WE were extremely pleased to learn this week that the National Trust has withdrawn from its appeal to the Planning Inspectorate following the refusal of two planning applications by Caradon District Council in 2002 and 2005 to breach the flood defences at Haye Marsh, Haye Farm, Cotehele, in the Tamar Valley to create wetlands. The reasons given for their decision substantiate what local and historical knowledge and our own scientific advisers had already told us. It was this strong belief that this project would not deliver that has kept us focussed for more than five years. We understand that the National Trust at Cotehele will be organising guided walks to gain local input and suggestions for enhancing conservation on the meadows and we shall, of course, be keeping a watching brief. I should like to thank all our members and supporters both locally and nationally for their financial support and for attending fundraising events. And a big thank you is also due to the committee for all their hard work. It has been a tremendous effort to keep lobbying a large national charity and supporting government agencies and to prove that local knowledge and common sense can prevail.
Derek Scofield Chairman Saved Our Dyke in the Tamar (SODITT)