the next generation of professional riders,’ he says. ‘But I also enjoy the more “normal” local teaching. In many respects I wish that I had done more of that earlier.’
Breeding and producing will also take centre stage, he says:
‘I am looking forward to breeding, producing, training and selling on horses from the yard. I am keen to produce from lines that have brought me success in the past. Currently, we have a new trendy initiative and we have bred three cracking Connie X Thoroughbred youngsters. Hopefully my girls will ride them and other homebred horses in the future. I’m certainly not buying them in outside yaks – they can jolly well ride things that I produce at home!’
The overall aim is very much to have more time to develop his business plans for the Dorset estate. With so many new plans, will he miss the 5 Star competitions?
‘That’s an easy answer. I’ll miss the adrenalin. It’s an addictive drug. Eventing provides a target and drive, with a fantastic adrenalin crescendo.
‘However … I will not miss the morning of Cross Country, waking up and thinking: “What on earth am I doing here?”
To be honest, the biggest difference in lifestyle will be accepting that perfection is no longer essential … That “pretty good” is now perfectly fine!
‘The other thing I’m looking forward to is being able to say “Yes” to friends’ invitations. Saying “No” has been my stock answer for so long. That feels quite exciting!’

And so to the 19 random questions…

What’s your relationship with Dorset?
My father was born here, in Caundle Marsh. He lived here for a long time so we came back a lot of times to see my grandparents in Caundle Marsh and part of our family is Pitt-Rivers, we are cousins. It was family which drew me to move back in 2001. They created a base for me, and supported me – and now my involvement with Hinton St Mary Farms is increasing all the time. So I do have long-time Dorset connections, and now it’s where the Fox-Pitts are at home.
What was the last song you sang out loud in your car
My god, I don’t do singing out loud, I don’t subject anyone to that. Even myself!
It’s Friday night, you have the house to yourself, no work is allowed. What will you do?
Oh my goodness. I would enjoy no noise. I have a bit of a passion for gardening, so I think I would get out in the garden. I would probably not even turn the telly on …
But by the time I’ve done the dogs and the garden and shut up the chickens, that’s probably my evening gone!
What little luxury would you buy with £10?
Very long, serious and thoughtful pause Probably … several bags of Haribo jelly babies
The last film you watched?
I saw Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen. I’d wholly recommend it. I don’t think it was anything extraordinary, but it’s defintely enjoyable.
What would you like to tell 15 year old you?
Always always have a go.
Who’s your celebrity crush?
Oh, goodness me … more serious contemplation I’m showing my age, but probably Gwyneth Paltrow!
What’s your comfort meal?
Oh I’m very greedy, I eat a LOT … Shepherd’s pie.
The best biscuit for dunking.
I’m not a dunker! I mean, I do very occasionally, and then it’s got to be a Digestive, but no … I’m definitely a biscuits man, but I’m not a dunking man. I do dunk toast in soup. But I wouldn’t dunk a biscuit in my tea.
What’s your secret superpower?
I haven’t got any superpowers! Erm … I’m quite reliable? Quite consistent. Predictable. Actually I’m quite … boring!

What was the last gift you gave or recieved?
I haven’t had anything since Christmas! Oh, I gave my family – including myself – a trip to Kenya for Christmas. That was pretty amazing. We’d always said we’d do a horse riding safari when the girls were old enough to go and the boys were young enough to still be around. So we finally went – it was very special. It was money that I’d put aside, just to put into a specific adventure.
What’s your favorite quote?
I’ve got several – but they’re not terribly printable! I got a school report once that was very bad, but very complimentary in other ways, and my father said ‘nice guys come last’.
That has always stuck with me.
I would probably say ‘Never say no’ or ‘never give up’ .. I should ask my poor sons this question, I’m always banging on to them “Remember, when I’m dead, remember I always said …”
I think Always Have A Go has to be the best.
Your most annoying trait?
God you should ask my wife that question. I think … ponders
I’m quite lazy. I think that annoys her sometimes, that I’m not urgent enough.
Cats or dogs
Dogs!
What shop can you not pass without going in?
None! I don’t go into any shops if I can help it! Though I suppose I’m a bit of a sucker for The Buck services at Andover, I tend to stop there for a cup of coffee too often. Does that count?

