Weekly Meeting - Michael Bates (Cleeve Common-Past, Present and Future)

Michael Bates Cleeve Common - Past Present and Future

As a long-time resident of Cleeve Hill Michael explained that he became involved with the management of the Common after retiring from his engineering career.  Over years he has held several roles including Chairman and deputy chairman of the board of trustees. He is presently heavily involved in the on-going management of the Common. The Common is managed through the board of trustees, whose origin dates back to an Act of Parliament in 1890.  The Common is both within the Cotswold AONB and is designated as a SSSI

Michael’s presentation commenced with sections on the history and archaeology of the area, followed by details of the present conservation efforts and management of the wide range of activities on the Common.  Ariel photographs of some parts of the Common illustrated the history and showed historical features such as Iron Age earthworks which are not easily visible when simply walking along the main pathways.

Grazing is a particularly important area, and although grazing rights are allocated to a number of local farms, the use of this for sheep is declining which led to the purchase of a number of Galloway cattle who are moved to different parts of the Common during the year.  These large benign cattle, some with the familiar curly black and white striped coats, are a familiar sight to walkers on the Common.

The local population has grown considerable in recent years, and the recreational use of the Common with it.  Managing the conflict between these activities such as walking, cycling, horse riding, kite flying and others, with the need to conserve the environment is a contact challenge for the trustees and the staff of Rangers and volunteers.

The cost of maintaining the Common is around £135k per year and Michael expressed his concern at the need to maintain the necessary income.  Michael concluded by reviewing the present and future challenges which are leading to an increasing workload for the small team.  Hopefully the Common will remain a valuable and attractive facility for the next 100 years! 

Our Club has visited the Common several times in recent years, including an evening walk followed by dinner at the golf club, a summer walk to Winchcombe for Sunday lunch, and a win at the Golf Club Skittle alley. 
For members familiar with Cleeve Common, Michaels presentation filled in a lot of interesting detail, and perhaps provided inspiration for others to visit the area.

Derek Thomas