BV readers have long been fans of our wildife writer Jane Adams, and the power of her words. Her column is a favourite of many as she gently shows us the secrets, beauty (and humour) held within the Dorset landscape, always encouraging us to see something new in its wild inhabitants. This month sees the launch of her first book, published in association with the National Trust. As if taking us with her on one of her walks, Jane wanders gently through the year, her evocative writing sitting alongside her beautiful photography. No sooner are you trying to recall what an oak apple gall* looks like than, there is a handy picture. *… used in the production of iron gall ink. This water-resistant and permanent ink was used by Leonardo da Vinci and the scholars of the Dead Sea scrolls
A small problem I’ll be honest, there is one issue with this book. It is impossible just to flick through it. I expected a rather obvious walk through the seasons (“spring wanders from south to north at a leisurely pace of one to two kilometres an hour”), filled with things that I, as a keen walker and nature lover, already knew. Instead I’m still here, half an hour later, enjoying cockchafer names (kittywitch, billywitch, mitchamador, snartlegog, humbur, bummer…) and the fact that “in 1320, exasperated with the damage cockchafers were causing, a court ordered the insects to be exiled to an area of cordoned-off woodland. Unsurprisingly, the beetles didn’t comply.” Jane’s book is so much more than seasonal saunters. It’s a reminder to pay attention to the very smallest of details. In an always-busy modern world, it is a pause, a way to feel those ever-more important connections to nature, no matter where we are, no matter how small they may be “… experiencing them reminds us nature isn’t something separate or out of reach. It’s here, now, entwined throughout our lives. Sometimes, though, we forget … we can become engrossed in, and exhausted by, the modern world and the pressures that come with it. We forget to go in search of shooting stars in the winter skies, or listen for the garden robin’s serenade whilst putting out the bins.” After one read, this book is a firm favourite I will return to again and again. I will give it to others. It’s such a wonderful celebration of so many small, apparently insignificant facets of our English countryside, and it is packed with constant nuggets of delight. “In October and November, jays begin to hide acorns. Not just a few beakfuls, but thousands upon thousands – each jay stuffing as many as 5,000 acorns into holes they have dug in the ground.” They constantly make me want to go and tell someone. So here I am.
Nature’s Wonders (£15) is available locally at Winstone’s in Sherborne, Folde in Shaftesbury, Gullivers in Wimborne, Little Toller in Beaminster, plus all good online bookshops.
March is here – and it’s finally time to get started on the outdoor jobs, says gardener Pete Harcom. But keep an eye on the forecast!
A bullfinch enjoying the winter berries of the guelder rose (Viburnum opulus)
The clocks may go forward on 26th March and spring might be in the air, but March can be a cold month. It can be late April or even May before night-time frosts are reliably over.
Jobs for March
If the weather allows and the soil is not frozen, annual flowers can be sown from March onwards – just rake the soil to a fine tilth on a dry day. Once you’ve planted, watch the weather forecasts for frosty nights and protect the seeds if necessary with cloches or horticultural fleece – or even some net curtaining.
Be careful on your shopping trips; the garden centres will have beautiful displays of annuals and bedding plants to woo you at this time of year. But it may be best to wait until late March before you purchase too many tender plants (fuchsias and pelargoniums, for example), unless you have good frost protection like cloches or even a cold greenhouse.
Keep an eye on weeds as they begin to emerge, taking them out with a hoe or similar.
Cover any bare soil patches and all around your shrubs with a good thick layer of mulch or garden compost. Also, top up potted plants with a similar layer of mulch or compost.
March is your last chance to plant bare-rooted trees and shrubs. Now the soil is warming up, shrubs will soon begin to grow and get established (container-grown shrubs can be planted at any time of year other than during very hot weather).
Prune bush and climbing roses quite hard back to strong stems, with a sloping cut, no more than 5mm away from a bud. Ensure your secateurs are sharp and clean!
