MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON

 AND STELLING MINNIS CHARITABLE TRUST

10 YEAR PLAN

Return to home page    Return to Index and Contents

Return to Managers of Stelling Minnis Common & Stelling Minnis Charitable Trust page

Read the Managers of Stelling Minnis Common and Stelling Minnis Charitable Trust response to the public meeting held in 2005

Note:  This page is still under construction.  Further detail will be added in the next few days.

1    POLICY STATEMENTS

There are a number of policy documents that affect Stelling Minnis Common. They include the North Downs AONB Policy Statements, the Defra Common Land Policy Statement, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW), The Law of Property Act of 1925 (Section 193) and the Commons Registration Act, 1965. The requirements of Defra under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme will also have implications for the way the site is managed.

Further information on all these policies is given below.

North Kent Downs AONB Policy Statements
There are a number of policies within the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan that are aimed at:

•  Conserving and enhancing landscape character and diversity.

•  Conserving and enhancing biodiversity.

•  Farming as a custodian of the landscape

•  Managing woodland and trees

•  Conserving and celebrating the past

•  Sustaining natural resources

•  Supporting vibrant communities

• Access, enjoyment and understanding.

Further details may be found within the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan (2004).

Department of Food and Rural Affairs Policy on Maintaining Commons
A new policy on Commons has recently been produced by Defra (Common Land Policy Statement – 2002 (a copy of this document may be found on the Defra website – www.defra.gov.uk )).

The most relevant statement within the document affecting this management plan refers to the Revision of the Section 194 decision criteria and is concerned with the decision as to whether to give or withhold consent for fencing or other works on Commons¹.

([1] Under Section 194 of the Law of Property Act 1925, the erection of any building or fence, or the construction of any work, which prevents or impeded access to land which was subject to rights of common on 1 January 1926, is unlawful unless the consent of the Secretary of State or National Assembly for Wales is obtained.)

The decision process is now designed to follow a detailed criteria which take account of:

• The interests of the public;

• The rights of the owners and commoners;

• The need for effective management of the common;

• The conservation of wildlife and its habitats and of natural and historic features; and

• Impact on rights of public access.
   

It is anticipated that the overall effect of this policy could be the support for fencing from the Secretary of State, either temporary or permanent, where it is needed in order to support the effective management of a Common and its conservation of wildlife, habitats and historic features.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
Part 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) gives the public a new right of access to mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land. It also recognises the needs of landowners and managers:

The new right will not extend to cycling, horse riding or driving a vehicle;
Land managers will be allowed to close land for up to 28 days each year;
There will not be access to gardens or parks or to cultivated land.

Further information on CROW is available from the Countryside Agency’s website: www.countryside.gov.uk.

The Law of Property Act of 1925 (Section 193)
The following is a copy of the Legal Document protecting Stelling Minnis Common. It has been taken from the Stelling Minnis website: www.stelling-minnis.co.uk.

LAW OF PROPERTY ACT, 1925. (Section 193)
STELLING MINNIS COMMON
Parish of Stelling Minnis, County of Kent

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT STELLING MINNIS COMMON is subject to the provisions of Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, under which members of the public have rights of access to the Commons for air and exercise.

1. If done on the Common without lawful authority, it is an offence for anyone exercising the aforesaid rights of access to the Common:-
(i) (a) To draw or drive any carriage, cart, caravan, truck or other vehicle otherwise than on a public carriage way.
(b) To camp.
(c) To light fires.

(ii)(a) To remove gravel, sand, soil or turf.
(b) To take or attempt to take fish from any pond or stream.
(c) To shoot or wilfully disturb, chase, or take game or other birds or animals.
(d) To permit dogs to chase game or other birds or animals or other-wise fail to keep dogs under proper control.
(e) To remove or attempt to remove birds' eggs or nests.
(f) To set traps, nets or snares for birds or animals.
(g) To permit horses, cattle, sheep or other animals to graze or stray.
(h) To bathe in any pond or stream.
(i) To post or paint bills, advertisements, placards or notices.
(j) To train or break in horses by grooms or others.
(k) To hold any show, exhibition or fair or place any swing, roundabout or other like thing.
(l) To construct or place any building, tent, booth, stall, fence, post, railing, trench, pit, roadway or other similar structure or work for any purpose.
(m) Generally to injure or disfigure the land or interfere with the use thereof by the public for the purpose of air and exercise.

2. Any committing such any offence as aforesaid is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding 40 shillings for each offence.

