Roswell Pits Ely - The Real Roswell Incident

LCPRE Auction Day Brings Results!

2010-03-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last years LCPRE auction to raise funds for the legal battle against Jalsea Marine was a great success. One of the auction lots was a spot of fly-fishing at a private nature reserve in south Cambridgeshire. After several clashes with dates and bad weather it was decided to wait until the 2010 season for the day to be taken; ( we fishermen are known for our patience you know) on Saturday 13th March, I had the pleasure of escorting Richard Addy from Ely on his event day. Several Trout later we think we had a fair idea of what we were doing right and by the time I sat down for dinner that evening I knew I was onto a winner. Pan-fried trout fillets with almonds & nut brown butter is a classic for a reason - it tastes fantastic! That evening with a cold crisp glass of wine, I toasted the LCPRE.

As you can see from the pictures Richard was a dab hand at tickling out a few rainbow’s and we had a productive and enjoyable days sport. There were other events planned and hosted by LCPRE members so if you have any pictures from the other outings that have taken place I would love to post them here on the site.

Court Fines Jalsea Marine for non-compliance

2010-02-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

AN Ely businessman has been fined £12,000 this week for ignoring an enforcement notice and failing to remove construction work at a protected wildlife site on the edge of the city.

Jeremy Tyrrell, director of Ely based company Jalsea Marine Services, was told by magistrates on Tuesday that the company would have to foot the bill for ignoring an enforcement order issued by East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC).

Handing down the ruling, magistrate Hamish Ross, told Mr Tyrrell that the bench accepted that there were mitigating factors in support of the decision not to carry out the works but no reasons compelling enough to justify the decision completely.

"We have listened carefully to the arguments of both parties but in the bench's opinion the terms of the enforcement notice were clear and the work should have been carried out by the company," said Mr Ross.

"The bench therefore fines Jalsea Marine Services a total of £7,000 with a contribution of £5,000 court costs."

The case centred around a series of building works carried out by Mr Tyrrell's company at the Roswell Pits site, near Kiln Lane, immediately to the south of the city.

The pits were designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2009 by Natural England and were therefore afforded protection from any building development by law.

Despite the ruling however, the court heard that Mr Tyrrell's company had started work laying cabling and constructing large concrete pads on the site. ECDC objected and issued an enforcement notice in November 2008 , demanding that the works be removed.

Magistrates were told that a subsequent appeal against the enforcement notice was rejected by the planning inspector, who ordered Mr Tyrrell's company to remove the works by October 1 2009.

The October deadline came and went without the works being removed and Jalsea Marine Services, which is based on Ely's Waterside, was served with a court summons.
Source: Cambs 24 Online News
Speaking at the hearing, Mr Tyrrell's counsel said the breach of the notice by the company had not been a wilful one but had come because of ongoing high court proceedings involving the designation of the pits as SSSI. He also highlighted to the court that no environmental damage had been caused by the construction works

Bittern-ly Cold at Roswell This January

2010-01-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

May I take this opportunity to wish all friends of Roswell a Happy and prosperous New Year and I hope that 2010 treats you well.

Ok, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of today’s events; the BITTERNS at Roswell! It was reported last week that two Bitterns were sighted on the main Pit at Roswell (the sailing pit). Having received an email that there was a picture available on the Internet, I quickly checked it out. (I do not know the person who took the image, but whoever you are – thank you!)
The bird was unmistakably a Bittern, and the location was unmistakably Roswell; - Ker-ching! The image that sparked off the alert can be seen here at the link shown, BUT BEFORE you jump off this page to look at the original picture on the link here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shelley_dave/4234831776/ please read on; we have our own images of the Roswell Bitterns just a few scrolls further down on on this page so you don't have to go anywhere just yet to get your Bittern fix for the day.
If you know Roswell then you will not have any trouble identifying the location of where the picture was taken. That’s one in the eye for all the people that refused to acknowledge that Bitterns were even in the area, never mind that they used the pit at all. I’m sure that some ‘Nay-Sayers’ will continue to dispute the pictures or claim that the images in some way have been doctored, but I guess the Earth is still flat and the Sun continues to go around the Earth and Man never landed on the moon… I rest my case.
Well that was the first bit of excitement, and so I decided to get down to Roswell last Sunday seeing if I could improve on the image by getting a clearer picture. Sadly, after several hours out in the cold I returned home without sight of a Bittern, and much more importantly without any pictures... Jump forward to today and the story changes quite dramatically.
When I arrived today, there was no sight of the Bittern(s) on the main pit, so I decided to take a tour around the rest of the area to see what was about. A quick trip around the nature trail down to the Railway Bridge proved to be just the thing. While lying prostrate in the snow my eye was caught by the movement of a water rail (see images a little lower down this blog). I had seen them and heard them at Roswell before (sounds like a pig squealing / grunting) but had never managed to get a clear shot. Today was my day and so I clicked away, happy that it was a new bird to add to the Roswell blog site... I thought that was going to be my consolation prize for the day. I got up and moved around the pit and sat down in the snow with my camera on my lap and reached inside my coat pocket to get out a sweet as my reward for capturing the images of the water rail.
Then this happened…
Without warning (from right to left) a Bittern flew right past my head and dropped into the reeds to my left. These are a few of the first images I managed to snap off with the camera as the Bittern was trying to close its wings after landing in the tangle of reeds. *NB These first 3 images I have not made 'zoomable' but the later pictures can be expanded by clicking on them once. These first images also show how well hidden the birds can be even when flailing about!

Ok, so heart in my mouth, I tried to adjust the settings on the camera because the reeds were affecting the auto-focus. I thought that if I could get it quickly into manual I could control where the focus point was. I then managed to steal these shots.

Click Images for Larger Pictures

With a few more seconds and a few more pictures in the camera, I thought things were going well… No sooner had I made the change on the camera body and lens, to manual focus, the Bittern decided that it was not going to settle and launched itself out of the reed bed! I was now left trying to play catch up with a manual zoom, frozen fingers and excitedness that rendered my fingers and coordination almost useless.
The next few shots are 'as they unfolded'; unfortunately they are a little out of focus, out of frame or a combination of the two! Normally I would not post pictures that I was not happy with, but for this bird, I'm happy to make an exception. With such a rare sight, my view is almost any picture is worthy of sharing. My next goal is to improve on these shots, so I will practice improving my speed and dexterity on switching between auto and manual zoom and getting the bird centralized in the shot! - I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I did taking them. Keep tuned for further updates.

Up!

Chris Hughes 09/01/2010

Off The Rails at Roswell

2010-01-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

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Water Rail - 'Rallus aquaticus' - You can see in the second, third and last picture that there are quite a lot of fresh water mussels lying around in the background; - I observed it trying to open them.

What a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning!

A Welcome Friend at the end of a very cold day

2010-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

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While I know the common Robin isn’t the most elusive bird in Britain, I cannot help but be cheered up whenever I see one. This little fellow was the last bird I saw when walking back to my car after a great day at Rowell, which provided fantastic memories (and pictures) of Water Rail, Bittern and Kingfishers.

Click on the picture to see the detail of his feathers

Green Woodpecker - Ant Hunting

2009-08-06T03:52:00.000-07:00

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Feeding Kingfisher (Juvenile I think...)

2009-06-22T09:39:00.001-07:00

Observe

Locate

Dive

Surface

Rest... (missed!)

