Cranborne Chase

Area of Cranfield Chase across Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire borders.

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Cranborne Chase AONB Joint Landscape Partnership

It was the Cranborne Chase AONB Joint Landscape Partnership Workshop held on 23 November in Sixpenny Handley that drew attention to that wider county-based heritage. As noted above, this area is described as ‘overlapping’ four counties and which includes those distinctive lengths of the DCB explored by GH and AM. Both have conducted further research and written up papers respectively on Handley/Chalke and Ringwood/Damerham A-S charter bounds – and which remain ‘on hold,’ publication pending. It was shortly after launching the DCB survey (prompted by the Up/Lyme length) that KB held a short-term contract at the AONB as to research and write-up the medieval deer parks of this designated area – her attention almost immediately drawn to the fact that the AONB ‘embraced’ many miles of historic shire boundary and which (like the Up/Lyme length) had hitherto seemed to have escaped attention.

The current AONB Landscape Project is such to invite conservation, management and a wider ‘acknowledgement’ of these demonstrably historic lengths – one not restricted to Bokerley Dyke. The Joint Landscape Partnership Project is worth some £2 million and is to involve local groups and societies as to enhance and promote the landscapes of this area. There are certainly a range of unique opportunities presented here. And which have already attracted great interest by Roger Goulding. Do join us all on 7 February – a meeting not to be missed!

Next Meeting

6 April will be a field meeting near Shaftesbury so please note the information below.

The activities of our Research Group are organised informally, and by joining in any of our outdoor events you do so entirely at your own risk, and we accept no liability for those who participate. If you wish to join us you are reminded that you must rely on your own ability and experience to gauge the difficulty and severity of the activity and the route or terrain involved, and you will be responsible for your own safety at all times. Any decision to continue or discontinue any walk or activity at any point is entirely your own choice, and you are reminded that you should have appropriate clothing, rainwear and footwear, and carry sun protection, food and drink adequate for the weather and the duration of the walk or excursion.