News

18/7/20:  We are pleased to announce that our July 2020 newsletter is now ready.  It will be emailed to all members, as well as being available to the public at large to buy in the shop on our website. The newsletter deals with Housekeeping (Zoom meetings) – Parking on private land (House of Commons Briefing paper, Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019) – Responses from government (bona vacantia, letter to Greg Smith MP) – Recommendations of firms for resurfacing etc (new Recommendations page) – Form FME1 (freehold management enquiries, possible use in private roads) – Legal status of unincorporated associations (for specific statutory purposes) – Watercourses (potential liability for ditches, drains and streams under Land Drainage Act 1991).

23/7/20: A member has drawn our attention to the problems caused by caterpillars of the Oak Processionary Moth.  This species was introduced into the UK accidentally in 2005 and since then has been spreading outwards from London. The caterpillars feed almost exclusively on oak leaves. They make nests in oak trees, from which they emerge at night in a procession (hence the name) to feed. They have stiff bristles containing a powerful irritant which can cause skin and respiratory problems on contact or when carried by the wind. Sightings should be reported to the Forestry Commission so that action can be taken by them. Reports can be made via their Tree alert page.