Same Kingfisher - Gets it right

2009-06-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Locate...

Dive!

Eat!

Roe Deer - Male

2009-06-21T09:58:00.001-07:00

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Kingfisher

2009-06-21T09:53:00.001-07:00

Marsh Harrier - Young Female

2009-06-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

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Settling Ponds - Two Pots of Gold

2009-06-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

Mute Swan Cygnets

2009-06-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

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Tufted Duck

2009-06-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

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Dab Chick (AKA Little Grebe)

2009-06-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

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Great Crested Grebe Feeding Young

2009-06-19T08:51:00.001-07:00

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Young Great Crested Grebes

2009-06-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

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Reed Bunting - Male

2009-06-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

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Cuckoo Flight

2009-06-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

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Roswell Word Cloud

2009-06-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.wordle.net/

Long Tail Tit

2009-03-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

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I spotted this pair building a beautifull nest just as you walk over cuckoo bridge. The site seems a little public but lets hope that all goes well for them.

Great Crested Grebe Courtship Display Dance

2009-03-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

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It is that time of year again and today I was lucky enough to watch two Grebes engage in their mating courtship dance, after some mimicking of each other with lots of head bobbing and twisting, both birds then dived to the bottom of the pit to collect some weed as an offering – my wife prefers diamonds apparently… Once both birds had collected a suitable sample they proceeded to ‘rise and fall’ on the water rubbing necks and waiving their chosen greenery at each other. Sadly the birds were a way off and the sharpness of the pictures is a little lacking, but I hope you can get an idea of this super courtship dance.

Short Eared Owl

2009-03-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

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At first sight I have to confess to thinking this was 'another Barn owl' as two were already hunting in the field I was laying down in - the things I do to get a picture...

A closer view gave me the realisation that this was a little different... Yellow Eyes, black beak darker plumage... This Short Eared Owl is the first I have caught on camera and the pictures were taken @ 2 miles from Roswell on the A142 (behind my house!) where the birds can be clearly seen hunting from @ 4pm each day. - I hope to be able to improve in the images over time, but for now I'm just happy to have one in the can - so to speak!

If you would like to see the birds, let me know I will be happy to give directions. - The birds can be clearly watched from the roadside with no intrusion on the bird's privacy.

PS. Thanks for the heads up from Roswell fans on the Egrets, but alas the morning I visited it was too dark to get a usable picture and the birds were too far away; fingers x'd I may get a lucky break soon. Coincidently I have seen single Egrets in the fields to the rear and front of my house, which just goes to show that we need to protect as many diverse local places as we can from development; clealrly these birds need a tapestry of habitats that are interlinked and able to provide hunting, roosting and breading sites.

Short Eared Owl,

2009-03-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

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Barn Owl Flight

2009-03-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

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Barn Conversion?

2009-03-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

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Majestic Hunter

2009-03-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

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Bring on Spring

2009-03-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

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Greyscale Photo of Canada Geese - River Ouse Ely 2009

2009-02-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

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Greylag Run-up 1

2009-02-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

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Greylag Run-up 2

2009-02-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

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Greylag Run-up 3

2009-02-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

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Canada Goose Single Flight

2009-02-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

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Cananda Geese

2009-02-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

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Happy 2009 to all LCPRE Members

2009-01-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

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I would like to wish everyone involved with Roswell Pits a very happy 2009.

I would also like to congratulate the LCPRE on the fantastic work and results they have achieved over the past 2 years.

I hope that we can all continue to support this worthwhile organisation and protect Roswell and other areas from unwanted and damaging development.

The Picture above was donated to the November fund raising auction by Ben Green a local artist and LCPRE member. I hope you agree with me that it is a fitting way to start the 2009 blog updates.

Happy 2009

Press Release -

2008-09-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

5th September 2008

Fenland Water Voles To Benefit From Biffaward Grant

Middle Level Commissioners (MLC) has successfully applied for a £50,000 grant from Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT), which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. The grant will help fund a three-year project that aims to improve the fortunes of water voles in Fenland drains and rivers. Additional funding and support is coming from The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Biodiversity Partnership, The Environment Agency and Natural England

The larger part of the funding for the Middle Level Water Vole Support Project will enable MLC to promote a mink control scheme throughout its catchment. American mink, (releases or escapees from former mink farms), are a non-native predator that our native water voles have been unable to escape from on waterways throughout the country.

Although water voles are now thinly distributed in this area, the Fens hold better numbers than many other parts of the UK where distribution has been reduced to less than 10% of their former range. For this reason it is designated a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species. In other counties mink control has resulted in a recovery of water voles to former haunts. Reducing mink numbers, especially in early spring before the breeding season, benefits not only water voles but other creatures that mink prey on, especially moorhens, coot, grebes, reed warblers, pheasant, partridge, ducks and ducklings, in fact any waterside bird or animal with small young.

Approved mink traps and Game Conservancy Trust designed mink rafts will be available for loan to land owners and managers in the Middle Level area. The scheme will aim to encourage control of mink wherever they are known to be present. The mink rafts have a clay tray that shows the tracks of mink, indicating when they are in the area. Mink often favour sites such as pumping stations, bridges, culverts, boats and landing stages and reports of sightings will be welcomed by the MLC Environmental Officer.

Riverside habitat improvement is the other element of the project. Where surveys indicate water voles are absent and poor vegetation cover at the water margins is the problem, a solution in the form of pre-established coir rolls will be employed. These ‘instant habitat’ rolls will be installed on drain sides in a series of three-meter lengths and will come pre-established with sedges, grasses and other water plants that water voles are known to favour.

Surveys carried out before, during and after mink control to record the presence or absence of water voles on Middle Level drains and rivers will be carried out using another type of raft. Water voles will take every opportunity to climb on to a small piece of board if it is moored in their territory and checking these indicator boards for the voles’ distinctive droppings is a reliable way to confirm their presence. Several hundred boards will be placed throughout the catchment to monitor water vole distribution and the success of the project.

The Lord De Ramsey, a member of the Middle Level Commissioners Board, said ‘I have much pleasure in supporting this project for helping the recovery of water voles and the control of American mink.

I have farmed in the Fens for 47 years and for 46 of them have been a member of various drainage boards in the Middle Level area. During that time I have seen the water vole population dwindle to small groups in the minor watercourses.

I am also chairman of the Kingfisher Bridge Wetlands Trust near Ely and we have transformed the water vole population in the project area entirely thanks to controlling mink. Not only had they decimated the vole population, they had also reduced the numbers of ground nesting birds such as plovers and avocets. This project will benefit not only water voles but wildlife generally in the Middle Level.’

A meeting of everyone interested in the mink control scheme is planned for the autumn. MLC Environmental Officer Cliff Carson can be contacted for further details or to express an interest. Tel. 01354 602902. Email: cliffcarson@fen-ditches.co.uk

For more information about Biffaward, contact Biffaward’s PR Team on 01636 670000 or e-mail media@rswt.org.

Can You Help - and have some fun along the way

2008-08-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

Your help is required...
The funding for legal advice to ensure that Roswell and surrounding areas are protected from unwanted development is an ongoing challenge, and one that I hope we all feel is worth while.

The LCPRE are leading the charge in protecting the wild spaces in Ely with the current focus on securing Village Green Status for the Meadows. If you would like to help contribute a small amount to help with these legal costs please contact the LCPRE.