Tell us about one of the best evenings you’ve ever had
Probably my wedding. It was very special. My wife’s family were home, nearly all of our best mates were there … It was just such a special night.
What in life is frankly a mystery to you?
That’s a good question … a mystery to me … Ice baths! I absolutely don’t get that. I’m a hot bath man. I would never. No.
Chip shop chips or home baked cake?
swift and unblinking, the first answer to cause no hesitation
Home baked cake!
You have the power to pass one law uncontested – what would you do?
A suicide button. I put my dog down rather than let it suffer, and yet you have to watch your grandmother lie in bed for five years? It’s a contentious issue, but I suspect it’ll happen in my lifetime. I wouldn’t want to leave anyone in any pain. As in, by relieving myself of pain, I wouldn’t want to leave somebody else in pain behind. But if my family were looking after a vegetable in bed, I would like them to be able to just press a button.
There’s got to be a way of protecting yourself, so no one’s going to murder you because you’ve got money or because you’ve got a garden or because they don’t like you. There has to be a way to work around that.
I just know if I had an accident – like I did have, I was a vegetable – I say to all of them, if it should happen again … for God’s sake. Just unplug me. Please do not keep me going.
There might be a hope of something one day, but honestly – look at the big picture and just think, what have you got?

Can wildlife at Lyscombe aid the housing crisis?

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Editorial team

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8 June 2024

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How the Nutrient Neutrality Scheme bought Lyscombe: Andrew Livingston looks at the strategic approach to saving Poole Harbour

Lyscombe Farm nestles into the small valley below Lyscombe Hill and Dorsetshire Gap
All images Courtenay Hitchcock

Take a walk alongside Poole Harbour: you only have to peer into the water to see the effects of water pollution on our waterways and coastline. It’s undeniable that nitrates in our water courses are an issue.
Green algae, which feeds off nitrates, is in the harbour bed, the mudflats and the wetlands that make up Poole’s natural harbour, and is slowly killing the ecology and biodiversity of the harbour – which is designated a Special Protection Area (SPA), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Ramsar (international wetlands) site. Seagrass and salt marshes, which feed the wetland birds, have been smothered, and the water is increasingly becoming more and more poisonous for the fish and molluscs that live there.
It is a big problem.

DWT’s George McGavin, president (centre), and CEO Brian Bleese (right), speak to the guests at Lyscombe

Natural regeneration
But both Natural England and Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) believe that their acquisition of farmland north of Dorchester, 15 miles as the crow flies from the harbour, may help.
DWT celebrated its purchase of Lyscombe Farm, a Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) between Piddletrenthide and Cheselbourne, at a launch event last month. Dignitaries from Natural England and DWT spoke to guests about the opportunities open to them now that the farmland has been taken out of traditional agricultural use.
The farm – 827 acres of chalk downland, grassland, woodland and wildflower meadows – was farmed organically by the previous owner, with half the acreage to grow cereal and the rest to run herds of livestock.
‘We aim to showcase sustainable land management here, natural regeneration, and we want to engage people in the rich heritage that is here,’ said DWT chief executive Brian Bleese at the event. ‘Our aim is to establish Lyscombe as an exemplar nature reservation. Ultimately, our ambition is for it to become a national nature reserve.
‘We are facing a global ecological crisis that threatens thousands of species and their habitats. Dorset is not immune to this – there are horrific statistics in Dorset when you delve into them; one in 40 species previously recorded in Dorset is no longer present. They’re locally extinct. That’s a pretty poor statistic, and one that we have to do better in correcting. Places like this can give us an opportunity to make that space for nature. It’s vital that we make space for nature in our landscapes.’
Returning the farm to nature will inevitably allow for the biodiversity on the land to grow and improve. But not everyone agrees that this is the right use of public money. George Hosford farms near Blandford, and is deeply passionate about environmentally friendly, sustainable food production methods. He is sceptical about the effectiveness of the scheme, and suggests the money would be better spent educating local farmers on the responsible use of nitrogens.