3. The acts mentioned in paragraph 1 (ii) are forbidden by reason of the limitations and conditions imposed by an Order dated the Fifteenth day of March, 1954, made by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries under the said section 193.

4. The said Order with the relative plan has been deposited at the Public Record Office, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.2, and a certified copy has been deposited with the Council of the Rural District of Elham in which the land is situated. The Order and the Copy will be open to inspection during ordinary office
hours.

W. G. TROWER,
M. E. PUMPHREY,
Dated 17th March, 1954.
Lords of the Manor of Stelling Minnis.

All enquiries to: Stelling Minnis Preservation Committee,
Post Office, Stelling Minnis.
 

Commons Registration Act 1965
The Minnis is Fully Registered under The Commons Registration Act, 1965. The 1965 Act defines Common land as ‘land subject to rights of common (as defined in this Act) whether those rights are exercisable at all times or only during limited periods’ and ‘waste land of a manor not subject to rights of common’ (Defra, 2002).


Vehicular Access Across Commons
The Law of Property Act 1925 says that it is an offence to draw or drive any carriage, cart, caravan, truck or other vehicle on the Common other than on a public carriage way if done without lawful authority.
 

This is reinforced by CROW which, whilst giving the public a new right of access to registered common land does not extend to driving a vehicle.

It is understood (Charlie Gooch pers. comm..) that with regards to Stelling Minnis Common a number of householders have a legal right of way across the Common to reach their homes.

Countryside Stewardship Scheme
Stelling Minnis Common is currently under a Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreement that will run from 1st October 2003 – 30th September 2013.

Defra have given the following management prescriptions that will apply to all agreement land (unless otherwise agreed):

“Inorganic or organic (e.g. farmyard manure) fertiliser, lime, slurry, sewage sludge or slag, must not be applied.

Pesticides must not be applied except for the control of spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broadleaved dock, common ragwort or, with prior Defra agreement, nettles. Application must be by weed wiper or spot treatment. All pesticides must be applied in accordance with the Control of Pesticide Regulations 1986 and follow the Code of Good Practice for the safe use of pesticides on farms and holdings.

There must be no ploughing or other cultivation, reseeding, rolling or chain harrowing.

There must be no new drainage or major modification to existing drainage systems. This includes subsoiling and mole ploughing. on Agreement land.

There must be no use of metal detectors or ground disturbance on sites of archaeological interest without prior written consent from Defra.

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme also provides guidelines for stocking rates in the form of Livestock Units (LU) per hectare, which will need to be used when calculating rates for Stelling Minnis Common:

Dairy Cow 1.0
Beef Cow (excluding calf) 1.0
Cattle over 2 years old 1.0
Cattle 6 months to 2 years 0.6
Lowland ewe and lamb 0.15
Hill ewe 0.10
Ram and teg over 6 months 0.15
Horse 1.0
Pony 0.6

2. DESCRIPTION

2.1 General information
2.1.1 Site Name: Stelling Minnis Common

2.1.2 Ownership: The Common is privately owned by the Trustees of the Estate of the late Lord Tomlin who held the title of ‘Lord of the Manor’.

Contact: Mr C Gooch (Land Agent)
FPD Savills
72 High Street
Sevenoaks
Kent TN13 1JR
Tel No: 01732 789730
Fax: 01732 789777
Email: sevenoaks@fpdsavills.co.uk

2.1.3 Tenure: Freehold.

2.1.4 Management Infrastructure: The Common is managed by The
Managers of Stelling Minnis Common, a group appointed by the Trustees.

Contact: Mrs A Day  (e-mail: annday1010@tiscali.co.uk)
Secretary & Treasurer

2.1.4.1 Right of Common: Under the Commons Registration Act of 1965, some 46 properties abutting onto the Minnis registered Rights of Common. These rights are Grazing of Animals and Estovers. At the time of Registrations, the total numbers of animals for which Rights were claimed was as follows:

Sheep 1040
Cattle 133
Geese 52
Horses 21
Goats 8
Donkeys 5
Pigs 2

Since the time of Registration, many properties have changed hands, been merged, or broken up.

An updated list of the Commoners is provided within the ‘Listings Book’. This book may be obtained through Mr C Gooch (Land Agent) FPD Savills, 72 High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1JR

Stelling Minnis Common has a Commoners’ Association. At the time of writing, it is believed that no Commoners take advantage of their rights.

2.1.5 Area: Approximately 124.17 acres, or 50.27 hectares.
2.1.6 District: Shepway
2.1.7 Planning Authority: Shepway District Council
2.1.8 Location: Stelling Minnis Common is located in East Kent, approximately 6 miles south of the city of Canterbury. The Common is located between two villages, Bossingham to the north and Stelling Minnis to the south. The road between the two villages effectively bisects the Common.