They are currently organising a sponsored litter-pick and other activities which will help raise much needed funds. Alternatively if you are simply too busy to participate but simply with to contribute to the fund, I am sure that they will be happy to hear from you.

A special opportunity…

In order to help raise funds for the LCPRE I am auctioning some of my time to the lovely residents of Ely.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to fly fish? Well if you would like to donate £50.00 to the LCPRE’s legal fund, I will take you to spend a morning or afternoon learning how to fly fish. Hopefully you will have a trout or two to take home for tea – I will even show you how to clean the fish so that when you get it home you are ready to pop it under the grill!

The location is in a gated exclusive 90 acre private nature reserve not normally open to the public. The reserve is situated on the South Side of Cambridge (just 40 mins slow drive from Ely) and is in a beautiful setting. If fishing is not for you, why not treat a friend to a lesson as a present. Due to the private nature of the location I am only able to take 1 guest at a time (fishing or not) so please keep this in mind if you are thinking about booking for a younger person.

Drop me an email at cnmjhughes@tiscali.co.uk if you would like to try your hand at casting a fly. (Places are subject to availability and must be organised between 1st September and 31st August 2008) All donations will be handled by the LCPRE - Please do not send any money to me.

For general donations please contact: s.w.hall@sky.com for more details.

The Boys are back in Town

2008-07-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

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Ginger Coots!

2008-07-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Click Image for Larger PictureHere is one of the latest batches of new arrivals at Roswell, only three chicks can be clearly seen in the shot but I counted 5 in total (1 is partially hidden - can you spot the hidden coot?). Even now, I still find it amazing how different the youngsters are from the parents - you might expect them to be Moorhen chicks with their red and ‘carrot tops’ rather than the cool white of the adult birds. These are the true ugly (yet beautiful) ducklings of the newly hatched birds at Roswell.

Willow Warbler

2008-07-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

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While standing on the road bridge that separates the main pit at Roswell this vocal little songster made its presence known - as is often ten way you hear Warblers long before you get a visual 'grip' on them. (Picture Taken Saturday 5th July 2008)

Bee Orchid - Ophrys apifera

2008-06-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

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While I wish I could say that this was taken at Roswell, I have to confess that I found these beautiful bee orchids when I went to catch some trout for dinner; it is not everyday you get to see these super plants, so I thought I should share the enjoyment and let you have a peek!

PS. The trip was successful in many ways and so I will be having trout for dinner!

SSSI - Congratulations to LCPRE

2008-06-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

ELY STANDARD

Wildlife Campaingers Celebrate after Roswell Pits is Awarded Protection
09:29 - 10 June 2008

Roswell Pits
WILDLIFE campaigners have been celebrating after they learned Roswell Pits in Ely has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest.This new protection for the site, which has been the focus of a long campaign to protect local wildlife, could bring fresh hope for the beleaguered bittern.The move means extra protection for the former clay pits and the meadows around them, which are home to rare wildlife including bitterns, marsh harriers and otters.Natural England said the pits could offer bitterns "resilience to the protected effects of climate change". The birds' habitats on the Norfolk coast and Broads are under threat from rising sea levelsLast night its East of England regional director Shaun Thomas added: "The notification of Ely Pits and Meadows SSSI will go a long way to ensuring that the nationally-important wildlife and geology of the area will be fully recognised and taken into account in the future management and uses of the site."Natural England recognises the important roles of the owners and managers of the land and will work with them and other public bodies to develop the means to secure the sustainable management of the specialist interest of the area."Liz Hunter, vice chair of conservation group Local Campaigners for the Protection of Rural Ely (LCPRE), said: "We are utterly and absolutely delighted. We hope this will protect the whole area for many years to come."Developer Jeremy Tyrell bought the largest of the former clay pits and some of the land around it in 2006.He said he wanted to create a marina for narrow boats on the lake, which is connected to the River Ouse at Foremill Wash, downstream of Ely.But since then the 1000-strong LCPRE has mounted a running battle over the plans, while East Cambridgeshire Council has threatened Mr Tyrell with enforcement action over work already carried out on the site.Ely Pits and Meadows SSSI covers 79.25 hectares. A four-month consultation period will follow before its status is confirmed.But from this week, all owners and occupiers must give natural England notice before carrying out any work that could damage the SSSI and it becomes an offence to intentionally destroy or damage any of its plants or wildlife.Natural England said established uses of the site, such as sailing, fishing and walking, could continue.

More more details visit the LCPRE site http://www.elywildspace.org.uk/Default.aspx

Snipe on a Wire - Roswell

2008-06-14T13:02:00.001-07:00

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Snipe on a Wire

2008-06-14T12:45:00.001-07:00

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If you get time to stand quietly in the water meadows you will no doubt hear the Snipe drumming and throwing their voices - its quite a unique sound and if you did not know it you might not guess that it is the snipe that make this curious sound. Please click the link here to get a sample of what I mean. http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/snipe/index.asp

The snipe is a bird of boggy ground and surprisingly I frequently see one or two perched atop of the telegraph pole in the meadow, I can't help but think this look so out of place, but perhaps it gives them a good vantage point during mating season to see who's about! I must have seen at least 25 today which is more than I have seen in a single sitting in previous years.

Harrier - Female

2008-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

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While just walking back to the meadow gate after watching the snipe this Harrier appeared and dropped down to try to catch a meal. Unfortunately it was at some distance and my reflexes were poor. I managed to snatch this shot, but it is lacking detail and blurred. - Next time I hope I am better prepared.

Grey Heron

2008-05-05T09:50:00.001-07:00

Nothing Grey about this fellow

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I Hoped that he might move a little to the left so as to give a clear shot of his head without the reeds being in the way; sadly he decided to fly out as quickly as he flew in.

It's about Time!

2008-05-05T09:45:00.001-07:00

Another King of Fishers

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This little lady (Red Lower beak on Feamles - All Black on Males) managed to keep her distance and so a close up was not on the cards for today, she did however introduce his partner who was just a short hop away.

House Hunting?

2008-01-30T12:28:00.000-08:00

So... this may not at first glance be exactly the right forum to bring this up, but it might just be of interest to you or a friend and help us help Roswell at the same time. I am looking to sell my house and if you love nature then this may be just the ticket; it has a wildlife garden with two ponds and it has a wealth of visiting wildlife including Kingfishers, Snipe, Woodcock, Newts mini wildflower meadows et-al. Set in just iver 1/2 acre with open fields and views to 3 sides and just 2 miles from Ely station it might be the deal you have been looking for. The house is much loved and the reason for the move is that I simply need more land to create a much bigger wildlife project (which of course all of you nice Roswell friends will be able to visit). The house is currently on the Market with a local agent, but I also have it for sale privately and if a buyer is found via this Roswell blogsite, I will donate £2,000.00 cash on completion to the LCPRE to help protect Roswell and other local sites. I am happy to send you details by email. Feel free to email me at cnmjhughes@tiscali.co.uk for more details. The house is in Stuntney 2 miles from Ely City center - I'm happy to give full details of past and future outlook for this pretty house. I would like to house to go to someone that would enjoy the garden and look after the wildlife that now uses it. If you want to cut down the trees and fill in the ponds, then this house is not for you. - We have had enough fo that kind of bad land management in Ely already... which brings us nicely back to Roswell and why we are all here on this and other sites. So, good people of Ely and District, please spread the word!