The green algae is clearly visible in Poole Harbour

House building with nature
However, the question is how does land near Dorchester save Poole Harbour? Natural England’s answer… The Nutrient Neutrality Scheme. There are two main causes of nitrates in our water; agriculture and sewage discharge. Natural England has set up the scheme to allow funding of new nature recovery projects which offset additional pollution from new houses. They then sell these benefits as credits to developers so they can offset the pollution from new homes, quickly get planning permission and enable the building of much-needed new homes.
At the event, Natural England chief executive Marian Spain explained how the scheme is designed to save our waterways and coastline.
She said: ‘I came down for a visit about five years ago to look at some of the issues on the coast path, and I couldn’t ignore the green algae. It has stayed with me ever since. When we talk about pollution, it is not an abstract thing, it is something that the people living and working on Poole Harbour are seeing and feeling and smelling on a day-to-day basis. It really struck home to me, what a big thing this was.
‘We clearly couldn’t just stop house building. We didn’t want to and we couldn’t. Contrary to what you might read in some parts of the press, it is not our job to stop house building. It is our job to enable house building that works with nature.
‘The other thing that I and Natural England are increasingly becoming aware of is that this is going to be how conservation happens going forward. It is no longer enough just to look after protected sites or to designate national parks. When I started this job, more than 30 years ago, conservation was pretty easy – we just looked after the stuff we owned or the stuff we controlled. The job now is about looking after the whole ecosystem, reducing pressures where we can – because those ecosystems are going to have to absorb new pressures.’
Natural England has calculated that the acquisition of Lyscombe Farm will enable 3,700 new homes to be built around the waterways that feed into Poole Harbour across Dorset. Figures released by Dorset councils in 2016 suggested that 100 new homes (60 houses and 40 flats) in the catchment area of Poole Harbour would produce 0.185 tonnes of nitrogen per year – suggesting that 3,700 homes would produce 684.5 tonnes of nitrogen a year. Building developers will now be able to purchase nitrogen credits from Natural England to be able to build new homes.

The yellow shaded area is the Poole Harbour catchment area. There are 500 farmers within this zone affected by the Nutrient Neutrality regulations

Value for our money
The removal of farmland from high nitrogen input to low nitrogen input to allow for an offset to build houses is called indirect mitigation. Direct mitigation would be the improvement of nitrogen stripping at the Wessex Water sewage treatment works, or introducing natural means of nitrogen stripping in the water, such as reed beds and wetlands.
George Hosford believes that the removal of Lyscombe Farm as farmland will make no difference to the nitrate level in Poole Harbour. He told the BV: ‘There won’t be any impact from this farm on what actually pitches up in Poole harbour and causes any pollution in the years to come.’
The Blandford farmer suggested that the money spent acquiring the farm could have been better spent on local farmers in the Poole Harbour catchment area, helping to educate them further in the responsible use of nitrogens on their land.
‘I would like to have seen some of the public money that went on this farm go into helping the 500 farmers in the Poole Harbour catchment to learn how to farm more efficiently with their fertilisers and their manures.
‘Because, as well-educated as an awful lot of them are, the technology and the science needs to understand from how much nitrate is applied to your crop, how much of it is used by the crop and how much gets washed through below the rooting zone where the plant can’t reach it. There’s still an awful lot to be understood – should we be applying a little at a time rather than a big slug all at once? Should we only apply it just after rainfall, or just before it starts to rain?
‘Many farmers I’ve spoken to actually want an effective nitrate-leaching tool, so they can better understand what happens to the manures and the artificial nitrogen that they apply to their fields. And also just how much of it is leaching, ending up in the water, the rivers and eventually into Poole Harbour – which is what we’re all concerned about.’

Wildlife Trust chief executive Craig Bennet
addressing the guests at Lyscombe

Farmers are aware that nitrates are running off from their farms, but George doesn’t believe that they are all to blame. He said: ‘Some of those nitrates are coming from farms. I think we’re all happy to acknowledge that. But an awful lot, we don’t know exactly how much, are coming from the sewage treatment works. There are 28 in the catchment. And there has been no monitoring of this, or very, very limited monitoring of the amount of sewage outflow that has been treated or untreated.’
Members of Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England wanted to make it clear during the event that the acquisition of Lyscombe Farm will help to put pressure on the sewage companies to work harder to minimise the number of nitrates that are leaking from their treatment plants.
‘Now, the Natural England chap tried to persuade me that the water companies are going to be forced to clean up their act,’ continued George. ‘And he sounded rather confident about that. But I have serious misgivings. A lot of the coverage we’ve seen recently leads me to feel sceptical about that. But he says he feels confident that once we’ve got the water companies cleaning up their act, and there’s no more crap going in the water from them, then we’ll just have the farmers to deal with.’

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s launch event at Lyscombe farm

Reverse the decline
There is no doubt that we have an issue with pollution in our waterways, and there is also no doubt that there is a housing crisis across the United Kingdom. But, it shouldn’t be forgotten that there is also an issue with food security. As a nation we are not self-sufficient when it comes to the production of food – latest figures suggest that only just over half of the food we eat in this country is grown here.
Wildlife Trust chief executive Craig Bennet said that in 2022 the UK government signed up to ambitious biodiversity framework targets at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal: ‘That global biodiversity framework requires all those countries to try and get 30 per cent of land and inland waters and sea in recovery for nature, by 2030, just six or eight years away now. And in the UK, in England, we’re at less than five per cent. So we’ve got a long way to go to get to 30 per cent in the next six years.
‘So, seeing this acquisition today, through this partnership between Natural England and Dorset Wildlife Trust, it’s a brilliant example of how we can do this, how we can start to turn things around. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been fed up for decades. I’ve seen all these graphs of nature going downwards … well, we don’t want to just slow the decline, we want to reverse the decline and bring nature back! That’s absolutely crucial. We want to do it fast. As fast as we possibly can.’

