Beeswax Dyson Farming - workshop conversion

Wasps Nest

I refer to my blog dated 11 Apr 2017.

I see the renovation and conversion work for the old workshop has commenced.

The proposed use of the building will provide facilities for functions, meetings and staff training which are associated with Beeswax Dyson Farming Ltd. The building will not be hired out to private individuals or organisations.

Plate 1: South west elevation [dated 24 Mar 2018]

Plate 2: North west elevation [dated 24 Mar 2018]

There will be sleeping accommodation on the first floor for temporary farm workers, generally  student workers during the busy harvest period. The workers will be employed on a bed and board basis, therefore no cooking facilities will be provided to the individual bedroom units. The temporary staff will have access to the kitchen facilities for cooking and the making of drinks. 

The building will generally be used for functions during normal daytime hours. Although occasional events may take place during the evening and night. If this is the case, then any neighbouring residents will be advised well in advance. A curfew could be put in place should this be required.

Additional staff will be employed as and when they are required for specific events.

Parish Council - update from Ben Wills

Beeswax Dyson Farming

There was an update from Ben Wills of Beeswax Dyson Farming about current and proposed developments on their Nocton Estate at the Parish Council meeting on 12 Dec 2017.

I have supplemented this report with more information from the internet:

Nocton Wood House - new admin centre

The mezzanine and office fit out was completed by Acorn Partitions & Storage Systems Ltd: "This involved a conversion of the large estate building into modern commercial offices.  The works included interior design by the in-house design team, installation of a mezzanine floor and staircase, glass partitions to create offices and meeting rooms, decoration works and supply of all office furniture."

The Beeswax team moved into their newly refurbished premises on Monday 11 December.

Nocton Wood House

photo by James Thompson [Instagram]

Nocton Wood House

photo by Geoff Hall [15 Dec 2017]

Nocton Woods - Farm Complex

The new complex is pretty much complete as envisaged in the planning application 16/0654/FUL. With the access to the new facilities this year, it has resulted in an 'easy' harvest.

There is another planning application 17/1703/FUL under consideration, for a new potato store building. This will be located alongside the Amenity Block on the new farm complex and will be set back on the site to minimise its impact on the horizon from Wasp's Nest. In any case, the ridge height of the building will be much lower than the Grain Store. Furthermore, the protective 'bund', when fully planted out, will also help merge everything into the landscape.

The plans are to grow potatoes on circa 150 hectares of land, producing somewhere in the region of 7,500 tonnes. The potato plant has a high water requirement and a shallow rooting system, making it vulnerable to drought. However, as reported in my blog dated 02 Jun 2017 about my visit to the Nocton estate, the irrigation factors are well catered for.

Amenity Block and Grain Store

photo by Geoff Hall [15 Dec 2017]

Newly-constructed bund

photo by Geoff Hall [15 Dec 2017]

Bund from public footpath

photo by Geoff Hall [15 Dec 2017]

Bund from Wasp's Nest estate road

photo by Geoff Hall [15 Dec 2017]

Nocton Estate - access

The new access road to the farm complex has been very successful at removing heavy farm machinery away from those areas with public access. However, there have been occasional issues with pedestrians, cyclists and motorists using this new access as a public highway - when in fact it is a private road only to be used for farm business.

Beeswax Dyson Farming don't really want to install barriers on each junction so are considering other measures e.g. signage. The new road will be named 'Cyclone Way', chosen by Sir James Dyson after an internal competition for suitable suggestions.

The Old Sleaford Road access at Top Lodge is now going to have stone walls and pillars reinstated to deter any heavy plant and machinery turning down this road. The plan is to try and reproduce what the entrance was like from old photographs, even down to replacing the Dragons holding the Ripon Coat of Arms on the top of the pillars if these can be located.

The Marquess of Ripon's Coat of Arms incorporates a shield depicting three 'stags at bay' and an inverted V, with a central smaller shield embossed with a Royal Coat of Arms of three rampant lions, a harp and two roses.
[Source: 'Nocton: The Last Years of an Estate Village - Vol 1 by Sheila Redshaw and Sue Morris]

Top Lodge gateway - off Sleaford Old Rd

Dragons holding the Ripon Coat of Arms

Wasp's Nest - Old Fen Workshop

There is a planning application 17/0347/FUL relating to the conversion of this old workshop into a building for functions, meetings and staff training. It is hoped this work will commence soon.

Use of new technology

The use of imaging technology is being used to great effect, highlighting those areas of crop that require more fertilisation or irrigation. The spraying machinery can target specific areas, rather than treating the whole area, saving on wastage and unnecessary costs.

'Beeswax Dyson Farming is high on technology with widespread use of drones and self-drive tractors and machinery. Small agricultural robots, now being tested, are forecast to replace large tractors with major savings in costs.'

Source: https://www.farmweb.co.uk/news-events/newsletters/2017/farmweb-news-29112017/

Developments in corporate culture are to be found too

'Beeswax Dyson Farming, Britain’s largest farming company, invests considerably more of its profits back into the environment than EU law requires. From anaerobic digesters that turn waste food into electricity to drones which save bird nests from combine harvesters, Beeswax Dyson is fully committed to a policy of environmental and wildlife protection.

In its owner’s own words, ‘We do far, far more than we need to’.'

Source: http://www.cps.org.uk/blog/q/date/2017/11/24/would-the-environment-be-safe-in-the-free-market-s-hands/

Red telephone box - Wasps Nest

Refurbishment complete

I refer to my blog dated 11 Oct 2017 and can report the red telephone box at Wasps Nest has now been fully refurbished.