Whiter than White

2007-12-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Click Image for Larger Picture It still amazes me how clean swans manage to stay in winter when everything around them is muddy and brown; this one was just closing its wings as the shutter went down, it is however cleaner than Danny Baker on your doorstep.

Long Tail Tit

2007-12-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

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It's cold & wet and the light levels are poor for taking pictures... But never mind; this is one of a gang of long tailed tits that were busy doing the rounds at Roswell Today.

Little Red...

2007-10-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Click Image for Larger PictureIt seems the 'Roswell Robins' are on form at the moment; I must have seen 5 today, and heard many more! With the trees changing colour and dropping their leaves, these handsome birds just add to the confirmation that autumn is here. By happy coincidence the Robin Below was the first bird I saw when I got out of the car (on the fence at the entrance to the Environment Agency Building), and the one above was the last bird I saw when getting back in the car - It could be the same bird wanting to keep up its media profile.

Bob Bob Bobbing...

2007-10-07T09:25:00.001-07:00

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Duck Soup...

2007-10-07T09:24:00.001-07:00

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Just after talking to a few friends of Roswell (they saw me hiding in the bushes with my camera!), they asked if I had any good pictures / sightings. I replied that I had indeed seen the kingfisher today, but was not lucky enough to get a picture. Just a few minutes later I managed to get a some close ups of this youngster feeding on duckweed (Lemna Minor). It seems the swans are less camera shy than the Robins.

Eat your Greens

2007-10-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Click Image For Larger Picture Not such an Ugly Duckling...

Swan Lake

2007-09-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

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Cormorant - Am I bovered?

2007-09-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

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This is a picture taken last year B4 work started work on the pit. I spent 25 minutes creeping up on this bird; stopping to take pictures every footstep just incase he flew off and I did not get a shot. Between the nettles, brambles and mud, I thought a 20-minute belly crawl was going to be worth the effort to get a good close up picture. Eventually I was crouching at the base of the tree where he was sitting. I was at this time covered head to toe in camouflage netting – and mud!

Once at the foot of the tree, and with my heart in my mouth, I quietly congratulated myself about my 'stealth crawl' and fieldcraft skills. Once I had taken 20 or so shots, I felt it was ok to come out of hiding, and stood up to leave, rather than crawl back. (I decided that another 20-minute crawl on my belly in the mud and nettles was beyond the call of duty). As soon as I got up, I expected the bird to shoot off and so kept the camera at eye level to see if I could get a departing shot… The bird took no notice of me whatsoever! It could have at least had the decency to acknowledge my presence!

To this day, I am convinced I wasted 25 minutes being stung, scratched and muddied, stalking a bird that was both deaf and blind! – Am I ‘bovvered’? Actually no, I got some great shots and an afternoon I will remember for a long time.

That’s just one reason why I don’t want Roswell developed. Every picture I take, and every memory I recall, just confirms to me that it is a special place, and should be protected for this and future generations.

If you feel the same, please ensure that you join the LCPRE campaign group and become a member. Its aim is to be the largest membership organisation in Ely, and with clout like that the LCPRE will have a much stronger position to fight to protect all of Ely’s wild spaces, of which Roswell is just one site. You can get a membership form from their website

http://www.elywildspace.org.uk/

Swan-Tastic!

2007-09-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

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Sunday 9th Sept 12:00pm: - Swans in flight create a similar visual illusion to that of Giraffes running; somehow it all seems to be in slow motion and yet you are certain you are watching events unfold in real-time. This is a sequence of shots taken as this swan approached me in silence with wing beats so slow I thought it might drop out of the sky. With a bright sun and clear sky, the feathers became translucent revealing the full anatomy of the wings.

Great Spotted Woodpecker - (Female)

2007-09-09T01:31:00.000-07:00

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After you have walked past the main pit at Roswell, there is a smaller fishing lake on the left; at the top end of this pit, there is a cut-in where the environment agency keeps a boat just off the river. At this point, there are a couple of large willows and this is the territory for this particular bird. In the same general area, you can also see a Green woodpecker, although unless you are very quiet all you tend to see is its back as it flies away making its distinctive alert call.

This female Great Spotted (male has red patch on nape of neck) did not seem to mind me pointing my camera at her; typically, they creep round the other side of the trunk to avoid detection. The bird was very high up and I was quite some way away. Again it was the call of the bird that drew my attention to its whereabouts. It was hard to see by naked eye, and it took a few minutes to locate where it was in the willows (always look to the top, they are not known for low level perching! This shot is 'passable', if not of any great detail and was taken pointing into the sun which did not help. – It is however, a beautiful bird to see and so any glimpse is always a great joy.

*This bird can be confused with a Lesser Spotted woodpecker, but you can tell the difference at a glance, by the bold 'long white bars' on the Greater, where the Lesser just has more of the short white bars. The Lesser is also a smaller bird, but size can be hard to judge at distance, and if you do not know what you are comparing it against! - In Europe there is also a Middle Spotted Woodpecker and both the Male and Female have a red nape on the back of their heads. They are not resident in the UK and so unless you happen to be in France, Germany etc you won't see one of these.

Rust Bucket - It's the Pits!

2007-08-30T12:40:00.001-07:00

The Art World 'Gasps' at symbolic

'Concrete and Rust' exhibit!

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The Tate Modern is known for its Art ‘Installations’ by Tracey Emin and Damien Hurst, and you may already be familiar with the controversial exhibits ‘unmade bed’ and ‘Formaldehyde Sheep’. It seems that they may now have some competition in Ely...

The as yet previously unknown artist working under the Pseudonym 'Mr. T' has stormed to fame (or is that infamy?) with his latest art installation at Roswell Pits. Entitled ‘Concrete and Rust’, this larger than life exhibit takes the theme of contorting natural beauty into unspeakable man-made ugliness. – And you have to hand it to him, he does it so well!

Re-named the ‘Bittern-est pill’ by locals, it is hoped that the exhibit is just passing through. One tourist was quoted as saying “the concrete and Rust makes quite an eye-catching feature for Ely residents and tourists, has it been here long?" - I replied that as I understand it, it would be around, (or should I say in that exact position for up to 28 days) after that, the artist is going to move it 10ft further down the pit as this particular installation is only temporary!

Being a luvvy of the arts myself, and having a rather large pond in my garden, I am seriously thinking of asking Mr. T if he can lend me one of his rusting hulks, so I can re-create this vision of beauty in my own garden. I have Snipe, Mallard, Herons and even an occasional Kingfisher frequent my garden pond, and I am truly excited that with my own reproduction of Mr. T’s work, they too can have access to such a ‘work of art’ as their cousins at Roswell.

Just to keep the installation in my garden authentic, I intend to hire a JCB to dig a trench all the way around the pond (although in order to remain faithful to the original project), I will now have to wait until nesting season in spring, to ensure that I can cause maximum damage and disruption. Fortunately, I already own a chainsaw, and this weekend I will be excitedly exploring the rich contrast between ‘light and dark’ and ‘composite textures’ by chopping down the mature trees in the immediate area.

Once I have experimented with the chainsaw, I intend to follow through with ‘bonfires’, a transitional piece, where I set light to the mature broadleaf trees I have just cut down; 'bonfires' will be quickly followed by a period called 'admiration' which will basically consit of me standing around / leaning on a fork, admiring my handy work as the smoke rises from the ashes. When discussing my plan with Melvin 'Bragger' on the South Bank Show, he said; "This is truly interactive art at its best..." "Such an international piece of art in Ely will be historic...". - No - serioulsy he did!