Here comes summer (already?)

By

Editorial team

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7 June 2024

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It’s June – which means roses! But also that the Thorngrove glasshouses are awash with summer colour. Kelsi-Dean Buck shares some EMA news

EMA students demonstrated amazing planning, teamwork, communication and gardening skills while working on Shaftesbury in Bloom

June is here – and to be six months into 2024 just doesn’t feel possible! Spring appears to have passed us by in the blink of an eye, and now we’re about to welcome summer. Is your garden summer ready? As always, we’re on hand to provide some inspiration to help you make the most of your outside space.
Recent visitors to Thorngrove will have seen our glasshouse has been transformed, and it’s bursting with late spring and early summer colour. Come and lose yourself among the bedding choices – maybe build your own hanging basket or find a new addition (there’s always room for one more).
Of course, with June comes Rose Season. For the next month or so they will be stealing all the attention at Thorngrove. They are among our most popular plants, so if you’re looking to fill some gaps in your garden, don’t delay! Our huge and diverse range of roses mean there’s something for all themes and garden sizes – come and pick up yours today!
Shaftesbury in Bloom
On a community project note, we are absolutely delighted to share insight to the amazing work our Employ My Ability (EMA) students and Adult Social Care day service users did in our continued collaboration with Shaftesbury in Bloom. Together they created 130 troughs, 14 planters, three towers and they also assisted in the installation of these plants around Shaftesbury.
‘We began involving EMA education students and the Adult Social Care team in Shaftesbury in Bloom in 2023, and they did an outstanding job. We received wonderful feedback from the community last year, so we’re back for a second year planting with them. It’s been fantastic to see all the students engaged, both on-site and out in the community,’ says Charlotte from Thorngrove.
When you’re next out and about in Shaftesbury, keep your eyes peeled for our plants and the amazing work by EMA students. They all demonstrated amazing planning, teamwork, communication and gardening skills and we couldn’t be happier with the results! This ongoing collaboration with Shaftesbury allows our students and service users to really see their hard work flourish in the community. It brings immense pride to all involved.
Amazing work, everyone!

If you’re reading this in early June, I’d like to flag up that our sister site, The Walled Garden in Moreton, is hosting a Dog Show on Sunday 9th June. Plants from Thorngrove will be available at the garden shop, and we’ll be raising funds for both Employ My Ability and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. It’s set to be a huge day of family fun and entertainment where your pooches will be the stars of the show.

Have a brilliant month everyone, and we look forward to seeing you in the garden centre and café here in Gillingham!

Letters to the Editor June 2024

By

Editorial team

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7 June 2024

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Right. I’m not going to mention The Win. Because to be honest I’m actually starting to bore myself.
I recently stumbled upon a TikTok that resonated a little too much. In the video, an email draft was being edited: phrases like “Thank you so much for replying” were deleted, and “I’m afraid I seem to have a slight issue with …” was changed into “There’s a problem with…” The original (familiar) language was steeped in apology, and a reluctance to assert.
This hit home, if I’m honest.
As a lifelong people-pleaser, I’m inclined to say yes to everything, to be perpetually accommodating. This month, in particular, I’ve felt the strain as I tried to juggle too many commitments, sometimes at the expense of my own well-being.
Saying no is challenging – there’s a financial hit if it’s work, but perhaps even more than that because we all want to be seen as capable and dependable. We aim to be the hero that’s needed. To be all-conquering. Especially in the month you’re told that you have, indeed, conquered (did I mention we won a major national award?).
This drive to please, to not inconvenience others, isn’t unique to women – though I do see a stark difference even in my own family, where my sons seem to have no qualms about asserting themselves, about taking up space. They don’t shy away from being direct. It’s something I’m actively trying to teach my daughter – that her voice matters, her opinion counts, that she doesn’t have to shrink to accommodate others.
Singer Halsey gave an excellent speech a few years ago. It finishes with “I’m here to say that I’m not sorry for being… inconvenient. You were not put on this earth to make everybody else’s life easier. So please, be inconvenient.”
As I proudly watch my almost-adult children mature with confidence, I’m striving to follow their lead. To stop apologising. To be a little more inconvenient.

