the park
The Park extends over an area of approximately 15 acres and 89% of that area is grassland. Our two meadows, the Water Meadow near the river and the adjacent Parkland Meadow which is crossed by the public footpath, are good examples of unimproved semi-natural lowland grassland - a habitat that has been disappearing fast over past decades.
Natural England defines semi-natural grasslands as plant communities where a high proportion of the vegetation consists of a mixture of native grasses and herbaceous plants, where woody shrubs are largely absent, and where vegetation height is normally less than one metre.
The species composition of these unimproved grasslands has not been modified by intensive cultivation or the use of chemicals (fertilisers and/or weedkillers). They are managed systems which are traditionally used to provide winter feed (hay) or grazing for domestic livestock.
We aim to maximise native biodiversity within The Park. Lowland grasslands are huge contributors to our nations variety of wildlife; places of inspiration and beauty to people; and historically integral to our rural economy.
We also aim to manage our grasslands in a sustainable manner, to bring them into good order for the benefit of this and future generations.
There are 5 main types of semi-natural grassland that occur in Britain, and two of these types of grassland are found in The Park. Calcareous grassland occurs on shallow well-drained chalk soils – the sloping area of the Parkland Meadow, roughly above the line of the ‘Millennium Lime’ and the 200 year old Oak tree, is chalk grassland.
Wet or damp grasslands occur on level ground, the water table is very close to the surface for much of the year. The lower part of Parkland Meadow and Water Meadow are examples of this type of grassland that is traditionally used for summer cattle grazing.
Our chalk grassland is dominated by fine grasses and a wide range of wild flowers, some of which are less obvious than others. The buttercups and cowslips in May have been followed by yellow Hawkbit, red clover and pink orchids in June. Richard Ryder reports that the Pyramidal Orchids were last seen over 35 years ago in Parkland Meadow!
Our wet or damp grassland is more difficult to manage as the ground is more fertile and there is plenty of moisture available in the soil. We are now beginning to understand the vegetation, and are putting together a Meadow Management Plan to ensure that the less desirable nettles, docks and thistles do not take over and out compete the other wild flowers.
Finally we encourage you to walk across and through the grassland, and look to see what you can find – this poem may inspire you:
Meadows have surprises
You can find them if you look;
Walk softly through the velvet grass,
And listen by the brook…..
Oh! Meadows have surprises
And many things to tell;
You may discover these yourself,
If you look and listen well.
Lois Brandt Phillips 1829-1900
The Estate Management Group
Natural England defines semi-natural grasslands as plant communities where a high proportion of the vegetation consists of a mixture of native grasses and herbaceous plants, where woody shrubs are largely absent, and where vegetation height is normally less than one metre.
The species composition of these unimproved grasslands has not been modified by intensive cultivation or the use of chemicals (fertilisers and/or weedkillers). They are managed systems which are traditionally used to provide winter feed (hay) or grazing for domestic livestock.
We aim to maximise native biodiversity within The Park. Lowland grasslands are huge contributors to our nations variety of wildlife; places of inspiration and beauty to people; and historically integral to our rural economy.
We also aim to manage our grasslands in a sustainable manner, to bring them into good order for the benefit of this and future generations.
There are 5 main types of semi-natural grassland that occur in Britain, and two of these types of grassland are found in The Park. Calcareous grassland occurs on shallow well-drained chalk soils – the sloping area of the Parkland Meadow, roughly above the line of the ‘Millennium Lime’ and the 200 year old Oak tree, is chalk grassland.
Wet or damp grasslands occur on level ground, the water table is very close to the surface for much of the year. The lower part of Parkland Meadow and Water Meadow are examples of this type of grassland that is traditionally used for summer cattle grazing.
Our chalk grassland is dominated by fine grasses and a wide range of wild flowers, some of which are less obvious than others. The buttercups and cowslips in May have been followed by yellow Hawkbit, red clover and pink orchids in June. Richard Ryder reports that the Pyramidal Orchids were last seen over 35 years ago in Parkland Meadow!
