Brendon Commons Council

Minutes ofThirdMeeting held at 7.00pm

on4thDecember 2014in Brendon Village Hall.

Attendees: Council Members. Tom Burge, Ian South and John Wyatt representing Active Graziers; Robin Thorne representing Non- graziers; Ben Williams (Chairman) representing landowner.

In attendance: Jeremy Holtom;.Secretary, Maria Floyd; Treasurer. 14 members of the public.

1)Apologies:3 from members of Public

2)Minutes of the Second Meeting:Minutesof the16th July meeting were approved and signed

3)Matters Arising;None

4)Standing Orders The draft Standing Orders were approved to go forward for Secretary of State approval

5)Rules of the Council Appointment of Chairman:The Draft Rules were approved to go forward for Secretary of State approval

6)Financial Report :The Treasurer presented details of 5 years expenditure and a budget for the next ensuing financial year on the basis of the levy remaining at the initial level of £2 per unit this was approved. It was reported that 2014 Single Payment Scheme had been received and a proposal for distribution was presented and approved. A draft distribution of the next half yearly UELS/HLS payment was presented and approved for payment on receipt of monies. The Treasurer reported on the state of account and outstanding invoices and these were approved for payment. The Treasurer reported on the future BCC bank account and the arrangement of transfers from the BCA accounts, it was reported that the Graziers intended to keep accounts open so as not to change RPA payment details and transfer monies to the BCC account as previously agreed (see minutes of second meeting). The Treasurer requested that an additional local signatory be added to the bank mandate; Ian South agreed to take that role and this was approved.The Chairman thanked the Treasurer for her hard work.

7)Stocking

7.1)Cattle Experiment 2014: It was reported that the Cattle Experiment had been repeated on the same basis as 2013. Graziers had met Dr Flemming Ulf-Hansen Natural England (NE) earlier in the day and he was requesting that cattle start to be removed. He had also requested that remaining cattle on Cheriton Ridge be shepherded into combesto graze these. Participating graziers were asked to photograph cattle and record grazing patterns on a plan and to be prepared to answer a questionnaire.

7.2)Pony Grazing: It was reported that Nick Skelton had removed his ponies and that the question of equines in place of cattle and grazing fell ponies had been discussed at the NE meeting and that Dr Ulf-Hansen was happy with the current arrangements. The Chairman requested that a written confirmation be sought from NE as a record.In the light of that it was resolved that subject to this confirmation Liz Bradborn could retain, for the time being, unshod female fell ponies up to number 3,on the common.(The number 3 was queried at 4th meeting and may be amended to 4)

7.3)Non-graziers proposal to commence grazing: It was reported that the requisite notice to commence grazing (in May 2015 had been received from Mr Tilley of Shilstone. Members were reminded of the relevant clause of the IMA:-

3.6 Parties agree that any commoner not being an active grazier but who wishes to become an active grazier must submit a proposal to the management committee of The Brendon Commoners Association (etc) by the 30th of September, prior to the annual meeting) The Management Committee shall act reasonably in the consideration of each submission.. The outcome of the proposal will be decided by the Management Committee and reported to the AGM. Any such submission will not unless specifically agreed by The Management Committee and the then current active graziers, become active until the summer season commencing 1st May.

Members noted that references to Management Committee in the clause should now read Brendon Commons Council (in accordance with Schedule 1 (5) of the IMA).

It was heard that the Graziers meeting had recommended a minimum fee should be at least £120 per unit of the non-grazier or the first annual payment as an active grazier should be forgone whichever is the larger upon non-graziers who sought to become active graziers. This payment was to reflect the costs incurred by active graziers and to compensate them for future disruption and income foregone.

The applicant was invited to speak and reported that he wished to graze the 24 sheep permitted on his units he also confirmed this and his willingness to shepherd sheep away from overgrazed areas.

Members resolved that on this occasion the applicant would be required to pay on the basis of £120 per unit but any future person transferring to active grazier status would be required to pay£120 per unit or the first annual payment as an active grazier should be forgone whichever is the larger. There would be no refund should the status to active grazier be reversed.

7.4)Sheep Marks

The following marks were recorded:

BradbornGreen M on side (sheep were Kerryhills)

BurgeBlack stripe down back yellow horns

Nigel FloydBlue on backend or blue F in a circle

Ray FloydRed across back pink horns

SouthOrange backend

TilleyPurple backend yellow between ears

WoollacottGreen middle of back

WyattPurple shoulder or neck

It was agreed that a record of the markings would be placed on the internet but without identifying the owner and that any enquiries would be directed to the Secretary.

8.1) UELS/HLS: Members heard details of the meeting with NE and that additional areas for swaling had been identified on Cheriton Ridge with a recommendation that the burning be carried out as soon as possible.

There were concerns that additional areas require shepherding to prevent overgrazing these areas included Cheriton Ridge, Scobhill and Shilstone.

It was reported that NE had been requested by the RPA to subdivide the common and that the options be applied to these smaller areas..

8.2) SPSIt was reported that a meeting had been arranged with the RPA at Exeter on the 18th December concerning the issues relating to payments since 2005 and allocated areas etc. For 2014 SPS see Financial report above.

8.3) TB Control PlanCattle graziers were requested to complete the individual mapping of their holdings so that with the common plan and completed TB control Plan could be submitted to AVAMS. It was reported that some fencing had been provided at Cloud Farm.

9) AONB

9.1) Co-opted members: after discussion it was resolved that the matter be reconsidered after a further year but that Sarah Bryan ENPA and Dr Flemming Ulf-Hansen NE continue to receive papers and to receive particular invitation to attend council meetings.

9.2) Exmoor Ponies; Liz Bradborn requested from the floor that should any active grazier wish to reduce their pony numbers she would be very willing to graze Exmoor ponies.

10) DONMIt was agreed that the Fourth meeting would be held in February the date of the meeting to be confirmed by the Secretary (the meeting to start at 7.30pm). The date of the AGM had to be within 6 months of the 31st March it was suggested that the AGNM be combined with a summer site meeting on the Common with NE on a date to be confirmed in July.

The meeting closed at 20.30

Action Points:

1)Financial Matters Ian South to be added to bank mandate (secretary)

2)Standing Orders and Rules draft Standing Orders and Ruleswould be forwarded for Secretary of State (Secretary / Comment by all Stakeholders)

3)Cattle Experiment Participants to provide feedback for NE

4)SPScommittee to meet RPA.

5)TBIt was requested that Maria Floyd gather the plans for submission of a completed plan and that the Secretary write to Cloud Farm with regard to the campsite fence (Treasurer/Secretary)

Signed by Chairman...... Date......