Month: April 2021

With magnificent views across the estuary and out to sea, fields at the top of Pinhoe have always been a valuable vantage point.

In 1001, a priest from Monkerton famously came to the rescue of local defences against the Saxons, bringing fresh withies for their arrows on the back of his donkey. He saved the day and became immortalised on local school badges.

When the Spanish armada was threatening our coastline, Beacon Field was part of the vital network of Armada beacons alerting local sea defences.

Now we have a very 21st century battle to save these historic fields. Reaching across from Cheynegate to Park Lane, these green lungs of Pinhoe are facing further development which runs riot with our sense of history, restricts local access to open spaces, decimates our green lanes and will dominate the skyline itself.

There is new science and new evidence to show how important these spaces are to all our wellbeing. A hyper-local approach to neighbourhoods is finally being recognised as a vital direction for future planning, where local distinctiveness and character are valuable assets which benefit from community engagement and ownership.

The tide is beginning to turn.

Beautiful Higher Field at the top of the village is not only a hub for local wildlife and biodiversity, it is an important connection point as a wildlife corridor. The Pinhoe Ridgeline connects us to the woodland skyline which is one of Exeter’s most beautiful features. Please sign our petition for NEW THINKING and formal protection. The petition is open to ANYONE IN EXETER who cares about trees, wildlife, Exeter’s skyline and our sense of connection to the natural environment.

http://committees.exeter.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=46