2.1.9 OS Grid Reference and Map Coverage: TR145 474
1:50 000 Landranger 179 – Canterbury and East Kent Area
1:25 000 Explorer 138 – Dover, Folkestone and Hythe

2.1.10 Access: The site has open access for the general public who have the right to “air and exercise”. The Common is crossed by a network of paths that link to adjoining public footpaths. Occupiers of certain properties have vehicular access across the Common.

2.1.11 Photographic Coverage: FPD Savills (Sevenoaks Office) has a set of aerial photographs showing on the properties on the Minnis in 1988.

A vast photographic record of the ancient Minnis exists through the Stelling Minnis and Upper Hardres Historical Society - visit web page for contact details and photograph library.

2.1.12 Compartments or Zones: The 1993 management plan (Nick Onslow) divided the Common into nine main compartments, with a number of sub-compartments. The 2004 habitat survey used these same compartments. However, for the purposes of management the compartments have been simplified to four. A map showing how the old and new compartments relate to each other has been enclosed within Figure 1.

2.2          Environmental Information

2.2.1       Physical:            The Common occupies a more-or-less flat area of land varying in height between 140-145 metres above sea level.

2.2.2       Climate:             The Climate for the area is typical of southeast England with what might be described as slightly better averages locally. 

The table below shows Climate Averages 1971-2000 U.K England and Wye, Kent (Source Meteorological Office Website)

2.2.3 Hydrology: There is no information currently available concerning the hydrology of Stelling Minnis Common.

2.2.4 Geology: The principle geology of the area is that of the North Downs. In outline the geology is largely that of the Cretaceous chalk gently folded by geological activity similar to that of the alpine folding of continental Europe. Subsequent activity has caused infilling and deposition by clays and gravels that may be resultant of riverine, surface and erosional activity.

2.2.5 Geomorphology/Landform: The Common is relatively flat and represents an area of Brick earth surrounded by clay. The Brick earth is possibly derived in origin from rocks such as the Thanet or Sandgate Beds and accounts for the acidic nature of the soils of the common.

2.2.6 Soils: The soil is a medium clay loam, overlying clay-with-flints, which in turn overlie chalk. The soil falls into category 1 in the soil water regime scale (soils with a permeable substrate but remote from ground water).

2.3 Biological
Please note that Compartment numbers given in the following text refer to the four management compartments shown in Figure 1.

2.3.1 Flora
The vascular plants of Stelling Minnis Common have been relatively-well studied over the last 15 years or so and a comprehensive plant list has been collated and included within Appendix 3.

One county rare vascular plant, western gorse Ulex gallii, is present on the site. This is its most easterly location in southern England. Western gorse is only recorded at two other sites in Kent – Aldington Frith and Clowes Wood (Philp, 1982).

The slightly acidic soils on the Common support a characteristic range of heathland plants that, whilst not of county importance, are none-the-less localised in terms of their distribution. These include ling Calluna vulgaris, harebell Campanula rotundifolia and heath bedstraw Galium saxatile.

One species of orchid, common spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii has been recorded growing in grassland in Compartment 2 (Colin Robbins, pers. comm.).

The lower plants appear to have been less well surveyed. Kent Wildlife Trust has records of two fungus forays having been organised by the Kent Field Club (7th November 1993 & 4th October 1998). Both visits took place during dry weather and recorded few species (indeed, no fungi at all were recorded during the 1998 visit). Joyce Pitt and a local resident, Rhona Sutherland, have provided some records, collected during 2004. The only records for lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) come from the Kent Field Club visits, supplemented by records collected by Joyce Pitt in 2004. Lists of the lower plants found on Stelling Minnis Common have been included within Appendices 4 - 6.
 

Only 56 species of fungi, 24 species of lichen and 15 species of bryophyte have been recorded. None are rare, but the giant puffball, recorded from woodland in Compartment 4, is of general interest because it is one of the most impressive of the British fungi – individuals the size of a football are not uncommon (see photo right).

2.3.2 Fauna
Lists of the fauna recorded from Stelling Minnis Common have been included within Appendices 7 - 11.

2.3.2.1 Mammals
A total of 14 mammal species have been reported from the Common including six that have some measure of protection under statutory legislation. The most important protected species are described below.

Much badger Meles meles activity was noticed on the Common and a number of setts were recorded on or adjacent to the Common. Badgers are protected under the Badgers Act, 1992 and listed on Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Explanations of the levels of protection may be found in the ‘Key to Abbreviations’ at the start of Appendix 2.

