Following the destructive work carried out earlier this year at the southern end when mature trees were felled and left to die leaving an unsightly mess, the Wood Dittom Parish Clerk, John Theobald, had arranged a meeting with the officials concerned.
This was held on 27th November 2006 and was attended by Karen Whymark (Keefe), from Cambs. C.C., David Kenny representing English Heritage, two contractor's employees and a dozen members of the public, including County Councillor Matthew Shuter, Wood Ditton Parish Council Chairman Peter Powney-Jones and Parish Clerk John Theobald.
Karen Whymark admitted that the work carried out earlier this year had been unsatisfactory but said that the present work would be confined to clearing young sycamore trees and scrub that had become invasive, cutting up and stacking more mature trees that had fallen naturally, and the felling of a very small number of mature trees considered diseased or dangerous. This, she said, would improve the views from the Ditch path looking east and allow better access for future management. Money would soon run out for employing paid contractors and it was proposed to use supervised young persons serving probation, to help clear and stack young trees and scrub.
The east bank of The Ditch belongs to the Stetchworh Estate and from the Icknield Way crossing southwards both sides are in their possession. The public have the right of way along the bank-top path. The Estate has been consulted over the work.
David Kenny, the Field Monument Warden for Beds Cambs & Norfolk, reiterated the need to manage this precious heritage and to preserve mature woodland as much as possible. On matters of concern he could be contacted on 01799 522482, e-mail david.kenny@english-heritage.org.uk.
Questions were asked by members of the public about the supervision of the work and who to contact with queries. Confusion existed as to which of the official bodies involved was responsible for the work - English Heritage, the Cambs County Council, English Nature or the County Wildlife Trust. Karen Whymark offered to be the first point of contact (e-mail Karen.Keefe@cambridgeshire.gov.uk).
Disappointment was expressed that no representative of English Nature was able to attend the meeting.
The Devil's Dyke Project website had given the impression that the banks were to be cleared to make way for sheep grazing, but Karen Whymark assured the meeting that this was not now the case and that the former Devil's Dyke Project Officer James Fisher had left.
November 21st. The work carried out at the Court Barns Road end
November 27th. Karen Whymark and David Kenny address the meeting.