Winter berries During the winter months the garden can look decidedly devoid of colour – winter berries can add quite significant colour to a garden and will have the benefit of helping birds through the harsh winter months. There are lots of native berry-bearing species including rowan, holly, whitebeam, spindle, dog rose, guelder rose (Vibernum), elder, hawthorn, honeysuckle and ivy. But you could also consider attractive shrubs like cotoneaster, pyracantha and berberis, all of which are especially good for a wide variety of birds. But it’s not just our avian pals – berry and fruit-bearing trees provide food for insects and animals too. Hedgehogs, badgers, mice, squirrels and even foxes will all happily feed on them. All sorts of fruit are attractive to insects, and fallen fruit or spare fruit from the home will attract those insects to your garden, which will in turn attract a variety of birds.
The fast-burgeoning rate of new housing developments in Dorset is a hot topic for many local Facebook groups – Rachael Rowe investigates
Prices start at £292,995 on a typical recent local development of two, three and four-bedroom homes.
You don’t have to travel far in the Blackmore Vale to see a large building site and people in high viz jackets. It seems that almost every town and village has a housing development. There is no doubt that new homes are required – there are currently 3,600 people on the Dorset housing register waiting for a home – but are we getting the right type of home, where it is needed? And is North Dorset overwhelmed with housing developments?
There have been 55 planning applications for developments of more than 20 houses in the past three years in North Dorset, which would provide more than 4,600 homes. Parish councils, and the majority of existing residents, understand the need to build more homes and for affordable new housing. However, most North Dorset residents could probably name somewhere developments have been agreed upon, and then along comes another planning application. Although a parish or town council objects, almost all are granted on appeal.
So what is happening with Dorset planning?
Cllr David Walsh leads on planning at Dorset Council, where a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to manage the situation. ‘We don’t currently have a five-year housing land supply and are not building at the rate expected by the government. So if a planning application is refused, the developers will automatically appeal. ‘At appeal, the Planning Inspectorate will immediately look to see whether the land supply is fulfilled – if it isn’t, they will grant the application. So smart developers target areas with an insufficient five-year housing land supply. ‘In North Dorset, we gave a lot of weight to the Southern Extension in Gillingham. However, these numbers should not have been able to carry so much weight for a 15-year development.’ One of the biggest concerns of many people over new developments is the lack of infrastructure required to support additional housing, such as roads and schools. Cllr Walsh continued: ‘The Southern Extension of Gillingham is the highest density housing allowed. So we insisted on having a new access road before any development occurred. We need to work differently, so the infrastructure is already in place to support new developments.’ Cllr Graham Carr-Jones is the lead at Dorset Council for housing. ‘The number of houses is not a problem. It’s the type of supply. Many of the houses being developed are for the market, whereas affordable solutions are what’s needed, to accommodate local key workers, for example.’ But how many houses are too many? Cllr Carr-Jones continued. ‘I have been to every appeal in Stalbridge, which has had a large amount of development in recent years. We can’t stop developers from putting in appeals. And it all starts with the landowner. ‘My frustration is massive, and I know we need the homes.’ Some parishes have developed neighbourhood plans, but how valid are they in the current climate? David Walsh thinks they are useful: ‘Within the National Planning Policy Framework requirements, they are worth less, but not worthless.’ Chief Executive of North Dorset CPRE Rupert Hardy also has concerns. ‘We know that Dorset Council’s Local Plan was way too ambitious when it stated a need of 39,000 homes, and thankfully that figure is being reassessed. But there’s now a lot of new housing in Shaftesbury and Blandford – which is also now facing an application for an additional 500 new homes.’
Under Gillingham’s Southern Extension plans, around 1,800 new homes will be built between now and 2033, along with new roads, schools and employment units.
Are they the right type of homes?
Looking around at the many new developments, it’s easy to see that some are very uniform, with lots of semi-detached houses, while others have larger detached homes.
What I’m desperate to see are first-home schemes, where houses are discounted to 60 per cent of the market value and made available only to local people. They will then remain at that value in perpetuity.’
