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Holwell

The Parish of Holwell

The Parish of Holwell is located in West Dorset and has a population of approximately 370 residents (DCC, Dorset Data Book, and Census 2011). It covers approximately 10 square kilometres (or 2,400 acres) of gently undulating, mainly agricultural land. The main settlement of Holwell is focused around Fosters Hill, Crouch Hill, Pleck and Gunville, and the wider area comprises generally undeveloped, small clustered hamlets (including Holwell Borough; Buckshaw; The Manor and Sandhills; Westrow; Hill Street; Packers Hill and Piccadilly; and Woodbridge) and individual farmsteads. Although there are now significantly fewer smallholders and farms than in the 1900s, Holwell’s 10 working farms remain largely non-intensive, supporting a thriving wildlife community and distinctly rural environment which is much appreciated by its residents.

The surrounding landscape comprises chalk escarpments and limestone hills, as the parish borders the rolling hills and valleys of the Blackmore Vale, with views to Bulbarrow and the Dungeon Hills. The undulating land is largely Oxford Clay, drained by numerous small streams running north to join Caundle Brook, with an area of sandy loam at Sandhills.

Outside the parish the nearest settlements include Bishops Caundle to the north, Kings Stag to the east and Pulham to the south; these small settlements are set apart by large spans of agricultural land and patches of woodland and contribute to the remote, rural character of the area.  Larger settlements are a further distance from Holwell including Sherborne 10km to the north west and Dorchester 25km to the south.

  • 370 PEOPLE
  • 10 square kilometres
  • Very RURAL PARISH with few facilities, the nearest town is Sherborne (10km away)
  • Traditional, pastoral CLAY VALE landscape with mature oaks, hedgerows and streams
  • 23 LISTED buildings and structures, plus many other features of local interest, including an extensive network of ancient TRACKS and FOOTPATHS

News and Notices

COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2024

The following elections are taking place in May 2024:

  • Dorset Council election for 82 member seats
  • Elections for all 150+ parish and town councils across the Dorset Council area – some 1500 seats

The elections will take place on Thursday 2 May 2024, for a five-year term of office (2024-2029)

For further information please go to Electoral Commission pages

Election Notice 2024

06 What is a Town or Parish council v2

07 What does a councillor do v2

09 How do I become a councillor v2

Becoming a local councillor – Dorset Council poster

Below are some links to videos explaining:

  1. What do parish and town councils do in your community? https://vimeo.com/907832696?share=copy
  2. What do parish and town councils do across Dorset? https://vimeo.com/907833217?share=copy
  3. Why becoming a parish or town councillor in Dorset matters https://vimeo.com/907833081?share=copy
  4. Parish and Town Councils are for Everyone https://vimeo.com/907832934?share=copy

Notice of election – Dorset Council – 2 May 2024 v110324 Notice of election – Parish and town areas – 2 May 2024. v110324

Notice of Vacancy in Office of Councillor  – May 2023 – Notice of Casual Vacancy_Holwell

Elections – Paid roles available at Dorset Council during May 2024 Elections – Working at elections DC poster

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority – Consultation of draft Community Safety Plan 2024-28

We are consulting on our draft Community Safety Plan, which sets out the key challenges and risks facing us over the coming years. This is our high-level strategic plan.

With future financial uncertainty, the plan details what we intend to carry on doing and what we intend to review and do differently, in order to continue to provide a high level of service to our communities.

Working with others is central to how we deliver our services, and this will continue to be at the heart of everything we do. For that reason, we invite you to view our draft plan www.dwfire.org.uk/draft-csp-2024-28-consultation and the accompanying video, which provides a short overview.

The consultation period runs from 9 February until 3 May 2024, and we would welcome your feedback, through a short set of questions on our website. Alternatively, you can call our freephone 0800 0213022.

LIVESTOCK WORRYING

Livestock worrying is a criminal offence under the Protection of Livestock Act 1953 and does not require an animal to be injured.

Allowing a dog to be off a lead or otherwise not under close control in a field or enclosure of sheep is an offence. The penalty for livestock worrying can be six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1,000

We would like to remind all dog owners to ensure their dog is on a lead whenever it is near livestock.

Message Sent By

Mark Jones

(Dorset Police, PCSO, Sherborne, Dorchester, Bridport)