A local naturalist (Martin Newcombe pers. comm.) confirms the presence of dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius around the edges of the Common; he says that there is also an old record of dormouse taken from near the Rose and Crown Public House. Nick Onslow (in McDine (Ed) 1997) mentions pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus sp. and brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus on the Common. Both the dormouse and the bats are listed within the national Red Data Book and are protected under international and British legislation. The dormouse and the pipistrelle bat are also both listed within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a ‘Priority Species’. Explanations of these terms may be found in the ‘Key to Abbreviations’ at the start of Appendix 2.

2.3.2.2 Birds
There seems to have been little structured bird survey work on Stelling Minnis Common. Kent Ornithological Society has no records for the site, and the main survey information appears to date from two surveys carried out in 1982 and 1990. There are incidental records from several surveyors including Nick Onslow (in McDine, 1997) and Fred Booth (2004).

Kent Wildlife Trust has compiled records of 48 species of bird occurring on the Common (although Nick Onslow (in McDine, 1997) mentions that, ‘some 67 birds have been noted on or above the common in the last four years’).

Eight species of bird are included on the ‘Red List’ of the Birds of Conservation Concern 2002-2007 (linnet, yellowhammer, willow tit, house sparrow, bullfinch, turtle dove, starling, song thrush). The Red List contains species that are of high conservation concern. All the species here have been included because they have undergone a decline of more than 50% in their breeding population in the UK over the last 25 years.

Ten species of bird are included within the Kent Red Data Book (tree pipit, linnet, yellowhammer, spotted flycatcher, willow tit, house sparrow, bullfinch, goldcrest, turtle dove, song thrush). The Kent Red Data Book (2000) lists species that are considered to be rare and threatened in Kent.

2.3.2.3 Reptiles & Amphibians
There appears to have been no coordinated reptile and amphibian survey work undertaken on Stelling Minnis Common. The Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group has records of five species of amphibian dating from 1988. Kent Wildlife Trust carried out a brief survey in 2004 and recorded a number of adult and juvenile smooth newt Triturus vulgaris and common frog Rana temporaria tadpoles. The smooth newts were recorded from the pond near Ivy Cottage and from Coxsole Pond; the frog tadpoles were recorded from Coxsole Pond.

The great crested newt Triturus cristatus (historic record from 1988) is considered to be the most important amphibian recorded on the Common. It is protected under international and British legislation. It is also listed within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a ‘Priority Species’. Explanations of these terms may be found in the ‘Key to Abbreviations’ at the start of Appendix 2.

The Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group has no records of reptiles from Stelling Minnis Common. Kent Wildlife Trust has no historic records and, although a specific reptile search was conducted, no reptiles were recorded during the 2004 survey. However, Nick Onslow (in McDine, 1997) report that grass snake Natrix natrix, slow-worm Anguis fragilis and viviparous lizard Lacerta vivipara are well represented. These three species are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Protection is limited to killing/injury only.

2.3.2.4 Invertebrates
Invertebrate records for the Common appear to be limited. Most records come from Nick Onslow in 1992, supplemented with records collected by Norman Heal and Laurence Clemons during a Kent Field Club visit to the site on 24th July 1993.

Kent Wildlife Trust has compiled records of 19 species of butterfly, 66 species of moth, 76 species of beetle, three species of dragonfly and damselfly, one species of spider, four species of true bug, four species of fly, one earwig and four species of grasshoppers and crickets. Nick Onslow (in McDine, 1997) mentions that, ‘of the 25,000 British insect species, some 300 have been listed including 22 species of butterfly.’

There are three nationally notable beetles - Malthinus balteatus, Abdera biflexuosa and Anaspis thoracica. There are also records of 22 beetle species and seven moth species that, whilst not uncommon, are considered to be very localised in their distribution.

There is an interesting record of glow worm Lampyris noctiluca from the Common. Although they can be found on a wide range of soil types, glow-worms seem to be particularly abundant on chalk. The habitats where glow-worms occur generally support healthy populations of snails – the primary food source of this species (Tyler, 1994). This appears to go against the current situation at Stelling Minnis where snails are present in low numbers due to an absence of calcium from the acidic soils (Stuart, 2002).

2.4 Communities
A number of habitat surveys have been undertaken on the Common within the last 15 years. These include: The Phase 1 Habitat Survey of Kent, undertaken by KCC in the early 1990s; the Integrated Habitat Classification Survey of Kent, undertaken by KCC in the early 2000s; an updated Phase 1 Habitat Survey, specifically of the northern part of the Common carried out by Frances Stuart in 2002; and an extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey undertaken by Joyce Pitt in 2004 in connection with the revision of the management plan.