Cllr Graham Carr-Jones
What should be constructed locally to suit the needs of the population? A recent report by the Centre for Policy Studies shows that there is insufficient brownfield land for the number of homes required nationally. The report also indicates that although house prices and rental charges have increased significantly, the UK’s buildings themselves are smaller than the average size in other western European countries. Concentrating on the housing needs of North Dorset, Cllr Carr-Jones says: ‘We need social housing and we need genuinely affordable homes. Shared ownership is an option. However, some “affordable” homes are actually unaffordable to local working people. What I’m desperate to see are first-home schemes, where houses are discounted to 60 per cent of the market value and made available only to local people. They will then remain at that value in perpetuity.’ Rupert Hardy wants to see different types of housing proposed. ‘Most developers are hell-bent on building four-bedroom executive homes. North Dorset needs more social housing, retirement homes and shared ownership schemes. And it would help if new builds were sited within walking or cycling distance of communities to reduce the need for cars. We’d also like to see Dorset Council increase solar panels on roofs and aim for net zero on new housing developments.’
The new Violet Cross development in Hazelbury Bryan exceeded planning conditions, providing 100 per cent affordable housing.
One developer providing 100 per cent affordable housing
With all the new homes appearing in North Dorset, just how popular are they? Violet Cross in Hazelbury Bryan is a new development of 21 houses. Twelve offer shared ownership and the remainder are let at affordable rents, some of them targeted at people with a local connection. Planning permission was awarded to the Dorset-headquartered AJC Group for a collection of 13 open market homes and eight affordable dwellings (40 per cent). However, the company has an ambition to change the face of social housing, and AJC Group worked with developers Abri to provide 100 per cent affordable housing across the scheme. David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: ‘We are extremely proud of this partnership project. Working together with Abri, we transformed a derelict brownfield site into 21 eco-focused new homes, in line with our aim and vision to produce higher quality affordable homes in line with the housing needs of underserved rural communities.’ The people interested in these houses are couples and families aged between 25 and 50. Sam Stone, associate director of land and planning at Abri, said: ‘We know the importance of affordable homes in meeting local needs, particularly in more rural locations which frequently command higher house prices, and when it comes to buying, people that have been renting locally are often priced out of their countryside location. We hope these homes in Hazelbury Bryan will allow more local people to get their foot on the property ladder without having to leave the area. Violet Cross is a great example of how a former brownfield site that was derelict for eight years can be redeveloped for the benefit of the whole community.’ Graham Carr-Jones visited the Norden housing development in Blandford Forum when the first occupants were moving in: ‘One young woman said she had purposely chosen one of these homes in the centre of town so that she didn’t live somewhere that had recently been a green field. She had really thought about the impact of her purchase.’ With large numbers on the housing register, and a need to attract key workers into North Dorset, there is an urgent, demonstrable need for more affordable housing. However, there are opportunities for local communities to influence the types of housing provided, by encouraging affordable and sustainable options.
We’re bowled over to be a top story ourselves for a change, thanks to Dorset Biz News – The BV is now officially ‘award-winning’, having won both Digital Magazine of the Year and Local Monthly Publication of the Year!
Laura & Courtenay Hitchcock at an event last summer. The husband and wife team own and run the BV Magazine from the heart of the Blackmore Vale.
The BV has been named Digital Magazine of the Year (The Prestige Awards), and Local Monthly Publication of the Year (CorporateLiveWire Awards). Judges were impressed by The BV’s “range of stellar columnists and contributors”, and comments included “each edition is packed with stories that define Dorset culture, encapsulating an authentic slice of the region”.
It feels frankly ridiculous, and a bit astonishing, to say that about our tiny little team. But then, I look at The BV each month, and it also feels frankly ridiculous, and a bit astonishing.
Because, at the sharp end, our team really is just the two of us – we get a 110+ page publication out every month with no designers, no sales team, no marketing staff, no admin assistance … it’s just us!
But of course behind us is a BRILLIANT team of writers we couldn’t manage without. We’re deeply and forever grateful to our journalists Tracie Beardsley, Rachael Rowe and Andrew Livingston, and to the sub-editing powerhouse of Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir (I have accepted, however, that we will always disagree on a space before an ellipsis, and whether gifting can be a verb). And naturally to our amazing columnists – all of whom constantly amaze me with their knowledge and expertise.
