The Project Team wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year and would particularly like to thank all our many partners, supporters and contractors for their hard work during the past year and look forward to a productive and busy time next year.

The site office at Minions will be closed from 22^nd December until 3^rd January when we’ll return to start off the New Year with a fresh programme of events in collaboration with our partner Local Project Groups.

For any urgent messages please email Andy Robinson (Project Manager) on  arobinson@cornwall.gov.uk  

      

       Pensilva & St. Ive Local History Group Presents:

“Restoration Projects on Bodmin Moor”

An illustrated Talk

By: Colin Buck Industrial Archaeologist,

Cornwall Council, Historic Environment.

Location: Millennium House, Pensilva.

Wednesday 30th November 2011, 7.30pm

  

November Walks & Talks

3rd November [Thursday]

'Moor than Words' a 6-week creative writing course. 
Aiming to ignite and develop your writing skills especially your personal reflections of the local moorland.
Meeting at the Cross Link Centre, Upton Cross each Thursday from 3rd November to 8th December
**Please contact Gayle Hollington Wyatt to book your place**
Telephone Gayle by telephone on 01579 362685 or email cornishbey@btinternet.com


17th November [Thursday]

Walk & Talk to discover woodland animal tracks and signs.
Learn how to recognise tracks and signs with Barney Hill at Golitha NNR
Meet at Golitha car park with suitable clothing to start at 2pm


29th November [Tuesday]

An Illustrated Talk on the 'Past, Present and Future of Cornish Woodland' by local woodland owner Simon Humphreys.
Venue: Millennium Hall, Pensilva at 7:30pm


30th November [Wednesday]

An Illustrated Talk presented by the Pensilva & St Ives Local History Group on 'Restoration projects on Bodmin Moor' by local industrial archaeologist Colin Buck
Venue: Millennium Hall, Pensilva at 7:30pm


For further details on any of these events please contact one of the CHAHP team:
By telephone on 01579 362350
or by emailing: CHAHP@cornwall.gov.uk

Additional events for Hedge Week

HEDGE WEEK   22-29 October 2011

Please join us on :

Thursday 27^th - 2pm Millennium Hall, Pensilva

Illustrated talk by CC Senior Archaeologist Ann Reynolds

“The field systems and boundaries of the Cornish landscape “

                 

Thursday 27^th - 7pm Millennium Hall, Pensilva

Illustrated talk by Plymouth RSPB Group Leader

“Birds Of Garden & Hedgerow”

Saturday 29^th   10-1pm Meet at Darite Village Hall

       

Hedge Walk from Darite to the Pipewell  finishing back at Darite Hall for home made refreshments

       

To book for a workshop or for more details please Contact Jane or Iain: 01579 362350

juglow@cornwall.gov.uk                                          irowe1@cornwall.gov.uk

Get involved with the upcoming Hedge Week

During the October half term week CHAHP will be holding a number of events and courses to celebrate Hedge Week. We still have some spaces left on the below courses which are all free to residents of the Caradon Hill area, you just need to bring your packed lunch.

Sat 22 & Sun 23 oct            Hedge Laying Course: 9 am – 4 pm

This two day beginner’s course will cover the basic skills required to lay hedges in the traditional style. Suitable for use on native garden hedges; hedges around smallholdings and farms; it would also be useful to countryside contractors. Over the weekend course, participants will lay a hedge along the side of the Upton Cross Parish playing field, helping the local community while providing a great training opportunity.

mon 24 oct                          Dormouse Workshop: 10 am – 4 pm

The day long workshop will establish the skills needed for the first stage to becoming a dormouse worker. Led by Dormice experts it is also suitable for anyone interested in this unique and endangered mammal. In the morning you will learn about survey techniques, nut recognition, habitat requirements and dormouse ecology. The practical afternoon session will include nest box checking and nut hunting at a local woodland monitored site. This course is suitable as the first step towards obtaining a dormouse license.

