THE SANCTUARY AWARD 2002

29 Jul 2002 05:39 PM

On Wednesday 31st July, Vice Admiral Peter Dunt, Chief Executive of Defence Estates, will present the 11th Sanctuary Award at Hankley Common in Surrey.

The 'Silver Otter' trophy is awarded annually for the best conservation project or best individual conservation effort on Ministry of Defence (MoD) land and is co-judged by English Nature.

Hankley MoD Conservation Group is this year's winner and receives the 'Silver Otter' Trophy for a project to protect an important historical training structure, the 'Atlantic Wall', and its component flora.

Vice Admiral Peter Dunt said:

'I am delighted to be able to present this award for a fascinating project to protect a unique combination of a training structure, erected by Canadian Forces in time of war, and the home of important rare plants.'

The runner up for the Sanctuary Award is Royal Naval Air Station Merryfield in Somerset, for a conservation project that ensured the removal and recyling of 300,000 tonnes of airfield concrete in 6 years, creating a much greener airfield.

Bovington MoD Conservation Group in Dorset receives a Highly Commended certificate for its project which provided an interesting insight into the behavior of the rare Smooth Snake.

A Highly Commended certificate also goes to Thorney Island Conservation Group in West Sussex for the creation of a new plantation to improve the area for local wildlife.

The day of the presentation ceremony will include a tour of the Atlantic Wall and guests include English Nature's Chairman Sir Martin Doughty and members of the Canadian Veterans Association.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Defence Estates Strategy, launched in 2000 by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, sets out the MoD's objectives for protecting the environment and conserving the flora and fauna through responsible management of the Defence Estate.

2. The MoD Conservation Office, part of Defence Estates, is responsible for coordinating all matters relating to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage on MoD land.

3. 'Sanctuary' is the MoD's conservation magazine. The 31st edition is launched on the 31st July and copies can be ordered by emailing the editor at: sanctuary@de.mod.uk.

4. The 100-meter-long Atlantic Wall at Hankley Common was used for training purposes prior to the D-Day landings in World War II. Over the years the structure has been colonised by alkaline-loving lichens, mosses, ferns and other plants. The concrete provides a lime-based substrate found nowhere else in the area, presenting an unusual assemblage of species favouring alkaline conditions.

5. The winning project cleared encroaching birch and pine trees that were beginning to overshade and affect conditions for these rare plants. The project was carefully executed to ensure the preservation of the wall and its unique component flora.

6. Hankley Common forms part of Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons Site of Special Scientific Interest and represents some of the finest remaining healthland in Southern England. It is of national importance for its populations of Nightjar, Dartford Warbler and Woodlark, reptile and invertebrate populations.

7. English Nature is the Government's agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England.

8. Dr Rachel Thomas, who helped judge the 'Silver Otter' awards said: 'We are pleased to recognise the dedication of all the volunteers that goes well beyond the call of duty'.

9. For further information or for pictures of the awards or the projects, please contact Rosie Rowe at the MoD Conservation Office on: 01252 361989 or email sanctuary@de.mod.uk.

10. The MoD web-site provides a link to our on-line news service, UK Defence Today, which can also be accessed directly at
http://news.mod.uk