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New bench unveiled in Charlcombe to mark the work of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

May 16, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on May 16, 2016

A new bench has been installed beside the public footpath between Langridge and Woolley to the north of Bath.  The bench was donated by Charlcombe Parish Council for public enjoyment in appreciation of work done by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.

Over 350 Cotswold Voluntary Wardens dedicate thousands of hours of practical conservation work every year across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), as well as lead an annual programme of guided walks and undertake a range of promotional and educational work.

Parish Councillors and Cotswold Voluntary Wardens met to celebrate the installation of the new bench.

At the unveiling ceremony, Alastair MacKichan, Chairman of Charlcombe Parish Council said: “Charlcombe Parish Council are delighted with the way in which the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are pressing forward the modernisation of our footpaths within the parish and elsewhere.  Here in Charlcombe Parish we have glorious countryside and the Wardens’ work will help the enjoyment of this by responsible walkers for many years to come."

In reply, Keith Weller, Cotswold Parish Warden said: “The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens carry out countryside maintenance and improvement works throughout the Cotswolds parishes.  We are grateful to Charlcombe Parish Council for acknowledging our work in this tangible way which will provide an additional amenity for the public".

The bench provides a welcome rest stop to enjoy extensive views along the Lam Brook Valley.

 

Dry Stone Walling Courses

May 12, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on June 7, 2022

Dry stone walls are truly an icon of our heritage, our countryside and our beautiful Cotswolds landscapes- it’s practically impossible to miss them! With such importance throughout the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) our landscapes would be unrecognisable without them!
The Cotswold landscape is marked with over 4,000 miles of dry stone walls. These unique and distinctive landscape features are typically constructed from locally sourced stone- namely the thin strata of Oolitic limestone, which lines the Cotswold Hills.
For many centuries, dry stone walls have been across the AONB; with their uses including demarcation of ownership boundaries and as stock-proof barriers. The earliest known dry stone wall can be found at Belas Knapp near Winchcombe and dates back to Neolithic times (approximately 3,000 BC). However, the majority of dry stone walls seen today were built during the 18th and 19th centuries. At these times, the labour and material costs were relatively inexpensive and readily available. This meant that dry stone walls were a worthwhile long term investment for landowners.
Surprisingly to some, dry stone walls contain a wealth of diversity. Offering shelter from wind and rain, dry stone walls provide fantastic habitat opportunities and wildlife corridors for a wide range of plant and animal species. Dry stone walls support species of mosses, lichens, pennywort, stonecrop, ivy and cranesbill. Slow worms and invertebrates including snails live within nooks and crannies between stones, alongside spiders, woodlice, springtails, millipedes, bees and wasps. Birds such as wrens, wheateaters, robins, redstarts, coal tits and little owls also nest within cavities, alongside toads, adders, voles, fieldmice, shrews, hedgehogs and bats.
Sadly, over the years many dry stone walls have fallen into disrepair. This has mostly been down to the high cost of upkeep and shifts in agricultural practices towards arable farming. The decline in the number of dry stone wallers has also been a widespread problem.
The process of dry stone walling requires some skill, as they are constructed without the aid of mortar and cement. The structure relies entirely upon the ability of the waller to carefully place stones, so that the weight of stones themselves keep the structure standing. Walls still standing after more than 100 years are certainly very well built walls!
To tackle the problem of the decline in wallers, the Cotswolds Dry Stone Walling Academy has been established. With the aim of keeping the skilled practice alive, we run a range of courses for all skill levels. From absolute novices, to the intermediately-skilled and the professional waller- we will always have something available to suit you!
If you want to create your own Cotswolds legacy, if you want to keep the historic skill living on, and if you’re keen on giving dry stone walling a go you can view our courses at http://www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk/events/?searchfilter=type&searchquery=1 and book on now!

Hedgelaying Courses

May 12, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on May 20, 2016

The Cotswolds are renowned for their quaint villages, bountiful wildlife and beautiful scenery of rolling hills, dry stone walls and traditional hedges. It is these hedges that hold the key to much of the flourishing wildlife seen throughout the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
 
The art of hedgelaying has been part of the Cotswolds landscape for centuries. Traditionally developed and managed as stock-proof barriers and to mark ownership boundaries, the skill of hedgelaying was once common practice.
 
 
Over the years, hedges have developed to possess their own distinctive range of species. Surveys in the AONB show us that our hedges are providing essential habitats for bats, reptiles, badgers, hedgehogs, birds, invertebrates, and the rarer hazel dormice and great crested newts (RSPB).
 
