Dog Lane virtually wraps itself around Bentham Common and the main focus for this Event is the south road, where we have seen a great deal of littering in the past. Whether this will be the case on the day is uncertain.
There isn't usually a lot of "litter" on the Common; however, there is quite a bit of "industrial" waste, which has been there for many years. This does not concern us.
Bentham Common is not actually designated commonland. It is an area of wasteland; created after various light industry departed the area. As such there are no properly designated footpaths although there are tracks and trails all over the area. Close observation will show that these tracks are created by various wildlife. During spring there are many different wildflowers growing. Please do not tread on or pick these. Many are legally protected.
There is also evidence of rabbits, deer (Muntjac?), Foxes, Badgers and Adders; although they are extremely secretive and elusive.
The Common is very popular with walkers and horse riders.
During the Second World War Witcombe housed a RAF camp on wooded land near the Round House the entrance being opposite the old post office (Little Gungs Close), the personnel being mainly concerned with the operation of the radio station at the top of the escarpment. An anti-aircraft battery and army camp were situated near Syringa Farm,. In 1941 the design office for the first jet-propelled aircraft was located in Bentham. 1943 saw the movement of the first Gloster Meteor from Bentham to Cranwell for its maiden flight although experimental flights had already taken place at Brockworth. Following the war the Bentham Works continued to be used as a manufacturing facility including for pipes for the offshore oil industry.
The CITO
The aim is to tidy up the area around the roadside but there are paths up onto the common should anyone so wish. The path behind the church could also do with a litterpick if anyone is going for the church micro.
The usual Health and Safety issues apply. Children are welcome but need to be kept under parental control, similarly dogs.
We will bring bags, gloves, grabbers etc courtesy of Tewkesbury Council which has a wonderful Litterpicking department (puts Gloucester to shame!)
Filled bags and any equipment can be left in the designated spot for the council to remove
I always feel guilty that the CITO events I organise are tame little do's. Crisp packets and drinks bottles rather than bedsteads and shopping trollies. But on the basic that "every little helps" I shall persevere.
WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST
Gordon and I were up on the Cotswold Way a few days ago. Beautiful area. SSSI. Miles from anywhere. On the wall a few feet from the trail was a Costa Coffee Cup. Someone must have carried it (by car?) all the way up the trail and stopped to admire the beautiful view. And left his/her rubbish behind! There are times when I despair!