Landscape and Conservation
Action Point 6.1 LISTED BUILDINGS
| 1. The Issue or Problem The present English Heritage list of Ringmer's listed buildings contains some errors of fact and omits some buildings of merit. Some buildings that once appeared on the list appear to have been omitted from the latest list, apparently due to administrative error. Development pressures in Ringmer have led to the loss of several structurally sound and locally important buildings through developers increasing development density. |
| 2. Specific evidence of the importance of the issue to Ringmer People
It could not be claimed that this is an issue of pressing concern to residents in general - over 80% answered the question about this issue (Q 48) in the Questionnaire with 'Don't know'. However, Ringmer has a thriving History Study Group which has now been active in the village for over 20 years. This Group discussed this issue in detail at its January 2003 meeting, attended by 75 members. Addition of three buildings to the list was supported by 60-70% of those present. A further seven buildings attracted significant support. |
| 3. The Action Update and correct the existing English Heritage list of Ringmer's listed buildings and propose the addition of the ten additional buildings identified above. |
| 4. How it will be tackled The case for protecting by listing the ten Ringmer buildings that attracted strong or significant support should be presented to English Heritage. Factual errors in the existing list should also be brought to their attention. |
| 5. Who will do it The Ringmer History Study Group. |
| 6. When should it be done by In 2003 |
| 7. Resource implications Minimal. |
Action Point 6.2 FOOTPATHS AND STILES
| 1. The Issue or Problem Maintenance of footpaths and stiles. |
| 2. Specific evidence of the importance of the issue to Ringmer People Regular users include Ringmer Ramblers, Ringmer Strollers, Mary Greenwood's group plus individuals and other groups. Responses to Q50 of the questionnaire showed that 214 (29.3%) considered that Ringmer paths and stiles were satisfactorily maintained for safe walking for all ages, 280 (38.4%) thought they were not and 236 (32.3%) did not know. |
| 3. The Action A programme of monitoring and reporting has been actively in existence for 14 years (at the request of the Parish Council) by members of Ringmer Ramblers. This includes regular reporting of the state of paths, stiles and waymarkers via the Parish Clerk to ESCC Rights of Way department. Individuals also report directly to the Parish Clerk. |
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4. How it will be tackled |
| 5. Who will do it Local labour as agreed between Parish Clerk and ESCC Rights of Way department, plus volunteers from Ringmer Ramblers for waymarking etc. Some work carried out by ESCC Rights of Way department by agreement with Parish Clerk. |
| 6. When should it be done by Continuation of programme of maintenance and improvement within annual budget, agreed between Parish Clerk and ESCC Rights of Way department. |
| 7. Resource implications Reliance on continuous co-operation between users, both individuals and groups, Parish Clerk and Council, local landowners and ESCC Rights of Way department. N.B. Parish footpaths and stiles have shown much improvement over the last 14 years as a direct result of the above activity. Village benefits from good co-operation between Ringmer Ramblers volunteers, the Parish Clerk and local land owners. |
Action Point 6.3 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
| 1. The Issue or Problem The identification and conservation of wild life in Ringmer. |
| 2. Specific evidence of the importance of the issue to Ringmer People Almost 900 respondents to Q52 of the Questionnaire said we should attempt to record the wildlife of Ringmer. |
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3. The Action |
| 4. How it will be tackled (a) Ringmer Community College Science Club and Environmental Science Groups to continue their audit of the Village Green and extend this to other sites. (b) St Mary's Church has conducted detailed research on the church yards and is pursuing measures to enhance and encourage wildlife and ecological diversity. (c) Investigate funding schemes for projects linked to schools, landowners and others. |
| 5. Who will do it (a) Ringmer Community College and Primary Partnership group, followed up by Parish Council. (b) Members of St Mary's Church. (c) As (a) above with advice from Libby John and ESCC Ranger Service. |
| 6. When should it be done by St Mary's work on -going. College to launch plan by end of 2003. |
| 7. Resource implication Some resources required for initial investigations, advice and production of interpretation material. record sites of information. Each site requiring attention will need to be individually costed for labour, fencing, upkeep etc. Need to research and apply for grants. |
Action Point 6.4 TREE PLANTING
| 1. The Issue or Problem Tree planting around Ringmer. |
| 2. Specific evidence of the importance of the issue to Ringmer People
Responses to Q 51 of the questionnaire indicated that 1149 people ((85%) were in favour of tree planting in Ringmer. |
| 3. The Action Investigate the feasibility of planting indigenous trees within the village. This must be done in conjunction with careful consideration as to their location, maintenance, life span and the costs and responsibility for their maintenance. |
| 4. How it will be tackled Seek expert advice from agencies and public bodies including Lewes District Council Tree Officer Survey the Parish in order to locate suitable sites for tree planting. Identification of the sort of trees that are suitable, based on location, soil type etc. Explore community ownership of the trees (one per household - adopt a tree) to facilitate ongoing maintenance. Link with Carbon neutrality issues related to climate change and relate this to household carbon production. Seek funding from a range of sources including local authorities, householders, Countryside Commission etc. |
| 5. Who will do it Partnership between residents, Ringmer Community College, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Parish and District Council (Local Agenda 21 group) etc. |
| 6. When should it be done by Background work and networking to begin immediately. A detailed project plan would need to be drawn up. Physical planting is usually carried out in Autumn or early Spring. |
| 7. Resource implications To be assessed once detailed project plan is completed. |
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