Overall in the UK, hedges have been recorded to house and/or provide food for over 1500 insect species as well as 600 floral species, 65 avian species and 20 mammal species (Hedgelink).
 
The hedge structure absorbs the wind’s energy, which creates perfect microclimates for sheltering and nesting animals. Hedges also provide food (pollen and nectar) and nesting resources for pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies. These pollinators collectively provide the UK with an estimated £510m worth of pollination services annually. Without these pollinators, the production of many of our agricultural products would not be possible.
 
Many researchers have talked about the role hedges play as ‘wildlife corridors’. Many studies have shown that birds, small mammals (shrews, mice, hedgehogs, rabbits, badgers), pollinators and invertebrates choose to travel along hedges instead of crossing exposed open fields. Hedges provide a safe travelling medium that these animals can disperse from, allowing wider-scale colonisation and access to habitats and resources otherwise too hazardous or remote to use.
 
So by taking one of our hedgelaying courses, you are helping to preserve and increase the numbers and extent of floral and animal species within the AONB for years to come. If you fancy becoming an ambassador for the traditional art of hedgelaying, visit our website at www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk and book on!
 

New 2016 Dry Stone Walling Competition

May 12, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on June 16, 2022

2016: the year of our 50th anniversary celebrations and the year of exciting new courses and competitions.
 
This year, one of our new competitions comes in the form of our revised dry stone walling competition! The Cotswolds Rural Skills team has decided to mix it up this year, and bring a fresh take on one of our classic competitions. In 2016, the Best Cotswolds dry-stone wall competition will offer wallers of all abilities the opportunity to showcase the best of their skill at this traditional rural craft.
 
We have decided to move away from the old layout for the competition and focus on a new and updated format. However, we want to continue to promote the skills of local dry-stone wallers and recognise the importance of their craft within the wider Cotswolds AONB.
 
This year, we’d like our contestants to send photos into us of their best or favourite drystone wall that they have built in 2015 or 2016 within the Cotswolds. It could be a feature wall which incorporates technical skills such as curved or high walls, pillars, lunkies and other bespoke dry wall design or a field wall- be it a field boundaries or livestock barrier. There will additionally be a category for the best amateur wall, built by a part time, LANTRA Level 1 or low experienced dry-stone waller.
 
Our expert judges will closely examine the photographs and the best 3 walls in each category will be visited and viewed. Marks will be awarded for style, standard, features, landscape and a tidy site, taking into consideration impact and difficultly of terrain.
 
 
 
The winners of each class will have their winning wall featured in a full page spread in a prominent local media source such as the Cotswold Lion Magazine to promote their business and celebrate their great achievements! Second and Third place finishers will receive a free advert for their business in the Cotswolds Lion magazine and a certificate.
 
The competition is free to enter and awards will be made for the entries which in the opinion of the judges merit recognition because the walling is to a high standard, blends well with the existing walls and uses the local style. Either the owner of the wall or the craftsman who built it can enter the competition.
 
So, if you’re a keen drystone waller – be it professional, amateur or novice, what are you waiting for?! Enter this year and get the recognition for your skills and your company! For full details, terms and conditions and how to enter, please contact Rural Skills & Grants Officer, David Molloy on 01451 862002 or by email david.molloy@cotswolds-nl.org.uk
 
If you haven’t tried drystone walling before, but are keen to have a go, why not check out our wide range of rural skills courses available through the Cotswolds Rural Skills website http://www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk/events/?searchfilter=type&searchquery=1
 
 

Cotswolds Stepping Stones Programme

May 12, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on January 23, 2017

Are you a level 1 dry-stone waller? Are you looking to branch out your skills into the commercial world of walling? If so, the stepping stones project is your chance!
 
From March 2016, newly qualified level 1 dry-stone wallers have the opportunity to take on their own dry-stone walling projects and get paid for it by the Cotswolds dry-stone walling academy.
 
Our ‘stepping stones’ initiative falls under the umbrella of the Cotswolds Dry-Stone Walling Academy. Through this program we aim to give level 1 dry-stone wallers the chance to develop a portfolio of their own dry stone walls and showcase their skills. This will enable level 1 wallers to understand the pressures of being a professional waller.
 
We currently have our first Stepping Stones candidate who is working hard undertaking work on her wall which she will be completing within the next 5 weeks!
 
