The first few weeks of 2006 have seen great progress with the Foxton LHI project in South Cambridgeshire. After several years, the leases for the dovecot and meadow have finally been secured by the parish council. This enabled the group to claim half its LHI grant, along with further grant funding from South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Detailed planning permission for the restoration of the dovecot is expected any day, and tenders have been prepared. The square brick structure dating back to 1706 will soon be structurally safe, and topped by the conical-shaped thatched roof which made it such a feature in the centre of the village for so long. Attention to detail in the design of the roof and use of materials is a key part of the project.

Going along in parallel has been the management of the meadow and surrounding hedgerows, to recreate a diverse chalk grassland flora. On Saturday 11 March, more than 20 villagers of all ages planted 370 potted wildflowers. This followed a similar village conservation event last September when 16 volunteers undertook training in grassland management from BTCV, and then planted over 100 wildflowers on the edges of the sunken roadway which crosses the meadow.

To complete the LHI project, plans are underway to improve access and produce an interpretation board, information leaflet and some educational material, all of which will help villagers maximise their enjoyment of this key site in the centre of the village.