Annual report for year ended 30 March 1997

Purchase completed 17 May 1996

Following a generous response to the appeal for funds, 18 acres of the Hurst Water Meadow were purchased for £31,000 plus £3,000 legal and surveyors' costs. This also included fishing rights over adjacent land. Because of the complexity and delay in establishing the title, the receivers accepted a purchase price £1,576 less than the original sealed bid offered by the trustees.

Work done in past year

New gateposts and gate were fitted straight away. A hay cut was done on 1 July, and new stiles fitted by volunteers on 19 July 1996. Application has been made to include the whole meadow in the Overy Conservation Area. The Northmoor Trust (registered charity no 254740) produced a detailed site management plan on 25 July 1996 (a copy is available for inspection in the museum). This report formed the basis of an application to MAFF for grants under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This application, which included a ten-year plan, was successful. Work has been done to strengthen the bank near the bridge by willow spiling (18 November 1996), removal of barbed wire fence, and pollarding five veteran willows. Further work to improve the meadow is being planned (see below). Negotiations with the Parish Council (who had generously subscribed £5,000 to the appeal) were completed on 10 October 1996 with acceptance by the Parish Council of provisions by the trustees to enhance accountability. 

Future projects and plans

The plan requires that some grazing takes place, as has happened in the past and which helps to improve the meadow. Other projects are to place earth bunds across the dry flood channel parallel to the River Thame in order to retain water in a `linear pond' to encourage wildlife and diversify the habitat. A shallow depression (`scrape') will be excavated near the eastern end of the meadow, with a similar aim. The excavated soil and gravel will be deposited at the edge of Buck Pool between the island (popular with fishermen and featured in the Daily Telegraph) and the main bank. This will make access easier for fishermen. The linear pond and the scrape should improve the landscape and enjoyment by the public. Trees will be planted chiefly in a group at the north eastern end of the meadow (between the oak tree and Buck Pool). Boundary posts will be erected as appropriate. 

Board for notices and `interpretation'

A 3' x 2' notice board has been constructed, and will be sited near the entrance gate and stile. It will contain a map and a description of the history and features of the meadow as well as by-laws governing its use by the public and by anglers. An interpretative leaflet is planned for next year that could be sold at the Post Office and Museum. Ideas and suggestions are welcome. 

Hay cut and grazing

Mr Graham Howard will arrange a hay cut shortly. Arrangements for grazing sheep on a part of the meadow are under discussion with local farmers and the Northmoor Trust. 

The concrete access bridge

The `long bridge' is in poor repair and is unsafe for heavy vehicles. The trustees have bought some builder's jacks to use when required, but a longer term solution is needed. Major strengthening of the bridge would be costly, but the Oxfordshire County Council might help, as they have a duty to maintain it as a footbridge. 

Memorial to the late Mr Ralph Cherrill

The British Legion has kindly offered a substantial sum to erect a memorial to Ralph who loved to fish there and enjoy the wildlife. A group of specimen trees with a memorial plaque has been suggested. 

Fishing

This has been popular with residents, particularly children, and also with non-residents who have contributed £550 in fishing permits. The trustees are very grateful to Chuck Selwood for his voluntary services as fishing bailiff and to Matt and April Husband for selling permits at the Post Office. 

Newsletters

Five newsletters have been produced since the last public meeting. These have been included in the Dorchester News (for which we are very grateful to John Crowe and his band of helpers) and posted up in three places in the village. Copies are available at the Post Office. The Countryside Commission has kindly contributed towards the cost. The meadow has been much appreciated by residents and the public, and the trustees have been greatly encouraged by its popularity and by the support from many people, and from authorities and organizations both statutory and voluntary.

Peter Pritchard Hon: Secretary, on behalf of the trustees