If you missed the previous article, the aim of the programme is to offer newly qualified wallers the opportunity to develop their skills by taking on the repair of a 10-20m section of traditional Cotswolds field wall. Working alone, the waller is given a set period of time (as negotiated by the Board and the waller) in which they must compete the work.
 
With total flexibility, an assigned professional dry-stone waller acting as a mentor, and the opportunity to begin to create a portfolio of your own work, the programme is a must for anyone hoping to get into professional dry-stone walling!
 
Currently, existing locations for Stepping Stones include;
 
Burford (Oxfordshire)
 
Chedworth (Gloucestershire)
 
Charlbury (Oxfordshire)
 
If you fancy joining the Stepping Stones Programme, or you would like to take your level 1 walling qualification in order to qualify, or if you know someone who would be interested, please contact Rural Skills & Grants Officer, David Molloy on 01451 862002 or by email david.molloy@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

Job Vacancy: Cafe & Retail Manager

April 29, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on May 16, 2016

To manage the Cotswold Lion Cafe at the Discovery Centre, Northleach

 £23,002 – £27,333, 37 hours a week

After a very successful two years of operating the Cotswold Lion Café we are looking to appoint a full time Café & Retail Manager to help build upon that success.

This is a wonderful opportunity to work in the heart of the Cotswolds where the Conservation Board’s café and shop is the core welcome to our Cotswolds Discovery Centre, which encourages a greater understanding, appreciation and active enjoyment of the area.

This is a real hands on role. We are looking for someone who will be a working member of a small team preparing light snacks, sandwiches and homemade cakes to a high standard. The role involves serving food and beverages to the public and developing a retail area so a smart appearance at all times is essential.

You will work closely with the Communications Officer and Visitor, Interpretation & Events Officer. Your team will also work closely with visitor centre volunteers and the local community to provide good food, good service and a great welcome.

Our location means we have significant peaks and troughs in trading through the week and the seasons. You will lead a small team of casual staff to provide the service, including operating on your own at the quietest times.

You will work 37 hours a week with regular weekend, bank holiday and occasional evening shifts and attendance at meetings and training days as required. You will need to be flexible and be able to cover holidays and extra hours at busy periods. You may be required to carry out other duties, commensurate with your level of responsibility and may need to travel occasionally to do so.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Recruit and manage a team of catering, retail and serving staff, ensuring adequate staffing, supervision and access control at all times.
  • Ensure the day to day operation is performed so as to be statutorily compliant with specific focus on, but not limited to: Fire, Security, Health & Safety, COSHH Food Safety, Liquor Licensing, personnel practices and other appropriate legislation as may affect the scope of the cafe’s operation; as well as in accordance with the Board’s policies and procedures.
  • Maximise income and profitability of the trading operations, promoting positive selling, effective cost
    control revenue management and administration while ensuring this is both statutorily compliant and in line with the policies and procedures of the Board.
  • Provide a high standard of visitor and customer service at all times commensurate with the objectives of the Board and good visitor attraction and hospitality industry practice.
  • Measurable success criteria.
    o   Achieving operational and budget targets
    o   Achieving sales development targets
    o   Improving year on year sales

Click here to see the Job Description, and to complete the Application Form please click here. Guidance information on how to complete the application can be found here. For more information and any questions about this role please email Chris Brant, Communications Officer – chris.brant@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

The closing date for applications is 10.00am 20 May 2016 and interviews are scheduled for 25 May 2016, with the post commencing as soon as possible thereafter.

 

Click here to see the rest of our current vacancies.

 

Job Vacancy: Assistant Cafe Manager

April 29, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on May 10, 2016

Assistant Cafe Manager (3/4 days per week)
Cotswold Lion Cafe at the Cotswolds Discovery Centre in Northleach
Salary: Pay Rate is £8.50 P/H

Key experience:

  • A catering kitchen background with at least 2 years’ previous experience in a busy establishment.
  • You can adapt your cooking skills to trade volumes and simple guest requests.
  • Prepared to work weekends, bank holidays and occasional evenings.
  • It would be advantageous for you to have up to date food hygiene qualifications and an eye for detail and organisation.

Our menu is simple, but as a seasonal business the small kitchen and service area can get very busy during the holidays and weekends so a calm approach and temperament is required.

Key duties:
In their absence, you will be deputising for the manager and will be responsible for:

  • Cash management
  • Staff supervision
  • Ordering
  • Opening and closing the business
  • As well as the everyday duties of cooking and ensuring good hygiene standards, and Yes there is some washing up involved too!