Refurbished telephone box at Wasps Nest

What a super job. It will be interesting to see how this will be used... perhaps it can be used as a source of history relating to Wasps Nest?

Why is it called Wasps Nest?

There are many theories. One story that seems to hold more credence than others was related by an old woman [Granny Clayton] who used to live down Nocton Fen. According to her, the original Wasps Nest was a building that had an outer door from every room to the yard - a bit like the cells of a wasp's nest. It was rumoured to be a haunt of highwaymen in years past, as it provided many alternative escape routes. There was even a priest's hole located in the chimney to provide a convenient hiding place.

The cottages and houses on the fen never had electricity or mains water. The estate management decided not to spend money modernising these buildings, but concentrated on modernising the tied properties in the main villages of Dunston and Nocton. Over time, the fen families were moved into the village properties, leaving many of the fen properties vacant and abandoned. These were then demolished during the 1960's.

The remaining houses near the top of the fen at Wasps Nest were saved from demolition by their comparative good state of repair.

There used to be an active Nocton Fen Social Club at Wasps Nest for the use of the many people who lived down the fen. The Wasp Nest Hall was used just like the other two village halls at Nocton and Dunston. It was finally closed in 1959 due to the reduction in population on the fen.

Nocton Fen Rd, Wasps Nest - with estate access bridge over Carr Dyke

Abbey Hill Cottages, Wasps Nest - footbridge over Carr Dyke

Nocton Park Priory

Just above Wasp Nest is an area known as Abbey Hill containing old ruins [Explorer 272 GR 07736478]. This was an old Priory for Black Canons of the Order of St Augustine - so called from the colour of their robes. There are no ruins above ground, with only the undulations and mounds in the land showing where the foundations are located.

It was Robert D'Arcy who founded the Priory in the Park at Nocton, dedicated to St Mary Magdelene for a Prior and four Canons of the Order of St Augustine. The only remains of it are some large stones, broken hillocks and uneven turf on the rising ground which overlooks Nocton Fen. Some broken pottery was found on the site a few years ago and presented to Lincoln Museum. The ashes of a Mr JH Dennis (who latterly owned the Nocton Estate) are scattered in a small fenced enclosure on the site.

There is an eight page ‘Information Sheet’ published by Lincolnshire County Council: Lincolnshire Museums. It was written and compiled by Timothy Ambrose, City and County Museum, Lincoln - July 1979. The sheet is titled ‘Nocton Park Priory’ and is referenced: Archaeology Series No. 15.

There was a searchlight battery stationed on the Abbey Hill during the 2nd World War, owing to the number of important bomber airfields located nearby. There was even a dummy airfield laid out at Partridge Farm on the fen, consisting of reflectors and lights, which were switched on to confuse enemy fighters when they were in the area.

Sources:

1. Nocton: The Last Years of an Estate Village Vol 1 - by Sheila Redshaw and Sue Morris
2. A Lincolnshire Lad Looks Back - by Len Woodhead
3. Historic England
4. Lincolnshire County Council - Information Sheet Archaeology Series No.15 - Nocton Park Priory

Red telephone box

Wasp's Nest

I refer to my blog dated 13 April 2017 and can now advise the old BT box at Wasp's Nest has now been removed, presumably for refurbishment.

The formal Parish Council Minutes dated 9 May 2017 have further information on the matter... and the next time the topic was discussed was during the meeting held on 11 July 2017.

I will report again when it is back in situ and provide some images to see what has been achieved.

Footnote
I noticed the absence of the telephone box during my 6-mile run around the estate this morning, so don't know exactly when it was removed.

Please feel free to comment on this article if you have any further information. 

Nocton Estate - major improvements

Beeswax Dyson Farming

I would like to thank Ben Wills (Head of Property) for inviting me for a tour of the many improvements taking place on Nocton Estate. It was good to be introduced to James Thompson (Head of Farming) too.

Nocton Estate - plan

Overall, I found this a most interesting visit and was left very impressed with the professionalism of management, the ethical aims of this company and extent of investment involved in this major project.

This is a report of my visit and the many facets of work currently being undertaken.

New relief road

Steady progress is being made with the new road foundations, involving tonnes of crushed stone. The local stone is rather too soft for effective compacting, therefore road stone is having to be sourced elsewhere and trucked in. To avoid the edges of the road breaking up on completion, an innovative process will be used to lay the kerbing.

Relief road - under construction

Instead of installing pre-cast concrete kerbs, a powered machine will pour and shape concrete kerbing in a continuous flow, forming the boundary of the road surface. I believe the official term is slip-form construction. A top surface will then be laid to complete the new road.

However, there is yet more stone to be laid before this work can take place and currently the contractors are constructing the bridleway crossing point between Nocton/Dunston. Public access between the two villages is being maintained throughout the construction work.

Cricket field

New fencing has been erected around the cricket pitch and gates inserted for easy access/egress to the surrounding field. Beeswax Dyson Farming have also been instrumental in improving the grounds with heavy rolling.

Support may yet extend to refurbishing/renewing the old cricket pavilion, which is now reaching the end of its lifespan. This would transform the area and improve the facilities no end for Nocton Cricket Club.