Tues 25 oct                           Willow Weaving: 10 am – 4 pm

Following an introduction to willow, the history of its use and how it is prepared; this willow workshop will teach you how to handle and work with this natural and native material to create a willow lantern. The course is open to families with children over 7 years old; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

fri 28 oct                              Bird Box Workshop: 10 am – 4 pm

The Pied Flycatcher used to nest in Golitha Falls NNR until its bird boxes fell apart. The aim of the day will be to construct boxes for this interesting little bird under the guidance of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. All attendees will have the opportunity to make a box for Golitha Falls and one to take home to their garden.

To book for a workshop or for more details please contact Jane or Iain: 01579 362 350

September Walks & Talks

Invasive Plants Discussion

12 September 2011 at 7:30 pm, St Neot Methodist Chapel Hall with Jane Uglow, CHAHP Project Officer.

Up the Line Walk

20 September 2011, 10 am start, the walk will last approx 4 hours. This is in conjunction with the SE Cornwall Walking Festival following the Kilmar Junction Railway to Bearah Tor & returning via Sharp Tor – led by CHAHP Project Officer Iain Rowe. Some steep accents and descents, uneven underfoot, no dogs please. Bring a packed lunch and meet at Minions Heritage Centre.

Historical Tales Course

A free (to CHAHP residents) eight week course on how to plan and write historic fiction, with workshops delivered by EV Thompson and Simon Parker starting on 22 September 2011, 7-9 pm. Please call Lianne on 07831 802534.

Equinox Walk

23 September 2011, 6.30 am start the walk will last approx 3 hours.

Meet at the Hurlers car park, go up onto the moor to watch the sunrise, and then be guided around the landscape by Blue Badge Guide Mark Camp. Some steep accents and descents, uneven underfoot.

All walks are held with the kind co-operation of: The Duchy of Cornwall,

The Manor of Rosecraddoc, The Hooper and Bolitho Families,

St. Cleer & District Commoners.

actors, artists, singers, storytellers, new agers, amateur astronomers & archaeologists



In 1650 John Norden described the stones as like ‘men performinge that pastime Hurlinge’
© John Norden - English Heritage

On 21 – 23 September we will be filming for our electronic interpretation material. The films we are professionally producing will be available to download online and by smart phones to give a truly unique and interactive historical experience when visiting the area.

We are looking for people who would like to be filmed either performing or giving their views on why the area around Minions was so important to our Neolithic and Bronze Age ancestors. All points of view are welcome; we want actors, artists, singers, storytellers, new agers, amateur astronomers and archaeologists. If this is you or you know someone that would be interested and available on either (or all) Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 or Friday 23 September 2011 please get in touch with Iain Rowe on 01579 362350, 07791 136704 or irowe1@cornwall.gov.uk.

Cast your vote for Cornish food

The British Food Fortnight is coming up in September. To commemorate its 10^th Anniversary there’s a competition to find Britain’s favourite food spot.

At the moment Cornwall is in fourth place so please take a look at the Love British Food website and cast your vote for Cornwall.

Use this link to vote Cornish http://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/votefoodspot/

The dragonfly & damselfly walk on the moor

Searching for dragonflies

Nearly 30 people joined our Project Officer, Jane Uglow, and Cornwall’s Dragonflies and Damselflies Recorder, expert Steve Jones for the walk on Saturday.

Starting from the Minions Heritage Centre, Steve gave a short introduction and spoke of the objectives of recording these species together with an explanation of the needs and requirements of recording. He then gave out a useful handout about the species found in the county before moving to the wet gully between Cheesewring and Golddiggers. 

Within this wet area, the party immediately saw a number of damselflies and Steve demonstrated how to search for the exuviae around the edges of pools and in the reeds.

The initially misty day brightened up and the group was entertained first by one dragonfly and then a flying display, or more likely, a battle over territory between two males. Further exuviae were found illustrating that although only two dragonflies were seen flying, there had been many more that had hatched and either dispersed or been taken by prey.

The man in the mine at work

The work to consolidate the South Caradon Mine structures is underway. This is probably the first time it has been scaffolded since it was built – if you know different please do let us know. We’d also like to know if anyone has any photos of the mine site that we can use to compare and possibly even feature in an exhibition.