Our wet or damp grassland is more difficult to manage as the ground is more fertile and there is plenty of moisture available in the soil. We are now beginning to understand the vegetation, and are putting together a Meadow Management Plan to ensure that the less desirable nettles, docks and thistles do not take over and out compete the other wild flowers.
Finally we encourage you to walk across and through the grassland, and look to see what you can find – this poem may inspire you:
Meadows have surprises
You can find them if you look;
Walk softly through the velvet grass,
And listen by the brook…..
Oh! Meadows have surprises
And many things to tell;
You may discover these yourself,
If you look and listen well.
Lois Brandt Phillips 1829-1900
The Estate Management Group
Unfortunately, due to the Covid pandemic, we have decided to postpone our planned Auction of Promises, that was due to take place in October, to help raise funds for the conservation of The Park. Watch this space and we will let you know when we have arranged a new date.
The Park has provided a wonderful retreat on our doorstep during the recent restrictions on travel. Being so close to, and having access to, real countryside is a huge privilege.
Cowslips are starting to establish themselves in the upper corner of the Parkland Meadow, above the old oak tree, where there is finer grass. We hope with appropriate grazing they will continue to spread in this area. During May buttercups have provided increasing swathes of colour throughout the meadow.
Further downhill on damper ground, below the oak tree, and also across the bridleway in the Water Meadow you will find Meadowsweet starting to grow & gain height. The meadowsweet will flower from June until September – look out for frothy clusters of cream flowers on tall stems. The flowers have a slightly sweet smell. The sweet smell encouraged people to display it in their houses in past times; but if crushed, it can smell more like antiseptic!
The cattle have been grazing the Water Meadow throughout the winter and the nettles and thistles are in retreat! It will take many years to completely restore the meadow, but it is wonderful to see progress being made.
We are now moving on to the next phase of the Masterplan for the restoration of The Park. The River Entrance to The Park is currently being prepared for replanting with native trees and shrubs. The inappropriate conifers have been cut back, and we hope will be cut down soon. In their place we will replant with native hedgerows, and we will also establish a small coppice of hazels and holly. The overall aim is to screen the unattractive pumping station and to create an attractive entrance into The Park.
The Estate Management Group
The Park has provided a wonderful retreat on our doorstep during the recent restrictions on travel. Being so close to, and having access to, real countryside is a huge privilege.
Cowslips are starting to establish themselves in the upper corner of the Parkland Meadow, above the old oak tree, where there is finer grass. We hope with appropriate grazing they will continue to spread in this area. During May buttercups have provided increasing swathes of colour throughout the meadow.
Further downhill on damper ground, below the oak tree, and also across the bridleway in the Water Meadow you will find Meadowsweet starting to grow & gain height. The meadowsweet will flower from June until September – look out for frothy clusters of cream flowers on tall stems. The flowers have a slightly sweet smell. The sweet smell encouraged people to display it in their houses in past times; but if crushed, it can smell more like antiseptic!
The cattle have been grazing the Water Meadow throughout the winter and the nettles and thistles are in retreat! It will take many years to completely restore the meadow, but it is wonderful to see progress being made.
We are now moving on to the next phase of the Masterplan for the restoration of The Park. The River Entrance to The Park is currently being prepared for replanting with native trees and shrubs. The inappropriate conifers have been cut back, and we hope will be cut down soon. In their place we will replant with native hedgerows, and we will also establish a small coppice of hazels and holly. The overall aim is to screen the unattractive pumping station and to create an attractive entrance into The Park.
The Estate Management Group
It has been nice to hear that people are really appreciating using the newly restored bridleway and footpath tracks at The River Entrance to The Park. The current bare areas at the sides of the tracks will soon green-up, and new native copse and hedgerow planting is planned for this area in the near future.
Most bridleways have a very long history. The term ‘bridle’ and ‘way’ come from old English (Anglo Saxon) words –bridel and weg. The existence of a bridleway implies historical usage on horseback. However, the line of our bridleway, where it crosses The Park, is relatively recent. Originally, the bridleway crossed The Park in a north-south direction. If you would like to follow part of this historic route yourself, from The Chalkies Entrance walk north across The Park leaving the old oak tree on your right and then the younger Millennium Lime on your left. Originally this route continued even further north, leading straight to the Manor Farm meadows on the north side of Church Lane.