Along with the Cafe & Retail Manager you will be responsible for reducing wastage and ensure costs are controlled, as well as delivering consistent food quality.

A smart clean appearance is essential and good communication skills are important too. We also have a small shop area which just needs care and attention to keep it looking good for guests visiting our centre.

This is not a big part of your role, and you may not have any experience in retail but this could be a great opportunity to learn new aspects of good business practice.

You won’t work every weekend as fair rotas and time off are considered essential. Due to the business demands, days are not fixed but a fair working rota is agreed with the manager to ensure suitable cover and support to the business. Standard hours are approx. 8.30am till 5.45pm, with some later hours if we are busy.

Please email your CV with a covering letter to Chris Brant in the first instance, explaining why you would like to be considered chris.brant@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

Click here to see the rest of our current vacancies.

Job Vacancy: Community Events & Research Apprentice

April 27, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on April 29, 2016

Closing date: 20 May 2016,  Weekly wage: £122.47

We are looking to recruit an apprentice to focus on helping to deliver the Cotswolds@50 project celebrating the anniversary of the designation of the Cotswolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The role will include working with communities, interest groups and stakeholders across the Cotswolds to understand landscape change and the forces for future change.

List of Main Duties:

  • Support the project by undertaking research of images of the Cotswolds taken over the last 50 years. The research will involve contacting archive and records offices and conducting public appeals and events.
  • Help in the search for images from the community by engaging with parish councils, local interest groups and visitors.
  • Co-ordinate, promote and attend a series of community roadshows across the Cotswolds to highlight landscape change, and run informal community events to encourage participation in the project.
  • Collate and manage images in to a digital library. Use the library to select a range of relevant images, and possibly take or commission a selection of modern day comparative photographs to demonstrate landscape change.
  • Engage local communities across the Cotswolds in the project by developing a community database and producing information and guidance.
  • Use a range of social media (eg: facebook, twitter, pinterest, Instagram) to promote and publish the project, its content and outcomes.
  • Maintain and update information about the project and the photographic records collated on the Board’s website
  • Assist researchers at the Countryside & Community Research Institute (CCRI) of the University of Gloucestershire in their development of future landscape change scenarios.
  • Support the work of key experts and decision makers to develop a long term vision for the Cotswold landscape and a corresponding set of landscape objectives and policies.

For more information and to apply please click here.

Click here to see the rest of our current vacancies.

Cotswold Sheep & Wool Day returns this Bank Holiday Monday

April 27, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on December 12, 2019

Sheep & Wool Day, the free family event is returning to the Cotswolds Discovery Centre
in Northleach this Bank Holiday Monday (2 May) from 10am to 4pm.

Following the success of last year’s event organisers have planned another action packed family day with all things woolly!

Meet the Cotswold Lion sheep in the grassy courtyard and see how their wool is spun and made into beautiful fabrics. Their wool known as the ‘Golden Fleece’ was an important export. It not only played a major role in the development of many Cotswold towns and villages, but also in the finances of the nation. Sadly times have changed, and they are now classified as a rare breed, but a great treat to see!

The Cotswold Lions will be joined by a herd Huacaya alpacas from the Cotswold Alpacas Farm at Cowley. There will be free wool themed demonstrations throughout the day by the Northleach Spinners and Weavers and Cotswold Handweaver Rebecca Connelly who will be loom weaving. You can also learn how string and rope is made in a flax making demonstration. The forge will be open to watch our blacksmith in action and learn about the essential role blacksmithing played in the Cotswolds.

Lechlade Craft Barn will have plenty of craft activities for children to do and make and local Cotswold artist Alexandra Woods will be drawing and painting the day’s activities including the Cotswold Lions!

Once you have had a good look about then why not take a trip out into the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by electric bike and explore the outstanding scenery and idyllic towns and villages. Cotswold Electric Bike Tours will be launching their brand new guided tours and you can have a short local tour!

There will be a BBQ feast, locally sourced and home-made lunches from the Cotswold Lion Cafe, a beer tent with local ales and things to buy in the Cotswold gift shop and other stalls including: Alfie Purl Yarns & Textiles and The Little Pickle.

Entertainment will be provided by the Wychwayz Border Morris Dancers performing at 12noon and 2pm.

For more information please click here or by viewing our Facebook page.

Cotswolds AONB eNewsletter – Spring 2016

April 4, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on April 4, 2016

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