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