We understand that residents are becoming worried about a possible lack of water for the Forest animals in this unusually prolonged period without rain.

We would like to assure everyone that the animals DO know where to find water. It is actually rarely far away, even if some of the usual watering holes have dried up.

Putting out water in buckets and other receptacles for the animals is very counterproductive and dangerous and we ask Forest residents not to do it.

A story was related to our office last week which shows exactly why putting out water is not a good idea….

Planning Meeting date change – August

Posted on July 24, 2018 by ehiparishcouncil in Parish News, Planning Committee Agenda, Planning Committee Minutes.

Please note the next meeting of the Planning Committee has been brought forward from 14th August to 7th August. It will start at 7.30pm in Ellingham Church Hall.

Suspicious Behaviour

Posted on July 23, 2018 by ehiparishcouncil in Parish News, Stay safe.

In Hyde, a neighbour has reported one or two men behaving suspiciously on his property in Pentons Hill on 19 July. He was in his house when he heard voices close by. On looking out of the window he saw a man described as of middle European appearance wearing a dark jacket (in these hot temperatures) and a baseball cap. When he was spotted he pointed to the front door of the house. When the householder went to the front door, the man had disappeared rapidly and was nowhere to be seen.

Please be aware of people behaving suspiciously, particularly in this hot weather when you may have doors and windows open.

Water for Forest Animals

Posted on July 23, 2018 by ehiparishcouncil in Animals of the Parish, Environment, Parish News.

At the Verderers court yesterday a statement was read out by the court with a plea for people NOT to put out buckets of water out for forest animals – specifically in this area.

There is still plenty of water on the Forest at places like Blissford and Moyles Court, and in the mires, and the forest animals are well able to find it.

The main issue raised by the official Verderer was concern that the lead pony or cow drank all the water provided by residents, and then did not take the rest of the herd to water.

Also they were concerned that putting out water brings the livestock on to the road and puts them in danger from traffic. Although they may be well intentioned, residents who put out water for livestock are actually making the situation worse.