A New Forest cricket club is “breaching its conditions” by stopping livestock from grazing on its pitch – after it was voted one of the worst pitches in Hampshire.
Forestry England has been asked to take action against Cadnam Cricket Club, who failed to reopen their pitch to grazing stock this autumn.
Addressing a meeting of the Verderers’ Court, Bartley commoner Jeanette Pearce said the club was in breach of its Forestry England licence.
It is usually open by now but upon checking recently there appears to be no intention to do so,” she said. “The gate is locked, with equipment placed behind it.”
Ms Pearce continued: “I have also had information that the cricket club is intending to plough the pitch, and re-seed it. The area is SSSI [Site of Special Scientific Interest] and it is a criminal offence to dig it up.”
Claiming the protected SSSI area had already been damaged by the installation of fence posts, Ms Pearce said: “The fence is not in keeping with other pitch surrounds and some pitches manage with no fence at all.”
A spokesperson for the club said the measure was temporary while facilities were refurbished.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised… regarding the temporary restriction of grazing access to the outfield at Lambs Corner,” said Craig Cox.
“Historically, we have welcomed livestock onto the ground, but after years of significant repair costs and being voted one of the worst pitches in Hampshire last season, we have embarked on a major refurbishment.
This work is essential to improve the playing surface, ensure its safety especially for our colts members and secure the long-term viability of the ground. Our goal remains to provide affordable cricket opportunities for the local community and continue our offer of free cricket to children across the local area.”
The club “remained open” to discussions about reinstating grazing access, Mr Cox said, provided “we can be assured that the refurbished square and fencing will be protected from persistent vandalism”.
“This is an issue we’ve unfortunately faced both at Lambs Corner and our Minstead ground. We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we work to balance tradition with the sustainability of our club and facilities.”
The Verderers’ Court also heard claims of other infringements by the club, including the use of heavy machinery and illegal parking on match days. “It appears that the club has no respect for the heritage, bylaws, or protection of the New Forest,” said Ms Pearce.
Urging Forestry England to take action to address the alleged bylaw and licensing breaches, she concluded: “If the pitch is not opened in due course, and the possibility of damage to the SSSI is not resolved, then I suggest that at the end of the lease Cadnam Cricket Club is refused permission to have another lease and the club’s fencing is removed from the forest permanently.”
A spokesperson for Forestry England said: “We are meeting with representatives of Cadnam Cricket Club to discuss the claims made in the presentment.”
Article reproduced by kind permission of the Lymington Times and New Milton Advertiser.
Forestry England has been asked to take action against Cadnam Cricket Club, who failed to reopen their pitch to grazing stock this autumn.
Addressing a meeting of the Verderers’ Court, Bartley commoner Jeanette Pearce said the club was in breach of its Forestry England licence.
It is usually open by now but upon checking recently there appears to be no intention to do so,” she said. “The gate is locked, with equipment placed behind it.”
Ms Pearce continued: “I have also had information that the cricket club is intending to plough the pitch, and re-seed it. The area is SSSI [Site of Special Scientific Interest] and it is a criminal offence to dig it up.”
Claiming the protected SSSI area had already been damaged by the installation of fence posts, Ms Pearce said: “The fence is not in keeping with other pitch surrounds and some pitches manage with no fence at all.”
A spokesperson for the club said the measure was temporary while facilities were refurbished.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised… regarding the temporary restriction of grazing access to the outfield at Lambs Corner,” said Craig Cox.
“Historically, we have welcomed livestock onto the ground, but after years of significant repair costs and being voted one of the worst pitches in Hampshire last season, we have embarked on a major refurbishment.
This work is essential to improve the playing surface, ensure its safety especially for our colts members and secure the long-term viability of the ground. Our goal remains to provide affordable cricket opportunities for the local community and continue our offer of free cricket to children across the local area.”
The club “remained open” to discussions about reinstating grazing access, Mr Cox said, provided “we can be assured that the refurbished square and fencing will be protected from persistent vandalism”.
“This is an issue we’ve unfortunately faced both at Lambs Corner and our Minstead ground. We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we work to balance tradition with the sustainability of our club and facilities.”
The Verderers’ Court also heard claims of other infringements by the club, including the use of heavy machinery and illegal parking on match days. “It appears that the club has no respect for the heritage, bylaws, or protection of the New Forest,” said Ms Pearce.
Urging Forestry England to take action to address the alleged bylaw and licensing breaches, she concluded: “If the pitch is not opened in due course, and the possibility of damage to the SSSI is not resolved, then I suggest that at the end of the lease Cadnam Cricket Club is refused permission to have another lease and the club’s fencing is removed from the forest permanently.”
A spokesperson for Forestry England said: “We are meeting with representatives of Cadnam Cricket Club to discuss the claims made in the presentment.”
Article reproduced by kind permission of the Lymington Times and New Milton Advertiser.
