This recess is proving to be a very varied one, with numerous visits to local organisations and business, some long scheduled and others more spontaneous. This week I had a fascinating visit to the National Gas Transmission System site at Lockerley, and heard about the investment going into the site to make sure it has the resilience to continue supplying gas under pressure to the South West region. It was fascinating to see the compressors there, effectively two massive jet engines, which repressurise the system to make sure it travels through the network efficiently. It was a relief it was this week, rather than last, as the protective outfits were more than a little warm.
We have finally had some rain, which inevitably coincided with my visit with the National Trust to the northern commons of the New Forest. The mires of the Forest are not only SSSIs and a Ramsar site, but also home to a variety of rare species including nightjars and lapwings. It is also where many of the New Forest reptiles can be found, not least the adder, also rare, but I haven’t seen one on Plaitford Common this year, which is something of a relief.
Inevitably being in the Forest we had a discussion about the threat of wildfires and the measures the National Trust, the New Forest National Park, Natural England and all other agencies put in to protecting against fire. I must say a huge thank you to Hampshire Fire and Rescue, and their counterparts from across the country, who are still working to damp down the fire alongside the A31 as I write this. They have worked around the clock to get that under control and make the area safe and we should all be very thankful that the damage was not a great deal worse. I have no doubt that is due to their immense efforts, so a huge thank you.
I have also been in Thruxton this week for a public meeting about the air show scheduled for next month. It was a relief to hear the planned fireworks display has been cancelled, as, although we have had a little rain, the area is still very dry and fireworks pose a huge risk. However, ultimately the licensing decision will be taken by TVBC who will be considering the application imminently.
