Here's some more of the sign.

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 14/7/08; 11:37:35 PM
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Hill Fort sign

There's a meeting of The Wrekin Forest Partnership on Tuesday 22nd July. I hope to be there and in a way I represent All Friends Round The Wrekin, except that our organisation is far too near anarchy for anybody to represent the very diverse views our members have.

I propose to urge Telford and Wrekin Borough Council to either reopen their lavatories to the public or build some new ones. Or possibly reopen temporarily while the new ones are being built.

Also I support the idea of a van supplying food and drink based in the car park like the one that was told to clear off because some suit decided it wasn't 'appropriate'.

Furthermore I think there should be an interpretation centre or museum, but in Wellington, not at the Forest Glen.

Otherwise I don't think we need anything much except the continued excellent work of Pete Lambert and the Wildlife Trust Volunteers.

NOW, what do our readers think? Do please tell or I won't know what your views are. AND do it in time before the meeting. This is the nearest you'll get to democracy, having your views aired at the meeting, even if I don't personally agree. However don't make it too long please. I do have my limits and so has the chairman.

Am I right?
Do you want more?
Or less?

Whatever you do - be happy,
George the Ancient,
President. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 10/7/08; 11:52:09 AM
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The Wrekin Forest Partnership meeting

Following concerns in the local press we have decided to change our central Telford pick up point for the Friday meets form Telford Bus Station to the Coach park at Telford International Centre.
This is a short walk away from the bus station but is a safer and more appropriate stopping point for pick and drop. I have spoken to some of our regulars but please pass it on.

Don't forget to give me a call please to book a place on the minibus, thanks.

I have attached the next programme of events, see you soon,

regardsPete.

Pete Lambert, Wrekin Forest Officer /Telford Green Network Officer,Shropshire Wildlife TrustTel 01743 284285, Mob. 07785964497 # Posted by Steve Hooker at 23/6/08; 1:42:31 PM
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Wrekin Forest Volunteers New Telford pick up point

e didn't make the top as The Wrekin had her cap on and the sunset was postponed.However, we saw Pete's Hillfort poster board and here it is.I think it's great and will tell everyone what to look out for.What do All Friends think?

Ancient George. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 23/6/08; 9:47:17 AM
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The hill fort information board

Hi All ,

I am very pleased to be able to tell you that the long promised notice board for the Forest Glen is now in place. Made of Shropshire Oak in the Raby Estate workshops and expertly installed in the last week by a team from the Estate. I am very grateful to Mike Harris , Estate manager and the Raby workforce for their skill and patience in getting this project to a successful conclusion.

The notice board is for the use of all whether for example our local orienteering club to promote their next activity , the Huntsman or Buckatree Hotels to publicize special evenings , Parishes news , Lost and Found , recruiting Friends or promoting Summer Fetes! I will be putting up a few leaflets today to get it going and do hope you will find it a useful aid to communication across the Wrekin Forest community of residents and visitors.

The Notice board has been paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the Wrekin Forest project.

The board is in the Forest Glen at the bottom corner of the car park , near the steps.

The Raby team did nice job with oak pegs etc , the wood is not treated so will weather to a lovely silver grey over the coming months. Oak has natural preservative qualities making it ideal for outdoor structures.

All the best Pete Lambert

Wrekin Forest Officer Shropshire Wildlife Trust # Posted by Steve Hooker at 19/6/08; 1:32:08 PM
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Wrekin Forest community notice board at Forest Glen

The Big Gee. Is going. So is Doctor Bug. Me too, if I can get it together.

Are you going up The Wrekin on the longest day? Will there be pagans?
Sunrise is at approx. 04.42am on Saturday 21st June 2008 and sunset 21.21pm

Meet at the top, at sun-down? Or should this be sunrise? (Before 5am... Not me! More likely to catch the naked dancing witches at this time as well as the faeries.)

