Coningsby Spotters - update 23rd July

[Mayfly]

I have heard that there is a danger of the landowners gating & barring spotters from using their land for spotting at Coningsby - namely 'the mound' due to crops being trampled & inconsiderate parking preventing the farmers gaining access.

Not sure how much truth there is in this rumour but a litle bit of common sense may save the day...

[Hihonyr8811]

Its also the area around the east (25) end too, as people keep parking in the the dirt track by the side of the crash gate (by the traffic lights) and the farmer can't get into his fields, as you say people walk on the crops too to stick their ladders against the fence but all the do is spoil it for those of us who do park sensibly

Farmer who owns the land by the mound is ok as long as people leave the track clear. And don't stick ladders against the fence, like in a pic I saw on FC (they were German or soemthing, and got a bit of a telling off).


It's such a shame really, as the land owners are very tollerant of the spotters, I've heard about other places where they arn't so understanding, so it makes me mad that people abuse the geneosity, because they could have gated the access roads ages ago but they havn't.

[Saracenman]

I've never been myself, but it seems it the usual thing of a few selfish people ruining it for all

you can't blame the farmer(s) - it is their livelihood after all, and they've suffered more than most for the past few years

sm

[Mayfly]

I certainly don't blame the farmers at all, abuse of someone elses property is exactly that!!!!

[Hihonyr8811]

I'm not blaming the farmers either, quite the opposit, I went to Ag College and I know exactly how much goes into growing crops. People should have more respect, Its why I very rarely leave the viewing area

[Saracenman]

sorry - i didn't mean it to be read like that, more "you can't blame the farmers" as in when you say to someone, "i don't blame you mate"

sm

[Hihonyr8811]

Apparently the chap who has caused all this ruckus was back on Friday with his 15 foot ladder up against the approach in front of everyone else

I didn't see it myself, read about it on Fighter Control forum. He's not a local but that is no excuse, RAF Police have aleady had words about him propping his ladder against the fences barbed wire.
Makes me so mad.

There's also the litter issue and someone decided to start a fire behind the mound. No wonder the farmers are peed off.

[Wedgy]

Just not respectful

[Mayfly]

sorry - i didn't mean it to be read like that, more "you can't blame the farmers" as in when you say to someone, "i don't blame you mate"

sm

SM I know how you meant it - I was just confirming your thoughts really...

I have read that 'They' were sorted out on Friday - but not sure if thats true, & evidently from from overseas,

I also read a few weeks ago about stopping Duxford spotters going 'liveside' as the farmer had complained about the same thing there, some of the responses were appalling to his threat of closing the access.

I personally have mixed feelings about this Right to Roam as well. If the land belongs to someone other than the nation then no-one has a right to demand access, they should politely request & negotiate strict access.

[Saracenman]

Sweden has a very old 'right to roam' law - anyone can go on to anyone else's land, up to a certain distance

i wonder what these idiots would say if i pitched a tent in THEIR front garden?

sm

[Mayfly]

Well the mound is going if not already gone - I've heard 2 resaons...

1. Spotters didn't behave when the F15s were there - [I was only there on arrivals day but saw no-one doing anything wrong}.

2. The Farmer is simply using the soil to build up low spots on his land - [they must have been low for a long time!!]

Whatever reason its a shame for spotting at Coningsby...

[Hihonyr8811]

I was at Coningsby yesterday, the mound's about half or 3/4 gone, and it is purely to put back on his field, he did the same thing few years ago.

Didn't use the mound very often, only when the were using 07, but it was a pretty good spot, will be missed untill he builds it up again *fingrs crossed*

[Xplumberlives]

Sweden has a very old 'right to roam' law - anyone can go on to anyone else's land, up to a certain distance
i wonder what these idiots would say if i pitched a tent in THEIR front garden?
sm

I for one would be absolutely amazed, please have some pictures taken and post them on here!

[Iggie]

It'd be a very small tent though......no one would notice

[Dan4th]

Wubberized????

D.

[Xplumberlives]

and the GWOUNDSHEET TOO!

[Mayfly]

Lincs Lancs members day today..... so BBMF will be up and about