These surveys indicate that the main habitats found within Stelling Minnis Common are:

• Lowland Heathland Mosaic

• Wood Pasture

• Ponds

• Broadleaved Woodland and Scrub

• Intensively Managed Neutral Grassland
   

Further information on each of these main habitat types is given below. A copy of the Phase 1 Habitat Survey (2004) has been included within Appendix 12.

2.4.1    Lowland Heathland Mosaic

The largest block of heathy vegetation occurs to the east of Bossingham Road (Compartment 2; see photo right), although fragments of heathy vegetation are found throughout the main acid grassland mosaic (Compartments 2, 3, 4).  A map showing the distribution of this habitat type has been included within Figure 4.

Heathy vegetation tends to occur on thin, acid, sandy soils and is characterized by the presence of ling Calluna vulgaris, gorse Ulex europaeus and the county rare species western gorse Ulex gallii.  It is also often associated with bracken Pteridium aquilinum and seedling trees of birch Betula pendula and oak Quercus spp.

2.4.2    Wood Pasture

Wood Pasture has been defined here as the intricate mosaic of acid grassland and neutral grassland with scattered semi-mature trees and scrub.  It forms the primary habitat within Stelling Minnis Common and is found primarily within Compartments 2, 3 and 4 (see photo left).  A map showing the distribution of this habitat type has been included within Figure 3.

The acid grassland on the Common is typical of this habitat generally in that it is species-poor.  However, it supports a range of characteristic plant species such as harebell Campanula rotundifolia (see photo, right), pill sedge Carex pilulifera, heath bedstraw Galium saxatile, heath wood-rush Luzula multiflora and sheep’s sorrel Rumex acetosella.  There are also patches of bracken.  Shrubby species include the county rare western gorse and ling Calluna vulgaris.  Semi-mature trees include silver birch Betula pendula and pedunculate and sessile oak Quercus robur and Quercus petraea.

Generally speaking, it should be noted that much of the wood pasture (as defined above) is considered to be a fairly new habitat for the Common, developing as a result of a reduction in the intensity of grazing.   The trees that are growing here are relatively young and there are no large specimens of typical wood pasture trees present.

2.4.3    Ponds

Three ponds and one former pond were located on the Common:

• Pond opposite Yew Tree Cottage (Compartment 1).

• Pond near Ivy Cottage (Compartment 1).

• Coxsole Pond (Compartment 4).

• Former pond north of Bramble Cottage (Compartment 2).

A map showing the location of the ponds has been given in Figure 5.

All of the ponds were in a poor condition, overgrown and over-shaded.  The former pond north of Bramble Cottage had little evidence of any aquatic vegetation and is believed to have been holding water only because of recent rains at the time of the survey.

The ponds supported a range of aquatic plant species such as great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, yellow iris Iris pseudacorus, bulrush Typha latifolia, floating sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans, water-crowfoot Ranunculus aquatilis and common water-starwort Callitriche stagnalis.  Coxsole Pond supports a substantial patch of the highly invasive, non-native plant New Zealand stonecrop Crassula helmsii (see photo, right).

2.4.4    Broadleaved woodland and scrub

Blocks of woodland and scrub are scattered throughout the Common.  The largest blocks of woodland are present in Compartments 1 and 2.  A map showing the distribution of this habitat type has been included within Figure 7.

All of the woodland is considered to be secondary i.e. it is recent in origin (none of it is shown on the provisional Ancient Woodland Inventory for Kent (1994)).  It is primarily broadleaved and includes species such as pedunculate oak Quercus robur, birch Betula pendula, willow Salix spp., holly Ilex aquifolium, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and blackthorn Prunus spinosa.

The scrub was also recent in origin.  Much of it was dense and even-aged and supported species such as elder Sambucus nigra, hawthorn and sallow Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia, with young tree saplings of pedunculate oak and birch.  Patches of the county rare plant, western gorse and gorse Ulex europaeus have also been included within the scrub category.

2.4.5    Intensively Managed Neutral Grassland

The intensively managed neutral grassland on Stelling Minnis Common includes areas of grassland found predominantly at the southern end of the Common and along the western boundary.  It comprises the road verges, grassy tracks and paths and the grassy areas immediately outside houses (see photo, right).  It is also present in discrete areas elsewhere within the Common and generally occurs where soils are deeper, or where there has been enrichment or disturbance.  A map showing the main distribution of this habitat type has been enclosed within Figure 6.