Nocton Cricket Club - super location

Nocton Wood House

It has been decided to convert this residential property into the main Head Office of the company administration. This will involve converting rooms into offices, creating a boardroom and opening out the interior. There will also be a couple of self contained flats for any overnight visitors

As part of this work, a large ground to roof level window will be inserted to the right of the main entrance, with a similar window to the rear, allowing clear and panoramic views over the countryside.

Contractors are already on-site and work is ongoing to make the necessary changes. This will create a unique working environment for the administration staff of the Beeswax Dyson Farming empire.

Nocton Wood House - 2012

Farm complex

The construction of this huge complex is well underway. The concrete apron is currently being poured and the main access to the yard is almost complete.

Grain store and amenity block - a major development

The grain store has been fully erected and fitting out is underway in readiness for the main harvest this year. I think it is fair to say that Beeswax Dyson Farming have been struggling somewhat with the existing facilities on the estate. This new complex will therefore transform operations, enabling greater efficiency and improving cost effectiveness too.

The main steelwork for the amenity block has now been erected and will incorporate many facilities:

• a shower-block with lockers and canteen
• a weighbridge office
• a farm office with meeting rooms
• a laboratory
• a chemical store
• a sprayer fill area
• a workshop and materials/equipment store
• a covered storage area for plant/machinery

Amenity block erected - concrete apron being laid

Whilst the new farm complex is well-sited in the landscape, further measures will take place to screen the facility from Wasp's Nest residents. The land adjacent to the private farm track will be raised by an embankment and will be planted with vegetation for this purpose.

Farm complex - view from Wasp's Nest

Nocton Wood

It could be argued that over the years Nocton Wood has been somewhat neglected, becoming rather overgrown and uncared for. Some people think that woods are better left untouched to become a haven for wildlife, but that is not always beneficial. Left unchecked, invasive species can take over and light will be restricted by a congested canopy. With traditional woodland practices on the decline, many woods now lack open space and sunlight on the woodland floor, restricting those flowers and butterflies that favour open-space environments.

Nocton Wood - invasive rhododendrons

I am therefore pleased to report that Beeswax Dyson Farming have continued to thin out and care for the woodland. Not only does this provide supplies of timber and coppice products, but will also create a diversity of habitat.

Nocton Wood - timber awaiting removal

Some of our best-loved woodland wildlife depends for its survival on woodland management – woodland wild flowers and butterflies flourish in these traditionally managed woods. Woodland management doesn't mean being too clinical with clearance though. By leaving dead wood and old trees, birds like woodpeckers, lots of interesting beetles and a range of fascinating fungi can be encouraged too.

Fascinating fungi

I happened to mention to Ben about The Nine Brethren that is thought to be an ancient boundary marker. I was encouraged to hear that work is taking place to halt its decline, by diverting the old track from the base of this ancient tree, thus avoiding any further compression/damage to its root expanse, aiding it to recover. Nocton Wood is an important non-SSSI site for the area and deserves careful attention.

Promoting wildlife corridors

Extensive work has been undertaken to create margins and meadows for wildflowers and grasses to promote and sustain wildlife around the farm. This has been quite a challenge in that farming soil is generally very fertile and yet wildflowers require poor soils to thrive. Numerous owl boxes have been erected around the estate to promote nesting sites for these lovely birds and these are starting to be occupied already.

Nocton Estate - wildflower meadow

One of the many owl boxes

Inquisitive lapwing

Subsidies and Brexit

I asked about the potential impacts of leaving the EU and unsurprisingly find that Beeswax Dyson Farming are already in talks with the Country Land and Business Association Limited (CLA) over this matter.

With regard to Countryside Stewardship grants, these are protected for the time being. Yet even if they were to continue, the Beeswax Dyson Farming empire have already invested far in excess of the grant returns currently.

I understand that on average, 60% of farm incomes come in the form of EU subsidies, so it could have a material effect on landowners should entitlement change.

"One of the tasks that we will have when we leave the European Union is to decide what support is provided to agriculture as a result of being outside the common agricultural policy."
Prime Minister Theresa May

HM Government has promised to match the EU subsidies up until 2020, but beyond that it has promised nothing. It remains to be seen quite what the actual impacts will be.

Improvements to drainage and irrigation

Many fields on the estate have had new land drains installed. The drainage dykes and waterways have also been dug out to improve and increase flows.

This prompted me to ask about water conservation in general and about licences for extraction.

On the Fen, drainage dykes have been restricted allowing water to be retained, enabling moisture to seep into soils underneath the crops reducing the need for overhead spraying.

As a further example of minimising water use, I was shown a field of potatoes which had dribble pipes providing sustainable irrigation right to the point of requirement.

There are sufficient licences for extraction, but the estate could benefit from having more reservoirs constructed. This could be another improvement project in the future.

Beeswax Dyson Farming has representation on the Witham Drainage Board.

Anaerobic Digester

This facility is currently shutdown whilst a 30,000-hour service is undertaken. Since my last visit, much improvement has been made to this site, with a new concrete apron and bunding installed, together with a ramp for 'feeding' the digester. Large silage clamps have been installed as well.

Furthermore, landscaping has been improved to help screen the facility and a new access road is currently being laid to replace the rough surface track.

Anaerobic digester - 2011

The high voltage electricity output from this facility will be utilised to power the new farm complex, and possibly the administration centre at Nocton Wood House too. Any excess supply will be returned to the National Grid.

