Watching nature regularly on Merrow Downs shows what is at risk from the Urnfield floodlights
Latest News
Tormead is building their floodlit MUGA onsite after all
At the planning appeal hearing one of the arguments we made to demonstrate a lack of need for the Urnfield development was the fact that Tormead already had planning permission for a floodlit Multi Use Games Area on site at the school. Sure, a MUGA is smaller than a full sized hockey pitch, so not… Continue reading Tormead is building their floodlit MUGA onsite after all
Why the beech tree victory should encourage us
Residents, councillors and GBC officers were quickly mobilised and this victory showed that there is huge and widespread support for our natural environment.
Could you “maximise the opportunities presented by the Urnfield”?
Tormead is looking for a new Director of Sport, and it is clear how they want to manage the Urnfield.
This fight is bigger than us
Businesses need to be “nature positive” as well as working towards net zero and that applies to schools as well. After all, we are the ultimate customers.
Anyone want to play “spot the difference”?
Over the Easter weekend I found myself reluctantly having a spiky conversation with some very long-standing friends whose daughter recently left Tormead. They pedalled out the “Oh, but what about the benefits of the Urnfield development to other schools and the local community” line that has been used by Tormead and County School throughout, with… Continue reading Anyone want to play “spot the difference”?
How many holes are there in the ecological plan?
Last week a detailed and excoriating assessment of Tormead’s ecological management plan for the Urnfield development appeared on the borough council’s website.
Are Nationally Protected Landscapes Protected?
This news comes to our blog from @merrowdarkskies and you can follow this feed, see the twitter link on the top right hand corner of our save merrow downs website. #Urbanisation is a condition we should not be subject to and the #Greenbelt is fast browning? Just how many developments acknowledged by Inspectors as contrary… Continue reading Are Nationally Protected Landscapes Protected?
Inspired by “Wild Isles”?
I have just been in a webinar run by Natural England and the BBC, giving an insight into the filming of the latest nature series fronted by the legendary SDA. If you haven’t seen any of it then stop what you are doing right now and get on to iPlayer. It is like a moving… Continue reading Inspired by “Wild Isles”?
Mother’s Day Treat
My Mothers’ Day Treat on Merrow Downs
Forget the flowers, chocolates, even the promise of a tidy teenage bedroom. What I wanted for Mothers’ Day was a pair of night vision binoculars and a willing companion to come and look for badgers. To everyone’s surprise, my 14 year old daughter agreed.