We are doing to do our best to retain the iconic silhouette of the man in the mine, but there will be slight changes to ensure structural stability and prevent it from falling down completely. 

The new pointing has been very carefully selected to match the original colour and consistency, however it will take some time before the work becomes invisible. Furthermore all work taking place is being done under guidance from our Ecologist and we are leaving roost and nest sites in-situ.

Please don't try to climb on structures that are being worked on as this may cause damage and is extremely dangerous. More photos and news to follow as the work progresses.

Dragonflies & damselflies on the moor

Photo by dragonfly expert, Steve Jones

On Saturday 30 July, come join our two hour guided walk looking at dragonflies and damselflies inhabiting ponds and marshy areas of Bodmin Moor. 

Starting from the Minions Heritage Centre at 10.30am. This free walk, led by dragonfly expert Steve Jones, will examine the ponds around the Cheesewring Quarry before moving on to the west to study the pools and ponds in the marsh valley on the open moor. For more information about dragonflies and some fantastic photos take a look at Steve’s website, Cornish Nature. He also happens to be the Cornwall Recorder for Dragonflies. 

Please ensure you wear sturdy footwear as the surface of this area of moorland is uneven and wet. Contact our Project Officer, Jane Uglow on 07814 517 089 if you need further information.

Your area needs you

The parishes associated with CHAHP have over 500 scheduled ancient monuments. Many are currently, or at risk of, being damaged.

Our Project Officer, Iain Rowe is appealing to you, “If you regularly walk, ride or drive past an artefact from our past, why not adopt it?

“It would not be an onerous task – just report back to your area representative once every three months with a brief status update – or if damage is noticed or predicted, get in touch immediately so a work team can be mobilised and the authorities notified.

“They are in our care for the generations who will follow us, let’s look after them!”

If this is you please contact Iain on 01579 362 350 or irowe1@cornwall.gov.uk

Phytophthora ramorum in the Project area

Infected Larch

Further to the article in our March newsletter, it is sad to report that the tree disease, Phytophthora ramorum, has spread to 7 sites in the Project area. These are all in woodland, where the infected tree is Japanese Larch affecting an area of approximately 45 acres (18 hectares) mainly around the Lynher Valley.

This disease has been compared for its potentially disastrous effects on the landscape to foot and mouth in the livestock industry. Many of you may already be aware of the substantial felling in the Glynn Valley between Liskeard and Bodmin, the Bere peninsular in the lower Walkham Valley and around Burrator Reservoir on the edge of Dartmoor. We hope the Project landscape will be less severely affected because of the large amount of deciduous woodland.



  In order to help prevent spreading the disease we have ensured all our walks, this  summer, are away from any larch woodland. For those of you who are dog walkers, please be conscious of the movement of potentially contaminated plant material and soil on both footwear and dogs feet, if you are walking in local woodland. Furthermore we ask for you to monitor your gardens, as plants such as rhododendrons can also catch this infection.







A diseased rhododendron

The disease is not harmful to humans or animals, however, the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, is easily spread. You may notice many woodland owners will be putting in place bio security procedures to try to contain the outbreak. Please read and be respectful of the signs explaining the simple precautions placed at the entrances to woods where the disease is present.



More information on this issue can be found on the Forestry Commission website.

Celebrate with St Cleer, 11 - 17 July

St Cleer’s weeklong carnival celebrations begin tomorrow with a treasure hunt for both adults and children starting at 6pm from the Memorial Hall.

The rest of the week is as follows:

Pavement drawing for children at the Market inn on Tuesday.

Wednesday sees the Furry Dance and Disco, preceded by quiz night at the Stag around 9pm.

On Thursday there is special prize bingo at the Market Inn.

Friday has a free evening of entertainment, food and drinks for parish seniors at the Memorial Hall.

Saturday is a whole day of fun with the Carnival Parade, awards ceremony, live music and a carboot sale.

Sunday is ‘Celebrating our Parish’ day starting with a Sunday Service followed by a big family picnic with games and featuring LoL pupperts – at the Sports Field in St Cleer.

For more details see their website.