When Lascelles Iremonger became vicar of Goodworth Clatford in 1782 he built a large vicarage opposite the church, behind the cob wall that you can still see on Church Lane. The Park formed part of Rev. Iremonger’s extensive estate and it was the height of fashion in the 18th century to ‘improve’ one’s land. Parkland with sweeping areas of grass, extensive tree planting, and often water seen in the distance, provided a place to entertain ones’ guests by walking or taking carriage drives to admire the views! The bridleway appears to have been re-routed about this time - it now crosses The Park in a NW to SE direction between The River Entrance and The Chalkies.
Later this year in October we will be holding an Auction of Promises to raise funds for the conservation of The Park. We hope you will be able to support the event on Saturday, 10th October 2020 at 7.30 pm in the Village Club. But first can you help by submitting a promise/offer/talent/craft or experience for inclusion in the Auction? For further information, please email: richardryder7@btinternet.com, or speak to Will Walker, Geoff Scard or Anne Keenan.
The Estate Management Group
Most bridleways have a very long history. The term ‘bridle’ and ‘way’ come from old English (Anglo Saxon) words –bridel and weg. The existence of a bridleway implies historical usage on horseback. However, the line of our bridleway, where it crosses The Park, is relatively recent. Originally, the bridleway crossed The Park in a north-south direction. If you would like to follow part of this historic route yourself, from The Chalkies Entrance walk north across The Park leaving the old oak tree on your right and then the younger Millennium Lime on your left. Originally this route continued even further north, leading straight to the Manor Farm meadows on the north side of Church Lane.
When Lascelles Iremonger became vicar of Goodworth Clatford in 1782 he built a large vicarage opposite the church, behind the cob wall that you can still see on Church Lane. The Park formed part of Rev. Iremonger’s extensive estate and it was the height of fashion in the 18th century to ‘improve’ one’s land. Parkland with sweeping areas of grass, extensive tree planting, and often water seen in the distance, provided a place to entertain ones’ guests by walking or taking carriage drives to admire the views! The bridleway appears to have been re-routed about this time - it now crosses The Park in a NW to SE direction between The River Entrance and The Chalkies.
Later this year in October we will be holding an Auction of Promises to raise funds for the conservation of The Park. We hope you will be able to support the event on Saturday, 10th October 2020 at 7.30 pm in the Village Club. But first can you help by submitting a promise/offer/talent/craft or experience for inclusion in the Auction? For further information, please email: richardryder7@btinternet.com, or speak to Will Walker, Geoff Scard or Anne Keenan.
The Estate Management Group
We very much hope that, by the time you read this newsletter, the refurbished tracks will be in place at the River Entrance to The Park. The tracks will allow better access to both Parkland Meadow and Water Meadow via both the footpath and the bridleway. Fingers crossed that late February does not bring excessive rain or snow!
The winter storms have brought down a number of trees and large branches, and clearance work is ongoing as appropriate. The ivy that comes down with the fallen branches is a great favourite with our resident cattle. So much so that there is often considerable good humoured jostling/competition between them and the volunteers who tidy up and process the ivy covered branches!
Wearing a wreath of ivy leaves around the head was once said to prevent one from getting drunk! The Roman god Bacchus, the god of intoxication, was often depicted wearing a wreath of ivy and grapevines. Ivy was also a symbol of fidelity and today it is still the custom for bridal bouquets to contain a sprig of ivy.
Ivy is much maligned but the nectar, pollen and berries of ivy are an essential food source for insects and birds during autumn and winter when little else is about. It also provides shelter for insects, birds, bats and other small mammals. The high fat content of the berries is a nutritious food resource for birds and the berries are eaten by a range of species including thrushes, blackcaps, woodpigeons and blackbirds.
The Estate Management Group
At the end of 2019 we had the wettest autumn for 19 years and the winter rains may break records too. Ground conditions are very muddy and even difficult in places – please take care. With more kissing gates installed in The Park (in both the Water Meadow and the Parkland Meadow), it is easier to avoid the most well used entrances and routes.