This grassland was dominated by grasses and coarse species such as docks Rumex spp., thistles Cirsium spp., and nettles Urtica dioica.  Flowering plants were limited to very common species such as daisies Bellis perennis, buttercups Ranunculus spp., and plantains Plantago spp.. 

2.5      Cultural

2.5.1    Archaeological/Past Land Use

The following information has been taken directly from, ‘A Plan for the Grazing of Commoners’ Animals on the Common Land of Stelling Minnis in Kent (prepared by the Conservators of Stelling Minnis, 1985).  No additional research into Past Land Use has been undertaken. 

“Opinions on the origin of Stelling Minnis differ. 

One explanation is that of “Stealla’s people” – an ancient tribe.  Stealingas and Stellinges – 1086.  Stellinges – c. 1100.  Stelling – 1240. 

Another opinion suggests ‘Stelling’ as ‘stalling’, e.g. a place of shelter for animals.

Minnis – in the Old English “gemaennes” – means “land held in common” or “land of the community”.

Stelling Minnis is one of the last manorial Commons remaining in Kent

Stelling Minnis was recorded in the Domesday Book as part of the possessions of Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, and half-brother of King William.

Stelling Minnis is one of the very few remaining unenclosed and largely unaltered relics of the mediaeval manors and one that is therefore worthy of preservation in its true state and entirety for the good of the County of Kent and its people.

This was the “Lords Waste” of the Manor of Stelling.

There were other “minnises”, but many of them have disappeared (viz: Swingfield, Rhodes, etc.).

The “waste” was a parcel of land reserved for the serfs and labourers who did not own land of their own which they could cultivate either individually or collectively.  On this land they were allowed to graze their cow, goat, sheep or pig; to collect firewood, forage and bedding, in the form of bracken and furze, and material to roof their hovels and to try to improve their wretched existence.

Later, many were to enclose small portions of land (either legally or illegally) by “casting up a dyke”, planting a quickthorn hedge atop of it and so making an enclosure.  There are a few typical examples on the Minnis today of this type of enclosure.  Some were driven off almost immediately, others survived and passed on their enclosures.

The survivors’ descendents became the farmers and smallholders of later years, putting out their cattle and sheep and so acquiring “Prescriptive Rights” over the pasture and other growths.

Years later, these Rights, which had always been jealously guarded, were to be confirmed under the Commons Registration Act of 1965.

But it was not easy to continue to use them on account of a process called ”civilisation”!

We explain how this affected Stelling Minnis later in this document.

Stelling Minnis in Hasted’s time

The great historian of Kent, HASTED, in his ‘History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent’ (1778-1799) wrote as follows:

“The heath called Stelling Minnis, comprehends most of the parish, extending across it and a considerable way beyond.  It is along the whole of it interspersed with houses and cottages, many of which are built on the middle of it, with fields and orchards taken out of it and inclosed around them, which form altogether an uncommon and not unpleasant scene, the inhabitants of them being as rude and wild as the country they live in.  These dwellings on the Minnis may be said to form the village of Stelling, for there is no other.  A little beyond the Minnis stands the Church, on a hill, and a little further the Court Lodge, at the northwest boundary of the parish.”

Thus we see that a lot of “casting up of dykes” and “inclosing” had taken place by Hasted’s time.

He implies that the Minnis was large – probably much larger before the Inclosure Act of 1845 – for there is a larger acreage of freehold land to the south of the present Minnis known to locals as ‘High Minnis’.

Stelling Minnis in Napoleonic times

There was a huge encampment of troops on and around Stelling Minnis at the time of the Napoleonic Wars.  They were there to repel a possible landing by the Emperor on the southeast coast.  The last relic of this period (knocked down many years ago and replaced by the present line of Council dwellings known as ‘Minnis Green’) was Barrack Cottages.

The Minnis up to the 1920s

We know that Stelling Minnis was in active use as a grazing area for Commoners’ animals until a few years after the First World War.  Field gates stood across the public highways where they entered the Minnis.  We have indications of this from the names of properties – Hatch Farm and Gate Cottage – and older residents have clear memories of the gates.

So, the Minnis interior could be safely grazed by the Commoners’ sheep and cattle.

“Livestock Grazing” highway warning signs are proudly preserved at the entrances to the Minnis.

‘Civilisation’ comes to Stelling Minnis

With the post World War One era came the time of the motor car and motor bus.  Before that, the residents lived in a ‘pony and trap’ age and no-one minded getting off to open and close gates.

