Archived News July/ August 2005 Roaming across the South West Aug 31st The new right of public access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 came into force in Cornwall, Devon and western Somerset on Sunday 28 August 2005, as part of a national roll-out of the new right throughout England. In the market for a favourite town Aug 30th The shortlist of 15 finalists in Country Life's search for your favourite market town, sponsored by Strutt & Parker. Rabbit ‘Plague’ Threatens Britain’s Heritage Aug 29th National monuments are being destroyed by a labyrinth of rabbit warrens, according to heritage experts A shadow is cast over woodland wildflowers Aug 16th Action is needed to help reverse the decline of many of Britain's best-loved woodland flowers, including the primrose, according to the nation's most extensive ecological woodland survey. Hopping back into existence Aug 15th A frog with a distinctive Norfolk accent which became extinct in England in the 1990s has been returned to the county. Around 70 northern pool frogs, one of Europe's rarest frogs has been reintroduced by English Nature and partners, who have been researching the frog's intriguing history in England. Road train monsters not popular Aug 14th An opinion survey recently carried out by NOP shows that over two-thirds of the public are opposed to a proposal - currently under consideration by the Government - to increase by one-third the length and weight of lorries permitted on the UK's roads. Bracken controllers bring in the heavy squad Aug 15th A new way has been found to deal with an old problem at the Punchbowl, ancient woodland on the slopes of the Blorenge, three miles to the south-west of Abergavenny. Hadrian's Wall in danger of collapse Aug 11th Lack of management is putting the World Heritage Site at serious risk say experts, as ever-increasing numbers of tourists prove a serious threat to its future Hedgehogs Under Threat from Badgers Aug 10th Initial findings from Defra-funded research has found that the more badgers there are in an area, the less hedgehogs survive, and farmers are now concerned for their numbers Gates go up at troubled village Aug 10th New gates, lighting and alleyway improvements aim to curb anti-social behaviour. What's Your Favourite Bit of Coast? Aug 8th A search to find the nation's favourite piece of coastline has kicked off, as the National Trust tries to find out which stretch means the most to the public. Fingerposts should still point the way Aug 7th Traditional traffic direction signs, or 'fingerposts', are a cherished feature of the countryside but many are threatened by neglect and decay. Red Grouse ‘At Risk of Extinction’ Aug 2nd Parasitic disease is rife amongst red grouse due to warmer weather conditions as climate change continues to change almost every aspect of our natural environment. Dogs to be banned on Dartmoor Aug 1st Certain areas of the Dartmoor National Park are to have dog restrictions to protect salmon and otters Quality of life needed July 31st Smart growth rather than traditional growth is being called for in the South East. Environmental crime needs highlighting July 30th ASBOs should be another measure for dealing with environmental crime, according to a new report. Further funding for gypsy and traveller sites Jul 25th Local authorities are to receive further funding to address issues surrounding traveller sites. A whale of a time in British waters Jul 24th Whale watching along Britain’s coastline could be a pastime of the future. Drought sets in Jul 18th More people have been warned to expect hosepipe bans this summer. Environmental impact of food miles Jul 17th Food transport is costing the environment an estimated £9 billion per year. New lease of life for Marlborough Beagles Jul 16th The college pack has a new mastership and will change name to Marlborough and District Beagles 'Wind is Not Enough' say Campaigners Jul 13th A new document from the CLA warns the Government not to miss an opportunity to develop agricultural jobs and the rural economy by ignoring some forms of renewable energy Hill farming faces bleak future Jul 12th Hill farming is on the brink of a rapid and unmanaged collapse without help through the major changes it faces, according to new research by the National Trust. First canal restoration of 21st century Jul 11th One of the earliest UK canals, a gateway from the River Severn and the rest of the world to the industrial heartlands of the Black Country is to be restored to its former glory. Protection of Common land Jul 8th Common land in England and Wales would be better protected from development and the ancient rights of commoners safeguarded and enhanced under legislation just published, says the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. New Legal Challenges to Hunt Ban Begin Jul 7th This morning two new legal challenges to the Hunting Act got underway at the Royal Courts of Justice in London CLA Launches Riding Schools Petition Jul 6th The Country, Land and Business Association has launched a petition aimed at bringing an end to the crippling insurance payments riding schools are currently forced to pay