Saving old buildings

It is good to see efforts being made to save old derelict buildings on the estate, giving them a new life/purpose. One such example is a rather distressed brick-built barn on the Fen that has seen better times. The plan is to re-purpose this into a new wildlife 'home', incorporating nesting boxes for owls and other birds, with bat boxes included too.

There are also plans in place for the sensitive conversion of an existing farm workshop on the Fen to provide facilities for meetings, functions and staff training together with formation of paved areas to the entrances and car parking.

This demonstrates Beeswax Dyson Farming property portfolio mantra in action:

"Dilapidated? Never in our eyes. All over the estate, we’re bringing new life to old buildings, keeping a keen focus on the building’s history and surrounding landscape as we go."

I do hope this drive and determination to succeed, will see other major buildings hugely important to the historical heart of the Nocton Estate, resurrected and renovated so they are not lost forever.

Historical heart of Nocton Estate

Management and Leadership

It certainly appears the company place great emphasis on good leadership and teamwork. It provides opportunities for employees to develop competences, nurturing them as a part of the Beeswax team, in readiness for progression into more senior roles.

My first impressions are of a close knit team - I particularly liked to see the senior managers stopping at every opportunity to have a word with staff working on-site... and I wasn't left out from this, by being introduced to them too.

It was all very inclusive and certainly promotes the ethos of a 'family' concern in the widest sense. Nice to see these 'soft skills' still being fostered in this day and age of lean management, profit margins and bottom lines.

Lincoln University

As might be expected for a company connected to Sir James Dyson, it is very interested about bringing more innovation to the farming industry. In fact, our very own University of Lincoln has the Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems whose research is at the forefront of advances in agri-tech and agri-food specialisms.

I understand Beeswax Dyson Farming have already developed a connection with this team.

Farm tours

A new trailer has been requisitioned for tours. Pupils from Nocton School were one of the first to experience this.

In the next couple of months, a tour is also planned for members of The Worshipful Company of Farmers... and other tours will take place to showcase the excellent work being carried out by Beeswax Dyson Farming on Nocton Estate.

Final thoughts

It is my belief the local community are very privileged to have Beeswax Dyson Farming now owning and maintaining the surrounding land that is Nocton Estate.

What I have seen in action every bit validates the mission statements on their website:

"Our aim is to improve the quality of our assets as a whole for the benefit of future generations. We aim to deliver profit and asset growth through good management... at Beeswax Dyson Farming, a huge element of our ethos lies in protecting the land. We want to maintain and optimise it, so that future generations can enjoy it, just as we do."

Long may this continue.

Red telephone box

Parish councils: an unlikely urban safety net

'Cuts to local services mean that in many parishes across England and Wales (Scotland and Northern Ireland have different arrangements) the precept – the extra council tax charged by parishes – is going up. Where district and other authorities can no longer afford to run services, parishes are picking up the tab.'

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/13/parish-councils-unlikely-urban-safety-net

Red Phone Box

There was some debate during Tuesday's Parish Council meeting, about whether or not the red telephone box at Wasp's Nest should replace the obsolete modern telephone box on School Lane/The Green.

It transpires the dilapidated red box is a formal asset of the Parish Council, given that a nominal fee of £1 was paid to BT to 'adopt' the phone box. As such, it is rather remiss that this asset has been allowed to deteriorate to the point where it now needs complete renovation and a purpose found for it.

Councillor Williams who has been pursuing this matter should be commended. Preliminary arrangements and contacts have been established with interested parties to enable renovation to take place. This ambition is totally understandable given the historic connection of the red telephone box with All Saint's Church in Nocton - see my blog of 27 April 2015.

That said, the idea to relocate the phone box without wider consultation is somewhat flawed. Firstly, it appears there hasn't been any discussion with the Wasp's Nest community, who are quite attached to their red telephone box, which is used as a way-marker for visitors to the area. Secondly, the agreement with BT (see below) seems to indicate a requirement to retain the telephone box in the current location.

Given the Gilbert Scott connection with Nocton, perhaps the Parish Council will now find a way of renovating their asset without further delay and find a future use with full community support.

Plate 1 - Neglected state of Wasp's Nest telephone box

Plate 2 - Interior fares slightly better

Plate 3 - Delamination of paint finish

Plate 4 - Renovation long overdue

Plate 5 - The obligation on the Parish Council "to

safeguard this heritage structure indefinitely"

Plate 6 - Location at Wasp's Nest

Addendum

Please see the following petition from residents of Wasp's Nest to be considered at the Parish Council meeting dated 9th May 2017.

Planning application - Nocton Fen

Planning Application: 17/0347/FUL

Keepers Cottage, Wasps Nest, Nocton Fen Lane, Nocton, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN4 2AY

Conversion of existing farm workshop into a function building with facilities for meetings, functions and staff training together with formation of paved areas to the entrances and car parking.

Application received: 09 Mar 2017
Validated: 17 Mar 2017
Expiry: 28 Apr 2017
Deadline: 12 May 2017

Case Officer: Tony Sergeant
Applicant: Ben Wills (Beeswax Dyson Farming Ltd)

Beeswax Dyson Farming - latest developments

Construction of new Farm Operations Centre

I refer to my earlier blogs regarding this facility:

• Initial presentation
• Planning application
• Initial groundworks

I decided to have a walk around the site on Friday with my wife and two Jack Russells and discovered to my surprise that the construction is now out of the ground, with new steelwork being erected.

My first thoughts were 'my goodness that is huge', but having wandered around the periphery of the site on the public footpath, actually the agricultural buildings have been well located I think. You may think otherwise, but the following photographs will give you an idea of the position and dimensions involved.