As the icing on the cake, all that will remain is for the wildlife to move away and bada-bing - I will have almost achieved nirvirna. Next stop will be the council planning department to submit plans for a hotel, night club and executive flats. - They will debate my plans for several months, and decide that they are 'indeterminable'; in the intervening period, I will have already finished the temporary developement and will have my paying guests seated in the lounge-bar, supping large G&T's while looking out over the pond in a vain attempt to spot the now absent wildlife. - Not wishing to disapoint my guests, I can always show them pictures of all the wildlife that use to live there before I cleared the site for development. No wildlife, but lots of money, that's what makes the world go round...

As I understand it, on my own land, I can do exactly as I please... Or does that courtesy only extend to persons who can line the coffers of a small number of people against the wishes of the majority?

I WONDER HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE FOR THE COUNCIL TO VISIT ME AND OBJECT TO MY DEVELOPMENTS!

PS. Irony is close to infamy in the dictionary - As the late great Kennith Williams use to say, Infamy! Infamy! they've all got it in for me!

NB. I took a call earlier this week from an old Hollywood pal of mine the other Mr. T or B.A. as he is some times called ('BA' being short for Bad Attitude). He said he was concerned as he had heard of another man calling himself Mr. T, (who also has a bad attitude) and he did not like what he was hearing about a Marina development. Knowing him to be a thoughtful and wise kind of person, I asked him if he had any words of wisdom for us. He simply said, "When I was growing up, my family was so poor that we could not even afford to ‘pay’ attention, but now I am a Hollywood star, I just want to do what is right, so I support your campaign to stop the Marina in Ely. Thank you Mr. T you really are a star!

Hey Kids! - Mr. T has a mesasge for us all

Ely Standard - Back to Square 1

2007-08-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

COUNCIL lawyers have spent seven weeks deciding whether work at Ely's Roswell Pits is lawful - only to agree that they can't decide. They have rejected businessman Jeremy Tyrrell's application for a Certificate of Lawfulness claiming that it is invalid. Their decision that the application is 'undeterminable' means they are back to square one, and it leaves Mr Tyrrell, whose company Jalsea Marine owns the lake and Ely's Cathedral Marina, facing the need to submit a new certificate application or a planning application.But council officers have agreed that Mr Tyrrell does not require planning permission for boats to cruise on the lake, temporary moorings for 28 days a year, a temporary hard standing for a crane, safety and security fences and gates and maintenance.
In an email from East Cambridgeshire District Council enforcement officer, Trevor Eagle, it is made clear, however, that this is only the council's 'informal' opinion. The email goes on to say that the opinion is given at officer level only and does not prejudice any decision that might be taken in the future by council planners.At the end of the email Mr Eagle adds that he is leaving his job at the end of August and directs future discussion to his successor.
The decision on the Certificate of Lawfulness has left campaigners, who have fought vehemently to protect wildlife on the site, confused and angry. "We have waited almost seven weeks for the council's response and have got nothing from it," said Liz Hunter, vice-chairman of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Ely."
It has taken the council all this time to discover that the application for a certificate is in the council's words 'invalid' and cannot be determined by the council. The application has been determined as 'undeterminable'." Our concern is to protect this precious wildlife habitat that gives such pleasure to so many people and we will continue to contest any plans for development at Roswell Pit. A proper planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment would be the right path to follow."Giles Hughes, head of planning at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "I would like to stress that these decisions do not mean the developer now has the right to move forward with any work he likes. If there is future work which is deemed necessary by the owner that requires planning permission, he should submit an application. "We have consulted and used every appropriate tool under planning law regarding the work committed at this site. Where activities that require planning permission take place without consent we will take appropriate action."Alan Dover, the council's principal development control officer, added: "If work continues on the site and it exceeds what can be done under permitted development then we will have to go to enforcement.

" Jeremy Tyrrell said: "We have done our best, encouraged by the council, to make everything clear and transparent by applying for this certificate. It is not required to do the work we want to do. Aside from planning laws, however, there is a duty of care to wildlife which we continue to recognise. "We cannot say at this stage what our next move is. "We are, however, absolutely staggered that the council has released information to the press which they have not seen fit to let us know about.

2007-08-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

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A young Kingfisher looks out over the river at Cuckoo Bridge

Membership Drive Saturday 18th August 2007

2007-08-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

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LCPRE had a stall in Ely’s Market place today, formerly launching their membership drive. (Liz Hunter and Dr Sarah Hall Pictured operating the stall) The LCPRE's focus is of course the future of Roswell, but they have a much wider goal to secure and protect all green spaces in and around Ely. If you are serious about conservation, and protection of local wildlife habitat, then giving your support to the LCPRE is a must! Membership can be gained for as little as £1.00 (donations are of course welcome to help with running costs). I have joined the LCPRE, and wish to offer them as much support as I can. We still have a long battle ahead of us, and the more people that support this local campaign the louder our voice will be. If you would like a membership form, please visit the LCPRE website @ http://www.elywildspace.org.uk/ or contact Pat Hillman on 01353 664115

Anglia News 17th August 6:00pm

2007-08-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have just got a text from Phillipa Heap of Anglia News. They have finally managed to get Mr T to say a piece to camera and it will be shown at 6:00pm on Anglia News on 17th August. It will be an edited piece and so we have no idea how long it will be (not more than 2 minutes I think) and I don't know which bits of the original interview will be included. I do know that Mr T has not broken out of character, and as anticipated has not given much away.

You will have to watch to find out. In the shortness of time if appropriate, we will post the interviews here on the blog for anyone who might miss it. A little bit of TV exposure will help raise awareness about the cause and keep the pressure on all involved parties to do the right thing.

Onwards and upwards!

Bittern Concerns - Cambridge Evening News

2007-08-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

DEVELOPMENTS at an Ely wildlife haven are worrying a Government conservation body.
Diggers are now in place at Roswell Pits in Ely, clearing parts of the banks and dredging dead trees from the water to prepare moorings for boats attending the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) festival in St Ives later this month.

But Natural England, a Government body responsible for protecting the country's environment, fears rare bitterns may be disturbed by plans for more power boats on the site and says it has written to landowner Jeremy Tyrrell expressing those concerns.

Mr Tyrrell sought permission from Natural England over work at Roswell Pits, as dinosaur fossils found there make it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A spokeswoman for Natural England said it was pleased by Mr Tyrrell's concern for a cliff where the fossils are located, but raised queries on wildlife.

She said: "The owner has consulted with Natural England to request permission to improve the drainage of water away from the cliff, making it more stable, and we have given our written consent for this work.

"We do have concerns over his plans to increase the use of power boats for leisure use on another part of the site which is not included within the boundary of the SSSI.
"We have raised these concerns with the local planning authority and the owner. We are worried that the noise from the power boats will disturb rare bittern foraging on the site, and other important wetland birds."

Mr Tyrrell has pledged to work closely with any group interested in the welfare of the wildlife there, and he confirmed to the News he is hoping temporary moorings will be ready for the IWA festival.

Mr Tyrrell added he is awaiting a response from the council on the certificate of lawfulness he submitted a month ago. That application sought to establish whether work on temporary moorings could proceed without planning permission.