BTW: soz about the lack of updates, I've been moving house and well, frankly, there's nothing new to report. Which is good, really.
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 17/6/08; 12:07:36 PM
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Saturday Solstice: the longest day

Hi "All Friends".it seems in tonights Shropshire Star front Page, that the Public health Director, has recommended that a Health Impact Assessment be done in respect of UK coals Opencast Mine application.

Friends of the Ercall welcome this, the Public call has been recognised finally. We first contacted the PCT back in early February regarding this issue, at last, it seems , something is going to be done!

Responsibility for commissioning this study, has now been passed to Mr Michael Barker, Senior Planning Officer, at Telford and Wrekin Council, we look forward to a Health Impact Assessment, pursued vigourously, and robustly, by the Council Officers. We await a time frame to be announced, regarding the length of the HIA, (FFos -Y-Fran in South Wales, I believe, took some 6 months or more), so folks, keep sending in those letters to Mr Dave Coxill, Planning Officer, Telford and Wrekin Council, Civic Offices, Telford, or, E mail your objections to dave.coxill@telford.gov.uk  , quoting planning reference  W2007/1648   , if you dont want a horrible big hole near you, where diesel fumes flow at a rate of 9000,000 Volvo cars per minute, for every heavy digger running on site, affecting your health, that of your children, and probably devaluing your hard won homes, to the point where you will be in negative equity, and most probably unable to sell your home and get out, even if you wanted to.

Make a stand, lets send UK coal , back up North where they come from, and leave our area well alone.

Pat & Friends of the Ercall..

# Posted by Pat judson at 19/5/08; 9:48:52 PM
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OPENCAST MINE HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT BY THE PRIMARY CARE TRUST

Hello "All Friends", we have posted pictures that show the current views from Arleston Hill, looking towards Short woods and New Works. Also, pictures showing the current views from New Works Farm, looking towards Huntington and Little Wenlock, the Wrekin foreground.

In addition to these lovely views, we have also posted the not so lovely views that will be seen, when the Opencast mine arrives. We would ask you to consider both, and decide which you would prefer to see?

Photographic work on these pictures, is presented by Mr Douglas Northcott, Northcott photographics, who has kindly donated his work to the Campaign, and has our thanks.

Despite  our attempts to get these photographs printed in our local paper, the content is classed as "Unfair to UK coal".         

We shall be putting photos of the damage inflicted upon the Short woods, and Birch Coppice, New Works, by the Firm engaged in removal of the now "Defunct " 33,000 volt power line. Work will soon begin, to remove the last Pylons towards Arleston, and over the Motorway -perhaps more care will be taken when this commences? The remaining Pylons that lay on the proposed UK coal Southern site, around Huntington / Dog in the Lane, have now also been removed, thus the whole planned site, now has no pylons, or power lines crossing it.

Best wishes, Pat & Friends of the Ercall.

# Posted by Pat judson at 18/5/08; 10:41:37 AM
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Pictures of the Opencast Mine

Greetings "All Friends", we have been busy since the last public Meeting at Lawley Church hall, so postings have been reduced.

I have over the last couple of days, been contacted by New Works residents, concerned at movements on the site. A company has been applying dyed peanut/grain baits around the Badger setts, why and for what reason, we do not know. Pete Lambert has been keeping an eye on this, and to our knowledge, the Council planning, did not know this was going on.

Also, a large Drilling Rig has appeared, directly over the old "Birlee" landfill site, just between New Works farm, and Dog in the Lane, (where the proposed minesite access and exit will be), the site that was used in the mid to late 60s to dump who knows what, and then capped mid to top, with foundry waste.This part of the site, will have water treatment areas, that will outflow to the Lydebrook, somewhat worrying.

Progress on the Health Impact Assessment, called for by the Public at the Lawley meeting when Dr Van Steenis spoke, and our MP, and Leader of the Council were present. Last nights Shropshire Star article regarding Cllr Angela McClements, Arleston ward, plainly expressed her concerns for the people and children in the nearby schools, (we thank you Angela). It is now over 6 weeks since the people called for our Public Health Director, to implement this Health Impact Assessment, and still, movement is minimal, information regarding the HIA, non -existant (apart from a minor acknowledgement in the Shropshire Star, the morning of the last public meeting at Lawley-most convenient timing).

