Briefing :: THE SEARCH FOR NEW SITES Site crowding is once again becoming a problem, and we are in the position where we need to make a push for new sites. In the past this has been a bit of an uncoordinated effort, and with opportunities running out we need to adopt a slightly more polished approach this time.

There are quite a few areas that would bear further searches for sites. We could do with another takeoff along the North Downs, but all of the area between Thurnham and Hollingbourne has been checked out and found to be lacking. Also all the slope near Wye College is in an SSSI, and therefore a nonstarter. Holly Hill, Wrotham and Kemsing are all under negotiation and therefore do not need further investigation.

The areas we ought to concentrate our efforts on are:

The old sea cliffs overlooking the Romney Marsh, but we already know about Stone Cliff and a small easterly site near Rye. What we really are after are alternative takeoffs along the sea cliffs. It will also be very handy if these takeoffs were suitable for both hang gliders and paragliders.

The area between the A26 and the A21, bounded to the North by Tunbridge Wells and to the south by Crowborough and Mayfield. As far as I know this area has never been checked out in great detail although any sites found there are bound to be small and access probably difficult.

The valley to the south west of Brands Hatch, as I know hang glider pilots used to have a private site near from which flights were made over the Thames estuary.

Some of the hilly areas around the Medway towns.

Any search for sites we do must be very low key. On finding a site make a rough note of the OS map reference, potential wind direction, possible parking and the name of the landowner. Please past this information to Paul Cherry, who will then co-ordinate site negotiation. The last thing we want on any sites is 15 different people all pestering the landowner, all trying to negotiate the site.

There are possibly some potential sites in Hastings area, but should you think you've got anything worthwhile please consult Alan Mortimer who knows the area very well, it may then be worthwhile discussing it either with our club or the Hastings club.

Before approaching anyone for the name of the landowner, please check with all that the site is not already under negotiation, and that it hasn't had to be ruled out for other reasons. We used to have access to some sites, is owing to political reasons we may have been asked to leave the sites or things there has evolved to the point where the site is no longer suitable for us. Examples of this would include Hollingbourne, Lydden and Tolsford.

Article by Steve.U. from July Skybird magazine

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