Laura x

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On our new council
I am concerned about the notable lack of North Dorset councillors in the new Dorset Council, with only one representative from Sherborne. North Dorset’s issues are not the same as those in Weymouth, Chickerell, and Dorchester – and Councillor Nick Ireland’s focus on these places potentially sidelines North Dorset’s issues. It’s vital for the council to ensure all regions, including ours, have a voice that’s heard and influential in decision-making. How will the council address this underrepresentation and guarantee that North Dorset’s interests are recognised?
Gavin P, Blandford

On the tourist’s view
The recent letter from a visitor highlighting their concerns about sheep worrying in Dorset captured an outsider’s perspective that many of us might overlook.
The tourist’s suggestion for a culture of accountability is a good one – can more stringent measures to enforce dog control, such as mandatory leashing in rural areas or near livestock be enforced on a local level, much like dogs on beaches are?
Bryan Green, Verwood

No singing from the tower?
It was so very sad to see that yet again The Choir of Sherborne Abbey did not sing from The Abbey Tower on Ascension Day morning. For the past few years this ancient tradition has just been dropped, with seemingly no concern. I wonder what the reasoning for this is? I presume it can’t be health and safety as it would apply to the other churches. Magdalen Oxford and St Johns Cambridge, together with many other churches, manage it … so what has happened to Sherborne Abbey?
Soon all these ancient traditions will be gone forever, as those of us who witness and remember, will pass on and incomers will have no idea just how much of Sherborne has been discarded, cancelled or changed at a whim. Bring in the new but please do not destroy our ancient heritage. There is room for all.
Shirley Fooks, Sherborne

Thank you
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the gentleman who came to our rescue on Bank Holiday Monday at the Sherborne County Show. We had followed instructions to park on the field opposite Castle Gardens, and we ended up on a steep incline. Upon our return we were unable to move the car due to the wet slippery conditions.
A gentleman with his Land Rover and winch managed to get us moving – all we know is his wife was showing sheep at the show. The young lady parked next to us with her family was also in the same position requiring help. There was yet another family who, having pushed their car out of a difficult situation, offered to push our car.
Surely the organisers of the SCS car parking should factor in their risk assessment contingencies, such as having a vehicle on standby to help tow cars stuck in the field, rather than rely on the kindness of strangers?
Carol Porter, Leigh

When passing horses
Ah, it’s that blissful time of year again when our serene lanes are suddenly bustling with tourists*, who, bless their hearts, seem to treat passing horses as some kind of advanced driving test they weren’t prepared for. Yes, we all share the road, but that doesn’t mean our equine friends are ready to dodge cars like they’re in a game of Frogger.
Most drivers know the mantra: pass wide and slow. Of course, knowing isn’t the same as doing – I know I should eat broccoli, but here we are.
And here’s a bonus fun tip: please don’t start slowing down when you’re so far back that my horse starts wondering if you’re bringing the post. The longer you take creeping up, the more my horse ponders his life choices and the twitchier he gets.
Also, remember a startled horse doesn’t just stop; it bolts sideways faster than you can say, ‘Was that a squirrel?’ They’re more likely to take a fear-induced leap towards the road than away from it.
So, while you might think giving us a friendly honk to say hello is a nice gesture, it’s actually more like announcing the apocalypse to my horse. Fret not, we already know you’re there, thanks to our lack of a metal fortress around us.
And for those feeling extra generous, why not add ‘no revving your engine to impress us’ to the list of no thank you’s?
Frankly, my horse is unimpressed by your horsepower.
Let’s keep the roads safe and the local wildlife (and yes that includes horses) calm.
S D, Shaftesbury
*I lied. It’s not just the tourists that are the problem.

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The June issue of The BV magazine is here!

By

LauraHitchcock

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7 June 2024

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In this issue:
William Fox-Pitt says goodbye to 5* Eventing – he tells us what he loves most about eventing, and his plans for the future … plus he answers 19 Random Questions. He’s NOT A DUNKER! | Page 14
Can wildlife at Lyscombe aid the housing crisis? Andrew Livingston looks how the Nutrient Neutrality Scheme bought the farm in a strategic approach to saving Poole Harbour | Page 4
Spring Countryside Show is on 8th and 9th June – we’ve got everything you need | Page 30

Plus a too-short wingwalker, some Jolly Good Company, a round up of ALL the open air theatre on in Dorset this summer (hint: A LOT), everything you need to know about Dorset cheese, stupid ducks, local history’s moved to the back … and approximately a bazillion pages of What’s Ons.
Oh, and in case you missed it, the small fact that The BV magazine has been awarded ‘Regional Publication of the Year’ at last month’s NMA’s in Mayfair.
Why are you still here? Go! Grab a coffee, and have a READ!