Last year's Furry Dance



Milestones Around Caradon Hill

We want to locate all the local milestones in the Project area and need your help… Do you know where there is a local milestone? We hope to map these historically important guides, restore and conserve some where appropriate.

Please get in touch and let us know, we are looking for all kinds of markers in the area: milestones; guideposts; stone crosses and boundary posts. Email me with any information you have and a photo if you can, my email is abillinge@cornwall.gov.uk.

Abi

The Area's Third Annual Mining Celebration Opens

It’s a Hard Rock Life is a free exhibition exploring the grizzlier side of Victorian mining in the area. Opening to the public tomorrow it promises an unusual and revealing insight about life in the area’s mines with the opportunity to visit a Victorian Mine Doctor’s unsavoury surgery.

Open from 28 June to 8 July at Stuart House and the Liskeard and District Museum in Liskeard.

Urgent Police Appeal

We are appealing for information from accommodation in the Caradon and West Devon areas.

We would appreciate it if you could check your records to see if you had males staying using a silver BMW around Wednesday 8 June 2011.

If you have any information please contact the Police on 08452 777 444.

Summer Solstice



Summer Solstice sunrise over Stowes Hill


Today marks the first day of summer. It is the longest day and shortest night of the year, when the sun is at the highest in the sky.

As I mentioned last week our Project Officer, Iain Rowe, formed a party to watch the sunrise over Stowes Hill from Craddock Moor Stone Circle. As the clouds were not in their favour they moved to a different spot were they joined the Roseland Observatory group led by Brain Sheen. As you can see from Iain’s photo they were not disappointed and enjoyed a fantastic start to this very special day.

Invasive Plants Day

On Saturday 2 July our Project Officer, Jane Uglow, has organised an informative invasive plants day in Liskeard. Working with James MacFarlane, Cornwall Council’s expert on invasive species, they will be offering free advice at the Goldenbank Nursery in Liskeard between 10am and noon.

In the afternoon there will be a guided walk and talk on St Cleer Downs identifying invasive plants in the field and the damage that can be done. Email Jane at juglow@cornwall.gov.uk for further details.

For more information about invasive plants in Cornwall take a look at the Council's website.

Sunrise on the Summer Solstice

During the Bronze Age Moor walk last month, it was suggested by me (foolishly) that we ought to come back to

Craddock Moor Stone Circle

and observe the sunrise over Stowes Hill on the Summer Solstice.

Anyone who would like to take up the offer should meet us in The Hurlers Car Park, Minions at 4am on Tuesday, 21 June, morning. We should hopefully joined by astronomers and archaeologists who will be able to explain the significance of this site on this seminal day in the calendar. If the forecast is for rain or heavy cloud the trip will be cancelled, please contact me on Monday if you are unsure.

Also do not forget the Liskeard Old Cornwall Society Midsummer Bonfire at Siblyback Lake on Thursday 23 June, 9:30pm.

Iain

Project Officer, 07791 136704 or 01579 362350

St Cleer Projects Group launch website

The St Cleer Parish Projects Group is now online. Their website details all their current and past projects, including the very successful St Cleer Skate Park and the Pipewell Project. There is also a gallery showcasing all their hard work.

www.stcleerparishprojectsgroup.co.uk

Latest news from the website

Be tick aware this summer

At this time of the year unfortunately there’s a danger we should all be cautious of when out and about, especially in areas of long grass and moorland. Places like these are the perfect habitat for the tiny blood sucking parasites, known as ticks.

Ticks are particularly prevalent between April and October. These tiny bloodsuckers attach themselves to exposed skin and need special care to remove as their head and body can detach. The greatest danger is infection which can lead to Lyme disease.

Lyme disease causes a range of unpleasant symptoms which may include a circular red rash, headaches, a stiff neck, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and disturbances of sight, hearing, digestive system and sleep. If left untreated it can progress to the joints, the heart and the nervous system.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by an infected tick, the charity Lyme Disease Action advises parents and their children to take the following precautions:

·         Wear long sleeves and trousers

·         Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot

·         Use an insect repellent effective against ticks (look for those containing the chemical DEET)

·         Keep to pathways and try to avoid areas of overgrown vegetation

·         Check for ticks regularly during the day

·         Remove any ticks found attached as soon as possible

·         Pack a tick remover if walking or holidaying away from home

Tick removal

Example of what to look out for!