We urge the Public to write to Mr Simon Connoly CEO, or Dr Catherine Woodward, Director of Health Improvement, Telford and Wrekin NHS Primary Care Trust, Sommerfield House, Sommerfield Road, Trench Lock, Trench, Telford. Telling them that the delays in putting this HIA in place are not acceptable, the proposed Opencast mine is a major development, extremely close to thousands of homes, the possible risks to Public Health, are too great to ignore.

If you remember nothing else from the Lawley Public meeting on Health worries, remember this, "For every working minute that the heavy machines operate, it is the equivilent in Diesel emissions, of 900,000 Volvo diesel cars passing by".....enough of a concern for it to be of Public interest?

Best wishes to "All Friends", Pat & Friends of the Ercall.

# Posted by Pat judson at 17/5/08; 7:07:51 PM
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ACTIVITY ON THE OPENCAST MINE SITE.

Good morning, I have been attempting to find a final year project. I am currently a 2nd year environmental science student studying at Kingston University, London. I am wondering if there is any research that would be beneficial. Such as an. E.I.A (Environmental Impact Assessment) of proposed developments on and around the Wrekin. A reply would be greatly appreciated. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 6/5/08; 9:28:08 AM
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Mail from A.T.G Dexter

Shropshire Tourism: "King Arthur - ‘Owain Ddantgwyn - The Bear', a great king of the Dark Ages who ruled his kingdom from Wroxeter near Shrewsbury.

Arthur trail map in the PDF. I bet he was King of The Wrekin, too :-) Hummm... They think it was his son, who was King of the Wrekin...

"When Arthur died around 520AD civil war appears to have broken out between his rival heirs, his son Cuneglasus and his nephew Maglocunus. It was at this time that Wroxeter declined, Cuneglasus probably left for a more defensible site to the nearby Iron Age hill-fort on The Wrekin.

Not only were many pre-Roman forts re-occupied during this period, but ‘The Song of Llywarch the Old’ calls the 7th Century capital of Powys “Dinlle Wrecon”, from which the word Wrekin probably
derived."

Manuscripts in the British Library, from much earlier than the Medieval Romances, suggest that King Arthur historically existed. The earliest reference to Arthur, which is still in existence, suggests that Artur, king of the Votadini tribe, was in fact a king of Powys, a kingdom that once covered what is now Shropshire and Mid Wales.

He is revealed to be the British warrior who, following the Roman withdrawal in the fifth century, defeated the invading Anglo-Saxons at the battle of Badon (493AD).

Excavations at the Dark Age capital of Powys, Wroxeter, four miles to the east of Shrewsbury, have shown that in the fifth century this city may have been the most sophisticated in the country.

This is precisely the time that Arthur is said to have been Britain’s most powerful king."

On the Trail of King Arthur in Shropshire A 5 MB pdf

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 24/4/08; 10:40:39 AM
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King Arthur Trail in Shropshire

Dear All ,

I hope you are well , Spring has finally arrived and the ever longer days are a pleasure. Saw my first swallows this morning , peacock butterflies and the returned migrant call of chiff-chaffs in the woods. I have attached a few posters advertising a couple of walks to sample the delicious spring flora of the Wrekin Forest and a programme of free biodiversity training based at a number of places in and around Telford.

I hope you may be able to join us and if not please pass on the word or display the posters if possible, thanks.

Do make time for a woodland walk this Spring it is one of our genuine national treasures.

All the best Pete.

Pete Lambert, Wrekin Forest Officer /Telford Green Network Officer, Shropshire Wildlife Trust

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 24/4/08; 9:25:38 AM
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Spring Flower Walk and Free Biodiversity training

Hello "All Friends",  I have been asked by Friends Of the Ercall, to post this event.

The Bluebell Walk, through the Short Woods, on Sunday 27th April, 2008.   10.30 am Start - Duration 1 hour (Approx).

Meeting point for the walk is Steeraway Farm, Limekiln Lane, Wellington.