Plate 1 - View from gates

[nr Nocton Wood House]

Plate 2 - View from public footpath

[adjacent to Nocton Wood]

Plate 3 - View from footpath

[headed towards Wasp's Nest]

Plate 4 - View from end of footpath

[before descending to Wasp's Nest]

Wandering along Nocton Fen Rd, away from the site and looking back towards Abbey Hill and Nocton Wood, I was pleased to observe that the building ridge line sits below the crown of the tree-scape beyond, which will allow the operations centre to blend in with the landscape. The historic site of Nocton Priory will not be visually contaminated at all - in any case the foundations remaining are simply mounds on Abbey Hill.

Plate 5 - View from Wasp's Nest

[Nocton Wood peeping over the horizon]

Plate 6 - View from Nocton Fen Rd

[looking up towards Abbey Hill and Nocton Priory]

Plate 7 - View from the top of Nocton Fen Rd

[looking towards Abbey Hill with Nocton Wood in the background]

Once the facility has been completed, perhaps Beeswax Dyson Farming Ltd might offer an educational tour of the new Operations Centre for the local community?

I think it would make for a really interesting visit.

Footnote

The Priory of Nocton Park

1. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lincs/vol2/pp168-170
2. http://www.rodcollins.com/wordpress/nocton-park-priory-in-lincolnshire-history-pictures
3. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1018898

Anaerobic Digesters - good or bad?

Nocton Fen AD

My research into these type of facility started with the Nocton Dairy campaign. I have previously reported on the construction of the anaerobic digester on Nocton Fen - which is now owned by Beeswax Farming Ltd:

• Nocton Fen bio-digester
• Wasp's Nest
• Nocton Fen Anaerobic Digester

This particular digester was commissioned in 2011. It has a 12.900 m3 reactor capacity with a 2 MW gas engine application, with a potential annual production of 16 MW of electricity and heat.

I have since discovered two notices related to this digester that were served by the Enforcement Agency:

1. Beeswax Farming (Rainbow) Ltd - Nocton Digester LN4 2AY - EPR Reg 36 - Comply with conditions and remedy pollution [Case Ref: 19727 - 29/04/2014]
2. Beeswax Farming (Rainbow) Ltd - Nocton Digester LN4 2AY - EPR 07 Reg 38 (1)(b) [Case Ref: 19727 - 30/05/2014]

What are the benefits of anaerobic digesters?

Anaerobic digestion was initially designed to provide an opportunity to generate 100 per cent renewable energy from biodegradable waste. The organic material is broken down producing biogas for both heat and power... and this can be converted into a healthy financial return.

The income involves a government Feed in Tariff (FiT) and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which can provide an attractive 20-year income for renewable energy generation. Other incentives are also available, such as grants to assess feasibility of on-farm anaerobic digestion and business planning.

Furthermore, the nutrient rich digestate that is a by-product of the anaerobic digestion process can save money by replacing expensive chemical fertilisers. But all this also comes at a cost.

What are the costs of anaerobic digesters?

There is a large capital investment of building the facility in the first place.

The material that is used in anaerobic digestion is called feedstock. It was always intended that land unsuitable for the production of food crops was the sustainable option for the supply of biomass for anaerobic digester plants. However, good agricultural land is increasingly being used to grow crops purely for energy production.

The diversion of land use from human food supply to energy use is very much a contentious issue and it is important to be mindful of future unintended consequences should there be significant areas of productive agricultural land grown for energy production.

Finally, there is the ongoing specialist skill required to operate these anaerobic digestion plants effectively, efficiently and safely.

What is involved?

Basically, what goes into an anaerobic digester determines what comes out, so a careful choice of feedstock is essential. There are three potential types of feedstock that can go into an anaerobic digester:

1. Food waste - Industrial, commercial and domestic.
2. Agricultural residues - These include animal wastes such as cattle and pig slurry, manures, feed waste and bedding.
3. Energy/Arable crops - Purpose grown crops cultivated for their high calorific value. The key crops used in the UK are maize silage, grass silage and whole crop cereals.

I seem to recall Nocton Fen anaerobic digester is only licensed to process energy and arable crop feedstock. As such, securing a reliable feedstock supply is fundamental to profitable anaerobic digestion.

The anaerobic digestion process is a treatment that composts feedstock in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas that can then be used to generate electricity and heat. As well as biogas, the digester produces a solid and liquid residue called digestate, which is used as an organic soil conditioner to fertilise the land. This can achieve increased crop yields by improving the soil with careful application. However, because digestate is derived from an anaerobic digestion process (devoid of oxygen), it contains only anaerobic microorganisms.

Agriculture normally requires aerobic conditions, and actually anaerobic conditions can lead to severe problems. For example worms don't like anaerobic conditions and require aerobic conditions in order to thrive, no different from plants, or humans. Scientific literature is very clear that anaerobic processes result in outputs that can be highly toxic, and not at all beneficial to plants.

Fortunately, as long as the anaerobic digester is managed properly, the health risk from the solid and liquid residue from an anaerobic digester plant should be low. This will ensure no chemical contaminants are entering the system. It is crucial to analyse the chemical content of the digestate produced, select the best manner of application and to calculate the correct irrigation dose and frequency, maintaining records diligently for inspection when required.

Digestate is a rich source of nutrients for plants; and assuming it is not full of contaminants, it should serve the land well.

