Feature

Experience the magic of the South Downs this autumn

Tis the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, with cool morning breezes, birds twittering in the skies, golden leaves, and crimson sunsets. It’s not hard to see why autumn has inspired some of our greatest literary figures, from Keats to Shakespeare. As we say the long goodbye to summer and enjoy the last of its comforting warmth, September and October are some of the best months of the year to experience the stunning beauty of the South Downs National Park.

It’s also a great time of the year to enjoy taking photographs in the National Park, which stretches for almost 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne and includes some of the UK’s most picturesque hills, valleys, rivers, streams and forests.

With almost two months left of the National Park’s annual photo competition, people are being encouraged to capture the serenity of this special season in the South Downs.

The theme for this year’s competition is “Nature Makes Me Happy” and judges are looking for uplifting images that capture the beauty of the natural world – whether that be landscape, wildlife, rivers and coastline, woodland, a piece of history, or people enjoying the National Park. The broad theme could also cover those “happy places” in the South Downs that replenish the soul.

The top prize for the adult category will be £250, with a runnerup prize of £150, third prize of £100 and fourth prize of £50 The youth competition returns this year for budding young photographers – with categories 10 years and under and 11 to 17. There will be a prize of a family pass to Marwell Zoo for the 10 years and under category, while the prize for 11 to 17 category will be a family pass for a Forest Segway outdoor adventure ride at Go Ape.

Nick Heasman, Countryside and Policy Manager for the National Park and chair of the judging panel, said: “Autumn really is a magical time to enjoy the South Downs National Park.

“The sunrises and sunsets are particularly impressive, with the ‘golden hour’ of photography happening at a more convenient time for most people as the sun rises later and sets earlier. All the gorgeous reds, oranges and pinks that we see in the sky are partly because the sun stays near the horizon for longer and the sunlight has to pass through more of the Earth’s atmosphere before it hits our eyes.”

Here are three ideas for autumn days-out in the National Park, combined with snapping some awesome shots on your camera or mobile phone:

Woodland walks – There’s nothing quite like a forest adventure with the sound of trilling birds and crunchy autumn leaves underfoot. Did you know that almost a quarter of the National Park is covered by glorious treescape, with more woodland than any other National Park in England and Wales? The South Downs is blessed with some very tranquil woodlands, often with openings in the trees offering majestic views of the chalky hills. Why not try Alice Holt, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Slindon or Friston? A walk and pub fare – Who could fail to be charmed by a crisp autumn walk, followed by a steaming supper by a log fire at a wood-beamed inn? The National Park has some fantastic eateries and a bit of online research (CAMRA is a good place to start) and booking ahead are all it takes to round off your day-out with something really special.

Miles Without Stiles – With the weather turning a little colder, many of us just want a gentle stress-free walk and the chance to fill our lungs with some fresh, clean air. Our Miles Without Stiles routes, designed for people of all levels of mobility and fitness, are a wonderful choice for an autumn stroll. Check out the website for downloadable walks at locations in Hampshire and Sussex. Entries for the photo competition close on Sunday 31 October. Find out more and download the entry form at www.southdowns. gov.uk/care-for/photocompetition2021/

Autumn Morning by Nichola Stewart

Grazing horses and misty landscape, Froxfield, by Sharon Thayer

For inspiration and downloadable guides on where to walk this autumn visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/get-active/on-foot/ walking-trails/

Jackie’s County Corner for October 2021

I’ve included two pictures this month: The picture of the ‘yellow brick road’ is not of The Watercress Way, but a section of the new cycle path from Worthy Down south towards to the Water Treatment site off the Andover road. It’s a fantastic surface, and the section that is done is a credit to Hampshire County Council who have constructed it, but unfortunately, it doesn’t reach all the way to Winchester yet. I am continuing to press for this route to be completed and I’d welcome your views. I’ve been trying to get the Millennium path mended for several years, and a recent sighting (and photo) of ducks swimming in the puddles on the path seemed to chime with Hampshire County Council! I’m delighted that they have now agreed a budget for this work. It’s a sensitive site ecologically, so the County Council will be working with the Winterbournes project and others to upgrade the path, hopefully before someone falls in the river. They have also agreed a budget to upgrade the path to Bishop’s Sutton: hooray!

The County Council is preparing the budget for 2022-23 and it inevitably includes cuts. I’m pleased to see that the proposal to cut the school crossing patrols budget has gone: if we want children to walk to school, they must be helped to cross busy roads safely.

There are a number of Consultations this Autumn: the proposal for the County Deal (similar to the Mayoral deal) will go out in early October. I’ll give notice of others as they arrive.

There’s still no news of the New Hospital Consultation, but it was a huge pleasure to visit the Winchester Hospice on its open weekend. Huge thanks to every one of the fundraisers, NHS staff and Trustees. It will support residents as inpatients and whilst using their Hospice at Home service. Please continue to support them now the building is up and running- they need £1/2 million per year. You can donate online- or maybe run an event?

Finally, please don’t forget, if you need a grant for your local organisation, please contact me for the details. I have a small grant pot but I’m keen to share it out as fairly as I can!

Cllr Jackie Porter County Councillor for the Itchen Valley Division Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Children in Hampshire Text: 07973 696 085 Ansaphone: 01962 791054 Write to me at: The Down House, Itchen Abbas SO21 1AX I'm also on twitter: @JackieLibDem, Facebook or What's App, but for a personal matter, a phone call, text or email is best.

Winchester County Councillor Fiona Isaacs Report

Supporting our Businesses Self Employed and Business Covid-19 grant help - From Monday 6 September, businesses and organisations who continue to be impacted by COVID-19 are being urged to act now and apply for the additional grant scheme. The new COVID-19 Business Challenges (CBC) one-off grant to compensate organisations and businesses based in our district, for loss of income during the six week period from 1 July to 16 August 2021.

I am delighted to see this support for both businesses who have premises, but also for the self-employed, of which we have many in our ward, who have also been affected. This grant fund forms part of the government’s Additional Restrictions Grant Fund. If you have any queries or questions regarding the criteria please contact our Economy Team at: ecodev@winchester.gov.uk or telephone on 01962 814915.

New Alresford Town Trust - Heritage open day - Volunteering I was delighted to volunteer to help with this very popular event. Town Trust's 3 sites namely The Eel House, Norman Bridge and Museum are always positively received and it's always a pleasure to see visitors reactions to these sites. This time Digby and I were at The Bridge.

It's ok to complain! Residents along with concerned parents and some disabled residents contacted me over concerns relating to safety issues around visibility and access issues. Whilst I have raised a formal complaint and review of the grass cutting issues this year, I was pleased to help everyone who contacted me to resolve the issues they were experiencing. It's ok to complain, how else are we as councillors, going to help resolve issues unless people do. These are all legitimate concerns esp regarding children’s safety. If people are not carrying out what has been agreed for the health and safety of all concerned, then they should quite rightly be held to account.

I can be contacted in the following ways. Email - fisaacs@winchester.gov.uk Telephone - 01962 738671

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