The Government Respond

My apologies for my tardy response I do have a good excuse as I've started a new job in SWATK country. So I've been away from home and not been able to do this news justice. Well we've got a response from the government and here it is:

"Government guidelines on non-agricultural use of land under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) strike a balance between the need to allow for diversification opportunities with the necessity to abide by the EU rules on eligibility of land under the Scheme.
Much consideration has been given to the positioning of power kiting under category B, which allows the activity to take place for up to 28 days in the calendar year, and we conclude that this is the most appropriate category for this type of activity. Power kiting is analogous to other activities within this category where some preparation of the ground may be required and the parcel is, to some extent, unavailable for agricultural use whilst the activity, and in some cases preparation, is taking place.

However, we will continue to push for greater flexibility concerning non-agricultural activities to be introduced into the EU regulations and will take the opportunity of the forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy health check, when the SPS rules as a whole will be reviewed, to pursue this matter. "

They are doggedly sticking to their party line, which unfortunately is a little predictable. The campaign is not over as Jerry Swift of the BKFA is doing amazing work with the CCPR, who are very willing to help us out. There was a meeting week before last and as a result the message is that we need to get some press coverage. So we are looking for a Farmer or farmers who are prepared to go on the record and speak out for our cause, you know they would love to allow us to use their land, we're a responsible bunch and we don't do any damage. I will also continue dialogue with the NFU. So this book is definitely not closed....thanks again for all of your help....and keep your eye on the blog.....Fly Safe!!

Getting out there....

Well the saps rising and that's not all!! People are beginning to wake up and dust off their kites. What a great time to try another tack and bring the campaign out into the public. I got a great call from Al at Atmosphere kites who, (along with the crew at SWATK have been a huge support), offered me a soapbox stand at their event Atmosphere 08. What an amazing opportunity to get direct feedback on the campaign, rustle up a few more signatures ('cos we really need them!), answer any questions and spread the word, as well has having a blast!! I look forward to meeting you there.

As far as the campaign is going, I've updates the site, I hope you like it. No news from the parliamentary approach. The NFU legal chap is going to have a look at it in a couple of weeks when his schedule clears. The countryside Alliance are desperately trying to find an MP even remotely interested in sporting land access issues. I have written to Nature England, a branch of DEFRA who are responsible for Access and recreational access issues. So lets see how that goes, hopefully I'll have some positive news to announce at Westward Ho!

Branching out for Support

It's been a while since I last posted so I thought I'd better let you know what's been going on. The petition stands at 1168 signatures, so a little way off. I am wondering if that is down to a general lack of faith in the system. I can understand this but it would be great if we could set that aside and shout about what we want rather than being brow beaten or swept aside without being heard. Thanks as always to those who have stood up and made their mark, so far.

On a more positive note, thanks very much to Jerry Swift and the Committee of the British Kite Flying Association who have voted to support our campaign. This is even more good news as they are now members of the CCPR (Central Council of Recreative Physical Training) who are an influential lobbying organisation for change in sport. I approached the CCPR some time ago, and they were incredibly helpful. Fingers crossed that they (the CCPR) will take up the causes promoted by their fee paying members.

In the need to get some more formal weight behind the campaign I have also approached the National Farmers Union and the Countryside Alliance. I have yet to have any feedback from the Alliance (mainly due to the head of policy being on holiday), so I look forward to a positive response from them. The NFU have been very helpful and pointed the campaign towards their legal bods for review, I'll let you know what their thoughts are as and when I hear.

The wheels of government and bureaucracy turn rather more frustratingly slowly; Mr Peter Ainsworth MP has as yet not written to me about a response from Mr Hilary Benn MP's office. So I have sent a memory jogger. My thoughts here are that the powers that be have lost site of one of the oldest principles in the book...."Look after the Pennies and the Pounds will Look after themselves."

Well that's it from me for the next month or so, the wind and the weather are on the up, progress is being ground out so keep talking and signing......Thanks to all.