News and Events 14 – 20 March

NEWS

Houseboaters' fears over Olympic plans

According to a recent Guardian article, houseboat residents near the east London Olympic development site could be forced to leave their homes amid fears that the cost of living on this stretch of water could raise from £600 to £7,000 per year ahead of the 2012 games. The changes, put forward by British Waterways, have been called ‘social cleansing’ by residents, while British Waterways say the changes are in line with a national policy on moorings and there is an urgent need to control the number of boats on the River Lea, which has increased by 40% over the last four years.

Minister Backs Isle of Wight in Eco Island Plans

Richard Benyon MP, Parliamentry Under-secretary for Natural Environment and Fisheries gave the Governments unequivocal support for the Isle of Wight to become an Eco Island. Amongst other aims this would entail the Island becoming Carbon Neutral by 2020 and becoming the UK’s first sustainable region.

Shipwrights Way

A new 60-mile long distance path in East Hampshire is being created from Alice Holt Forest near Farnham to Portsmouth. On the 12th March the first two sections of the Shipwrights Way at Alice Holt Forest and Queen Elizabeth County Park were opened, these are expected to be joined and extended to Portsmouth over the next 18 months.

Loch Lomond Camping Ban

Camping is to be banned on the banks of Loch Lomond in an attempt to reduce the litter and anti social behaviour problems that have developed in the area. The ban will be in effect from March 1 – October 31 every year between Drymen and Rowardennan. Separately an alcohol ban has been passed in the same area starting on June 1. A new “informal” campsite, to be managed by the Forestry Commission, is planned for Sallochy.

Buxton Festival Photography Competition

Buxton Festival and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire have teamed up to launch a photography competition with a cash prize of £300. This year’s theme is fire and light, entries from all ages are welcomed and the closing date is 1st June. The festival takes place 9 - 27 July.

British Tourism Week Coastal Walks

To celebrate British Tourism week the National Trust has launched five new coastal walks around the UK, these walks are in Ceredigion, Devon, Suffolk, North Yorkshire and East Sussex. The directions and maps for these invigorating walks can be downloaded from the National Trust website.

EVENTS

Guided walks at Creekside 26th March

Creekside Education Trust has announced a series of guided low tide walks along the Creek; the walks are aimed at adults and children 8 years and over accompanied by an adult. The first one is on the 26th March and takes place once a month; the guide will provide a commentary describing the ecology and history of the area.

Burghley house re-opens 19th March

Burghley House will reopen for the season on the 19th March unveiling its refurbished Orange restaurant and the Burghley Collection including some of Europe’s oldest examples of porcelain. There will also be a series of events such as classic car rallies and evening concerts throughout the year.

Edible Garden Show 18- 20 March

Exclusively dedicated to ‘ Grow Your Own’ the Edible Garden Show takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Experts and exhibitors will be available to offer advice on how to get the best out of your home produce, from growing plants and rearing animals to cooking this is a must for any ‘Grow Your Own’ enthusiast.

Raising The Roof 20 March

A once in a lifetime chance to climb scaffolding at Godolphin House, while it under goes conservation work, enabling you to see the layers of history. This event is unsuitable for young children and stout walking boots and waterproof clothing are a must.

Dragons, Giants and Wizards 20 March

Ideal for children aged 6 – 11, the National Trust will be celebrating world storytelling day with an interactive story walk in the Stonehenge Landscape. With a costumed storyteller, there will be tales of myth, magic and mayhem involving dragons, wizards and giants. There are also other walks available during this week.

View Events 14 - 20 March in a larger map