As part of the work taking place to prepare a Management Plan for Odiham Common, Hart District Council have arranged a series of events over the forthcoming months. To celebrate the many qualities of the common, a range of top experts have been booked to discuss the major topics relevant to Odiham and common land. Robert Deane is the Leader of the Land Use Consulting team for HDC.

As well as an entertaining event, there will be a chance for people who have an interest in the common to exchange information and views. Attendance is open to everyone.

The 2 upcoming events are:

Friday 3rd July 2009, 7-9pm. The Cross Barn - Odiham Common’s trees and woodland with Ted Green from the Ancient Tree Forum and Woodland Trust, followed by a walk across the common led by Ted Green on Saturday 4th July 10am - 12.30pm

Thursday 27th August 2009, 7-9pm. The Cross Barn - The use of plants and their environments through history, with particular reference to Odiham Common with Chris Howkins a renowned ethno-botanist.

An emergency meeting called by the Odiham Parish Council Traffic Partnership took place on Tuesday 16 June 2009 to discuss the traffic management problems caused by the development of the site to the east of Church Street Odiham. The meeting was attended by representatives the Parish, District and County Councils. Under emergency powers Hart District Council will introduce a temporary “No Right Turn” restriction on traffic joining the High Street from Church Street. The matter is to be kept under constant review, and further consideration will be given to the long-term arrangements.

I just want to say thank you to Peter Fountain and his whole team for arranging such a great celebration of RAF Odiham and its future now in Odiham. It was excellent, and I look forward to the next one in 2011!

The day went well with a good attendance and a fairly high sign-up level of residents as 'stakeholders' in the overall process: they will be kept up to speed and their views factored in as the plan emerges.

Many thanks to the display groups who did a superb job including the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Odiham Bio-Diversity, Odiham Society, Natural England, National Trust, Hart District Council, Forestry Commission and Open Spaces Society - all pulled together by Steve Lyons, senior ranger.

Now we need to move forward on developing the actual plan for the Common!

The 'Common Purpose' process to agree a management plan for the Common is now moving forward - and this Saturday you have the opportunity to state your views and register as a stakeholder in the process, so you that you will be regularly consulted as things move forward.

In the Cross Barn there will be displays by the Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Odiham Bio-diversity Group, Odiham Society and Hart District Council.

Do come and see - and have your say!