Stout Shoes or Boots needed, All are welcome.

A collection for the Telford Hospice will be made.

This is a chance for all those that love the beauty of the Bluebell woods, to come and see them as they are now, in their glory.

Should Planning permission for the Opencast mine be granted by the Council, you will be unable to access this area, for some considerable time. Perhaps they will never again look the way they do today, fix this memory in your mind.

Bring your family, enjoy the day, we suggest something to eat and drink, as no refreshments can be had on the walk.

The weather looks to be warming up, so we can only hope for a good turnout. Lets get together, to see and appreciate this beautiful part of our borough, and do some good for the Hospice as well.

Many thanks, Pat & Friends Of The Ercall.

# Posted by Pat judson at 22/4/08; 9:55:49 PM
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*THE BLUEBELL WALK*

Hello "All Friends", just an update on the OPencast Campaign, there is a Public Meeting at Lawley Church Hall, on Friday May2nd, 7-9pm. 2008.

Speakers will be Peter Lambert, and a full presentation, slides etc, from the Wildlife Trust side of the Opposition argument, and George Chancellor, regarding the cumalitive effects, and from the side of how to tackle Opposition argument.

The Friends of the Ercall will be hosting the evening, and we are most grateful to both speakers for giving up their time to address the public.

Refreshments will be available, and some parking, so we suggest come early to get a place near the hall.

Last months meeting was well attended, we hope that people will support this issue.

The Friends Of The Ercall Thank You.

# Posted by Pat judson at 22/4/08; 8:42:00 PM
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PUBLIC MEETING AT LAWLEY CHURCH HALL

It is with great regret that I have to report the death of Allan Wedge of Wrockwardine at the age of 92. He was a great local character and walked up The Wrekin weekly with his dog. Allan must hold the record for being the oldest man to ascend the hill and celebrated his 90th birthday on top. So far as I'm concerned, Allan was King of The Wrekin. I'd only known him for 77 years. I attended his funeral last Wednesday at Wrockwardine church to represent All Friends Round The Wrekin. He'll be a sad loss. George the Ancient. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 20/4/08; 1:08:09 PM
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Allan Wedge - King of The Wrekin

Daily Mail: "For the first time since it was set up in 1994, Britain's biggest coal producer is considering reopening a mine. UK Coal is investigating Harworth colliery near Doncaster in the hope that it could provide up to 40million tons of coal available. That would male it the firm's biggest pit. The company's takings soared by 292 per cent last year to a £69million pre-tax profit."

Simon Brown, an analyst from the stockbroker Landsbanki, said: "Extraction rates for deep and surface mines are set to grow in 2008 and 2009 alongside a steep rise in coal prices."

The coal hole is getting more and more valuable to UK Coal.
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 19/4/08; 10:04:40 AM
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UK Coal considers re-opening mine in Nottinghamshire as price of coal doubles in year | the Daily Mail

The Buckatree Hall Hotel will be hosting the 1st Wrekin Food and Drink Fair on the 26th May 2008. The idea behind the event is to showcase the vast quality and diversity that Shropshire producers have to offer. The event will be free to the exhibitors and the public and promises to bring a real sense of community to the area. As well as the producers being able to sell their wares, we will also be providing; live music, cooking demonstrations, children's entertainment, BBQ and much more.

Tim Brookes # Posted by Steve Hooker at 18/4/08; 11:43:08 AM
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Buckatree bigness 26th May

Hello,

These pics were taken inside some pillar-and-stall workings which became temporarily accessible several years ago (I was unaware of them, so did not access them myself... Pictures courtesy of Martin)...

The entrance was apparently on the eastern boundary of the Shortwoods, though I'm not sure which direction they extended underground. As you can probably tell from the pictures, the workings are quite shallow.

Not sure if you will need to register with the Mine-Explorer site to see them or not...

Cheers,

Alun Cureton

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 14/4/08; 2:01:33 PM
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Pictures of Pillar-and-Stall workings Shortwoods

I found, I thought I'd share. PDFs are available, at around 15-30Mb download, but well worth it. Each around 200 pages of text and line drawings. The latest has lithographs from photos.