I say it often, but it bears repeating. We are so lucky to work with the BEST people – not only are all the above incredibly skilled, experienced professionals, they also happen to be some of the nicest, kindest, funniest people I have come to know.
Most of the BV team, out in the wild. From Top left *deep breath*… Laura & Courtenay Hitchcock, Barry Cuff, Gay Pirrie-Weir and Fanny Charles, Lucy Procter, Heather Brown, Karen Geary, Rupert Hardy, Philip Traves and Craig Wharton, Rob Nolan, Andrew Livingston, Toots Bartlett, Edwina Baines, Jenny Devitt, Wayne Winstone, Roger Guttridge, Tracie Beardsley, James Cossins, Hannah & Sadie Wilkins, Rachael Rowe, Ian Girling, Carl Mintern, Charlotte Northcombe, Jane Adams and Terry Bennett.
Above all, we’re so proud that The BV has swiftly grown to be the trusted modern voice for our often-forgotten corner of the country. We hope every reader leaves having been entertained, informed and uplifted. From farming news to world-class artists, a column from the perspective of a teenager with special needs to deeply fascinating local history tales from a journalist with an encyclopaedic knowledge of North Dorset. From an insider peek into a world-class Thoroughbred stud to the latest local politics and glorious photography … the silver thread running through every page is unstinting support and championing of local people.
Above all, we retain a strong and committed focus to the stories, successes and issues within our community. A passionate sense of place is the very core and foundation of everything we do and it’s baked into every story that we share.
We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of digital publishing in the coming year.
March issue out now – have you seen your copy yet? It’s jam-packed with a look at the reality of Dorset’s new affordable housing, what happens to your rubbish, farming in 2023, an exciting peak inside The Red House … and if you like glorious photography or horses I promise you’ll be a happy reader …
The fast-burgeoning rate of new housing developments in Dorset is a hot topic for many local Facebook groups. Rachael Rowe has been looking at who they really serve – and discovered one which is bucking the developer trend for providing genuinely affordable social housing.
Behind every rubbish lorry is a sophisticated team of recycling experts – Rachael had a weirdly fascinating chat with the Queen of the Bins, Cllr Laura Beddow
Rupert Hardy, Chairman of North Dorset CPRE , makes use of his opinon column to share his very frank thoughts on the current planning applications for two huge solar farms in Dorset
West End star Joanna Woodward answers the Random 19 questions – she grew up just over the border in Somerset, and is set to play Clare in The Time Traveller’s Wife – The Musical this autumn.
As event organiser at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, shepherd Bonnie Cradock is facing a doubly-busy spring (thanks mostly to one over-excited fun-loving ram). Her Dorset Island Discs is joyous.
Edwina Baines had an exclusive tour of the exciting art inside the UK’s best new architect-designed house, The Red House.
Roger Guttridge has personal memories of the fire which destroyed Harding’s newsagent’s shop at Sturminster Newton in 1956. Do you remember it too?
Toby Hoad’s Dorset Horse Logging is featured in this month’s A Country Living – and I’ll be honest, it’s an absolutely glorious feast for your eyes. Don’t miss it.
Plus all the usual – local politics, gardening, wildife, books, the local hike (this month it’s a rather marvellous 8 miles from Pilsdon Pen), the stunning reader’s photography (as always) … Really, why wouldn’t you have a flip through?
Busy family with four kids aged 8-17. Small menagerie of pets – dogs, cats, guinea pigs, snake, lizard etc Lively, fun, interesting person needed. Happy to turn their hand to anything. Working as part of a team on a big estate with two busy working parents.
Needs to have initiative, sense of humour, outside active life. Some knowledge of ponies a bonus. Good cook with confidence to prepare lunches for owners or bigger groups.
Good English and clean driving licence.
Live in or out, separate private accommodation available
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Lighthouse Poole to offer The BV readers the chance to win free tickets to one of five top live music shows.