Anaerobic Digestion Explained - in more detail.

Vehicle Theft - Wasp's Nest

Neighbourhood Alert

Email received today at 6.11pm from:

Sarah Kennedy (Support, PCSO NC38 Sleaford Rural North, Sleaford Station)

Good Afternoon,

WASPS NEST, NOCTON FEN, LINCOLN

 

A vehicle has been broken into via passenger window and a gym bag was taken between 1300 - 1340 hours on 21/05/2015.

• Did you see anything suspicious, any people or vehicles in the area around this time?
• Do you have any CCTV that may assist us?

If you have any information please call 101 and quote incident number 208 – 21/05/2015

Many Thanks
PCSO Sarah Kennedy 2248

Gym bag stolen from vehicle in Wasp’s Nest, Nocton Fen

'A vehicle has been broken into and a gym bag stolen in the small community of Wasp’s Nest on Nocton Fen.'

http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/local/gym-bag-stolen-from-vehicle-in-wasp-s-nest-nocton-fen-1-6758488

Parish Council

Parish Council Report – 9th September 2014

In Councillor Kate Tyler’s absence, the meeting was chaired by the Vice-chair, Councillor Ian Goldsworthy.

The evening opened with residents’ questions:

• Use of Social Media:  It was suggested that use of Facebook by the Council might improve communications with the public.  It was agreed that the proposal be pursued once the Council’s own website had been revised – in a different part of the Doodle there is a request for someone to volunteer to make our website more user-friendly, up-to-date and informative and this additional way of communication could perhaps be included in this request.  So, if you have the necessary skills to carry out this important task, your councillors would welcome your support!
• VHMC Minutes:  It was agreed that, in future, the minutes of the Village Hall Management Committee would be published on the Council’s website.
• Village Hall Car Park: A resident asked if anything was being done about the potholes in the Village Hall car park.  Fortuitously, the Chair of the VHMC was present and was able to report that some 20 tons of road planings was being delivered for spreading and compacting.  He was hoping that volunteers would come forward to help him to carry out the work involved!
• Anaerobic Digester:  Finally a Wasps Nest resident wanted clarification of the route being used by the lorries taking chicken litter to the anaerobic digester and to confirm that the lorries and any stored matter would be covered.  It was suggested that the resident approach Robert Hall of Beeswax who it was felt would be happy to clarify the position.

The following is a summary of some of the other issues discussed at the meeting:

Crime

Two minor thefts were reported.  However, Councillor Jones was concerned that residents reporting incidents, including the recent ones relating to Nocton Hall, were not being informed of the action taken by the police.  Our PCSO asked that when reporting an incident, the fullest possible information is given, including registration numbers, make, type and colour of vehicle, direction of vehicle travel and any passengers, etc.  She promised, however, to ensure that the comments relating to lack of feedback were followed up.

Highway Issues

A Community Speed Watch Scheme is being rolled out across the county involving the use of Speed Indicator Devices and passive signage.  As we already have the use of a SID within our cluster, we are asking for six “FREE” passive signs which, from time-to-time, will be put up at various sites in the village in an effort to deter speeding vehicles.  The sites will be identified in consultation with the Road Safety Partnership.

Concern was also expressed over parking on Main Street in the vicinity of the bus stops.  However, it was felt that unless a heavy handed approach was taken throughout the village on all of our roads then there was very little that we, as a Parish Council, can do about it other than to urge all residents to make sure that when parking they do so as considerately as possible and in a way which does not impede buses from stopping at designated stops and passengers from using the drop-down sections of pavement.

Nocton Hall

Over the months and years, the Parish and District Councils have been working tirelessly to try to bring about a resolution of the situation at Nocton Hall.  Unfortunately, none of our collective efforts have led to anything positive so we have now put forward a strongly worded resolution to all the powers saying that enough is enough!  The full resolution can be read on the PC Website and Nocton Blog.

Village Hall Refurbishment Project

The Clerk reported that the architect, Steve Saunders, had been unable to make the last meeting but it was hoped that initial plans for a remodelled Hall would be ready for the next meeting on 25th September, or very soon thereafter.  All of us are keen to get started on this project!

Nocton Trail

A request for £1,000 for the printing of new Nocton Trail pamphlets was received and whilst it was agreed to offer some support, the limited funds available to the Parish Council meant that the Applicant would be asked to look at the possibility of obtaining additional funding from other sources.

Youth Club

Great news!  Vicky Rowding from North Hykeham has been appointed as the Nocton Youth Club Leader.  The Club should have its first meeting shortly and all residents with young folk need to keep an eye out for details of the launch!

Best Kept Village

Councillor Burr reported that Nocton had reached the final five villages but unfortunately had missed out on the top places – but well done to everyone involved for getting us this far!  After two years of stirling work, work commitments mean that Jilly Burr is standing aside from leading on BKV.  However, should another Group or individual wish to take up the batten to lead on this important activity, the Parish Council will be happy tp offer every possible support.

Nocton Village Planters

Winchester Growers are to supply spring bulbs for the next planting.  In the meantime, ‘green manure’ will be sown over the winter to feed and enrich the soil.

Local Plan for Central Lincolnshire

Our County Councillor, Marianne Overton, updated us on the current position relating to the Local Plan for our area.  This is now going out for public consultation and Councillor Overton urged everyone to make their comments known – this time around it should be much easier to do so and we were assured our opinions will be listened to!  The Parish Council will be considering this very important matter at its next meeting so that it can make its own comments on the draft Plan.