The landscape contractors have been appointed to upgrade the tracks at the River Entrance, however the on-going wet weather may delay this work. We thank you for your patience.
In the Tree Belt Woodland, at the SE end (river end), there are some steep muddy paths under the old beech trees. Please follow seasonal diversions marked with arrows if in place, these diversions allow a less slippery and muddy route.
The rugged, rare breed cattle continue to maintain our meadows in all weathers. The cattle are helping us to improve the grassland and encourage wildlife. The way that the cattle feed creates greater variety in the habitat, allowing a wider range of birds, beetles, reptiles and plants to thrive.
Since the 1930’s, 97% of Hampshire’s wildflower rich meadows and grassland have been lost. This loss is not just due to new building and roads but also due to agricultural intensification including overgrazing and drainage of grasslands. We hope that by careful management of The Park we will significantly improve its biodiversity over the years.
The Estate Management Group
The landscape contractors have been appointed to upgrade the tracks at the River Entrance, however the on-going wet weather may delay this work. We thank you for your patience.
In the Tree Belt Woodland, at the SE end (river end), there are some steep muddy paths under the old beech trees. Please follow seasonal diversions marked with arrows if in place, these diversions allow a less slippery and muddy route.
The rugged, rare breed cattle continue to maintain our meadows in all weathers. The cattle are helping us to improve the grassland and encourage wildlife. The way that the cattle feed creates greater variety in the habitat, allowing a wider range of birds, beetles, reptiles and plants to thrive.
Since the 1930’s, 97% of Hampshire’s wildflower rich meadows and grassland have been lost. This loss is not just due to new building and roads but also due to agricultural intensification including overgrazing and drainage of grasslands. We hope that by careful management of The Park we will significantly improve its biodiversity over the years.
The Estate Management Group
New Hedgerow, along the north boundary of The Park, has now been extended by a further 82 metres. A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped with this work. We hope to complete the last 78 metres of the hedgerow in the New Year, when further young hedging plants are available.
Hedgerows, as they mature, provide a wonderful habitat for birds, insects, reptiles and small mammals. A hedgerow provides homes, food and shelter. Wildlife also uses the protection of a hedge as a corridor to move safely across the countryside. Our New Hedgerow will soon link the NE end of the Tree Belt Woodland, at St Francis’ Entrance, with the new River Copse that will be established near the Pumping Station at River Entrance.
Work is continuing in the Tree Belt Woodland. Woodchip has been spread under the mature trees at the NE end of the woodland. This area of the woodland is very badly compacted and it is now widely recognised that compacted ground leads to the slow decline of both mature and young trees. Recent research has shown that by spreading woodchip at least 100mm deep under the canopy of trees growing in compacted ground the health of the trees, and their future growth, is significantly improved.
A contractor has now been appointed to install and upgrade the tracks leading to the new gates near River Entrance. It is hoped that the work will be completed by February, subject to weather conditions.
The Estate Management Group
In The Park, selective clearance of part of the Tree Belt Woodland understorey has been proceeding well over the last few weeks. Many thanks to all those who have volunteered to help with this work.
A botanist has recently conducted a preliminary walking survey of The Park. Plant species noted included two types of fungi, three types of moss, two ferns and 56 different flowering plants, including trees and shrubs. A more thorough survey will start next spring.
This seems to have been an extremely good year for spotting fungi. In The Park, the 2 species of fungi noted have wonderful common names - Turkeytail and Elder Whitewash!
Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor) is a bracket fungi that grows in tiered layers on rotting stumps and branches. On the layers you will see clear velvety concentric rings of colour. The colours are variable mixes of brown, yellow, grey, purple, green and black, but the outer margin is always pale - either cream or white. Turkeytail can be seen all year round. And, yes, the fungi do resemble the tail feathers seen on a wild turkey!
Elder Whitewash (Hyphodontia sambuci) is a very thin chalky white or greyish fungus that looks like matt emulsion painted on the dead wood of branches that are still attached to a tree. It is commonly seen on elder, but also grows on other native trees and shrubs.