*The castles & old mansions of Shropshire* (1868).

*Picturesque views and description of cities, towns, castles, mansions, and other objects of interesting feature, in Shropshire, from original designs, taken expressly for this work, by Frederick Calvert, engraved on steel dy [sic] Mr. T. Radclyffe, with historical and topographical illustrations* (1834)

*Shropshire houses : past & present ; illustrated from drawings* (1901)

*The four minsters round the Wrekin : Buildwas, Haughmond, Lilleshull and Wenlock, with ground plans* (1877)

In the first I found this odd, very steep hill. Maybe it was wood-less, then?

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 9/4/08; 9:12:57 PM
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Old books

I am very interested in the industrial history of the Wrekin Forest and the local area, and have spent many, many hours exploring areas such as Steeraway, Black Hayes and the Limekiln Woods, locating and photographing remaining industrial features, in particular, the few remaining underground workings.

Future: While providing facilities for visitors to the Wrekin would be a good idea, any attempt to establish it as a major tourist attraction would be doomed from the start. I would like to see some more interpretive signage on the Wrekin and in the surrounding forest. Personally, I am mostly interested in the surrounding forest rather than the Wrekin itself. Features such as the Limekilns in Limekiln woods should be subject to remedial works in order to preserve these important and rapidly deteriorating industrial remains (there is also a safety aspect with the Limekiln site... the feature could be made safe while remaining accessible if work is carried out soon... if it is left for much longer, access to the feature could be jeopardised). The area should also be subjected to archaeological investigation, especially in the area around Willowmoor in order to determine whether anything remains of the Bronze-age burial sites that were plundered in the 19th Century. The Dairy-pit feature should be investigated to determine whether it is of ancient origin or whether it is a mining remnant.

Not future: No attempt should be made to establish the Wrekin as a major tourist attraction as this would undoubtedly fail. I have heard whisperings of possible plans to "make safe" the accessible underground workings in the forest (the Shropshire Caving and Mining Club have forwarded my contact details to the Wrekin Forestry Officer who has apparently been negotiating with the landowner regarding the open workings, as the club are aware of my interest in the Wrekin forest and knowledge of the mining features). Any such work should be carried out with involvement with the SCMC in order to preserve access to the workings while making sure any potentially dangerous features are made "child-proof"... filling in workings or otherwise completely barring access would not be acceptable, on the grounds that the workings are among only a handful of accessible underground workings in the area... given the importance of mining to the history of the area, destroying these features would be unforgivable. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 9/4/08; 11:57:09 AM
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New member notification: Alun Cureton

Steve,This gully, just below Hell's Gate, is caused by the concrete track just above it.
The concrete is impermeable and doesn't allow water to seep through so it rushes off downhill in a torrent, making a mini-Colorado Canyon.It's proposed to extend the concrete an extra 100 metres, which will make things even worse.Can we persuade the clever chaps who decide these things not to make a bigger and better cock-up?Or do we think they know what is best for us? The last lot obviously made a mistake.Have fun,George. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 8/4/08; 9:45:15 PM
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Gully

Dear All,

Hope your are all well , I have attached a copy of the Wrekin Forestproject update for your information.
Shortly I will forward a copy ofthe proceedings of the Wrekin Forest Partnership meeting 1st April 2008. The Partnership is the steering group for the project and a workinggroup of the Shropshire Hills AONB.

You may find all the previous updates and proceedings on Shropshire Hills AONB

If you would like to raise any local conservation issues related to theWrekin Forest now or for it's future care , please get in touch directwith me, and I will either be able to help directly or pass you on tosomebody who can . The Wrekin Forest partnership includesrepresentatives from local government , Parish councils and landownersit is a powerful communication tool to help sustain real debateconcerning the landscape conservation of the Wrekin Forest.

All the best for now, regards Pete.

Pete Lambert, Wrekin Forest Officer /Telford Green Network Officer,Shropshire Wildlif