Ticks should be removed immediately with a tick removal tool or fine pointed tweezers. Gently pull the tick's body away from your skin directly outwards, without jerking. Do not try to pull the tick out with your fingers, burn the tick or cover it with creams or chemicals.

Treatment

If you have been bitten by a tick and notice any of the above symptoms, seek medical help straight away. Diagnosed and treated early, Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics.  NB tick bites do not itch like mosquito bites, so awareness is important to aid diagnosis.

For more information, help and advice about ticks and Lyme disease take a look at the Lyme Disease Action website, you will also find a number of useful leaflets and posters there. 

Appeal for upcoming photographic exhibition

The annual CHAHP Mining Landscape Celebration opens at Stuart House on Tuesday 28 June. This year the two week event will be about the darker side of mining. Despite the grim content it promises to be an interesting and revealing look at the life of miners and their families in the area when mining made fortunes for some and widows of others.

There will be an unusual photographic exhibition of headstones from the local cemeteries. The one below, of Richard and Catherine Smith’s in St Cleer Cemetery, is a fascinating example.

We are looking for more photographs to feature in this intriguing exhibition which will show the local headstones, the sad reminders of the dangers of mine, quarry or railway work in the area. We really want this to be a true community event and appeal to anyone who enjoys photography to get in touch. Photographs will be displayed in Stuart House for two weeks. Please email our Officer, Iain Rowe, irowe1@cornwall.gov.uk with photographs and, or locations.

This weekend in the Caradon Hill area

Exploring St Cleer Downs for butterflies

On Saturday a butterfly walk was led across St Cleer Downs by Paul Brewer from Cornwall Butterfly Conservation and our Officer, Jane Uglow. Children and adults enjoyed an interesting exploration of the area despite the cloudy weather, luckily the rain did hold off! As it was not particularly sunny there were not many butterflies about, although two different species were spotted, the Speckled Wood and the Small Pearl-Border Fritillary, a less common one. There were also a number of day flying moths about.

Although the weather was not perfect for butterfly spotting the group were able to learn about where to find butterflies and how to identify them. Paul also gave the group an explanation about the needs and requirements of butterfly recording. Jane helped examine and identify plants on the walk, even finding a group of orchids coming into flower which were possibly lesser butterfly orchids, platanthera bifolia, on the downs.





Sheep shearing training at West Penquite Farm



A sheep shearing course was held for five trainees over the Saturday and Sunday. Working with Liskeard Young Farmer Club CHAHP facilitated this training. All of the participants are actively involved in farming in the area and are members of YFC. The course was led by Digory Truscott, British Wool Board Instructor, who demonstrated British Wool standards. It was a really successful weekend and it is hoped the course will run again next year.

Very special thanks to Mr and Mrs Dymond who kindly gave permission for the course to be held on their land at West Penquite Farm.

Balsam Bashing every Saturday



Himalayan balsam



Himalayan balsam is a pretty, but extremely invasive non-native plant that is spreading with devastating effects on the area. The plant quickly takes root and drowns out its surrounding vegetation as it grows up to 10ft. It also attracts bees which tend to favour it over smaller flowers meaning fewer native plants are pollinated; this has been detrimental to many farm crops.

Every Saturday in May and June St Cleer Parish Projects Group has organised a balsam bashing work party meeting at the open ground at Higher Tremar Coombe, PL14 5HP. Starting at 10am volunteers are invited to come and be the solution. Pulling up the balsam is easy as the plant has very short roots and this is the most effective way of reducing its spread.

If you are interested in coming to help simply turn up, wear appropriate clothes for the weather and good sturdy footwear. Remember a bottle of water and gloves, although the balsam is not spikey. To find out more about this invasive species take a look at the RHS website. For more information please call Derris Watson on 01579 347 632 or email, derris.watson@btinternet.com.

Join Our New Parish Wildlife Groups - Members Needed!