Last winter we planted 175 metres of the new native hedgerow along the north boundary of The Park. We have now been promised enough plants to complete the hedgerow this winter, and volunteers are required in December to help carry out the planting. Would you be able to help? The planting days are 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th December, and work takes place from 10.00am to 12 noon each day. Refreshments are provided! If you can help, do please email Richard Ryder (richardryder7@btinternet.com).
The Estate Management Group
In the Tree Belt Woodland, along the top of The Park, we will be starting the second phase of our 5-year regeneration programme this autumn and winter. The tangled understorey growth will be selectively cleared from the 60m stretch between the upper footpath kissing gate and the south end of the tree belt nearer the river and above The Chalkies. The selective clearance will allow more light to reach the ground under the mature trees. The natural regeneration will then be assessed before deciding on a planting regime for the area. This selective clearance work needs to be completed by the end of February before the start of the 2020 bird nesting season. If you would like to be part of the clearance team, please let us know by contacting Anne Keenan (anne@annekeenan.co.uk).
The old mature trees in the Tree Belt Woodland, at the top of the Parkland Meadow, are over 150 years old. The beech trees at the south end are magnificent specimens with characterful trunks and low sweeping branches. In a beech woodland one typically finds very little growing on the woodland floor because the canopy of a beech tree is so dense and little light reaches the ground. Most typically one would find holly growing as an understorey tree or shrub as it can tolerate very low light levels. The contrast between the copper coloured beech leaves on the ground in the winter and the dark shiny evergreen holly leaves is delightful.
The River Entrance tracks to the kissing gates, near the Pumping Station, should be installed very soon. Please bear with us while we organise this work and remember that, if it becomes very muddy near the lower footpath kissing gate, there is now an alternative route into the Parkland Meadow via the new kissing gate located slightly further down the bridleway.
The Estate Management Group
The old mature trees in the Tree Belt Woodland, at the top of the Parkland Meadow, are over 150 years old. The beech trees at the south end are magnificent specimens with characterful trunks and low sweeping branches. In a beech woodland one typically finds very little growing on the woodland floor because the canopy of a beech tree is so dense and little light reaches the ground. Most typically one would find holly growing as an understorey tree or shrub as it can tolerate very low light levels. The contrast between the copper coloured beech leaves on the ground in the winter and the dark shiny evergreen holly leaves is delightful.
The River Entrance tracks to the kissing gates, near the Pumping Station, should be installed very soon. Please bear with us while we organise this work and remember that, if it becomes very muddy near the lower footpath kissing gate, there is now an alternative route into the Parkland Meadow via the new kissing gate located slightly further down the bridleway.
The Estate Management Group
Our 2019 Prize Draw took place at the Village Fete on the August Bank Holiday. It was very successful and we would like to thank our 15 sponsors who donated such high quality prizes. Our gross takings were £1,619 and, after paying for our licence and ticket printing, our net return was £1,544 which has been paid into The Park fund. The support of all those who purchased tickets, sold tickets and promoted the event is very much appreciated.
Over the summer the re-fencing of the Water Meadow and the installation of new gates has been completed. If you walk The Park, you will find that there are new kissing gates off The Bridleway and off the track that leads from Church Lane. The new kissing gates are wider and will allow much easier access for pushchairs, dogs and people who are less mobile.
The new gates, combined with the existing footpath kissing gates, allow a fine choice of walks in all directions across The Park. It is now possible to enter the Parkland Meadow from the north east corner (St. Francis’s Entrance); from the south corner (The Chalkies’ Entrance) and from the north west corner (The River Entrance). The new kissing gates on the Bridleway also allow people to walk directly from the Parkland Meadow in to the Water Meadow. In time it will be really interesting to see how informal routes develop criss-crossing The Park.
The River Entrance, near the Pumping Station, is our next priority. You may have noticed that a bollard has already been installed by the concrete bridge that leads into The Park. This will prevent access by unauthorised vehicles.
Improvements will be made to the surfacing and planting, so that what has been a very muddy, scruffy area over many years will be greatly improved. A key aim is to upgrade views at this entrance as the Pumping Station is a real eye sore.
