A Cut Above.

Last Saturday (19th April) a small but important gathering took place on Beeston Regis Common as a follow-up to the Sheringham Trails project. The 6 mile (10 km) route of the Trails, which takes in the Common, was financed by Sheringham Plus. It was completed in May 2007 and is accompanied by an illustrated guide to the natural and local history along the route. What made the gathering important was the presentation by Dr John Gardiner (Chairman of the Trails Group, representing
Sheringham Plus) of a 'top-of-the-range' all-terrain mower, the DR 15hp Field and Brush Mower, to Cllr Anne Webster, representing Sheringham Town Council.

Dr Gardiner stated, "Sheringham Plus was able to purchase the mower because of savings that had been made from the Trails budget". He felt that the machine would help to ensure the future enjoyment of the Trails and under the ownership of the Town Council it could be operated with the necessary insurance and in a highly maintained condition. Cllr Webster, delighted to receive the mower, "expected it to be a boon to
the maintenance of the Common" adding that "the DR mower will enable the Hon. Warden, Mr Francis Farrow, and members of the Beeston Common Management Group to keep the paths clear. It will also help with the more sensitive sites by cutting down invasive scrub, allowing orchids and other endangered plants to thrive."

Mr Farrow gave a brief demonstration of the mower, saying that, “the DR Field and Brush mower is a very powerful machine capable of cutting down scrub up to 2” thick and over 6’ high vegetation.”

Such management work will be carried out in conjunction with the on-going Norfolk County Councils footpath maintenance programme and Natural England’s restoration management plan.

Mr Farrow comments,” Not only will the mower help to keep the coarser vegetation under control, but by doing so, it will allow people more access to enjoy the wonderful nature of this common.”

From the Sheringham Independent