The council has previously said the moorings do not require permission, as the work is uncovering old moorings rather than creating new ones.

LCPRE Call for Membership

2007-08-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

The LCPRE are working hard to save Roswell from the distruction of Flora and Fauna caused by the current owners of the pit. If you would like to become a member of the LCPRE, to show your support, you can use the contact details below to get a membership form.

Please visit the LCPRE website http://www.elywildspace.org.uk/ or call Pat Hillman on 01353 664115

Sunday 22nd July @ 9:00pm

2007-07-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for Larger Image ...and Glide on silent wings

Sunday 22nd July @ 9:00pm

2007-07-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for Larger Image Swoops in...

Sunday 22nd July @ 9:00pm

2007-07-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for Larger Image Coming around...

Sunday 22nd July @ 9:00pm

2007-07-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for Larger Image The hunt is on...

Sunday 22nd July @ 9:00pm

2007-07-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for Larger Image Dive! Dive! Dive!

Sunday 22nd July

2007-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

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The rain held off this evening, and dispite spending 45 minutes with my camera on the wrong setting, (basic school boy error) I managed to catch this Barn owl with its dinner in its claws. The picture is grainy due to the low light levels and the distance the bird was away from me, but it will do for now. I hope you enjoy it.

Something to cheer us up...

2007-07-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

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What with one thing and another I have not had the time or luck to get to Roswell today, but I did steal a quick 1/2 hour in the garden. As we await news of Mr. Tyrrell's letter of Lawfulness or ‘Awfulness’ as it has now been dubbed, we are also eagerly awaiting the council’s response… In the meantime, I thought we could do with some cheer. Above is a Comma, butterfly snapped today in my garden, but you can see them at Roswell if the sun is shining! They get their name from the white 'comma' shaped marking on the underside of their wings; (click picture for better view) for years I thought they were named because of the scallop or comma shape to their wings. They are often incorrectly mistaken for Tortoiseshell butterflies, especially if only glimpsed at in flight.

The beauty of a picture is you can take your time to look at the detail, and work out what makes each species different from each other. In this snapshot, you can even see the 'pumped up veins' in the wings circulating the blood through its system. These lovely butterflies need nettles to lay eggs on so we all have an excuse for leaving a bit of the garden with the odd stinging nettle here and there.

2007-07-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for larger ImageHere is a Peacock butterfly, often only thought of as beautiful with its wings open, but a closer look shows it has just as much going on the outside as it does on the inside!

Well, I thought just one more pic..

2007-07-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Click Image for Larger Picture Ok, so we all like to see them with wings open as well - here it is sitting on a wild carrot flower head. Here you can realy see how the big eyes can confuse / scare birds. It looks like you are staring at a set of tigers eyes!

Dunkirk Spirit - Operation Dynamo

2007-07-19T13:13:00.001-07:00

Dunkirk spirit:

Definition: is a phrase used to describe the tendency of the British public to pull together and overcome times of adversity. It came into use following the evacuation of allied troops across the English Channel when Royal Navy ships were augmented by flotillas of pleasure boats, working barges and other civilian craft at the battle of Dunkirk in 1940. In nine days, 338,226 French and British soldiers were taken off the beach by a quickly assembled fleet of about 700 vessels. The evacuation was codenamed Operation Dynamo.

+++++++++

To all that have pledged money so far, thank you, your letters, support and enthusiasm are much appreciated. We have a long way to go however; Mr. Tyrrell is not playing the game, and is doing his best to circumnavigate the planning system, all involved are doing their utmost to stop this, but in the meantime, a realistic potential fund needs to be in place as an alternative. There are parties potentially willing to put up some funding for this project, but we do need a groundswell of public support. Please get everyone you know to get involved and to pledge what amounts they can. (Remember no money is needed at this point, but we do need to rally support) So far, we have reached a small percentage of Ely with this message; word of mouth is quick and easy and does not cost advertising space. If you want to know what you can do to help, then helping with support is vital. There is already a dedicated and capable team working very hard on planning etc. As residents and friends of Roswell, we can show that we are not prepared to sit by and let this wildlife disaster happen without ‘a bloody good fight’. So please rally friends - badger people at work for sponsorship if you have to. Many hands make light work!
To answer a quick question that some people have posed about the pledge, the idea is that no money changes hands unless there is a realistic option to buy-back Roswell. At such a time a local bank or independent accounting form would be appointed as trustees of the money so that, no one person is in charge of the funds. It may be that the contribution from us the public may make up part of the funding with grant or interest group funding making up the balance. The important thing is that no destructive commercial entity should own this site in the heart of our City. It is a complex matter, but if we have the building blocks in place, it will help the council, and other parties see that there is a credible alternative to the very destructive and money focused developer we have now.
I hate to keep pushing, but we cannot let our guard down, I know there are more people that feel strongly about this issue, but I / we have yet to reach them and engage them – That is where your help is needed.
A bit of Dunkirk Spirit is what we need! – Individually we are small vessels, but collectively we can make one hell of a splash!

IMPORTANT News Just in 11 July 2007 Ely Standard

2007-07-11T05:04:00.001-07:00

If you would like a copy of the 29 page Certificate Mr Tyrrell has submitted, please email me and I will forward a copy by email. email: (Click Link) cnmjhughes@tiscali.co.uk

BUSINESSMAN Jeremy Tyrrell wants the council go-ahead for boats to use and temporarily moor at Roswell Lakes without planning permission. He has applied for a Certificate of Lawfulness which, if granted, would mean he had the legal right to push ahead with his plans. But campaigners fighting to protect the lakes fear this could be a deliberate attempt to "sidestep" the planning process. They are taking legal advice in a bid to object to the move. But the law states that the public has no right to comment on Mr Tyrrell's applicationThe certificate, which would run in perpetuity, would also cover maintenance work and other temporary work without planning permission.Once granted it could only be rescinded if there were a change in the law or the land was sold and there was a change of use.Members of the public will not be able to comment on the application because the decision will be a legal one rather than one taken with reference to planning policy.Members of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Ely fear this is a deliberate move to sidestep the planning process and have called on Mr Tyrrell to submit a planning application. Spokesman Andrew Balmford said: "Where are the planning applications Mr Tyrrell promised at the public meeting that he would submit within a fortnight? Where is the Environmental Impact Assessment that the law says is required before building any but the tiniest marina? Where is the transparent process that the developer has so often promised the people of Ely?"Instead, in response to all the concerns raised at the public meeting, in the face of overwhelming public opinion against converting Roswell Pits into a marina, Mr Tyrrell seems to be trying to evade public scrutiny altogether." This seems like a deliberate attempt to sidestep the planning process,"The group is taking legal advice on exactly how to oppose the application and intended to put information about how the public could respond on its website at www.elywildspace.org.uk

Mr Tyrell, whose company Jalsea Marine owns one of the lakes and Cathedral Marina, lodged his application for a Certificate of Lawfulness with East Cambridgeshire District Council on Monday. Now officers are taking legal advice before making a decision on whether to grant the certificate. They have stressed, however, that if there is any work in the application which requires planning permission it would be refused and a planning application would need to be submitted. David Archer, East Cambridgeshire District Council development services director, said: "This application does not cover his longer-term plans for the future development of The Pits and permanent works will have to be the subject of a planning application. The developer's proposals can take place without planning permission."Mr Tyrrell said: "We are certainly not trying to avoid the planning process. "After a lot of discussion with the council it was decided that we should apply for the Certificate of Lawfullness to clear up all those matters that people had been complaining about. "He added that a planning application would follow soon.