But soon the protective gates fell into disuse – and it is suspected that some were helped on their way to extinction by the automotive entrepreneurs!

Grazing virtually ceased when the gates went, though “controlled” grazing continued on a small scale until the late 1950s.”

A traditional cattle and sheep ‘fair’ was held twice a year on the Minnis for over a century.  Apparently, due to rising costs, this event became uneconomic for the Auctioneers and the ‘fair’ was discontinued in 1984 (The Conservators of Stelling Minnis, 1985; McDine, 1997).

2.5.2    Present Land Use

Stelling Minnis Common is well used by the general public for informal recreation, dog-walking and horse-riding. 

A number of local residents have the rights of vehicular access across the Common to reach their homes.

There is also some dumping (particularly of garden rubbish and litter), fenced and un-fenced encroachment of the Common, planting of non-native species on the Common and parking (Onslow, 1993).

2.5.3    Past Management – Nature Conservation

The following information concerning the early nature conservation management of Stelling Minnis Common has been provided by Ann Day.

“In the 1970s, the Conservators of the Stelling Minnis called for a public meeting after complaints from the inhabitants about the state and lack of maintenance on the Minnis.  The Conservators informed the meeting that they did not have any funds and it was at this meeting that, ‘The Friends of Stelling Minnis’ were formed by several local people (including Ann Day).  In the following years the Friends raised on average about £2000 per annum and this was spent as frugally as possible to mow and clear the Minnis where possible.  Also clearance parties were formed to remove all detritus, dead wood and brambles.”

The following information has been summarised from the Minutes of the Meeting of the Trustees and Managers of Stelling Minnis Common (13^th Jan 2003).

In 1993, the Common was accepted into the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and a structured Management Plan was produced by Nick Onslow.

“The key features were:

• The planned clearance and control of scrub carried out in a manner which preserved the character of the Common whilst following accepted conservation management principles which maximised diversity of aspect, age structure and graded edges.

• Scrub clearance and management that favoured native species and controlled invasive aliens.

• Scrub management that favoured gorse and heather by selective cutting, careful micro-management and targeting areas where recolonisation by heathland flora was most likely to happen.

• Grassland management which would favour heathland species.

• Pond management.

• Bracken control – focussing on latent and relict heath areas.”

The site was grazed by sheep for a few years, but the practice was discontinued due to operational difficulties. The grazing was replaced by, “an intensive mowing and raking regime. This has been the single greatest annual cost for the Managers.”

The original Countryside Stewardship Scheme expired in 2003. This was renewed and runs from 1st October 2003 – 30th September 2013.

The photograph on the right shows grazing on Stelling Minnis, to the rear of ‘Tralee’, in 1989. The photograph was taken by Judith Baker and passed to Kent Wildlife Trust during the public consultation exercise in January 2005.

2.5.4 Present Conservation Status
The Common to the north of Crown Lane has been designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SH29: Stelling Minnis Common & Church Wood). This means that the site is considered to be of county wildlife importance. Whilst this is a voluntary designation, the information is passed to English Nature and the Local Authority for consideration for inclusion within the Local Plan. A copy of the schedule has been enclosed within Appendix 1.

The site was first designated in 1985 and revised in May 2003. The reasons for designation are as follows:
“Most of this site consists of the Common, which is an important area of unimproved acid grassland and heath (both rare habitats in Kent) with scrub. Key species include tree pipit and willow tit (UK Red List), and western gorse (rare in Kent).”

The block of heathy vegetation to the east of Bossingham Road (Compartment 2) has been omitted from the designation. It will be included at the next revision.

Stelling Minnis Common lies within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was designated in July 1968. The three main purposes of AONB designation are:

• To conserve and enhance natural beauty.

• In pursuing this main objective, account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry, other rural industries, and of the economic and social needs of local communities.

• The demand for recreation should be met in so far as it is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.

2.5.4 Landscape
Stelling Minnis Common occupies a linear area bordering the Stelling Minnis to Bossingham Road for approximately 1-1½ miles. The topography is level with scattered areas of scrub vegetation and trees. To each side the Common merges into private dwellings and agricultural land delineated by unobtrusive barriers of hedges in places obscuring more substantial fences.

The Kent Downs AONB is characterised by the presence of chalk downland and woodland shaws. Stelling Minnis Common sits on a sandy ‘lens’ which has given rise to its acid grassland and heathy areas and, in a landscape context, it is unique within the AONB.