SEPTEMBER 2019:
Good news regarding the proposed plant survey of our meadows – we are now organised to start the survey this coming spring. Would you like to help? We need to put together a small team of people to conduct the survey. Would you like to be involved? You don’t need any botanical knowledge, as we have an expert to identify the plants. This could be the ideal opportunity to learn about our native wildflowers, and to enjoy being outside with fellow villagers - all ages and abilities are welcomed. If you might like to help, please contact us to find out more or register your interest (anne@annekeenan.co.uk).
The old mature trees in the Tree Belt Woodland, at the top of the Parkland Meadow, are benefitting from the cutting of the rampant ivy in their canopies last winter. The ivy is not actually removed, as this would damage the trees, it is cut near the base of the tree and then left to die back gradually. The oldest trees are thought to have been planted by the vicar of Goodworth Clatford more than 150 years ago, while Queen Victoria was on the throne and the industrial revolution was taking place. The linear belt of trees would have been planted to direct the eye down towards the river valley across the meadows, when approaching from the direction of the old vicarage. You can still appreciate much of this view if you stand at St Francis’ Entrance and look across towards the most southerly corner of the Water Meadow near the river. The tree belt acts as a form of blinker on your left hand side, preventing you from seeing what would have been considered to be the less picturesque arable fields and road beyond the tree belt.
A very big thank you to everyone who supported our 2019 Prize Draw, to raise funds for the continuing improvement of The Park. It’s been heard down the grapevine that no one was allowed into Will Walker’s house during August without first buying a draw ticket! In our next newsletter we will let you know how much was raised from the Prize Draw.
The Estate Management Group
SHEEPWASH
The damaged river bank by the bridge in Goodworth Clatford has been long awaiting repair. The area has been fenced off as a temporary safety measure. The Parish Council is taking appropriate steps with a contractor to conduct the repair but a special licence is required from the Environmental Agency as the River Anton is designated a Protected River within a conservation area, hence the delay. Work will be completed as soon as possible.
The bench built around the Swamp Cyprus tree is considered a safety risk as it is badly damaged and beyond repair so it will be removed in due course. There are many benches at the Sheepwash so hopefully this will not cause too much inconvenience.
The feeder stream has suffered bank erosion due to visitors building dams with large stones and concrete blocks. Long terms damage to the area, inevitably leading to major expense, will be the result if this activity continues so your support is requested in stopping this practice in the future.
The Estate Management Group
Good news regarding the proposed plant survey of our meadows – we are now organised to start the survey this coming spring. Would you like to help? We need to put together a small team of people to conduct the survey. Would you like to be involved? You don’t need any botanical knowledge, as we have an expert to identify the plants. This could be the ideal opportunity to learn about our native wildflowers, and to enjoy being outside with fellow villagers - all ages and abilities are welcomed. If you might like to help, please contact us to find out more or register your interest (anne@annekeenan.co.uk).
The old mature trees in the Tree Belt Woodland, at the top of the Parkland Meadow, are benefitting from the cutting of the rampant ivy in their canopies last winter. The ivy is not actually removed, as this would damage the trees, it is cut near the base of the tree and then left to die back gradually. The oldest trees are thought to have been planted by the vicar of Goodworth Clatford more than 150 years ago, while Queen Victoria was on the throne and the industrial revolution was taking place. The linear belt of trees would have been planted to direct the eye down towards the river valley across the meadows, when approaching from the direction of the old vicarage. You can still appreciate much of this view if you stand at St Francis’ Entrance and look across towards the most southerly corner of the Water Meadow near the river. The tree belt acts as a form of blinker on your left hand side, preventing you from seeing what would have been considered to be the less picturesque arable fields and road beyond the tree belt.
A very big thank you to everyone who supported our 2019 Prize Draw, to raise funds for the continuing improvement of The Park. It’s been heard down the grapevine that no one was allowed into Will Walker’s house during August without first buying a draw ticket! In our next newsletter we will let you know how much was raised from the Prize Draw.