News Just in 11 July 2007

2007-07-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

I have just received a Google notification of the following from the Elyonline website:

You Are Lawful But We Dislike You!
Published Tuesday, July 10th, 2007 by Karl Bedingfield
Planners at East Cambridgeshire District Council have received an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness from the developer who owns Roswell Pits.
The application covers a range of uses and works that the owner considers do not require planning permission. It includes the use of the Pits for boats, temporary moorings, maintenance works and temporary works.
Developers make applications for Certificates of Lawfulness in order to establish whether activities or works can go ahead without planning permission.
The Council will take legal advice before determining the application. The onus is on the applicant to supply significant supporting documentary evidence. The decision on such applications is taken purely on this factual information, without any regard to ’suitability’ considerations or reference to local planning policies. Under Planning legislation these applications are not advertised or sent out for consultation with public because it is a legal determination rather than a debate about the acceptability of the proposals.
The Council still expects the developer to submit a planning application for the development of permanent moorings in the near future and there will be extensive public consultation on any planning application for this site.
David Archer, Executive Director for Development Services at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We can confirm we have received an application from the owner of Roswell Pits for a Certificate of Lawfulness covering a range of uses and works including temporary moorings. This application does not cover his longer-term plans for the future development of The Pits and permanent works will have to be the subject of a planning application. We will make a decision on the application for a Certificate of Lawfulness after carefully considering whether under planning law , the developer’s proposals can take place without planning permission.”

Problems with Printing 10th July

2007-07-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hi All, thank you all for your protest votes and pledges, please accept my apologies for the error on the Poster in the Ely Standard. The text should have been reversed so that it was black text on a white background (as per the original one shown on this site). I did not realise that I had forgotten to change this before sending of to the printers. I understand it made life hard for some people to read / write on.

As an extra note I spoke to Anglia News this morning and they are still trying to contact Mr. Tyrrell. They have to present both sides and cannot be seen to be biased, however once they have an interview, or when they decide that he has had ample opportunity to respond, they can then go ahead with showing the interviews. Keep watching this site, I will upload the broadcast date / time as soon as I get the call. I can access and update this site from any location so will do it even if at work so we do not miss out.

Thank you all for your letters of support, and asking if there is anything you can do. Once planning is put in, if everyone can take the time to look at the application and make your objections known, to the council that will go a long way. If no objections are raised, it is very likely that the plans will have an easier passage through planning. I will of course ensure that all letters and pledges sent to me are forwarded on to the council.

Kindest regards

Chris Hughes

Pic 3 of the week 8th July 2007

2007-07-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Click Image for Larger Picture One of those shots that you don't realise what you have until you get it home... If you look closely you can see that a dragonfly is also heading off with the cormorant!

Pic 2 of the Week 8th July 2007

2007-07-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for Larger Image Timing is everything for these two Greylags

Pic 1 of the Week 8th July 2007

2007-07-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Click Picture for larger Image At last a clear shot with nothing in the way - earlier today I had one perched just 4 ft above my head with a fish in its beak. It bashed the fish on the branch, then saw me and took off before I had chance to even raise my camera.

Anglia TV - Comes to Roswell 5th July 2007

2007-07-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

Roswell Pits - Watch Anglia News!

It seems that we have been able to raise the stakes higher and today (5th July) we had the delightful Phillipa Heap from Anglia Television visit Roswell Pits to interview locals and find out what the story was. Due to the lateness of the interview in the day it will not be broadcast this evening, but will be on for a 2 - 3 minute slot, once the editing and composition has been completed. Anglia TV have promised to call to let me know when it is going to be screened, so please keep an eye on the site, and I will upload the date / time that the broadcast will go out anytime in the next few days. I missed a trick in not taking some photo's while they were filming (must have been star stuck, so forgive me for that). Once it has been screened I will try to get the video uploaded to the site so even if you miss it on the day, you have a chance to view it anytime.

Apologies to my children who hate me wearing my 'farmer hat' as they call it, now they will now have to suffer the embarrassment of their dad wearing it on TV. - Apparently it is very uncool. Many thanks to the LCPRE for taking the time to come down at such short notice to be interviewed - well done Ely!

To those of you that have made pledges, thank you, but we have a long way to go, please try to get as many people involved to keep this issue on the agenda.

WATCH THIS SPACE

Ely Standard Press Cutting 5

2007-07-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

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Ely Standard Press Cutting 6

2007-07-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

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The Rainforests of Borneo? - No, Ely's own disaster in the making

2007-07-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

Click for an even bigger look at the chaosWhere there was once trees and wildlife, now lies (sleeping) the 'lesser spotted digger', an all too frequent visitor to Englands green places...

The Ups...

2007-07-01T11:28:00.001-07:00

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and Downs of life at Roswell

2007-07-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

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Make Sure your voice is heard

2007-07-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

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1st July - How are our youngsters getting on?

2007-07-01T11:11:00.001-07:00

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Open Letter to Ely

2007-06-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Open Letter to Ely and District Residents / Friends of Roswell Pits
26th June 2007
Roswell Pits

Sunday (24th June 2007) saw the return to our screens of Sir David Attenborough, an icon of Natural History Broadcasting. His new series ‘Saving Planet Earth’ is a timely reminder for Ely, and the wider world, that action on a local level is required to prevent the total loss of wildlife and habitat caused by human activity. The ‘think global, act local’ message is one that has more weight and importance behind it today, than ever before. I would guess that everyone reading this letter has at some time or other, sat in front of ‘the box’ to watch Mr Attenborough, peering into the undergrowth and in ‘in hushed tones’ educating us about the natural world. If he were lucky enough to visit us here in Ely, we would no doubt hear him wax lyrical about the Bittern, Marsh Harrier, and any number of wonderful species we are blessed to have locally.

We are inextricably linked to the natural world, but there are however, key differentiators that set us apart from the other species we share our world with. As humans we have the intelligence, compassion, foresight and ability to make decisions that affect the whole of the planet. This incumbent responsibility and privilege, is one we must shoulder and not shy away from. In a growing population, with increasing demands for space, we cannot fight and win every battle, but we should be prepared to raise a voice for the natural world where it is unable to defend itself, and where it is most threatened. Here and now, Roswell Pits and its flora and fauna, need your voice to protect it. If we only ever join one campaign or make one commitment to saving the planet, then we should at least do it locally, at home, where we can see and feel the tangible benefits. – The effects of our actions locally, do affect the global community. A victory for Ely’s wildlife is a victory for the wider world; similarly, a white Rhino saved in Africa by local ‘on the ground’ action is a victory for all of us; even if we never get to see it, the world is a richer place for its existence, and a poorer place for its loss.

Looking locally at an internet census report for Ely dated 2006, Ely’s total number of residents above the age of 18, was listed as some 55,453 people. I am not sure how accurate this information is, but if we work on the assumption that the numbers quoted are correct, we could all potentially save Roswell Pits from the developers by simply contributing £10.00 each to a purchase fund. Is that too much to ask to save a unique green space in the heart of Ely? I am sure some people perhaps do not care, or even mind about the proposed developments, but I am also sure that many do, and I am sure that the wildlife will suffer as a result if we do not act. Born in Cambridge and a resident of Ely for six years, I think that £10.00 of my money against the enjoyment I have already had from watching the local wildlife is value for money, and I would gladly pay that ten times more to help secure its future.