Proposed Wind Farm at Nocton Fen

Councillor Overton also reported that she understood that the grid which would take electricity from the proposed site of the new wind farm was currently at full capacity but wasn’t sure what effect this would have on the scheme.  It was, of course, possible that by the time any application is made, the position may have changed.

Date of next meeting: 21 October, 2014 at 7.00pm

“Remember: Praise loudly Blame softly”

Councillor MaryAnn Williams

Parish Council

Parish Council Report – 3rd November 2013

"The meeting began with members of the Parish Council joining residents in a glass of wine and a mince pie.

Crime in Nocton
The Parish Council was concerned to learn from the police representative that in the last month there had been four reported crimes of attempted theft and burglary in the village.  Heating oil had also been stolen from the tank at the Church.  It was felt that these crimes were linked to similar incidents which have been taking place in Metheringham and the surrounding area.  Additional police resources were being deployed to deal with the situation but, in the meantime, all residents were urged to take particular care over the coming festive period by making sure all doors and windows were kept securely fastened/locked and any presents kept out-of sight of windows, etc.  Anything suspicious, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, should be reported to the police by dialing 101 although if the matter is urgent then you need to dial 999!

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
The village now has a fully operational Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (which is rather appropriate given the above item) with Councillor Graham Jones acting as the scheme’s overall Co-ordinator.  Nine local co-ordinators have now been recruited to cover most of the village although additional ones are needed for the Lincoln Road and Wellhead Lane areas and in Main Street (from the Post Office to Embsay House).  If you feel you would like to join this very important group of volunteers, then please contact Councillor Jones for more information.

Nocton Village Hall
After almost a year of hard work, a small working group of councillors and representatives of the existing Village Hall Management Committee and the Social Club produced a proposed new Constitution to govern the future running of the Village Hall.  With only a few minor changes, this new Constitution was adopted by the Parish Council and will take effect in the New Year.  Publicity about the arrangements, etc for the inaugural meeting of the new Committee will be made available after Christmas.

Grit for Wasps Nest
Following efforts by the Parish Clerk, road conditions at Wasps Nest should be much easier this winter as Lincolnshire County Council has at last agreed to provide two tons of rock salt for use by residents to keep the roads and paths clear of any snow and ice.

Village “Welcome Pack”
The Parish Council has agreed to produce a “Welcome Pack” which will be given to all residents moving into the village.  Containing a wealth of important and useful information for new people coming to live in Nocton, it will be funded from monies raised by the 200 Club.

Proposed Visit to a Wind Farm
The Parish Council, in conjunction with Vattenfall, is arranging a visit to an operational wind farm in Leicestershire so that residents can see at first hand what one is actually like.  The visit is open to residents of Nocton only and will take place on a week day sometime in May next year.  If you are interested in taking part (a coach will be provided by Vattenfall and there will be no cost involved) then please contact the Parish Clerk (preferably by email).  In the event that there are more people interested than there are places available, then priority will be given to those residents who are likely to be most affected if the wind farm was to go ahead.

Nocton Youth Group
It was noted that there had been a rather disappointing response to the advert for a person to run the proposed Nocton Youth Group.  Discussions were taking place with NKDC to see how best to progress the initiative and it was agreed to extend the deadline for applications into the New Year.

Finally, members of the Parish Council would like to wish all residents of Nocton a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday, 7th January 2014 at 7.00 p.m.

Councillor Ian Goldsworthy"

My thoughts

Village Hall Constitution
I think it will be useful to publish the new Constitution for the Village Hall after the minor amendments have been completed. I have made an offer to the Parish Council to post a copy on the blog, so that residents can see what has been incorporated in the document.

Wind Farm
'The government is to make big changes to the way it subsidises renewable energy, it has announced. Ministers say they will cut support for onshore wind and solar energy, but give more backing to offshore wind power.'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25210963

It will be interesting to see how this affects Vattenfall's plan for Nocton Fen. With regard to the proposed visit to a wind farm, I think the following link relates to the specific site concerned:
http://www.vattenfall.co.uk/en/swinford-wind-farm.htm

I think this is the Swinford Wind Farm planning application:
http://www.harborough.gov.uk/info/200105/sustainability/297/windfarms

An entry in the local newspaper - Leicester Mercury:
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicestershire-s-biggest-wind-farm-turbines/story-16616656-detail/story.html

Wind turbines arrive at Swinford wind farm
Worth watching the video to see the size of the components and the transport involved.

'The first components for 11 turbines to be constructed on a wind farm near Swinford have arrived on site. A special road from the M1 motorway had to be laid to get the 45 metre-long blades across a farm in south Leicestershire on Monday.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-18498322

Vattenfall - Latest Newsletter re: Nocton Fen
May I recommend you sign up for the newsletters if you haven't done so already.

http://www.vattenfall.co.uk/en/file/2013-12-10-Latest_Newsletter_Nov_Dec_2013.pdf_48709630.pdf

Funny Old World

I noticed that Councillor John Money (North Kesteven District Council) has written an article about the proposals for a wind farm in 'The Little Green Book' Issue 53, Winter 2013 - the local news magazine for the Metheringham Area. Here are a couple of extracts:

"Some people dismiss the Lincolnshire Fens as a barren, uninteresting wilderness but I do not agree. I think the Fens are just as much an asset to the character of our County as the Heath, the Wolds, and the Marshes and should be preserved as such, and not be polluted by these inefficient monstrosities."