Up for grabs we have a pair of tickets for each of the following:
Frances Rossi: Tunes and Chat (2 April)
The Status Quo legend takes up his acoustic guitar to showcase a selection of well-known hits and some previously not-performed-live tunes as well as share a few tales from his 50+ years on the road.
The Roy Orbison Story: 85th Anniversary Tour (22 April)
Barry Steele, honours the memory of The Big O who passed away 35 years ago, from his early hits to the music of The Traveling Wilburys. With special guest tribute to Buddy Holly.
Ray Charles: Tommy Blaize and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (26 April)
A 19-piece NYJO band is joined by classy vocalist Tommy Blaize to perform the unforgettable songs of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, Ray Charles.
Paul Young: Behind the Lens (3 May)
A major star for four decades, Paul Young celebrates the 40th anniversary of his landmark album No Parlez by releasing a remarkable new record and publishing his extraordinary memoir – both called Behind The Lens.
The Rolling Stones Story (12 May)
With an awesome production, superb musicians and the world’s #1 Mick Jagger lookalike Paul Ashworth, The Rolling Stones Story is a high-energy concert celebrating the music of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band.
Thanks to Lighthouse Poole, The BV has five sets of tickets give away – a pair to each show!
To be in with a chance to win, all we need you to do is select which show you’d like to win tickets for, using the widget box below. Please do make sure you’re available on the date selected before you enter, as tickets are non-transferrable!
To be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to your chosen show, just answer the first two questions in the widget box below. There are more chances to win by completing the other entry options if you so wish – they’re entirely up to you! The closing date for this competition is 26th March 2023 and only entries received on or before that date can be included. The prize will go to the first randomly chosen entry for each show. Good luck!
SturAction – Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society Ltd. – was set up four years ago this month to help maintain Sturminster’s reputation as a great place to live, work and play. All profits generated by the six retail outlets run by SturAction are used to support the Town. The charity is celebrating its fourth birthday by paying for a days free parking on 4th March! In the morning the monthly Car and Bike Enthusiasts Meeting will be in town, to provide interest for visitors. The car meet also comes under SturAction’s umbrella, as the organisation covers the events insurance for the town. SturAction is also celebrating the donation of the former Lloyds Bank Building to the town in perpetuity. The building has been renamed The John Roman’s Building to honour the donor and it will continue to house The Emporium and Art Gallery, with Dapper Chaps on the ground floor, and meeting rooms and an office used by SturBiz on the first floor. The currently-derelict top floor will soon be turned into office space to help embryo businesses with a hot desking facility.
For the Christmas Shopping Weekend, SturAction funded the town’s first ice skating rink
The success of 1855 SturAction runs a collection of pre-loved outlets: ladieswear in the pre-loved Boutique, a Dapper Chaps gentleman’s pre-loved boutique, The Emporium full of bric a brac and useful items, an art gallery and also a used furniture showroom. At the end of 2022, the newest business 1855 launched, allowing local makers and craftspeople to hire customer-facing space to market their products. The profits from all of these businesses are spent on projects to benefit the town – it is hoped that more free parking Saturdays can be paid for through the year. Cheryl Basten, shop manager for SturAction says, ‘This year we are completing the second phase of refurbishing the 1855 building. It’s a lot sooner than we had originally planned, as we already have a waiting list of local Artisans keen to hire an area. What an incredible four years! Three former banks back in use plus a boutique, with all profits being reinvested into the town.’ Other projects paid for by the SturAction funds include a defibrillator in the town centre, the town website sturminster-newton.org.uk, organising and underwriting events such as the synthetic ice rink last Christmas, putting up the town Christmas trees, more flowers in the town (in winter as well as summer!) and supporting Bib the Bike, which enables those with mobility issues to enjoy cycle rides in the countryside. It’s a long list of achievements that are only possible thanks to the group of shops. Chairman of SturAction, Cllr Nick Dobson says. ‘our motto is the Joel Barker quote: “vision without action is merely a dream”. We have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who routinely turn dreams into reality for the benefit of the town. We are also fortunate to have had tremendous support from John Romans, who is a local man, born and bred, and wants to assist the town.’
