Introduction

Early in 1996, Hampshire County Council began a programme of fencing and grazing on the Hangers. There was great concern in the local community about the impact of this on the character of the Hangers. Following a public meeting in July 1996, two hundred and fifty six local people signed a petition expressing their concern and the Ashford Hangers Preservation Committee was formed.

During 1997, consultations between the group and the Council officers responsible for the Hangers resulted in an agreement to exclude the Shoulder of Mutton Hill from the fencing and grazing programme and to make the bold signposts which had been erected more appropriate to the area in both style and number. However, the hold on fencing the Shoulder of Mutton depended on the local community providing help to keep down the scrub. This is achieved on two mornings each year, usually the first Sundays in February and March, between 10 and 12:30. Volunteers are always welcome.

Another important part of the agreement was the establishment of a consultative committee as a forum for discussion between local representatives and the County, as well as other involved organisations. The consultative committee meets twice a year. The AHPC representative actively participates in these meetings and the whole Preservation Committee works to keep the community aware of matters related to the Hangers. This is achieved by various means including publishing a newsletter, organising the now traditional New Year's Day Hangers Walk and encouraging participation in the Hangers volunteer work days.

The AHPC is a very informal society intended to provide a way of bringing together everyone who is interested in protecting the Hangers from anything other than the minimum of "management" and "intervention".

For more information, please contact: the Chair, Pauline Cook on 01730 263406