"For residents who are not aware, Cllr Kendrick and I represent the Metheringham Ward of NKDC, which includes the Parishes of Blankney, Metheringham, Dunston and Nocton. Should any individual, group of people, official or not, wish to discuss this with me or any other Councillor previously mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact us. That is what we are here for, to represent you all in the district... I shall now begin to campaign just as diligently against these abominations as I did against the Super Dairy."

Councillor John F Money - North Kesteven District Council, Metheringham Ward
Tel No (H): 01526 320323 (M): 07775 692013
Email: cllr_john_money@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Parish Council

Parish Council Report – 5th November 2013

Proposed Wind Farm at Nocton Fen
A packed village hall heard a presentation from Ms Rahel Jones of Vattenfall Wind Power.  This was the very first meeting held on the proposal and, as such, there was only limited information available as the company had not yet met with the District Council nor begun the very long process of carrying out the necessary detailed research and consultation required before any application could be made.

Beeswax Farming provided a statement to say that its stand on the project was neutral but should the development go ahead, then any profits made by the company from the Wind Farm would be given back to the local communities as the land had been purchased solely for traditional farming purposes.

Public Meetings are being held in Nocton Village Hall on 14th November and 22nd November between 2.00 pm and 8.00 pm where there will be an opportunity to see the initial site map, meet the Vattenfall team and put your questions.  Further public consultation sessions will also be arranged in due course.

Police Report
It was rather unsettling to learn that three crimes had been reported since the last meeting:

• A jacket was taken from an unlocked car in Nocton Park.
• Domestic fuel was pumped out of a residential tank in Potterhanworth shortly after it had been filled.
• Thieves appear to have been disturbed while trying to take a chestnut pony from the field behind the Village Hall on Tuesday 5th November.

In addition, and now that the dark nights are with us, there is the usual increase in activity at Nocton Hall which seems to attract people wanting a ‘scary zombie’ experience.  So again, if you see anything untoward just pick up the phone and call 101.

If anyone saw anything relating to any of these crimes then please let the police know and do keep vigilant.

Neighbourhood Watch – “Check your Watch”
A meeting is to be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 26th November to hear more about ways in which to develop our community and make our village a safer place in which to live.  Please do try to make every effort to attend this meeting as some very good advice will be available from our local police team and other security professionals.  In January there will also be an opportunity to find out how to mark your valuables and protect them from thieves.

Proposed Caravan CL Site – Main Street
The Parish Council has been made aware of a proposal by the Caravan Club to issue a certificate for a Certified Location (CL) site in the field adjacent to Kelkherd House in Main Street.  Although not against the proposal in principle, the Parish Council is to report its concerns over the site’s access onto the B1202 to both the Caravan Club and Highways at NKDC.

Nocton Doodle
Due to the increase in production costs and the limited revenue that advertising generates for our Doodle, a grant was made to produce the next two issues.  In the meantime, the Parish Council will look at ways of reducing costs/increasing income to ensure that this excellent publication can continue to be made available to every household in the village.  It is hoped that a solution will be found shortly.

This and That

• Monday, 16th December Carol Singing around the Village and afterwards the singers will meet back at the Village Hall for mulled wine and mince pies.
• The Clerk has reminded the Highways Authority that the long awaited grit bin is still not in place at Wasps Nest.
• Lincolnshire County Council is to be asked to remove the unsightly ‘hedge’ opposite the Village Hall as it would reduce maintenance costs and increase the width of the footpath to the benefit of pedestrian safety.  The state of the hedge was also highlighted as an issue in the recent feedback from the Best Kept Village competition.

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.

Date of next meeting Tuesday, 3rd December at 7.00 p.m.

Please come and join us before the Meeting for a glass of wine and a mince pie!

Councillor MaryAnn Williams

Wind Farm

Newsbriefing (Lincolnshire Echo)

17-turbine possibility

A windfarm with 17 turbines could be built at Nocton Fen. State-owned Swedish firm Vattenfall says it is "investigating the potential" for the development about seven miles south of Lincoln. The company, which operates a number of wind farms across Britain, is seeking the views of the public on the idea.

An initial feasibility study has shown the site could have the "generating capacity" of more than 50MW - which would require 17 industrial-scale turbines. A newsletter will be sent to local residents in the next few weeks confirming the dates and venues of the events.

Graham Davey, Vattenfall's project manager, said: "Vattenfall is at the very earliest stages of assessing the potential of a wind farm at Nocton Fen. "This phase is all about identifying issues and opportunities - that is why we will start by engaging with the community, local representatives, other key interests and national environmental organisations.

"Vattenfall has a strong track record in developing wind farms in the UK that are well designed and that prioritise investment in local communities, jobs and businesses. "We are starting discussions at a very early stage, so that we understand key local issues."

For information, visit www.vattenfall.co.uk/noctonfen


WIND FARM PROPOSAL ON NOCTON FEN WASPS NEST
(Parish Council Notice)

Do you know there is another proposed windfarm to be situated on Nocton Fen.

YOU COULD BE AFFECTED!!

Parish Council Meetings

• Monday 4th Nov. 7pm at Potterhanworth Pavilion (Queensway) &
• Tuesday 5th Nov. at 7pm Nocton Village Hall

This will be discussed there.

Submit any questions prior to the meeting via: noctonparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk


Vattenfall Leaflet Drop (31st October 2013)