The Estate Management Group
SHEEPWASH
The damaged river bank by the bridge in Goodworth Clatford has been long awaiting repair. The area has been fenced off as a temporary safety measure. The Parish Council is taking appropriate steps with a contractor to conduct the repair but a special licence is required from the Environmental Agency as the River Anton is designated a Protected River within a conservation area, hence the delay. Work will be completed as soon as possible.
The bench built around the Swamp Cyprus tree is considered a safety risk as it is badly damaged and beyond repair so it will be removed in due course. There are many benches at the Sheepwash so hopefully this will not cause too much inconvenience.
The feeder stream has suffered bank erosion due to visitors building dams with large stones and concrete blocks. Long terms damage to the area, inevitably leading to major expense, will be the result if this activity continues so your support is requested in stopping this practice in the future.
The Estate Management Group
august 2019:
The meadows in The Park continue to benefit from conservation grazing by cattle. Pedestrian access to Water Meadow has been improved by the provision of a kissing gate on the bridleway, not too far from The Chalkies. In time a second kissing gate will be installed closer to River Entrance, thus enabling a very pleasant circular route around the meadow.
We had hoped to start a botanical survey of plant species in The Park in the Spring, this is taking longer to organise than expected, but do have a look when walking the meadows as there are quite a lot of interesting wildflowers to be seen. The range of plants differs on the lower wetter land from that seen on the drier rising land, i.e. the upper part of the Parkland Meadow.
Sadly our application to the Veolia Community Fund was not successful this year. We understand that there were a huge number of very worthy projects seeking funding in 2019. You will continue to see some improvements in The Park this summer, new cattle gates have recently been installed on the bridleway, but to keep moving forwards we will need to continue working on securing other funding.
Our first fund raising event was recently launched at the very successful Village Assembly - a raffle with many attractive prizes, very kindly donated by local businesses and individuals. The raffle draw will take place at the Goodworth Clatford Fete on August Bank Holiday. We hope the proceeds will provide a good boost to our funds. Please do support the raffle, and encourage your friends and visitors to buy tickets too.
Finally a big thank you to those families and individuals who have made private donations to The Park fund, and to everybody who stops to tell us how much they are enjoying using our own part of the countryside.
The Estate Management Group
June 2019:
Now that the Water Meadow has been re-fenced the farmer is able to move the cattle to and from the Park Meadow and the Water Meadow ensuring that neither site is over grazed. This completes our first target for securing safe grazing of animals in The Park ensuring the character of the Park Meadow and the Water Meadow remains as we all have known it.
This month we anticipate knowing whether our application from the Veolia Community fund has been successful enabling us to improve access into both meadows with additional kissing gates and installing cattle gates.
During the summer we are launching our first fund raising event by having a raffle with many attractive prizes very kindly donated by local businesses and individuals including evening dinners, a magnum of wine, wine tasting with a tour around a local vineyard and a family ticket to the newly opened restored Museum of Army Flying.
The draw will be towards the end of the Goodworth Clatford fete on the August bank holiday. We hope to raise sufficient funds to continue to complete our plans for The Park. These aims were described in our presentation at the Parish assembly last month.
The Estate Management Group
APRIL / MAY 2019:
We were thrilled to hear recently that one of our two applications for external funding has been successful; we await the result of the other application this month. As a result of the funding from IGas, by the time you read this article the Water Meadow should have been re-fenced. The cattle will then graze both of our meadows in rotation.
April has, as normal, brought a flush of growth in our meadows, hedgerows, and woodland. Due to poor maintenance in the past, nettles have established themselves in both our meadows and along our bridleway, particularly near the River Entrance, off Church Lane. Nettles provide a wonderful source of food for many insects, including butterflies, and therefore should be valued. However they are best kept away from places where people walk. We want to continue to maintain The Park without the use of chemicals, and the best way to discourage the growth of nettles is to cut them regularly! You won’t find nettles in your lawn, or in well-grazed meadows, because they are mown or cropped regularly. Nettles can’t tolerate continual regular cutting. Cutting once or twice a year won’t work, the cutting needs to take place every time the nettles are about ankle-high. We hope the cattle will enjoy the nettles in the meadows, but wonder if you can help us cut the nettles on the bridleway? We are looking for ‘Nettle Monitors’ - would you be willing to cut the nettles within an agreed area on a regular basis for this growing season? The area you take on can be very small or larger – it’s your choice. If you would like to help, please contact Geoff Scard on 01264 353055, or geoffscard@gmail.com.