An introductory meeting for parish wildlife groups was held at Upton Cross last night. The meeting was lead by Jen Bousfield from the Launceston Area Parish Wildlife Project. She gave a motivating and descriptive talk about how her group, which is now in its tenth year, has developed and what lessons can be learnt. Most importantly Jen said the group must be fun and enjoyable to all members. She also brought an interesting display of some of the most useful equipment the group has acquired over the years.

Following the meeting, there are now a number of fledgling wildlife groups covering St Ive, St Cleer, Darite and Linkinhorne who are looking for additional members and planning summer events.  For contacts details of the individual groups please contact Jane Uglow on 01579 362350 or email her on: juglow@cornwall.gov.uk

The Golitha Walk & Talk

We had a great turn out on Saturday for the Bluebells and Industry Walk around Golitha Falls led by Calum Beeson and Jane.

Under the clay pipe in Golitha

During the course of the walk Calum and Jane helped the group identify the various uses Golitha has had over the years. While discussing the different industrial remains the group followed the river through the nature reserve. The site’s geology, topography and wildlife provided a great deal of conversation and Calum even demonstrated how the river used to be panned. The walk concluded with a fantastic display of bluebells, which was breath taking.

If you haven’t already visited Golitha Falls it really is worth a look, a local beauty spot which is particularly special at this time of the year. For more information and directions, click here.

What’s going on up at the Mine?

Walk to discover what CHAHP will be doing at South Caradon Mine.

Tomorrow the CHAHP Team will lead a walk and talk around South Caradon Mine. Please come and join us to find out what will be happening. There will be some gentle ascents and unstable underfoot conditions, it is approximately 2.5 miles. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.  

Tuesday May10th 10am to 1pm. Meet at Tokenbury Corner Carpark

       

Bluebells & Industry Walk tomorrow

Golitha's bluebells

Come and join Jane and local geological expert, Calum Beeson to explore the beautiful Golitha Falls. It's a great opportunity to find out more about the historical and natural environment of this special spot.

All ages are welcome, although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. It will be a steady walk with plenty of chances to ask questions and find out more about the different uses of the area. Dogs are also welcome, but must be on a lead.

Meet at Draynes Car Park at 10:30am, it is free and will go ahead in all weather conditions.

Upcoming Events for May

Sat 7 May

Bluebells & Industry Golitha Walk – approx 1.5 miles

10:30am–noon, led by the CHAHP Team & Calum Beeson

Meet at Draynes Bridge car park

Tues 10 May

South Caradon Mine Walk – approx 2.5 miles

10am–1pm, led by the CHAHP Team

Meet at Tokenbury Corner car park

Sat 14 May

Bluebells & Battles Pensilva Walk – approx 2 miles

10am-1pm, led by the Pensilva & St Ive Group

Meet at the Millennium Centre car park

Wed 18 May

Moor Confidence Talk, responsible moor walking training

7:30-9pm, led by Steve Hopkin at the Cross Link Centre

A half a day walk will follow on Sat 21 May

Sat 21 May

Butterfly Walk on St Cleer Downs

11am-1pm, led by butterfly expert Paul Brewer

Meet at St Cleer car park

All events are free of charge, if you need further information please call 01579 362 350 or email abillinge@cornwall.gov.uk

Recording Caradon Oral History

Are you interested in oral history? We have one half day training day coming up which is already fully booked, but are looking for more volunteers. The three hour training course will give you the opportunity to find out more and learn the techniques involved so Caradon Hill's rich history can be recorded.

To get a taste of what oral history is about take a look at the BBC's history website.

If this sounds like your cup of tea please do get in touch as we need more volunteers.
Abi, abillinge@cornwall.gov.uk

Puckator Geology Walk

A massive thank you to all those that came down to the geology walk on Saturday and especially to Calum Beeston who made it such a success. Calum led the walk explaining of the complex nature of what was below our feet in a series of presentations including an on the spot experiment involving raspberry jelly and cheese!

Practical Geology in the field the Calum Beeson Way!

We hope Calum will led another enlightening walk of the area sometime soon and we will keep you posted.