Public ownership of Ely’s Roswell Pits could be the start of a commitment to protect and enjoy Ely’s wild spaces so that both Wildlife and humans can share and enjoy the same spaces. So, if you in principal would be prepared to support such a community project, please simply write on your protest vote slip any amount that you would be able to pledge to this cause. – Do not send any money; it is not required at this stage. Post your protest vote and pledge (no money please) back to the address provided. See Poster below for Protest and pledge details.

Come on Ely, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

Get Involved - Call to Action

2007-06-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

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RSPB - Your Help is needed on Bird Sightings

2007-06-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Kate Kelly from the RSPB has contacted me to ask if I can help her with compiling a full species list of birds at Roswell and immediate surrounding areas including the settling ponds. The data is to be used to help secure the site(s) through English Nature, by having them designated areas. If you can help list birds you have seen, dates, possible breeding information, please email me the details so I can pass on to Kate, alternatively please contact / email her directly at the address below. PS I met a lovely couple at Rowell a few weeks ago, and the lady (sorry I did not get your name) told me that she always writes down what they have seen at each visit. If that is you, please get in touch with Kate your notes could prove to be very helpful. Likewise I have spoken to many bid watches at Roswell (always keen to share sightings and chat) please also do what you can to help.

Kate Kelly - Kate.Kelly@rspb.org.uk
Assistant Conservation Officer
RSPB Eastern England Office
Stalham House
65 Thorpe Road
Norwich, NR1 1UD
Direct dial: 01603 697509 Switchboard: 01603 660066 Fax: 01603 660088

Ely's Roswell Pits Under Threat - The Real Roswell Incident

2007-06-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

The historic City of Ely is known worldwide because of its beautiful and enchanting cathedral; thousands of people from around the globe visit Ely to see the majestic ‘Ship of the Fens’. What is less known to the world at large, and is jealously guarded by locals is Ely’s world beating flora and fauna. Roswell pits are within easy walking distance of the cathedral, and yet many day-trippers do not discover this unexpected gem. Locals in and around all the surrounding villages are however privileged to know and enjoy this wonderful Eden, which is home to some of the worlds most beautiful and more importantly, now endangered wildlife. The recent sale of this 17.59-hectare site to a developer has raised the hackles of thousands of Ely residents and supporters of this local country beauty spot. This site has been hastily put up to help raise awareness and gather support in opposition to the development and ruination of this wonderful place.

A picture speaks a thousand words we are often told. So first, please enjoy looking through this selection of images all taken in and around the Roswell Pits location. I hope that you will soon see why we must protect this area for our and successive generations. Even if you live on the other side of the world and will never visit Ely. Please show us your support by leaving comments on this site for others to read.

As I can steal time to develop, the site I will add more images and keep you posted on all developments and how the battle against the developer is going.

Join the fight – the aliens are again trying to take over Roswell – this time there can be no cover-up!

Kindest regards and thank you for your support:

You can email me at cnmjhughes@tiscali.co.uk

Chris Hughes

Public Meeting 12th June - Special Guest

2007-06-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

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Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics

2007-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

I’m writing to express my gratitude to A. Isaacson for his letter in last week’s Standard
It really has helped to clear up all the dreadful muddle surrounding Roswell Pits. I find it deeply reassuring to know that the large number of bittern sightings made over the past few years by birdwatchers, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds surveyors, and the Wildlife Trust must all be mistakes, that the birds with five-foot wingspans hunting overhead aren’t marsh harriers at all but simply figments of people’s imagination, and that the otters repeatedly seen there by Environment Agency staff and professional zoologists are in fact just plain old mink. What a lot of silly mistakes, by people who really should know better! And what a relief to know that the main pit, featured on 19th century maps, and which Ely residents recall swimming in back in the 1930s, was actually a meadow until the 1940s. Given your correspondent's impressive grip on the facts, their confidence that the almost non-existent wildlife will flourish in the splendid new marina simply has to be taken seriously. Pip pip!
Letter sent in by:
Mr A.N. Ostrich, Hon. Secretary, Flat Earth Society (Ely & District Branch) PS - Maybe your talented correspondent could also help the developers with their promised wildlife survey.

Editorial Note.
PS. Remeber folks not to eat the crusts on your bread as it will make your hair curly.
PPS. It is better to let people think you are a fool, than to open your mouth and confirm it.

Ely Standard Press Cutting 1

2007-06-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

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This was the first meeting organised by the LCPRE and I hope a good step towards ensuring that the proposed development gets scuppered. However in the same paper I found the letter below from an obvious supporter of the proposed new marina. It was this letter (and attending the meeting that strengthened my resolve to do as much as I can for the site that has given and still gives me much pleasure. I have responded to the letter below and if published I will post the actual press cutting here. In the meantime I have posted a 'first draft' text version of the letter below.

Ely Standard Press Cutting 2

2007-06-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

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The above letter appeared in the 14th June edition of the Ely Standard. Below are the letters that followed in the next week’s edition in response to Mr. Issacson

Ely Standard Press Cutting 3

2007-06-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

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Cambridge Evening News 21st June 2007

2007-06-12T13:34:00.001-07:00

Funds lacking for haven bid says council
A COUNCIL has defended its decision not to make a public bid to buy a wildlife haven which is now the site for a new marina.
At a recent public meeting on the development at Roswell Pits in Ely, many local residents demanded to know why East Cambridgeshire District Council did not bid for the land when it was sold by the Thomas Parsons Charity to marina owner Jeremy Tyrrell in September 2006.
Now the council has said the charity did offer it the chance to bid for the land, but maintains it could not have raised the funds needed.
The depth of feeling in Ely over Roswell Pits was clear in the numbers that attended the public meeting - organisers Local Campaigners for the Protection of Rural Ely (LCPRE) estimated 300. The LCPRE says development at Roswell Pits threatens vital habitats for rare birds and animals and wants a nature reserve to be established.
But the council says a previous unsuccessful application for Government funding for a country park at Roswell Pits showed a bid was not an option. David Archer, the council's executive director of development, said: "In order to have bought the Roswell Pits, East Cambridgeshire District Council would have required a large amount of external funding, not only to purchase the site but to pay for the essential ongoing maintenance which would have been required.
"A bid to Government in 2005 for a country park for Ely that included Roswell Pits was unsuccessful and there were no further opportunities to acquire funding for the site before it was sold in 2006."
"The council currently does not have any plans to buy Roswell Pits."
It is thought land for the country park, a larger area that included Roswell Pits, was priced at £750,000 in 2005.
At last week's public meeting, a number of Ely residents expressed concern at hearing the council had declined the chance to bid. Michael Edwards earned a huge round of applause when he asked: "Why on earth weren't we told?"
Mr Tyrrell raised eyebrows at the meeting when he appeared to indicate he would "possibly" consider selling the land.
Dr Andrew Balmford of the LCPRE said he would put £1,000 on the table to mount a public bid.
But Mr Tyrrell is expected to submit a planning application for permanent narrowboat moorings within the next week.
21 June 2007

Ely Standard Press Cutting 4

2007-06-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

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