The Woodland Belt has recently been fenced at the north end (the end nearest to the church). A small gap has been left, next to the Parkland Meadow fence, to enable you to gain access on foot to and from Church Lane. This temporary access will remain in place until a new kissing gate is installed at the adjacent St Francis’ Entrance. In the autumn, we will be re-planting the north end of the woodland belt with young trees, but at the moment we are stockpiling wood chip, which will be spread on the ground to help de-compact the area. Trees don’t grow well on compacted ground.
The Estate Management Group
April has, as normal, brought a flush of growth in our meadows, hedgerows, and woodland. Due to poor maintenance in the past, nettles have established themselves in both our meadows and along our bridleway, particularly near the River Entrance, off Church Lane. Nettles provide a wonderful source of food for many insects, including butterflies, and therefore should be valued. However they are best kept away from places where people walk. We want to continue to maintain The Park without the use of chemicals, and the best way to discourage the growth of nettles is to cut them regularly! You won’t find nettles in your lawn, or in well-grazed meadows, because they are mown or cropped regularly. Nettles can’t tolerate continual regular cutting. Cutting once or twice a year won’t work, the cutting needs to take place every time the nettles are about ankle-high. We hope the cattle will enjoy the nettles in the meadows, but wonder if you can help us cut the nettles on the bridleway? We are looking for ‘Nettle Monitors’ - would you be willing to cut the nettles within an agreed area on a regular basis for this growing season? The area you take on can be very small or larger – it’s your choice. If you would like to help, please contact Geoff Scard on 01264 353055, or geoffscard@gmail.com.
The Woodland Belt has recently been fenced at the north end (the end nearest to the church). A small gap has been left, next to the Parkland Meadow fence, to enable you to gain access on foot to and from Church Lane. This temporary access will remain in place until a new kissing gate is installed at the adjacent St Francis’ Entrance. In the autumn, we will be re-planting the north end of the woodland belt with young trees, but at the moment we are stockpiling wood chip, which will be spread on the ground to help de-compact the area. Trees don’t grow well on compacted ground.
The Estate Management Group
MARCH / APRIL 2019:
The fence sub-dividing the Parkland Meadow has now been removed enabling the cattle to graze the whole meadow. We hope the Water Meadow will be re-fenced by late spring, so that the farmer can move his cattle easily between the two meadows to prevent overgrazing. Conservation grazing promotes biodiversity, it is good for creating flower-rich swards, & as cattle don’t graze too close to the ground they are less likely to create bare patches like horses. Tufts of vegetation left by the cattle will also provide habitats for butterflies & other insects.
We are keen to collate as much information about the history of The Park as possible, so if you are interested in helping us by delving into historical records, please let us know. Two hundred years ago The Park formed part of the grounds of the extensive Goodworth Clatford vicarage. Parkland landscapes were the height of fashion in the late 17th& early 18thcentury. Please contact Anne Keenan (01264 324193 or anne@annekeenan.co.uk) to find out more about helping with the on-going research.
We have gratefully received two major donations from villagers to enable us to install two more kissing gates to improve access into the Parkland Meadow.One kissing gate will be located at the south end of the meadow, next to the bridleway & the old chalk pit knownas ‘the chalkies’. The second kissing gate will allow access to the north-east corner of the meadow from Church Lane, via the track near the church. This entrance will be known as St Francis’ Entrance in recognition of the Home of St Francis that was established at the former vicarage in the early 20thcentury.
We have recently applied for funding from two external sources. We will know the results of these applications during May and June. If we are successful, we hope to be able to start improving the current entrance to The Park, from Church Lane near the river, install signage, & provide more new gates to further improve access for both people and livestock.
The Estate Management Group