2.5.5 Public Interest/Community Relations
There is a great deal of interest shown by local residents in the state and management of Stelling Minnis Common. In the past the perception has been that there has been a certain amount of reluctance by the Managers and Owners to involve residents in decisions about management to the extent that, on occasion, residents have complained of a sense of disenfranchisement with the overall management of the Common.

The undesirable nature of this situation was recognised by the owners and Managers over two years ago and a number of new managers were appointed to widen community involvement. Additionally, the Parish Council is invited to send a representative to all Managers meetings.

There was an extensive public consultation process as part of the production of this plan aimed at redressing the balance. The results of the public consultation were taken into account by the Managers when considering the extent of management work that would be included within this management plan.

2.5.6 Educational Use/Facilities
The local school (Stelling Minnis CEP School, Bossingham Road, Stelling Minnis) incorporates activities on the Common within its educational work. Currently the school is working with Creative Kent to prepare a history of the flora and fauna of the Minnis (Andrew Barchi, pers. comm.). The Headteacher (Mrs B. Norman) is keen to extend the use made of the Common.

The school has also been working with educational staff from Kent Wildlife Trust to explore the educational opportunities provided by the Common.

There are no facilities, such as car/coach parking, toilets, teaching shelter, pond-dipping platforms or hand-washing facilities.

2.5.7 Research Use/Facilities
A Management Plan and Phase 1 survey of the area of Common to the north of Crown Lane was produced by Frances Stuart (2002) as part of an undergraduate course.

The Common is periodically visited by members of the Kent Field Club. Results are normally published in the Bulletin of the Kent Field Club, produced annually.

2.5.8 Recreational Use/Facilities
Recreational use of the Common is low key (see under Present Land Use for further details).

There are no facilities, such as car parking, toilets or official play areas.


2.6 Bibliography
Betts, C.J. 2001. Checklist of Protected British Species. Christopher Betts Environmental Biology, Worcester.

Bright, P., Morris, P., & Mitchell-Jones, A. 1996. Dormouse Conservation Handbook. English Nature, Peterborough.

Defra. 2002. The Common Lands of Kent: A biological survey. Rural Surveys Research Unit (University of Wales, Aberystwyth).

Fungus Conservation Forum. Managing your land with fungi in mind. Fungus Conservation Forum.

Gregory, R.D., Wilkinson, N.I., Noble, D.G., Robinson, J.A., Brown, A.F., Hughes, J., Procter, D.A., Gibbons, D.W., and Galbraith, C.A. 2002. The population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man: an analysis of conservation concern 2002-2007. British Birds 95: 410-450.

Kent Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group. 1997. The Kent Biodiversity Action Plan. Kent County Council.

Kent Downs AONB. 2004. Kent Downs AONB - A management Plan for 2004-2009. Kent Downs AONB Unit.

McDine (Ed.). 1997. Bossingham & Stelling Minnis Memories. Windmill Publishing Consultants, Mill Cottage, Mill Lane, Stelling Minnis, Kent CT4 6AF.

Onslow, N. 1993. Stelling Minnis Common Management Plan. Unpublished.

Philp, E.G. 1982. Atlas of the Kent Flora. Kent Field Club.

Stuart, F. 2002. Draft Management Plan, Stelling Minnis Common. Unpublished.

The Conservators of Stelling Minnis. 1985. A Plan for the Grazing of Commoners’ Animals on the Common Land of Stelling Minnis in Kent. Unpublished.

Tyler, J. 1994. Glow-worms. Tyler-Scagel, Tadorna, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3DH.

Waite, A (Ed). 2000. Kent Red Data Book. Kent County Council.
 

Figure 1:

Stelling Minnis compartment map

Because of Ordnance survey copyright restrictions this map is only available on application to the Managers and conservators of Stelling Minnis Common.  Click here for more information on obtaining a copy of the map.

(The Minnis is divided into 4 compartments numbered 1-4 from North to South East.)

3. CONFIRMATION OF FEATURES

3.1 The site in wider perspective and implications for management
The management history of Stelling Minnis Common appears to be reasonably well-documented and will be of valuable assistance in determining the forces that have shaped the Common, as well as contributing the decisions for appropriate ongoing management.

Stelling Minnis Common is likely to be of increasing biological importance as the heath/heather regeneration increases and, if grazing is successfully re-established, it could potentially become a model for other sites where landowners, managers and communities wish to consider grazing as an effective management tool. In addition, Stelling Minnis Common has the potential to be of regional importance in contributing to our increasing knowledge of habitat management techniques.

3.2.1 Provisional list of important features
The important features listed within this section have come from the SNCI schedule and from biological information collated as part of the management planning process.