Annual report for year ended 31 March 1999

A busy year

Much has happened in the past year, with replacement of the Long Bridge in Sept/October 1998 with a new and robust structure that should serve its purpose for a hundred years or more. The project required a close partnership of a number of people and agencies. Thanks to the goodwill that this village meadow has attracted, everything went smoothly and amicably. Acknowledgement of the trustees' indebtedness appeared in the newsletters of August 1998 and January 1999. The construction of the bridge meant closing the footpath for walkers and fishermen, for which the trustees apologise. 

Haycut, grazing and floods

Cattle grazed parts of the meadow from May 22nd to mid-November. This, and the floods have resulted in very lush pasture. The floods have been exceptional, with the meadow completely covered by water on four separate occasions. 

Digging `scrape', making three `bunds' and improving access lane

The scrape and bunds (earth dams) were completed in November as part of our MAFF contract to provide a more varied habitat for wildlife (cost £1000). The excavated earth (about 50 cubic metres) was used to make three bunds across the flood drain (once called `the rushing stream'). The downstream bund makes a useful footpath. Surplus soil was used to restore the eroded bank by the oak tree and to make a causeway to the attractive small island in Buck Pool. At the same time, a thick layer of mud was scraped from the lane and 45 tonnes of road `planings' laid. The culvert over `the rushing stream' was collapsing and a temporary repair was carried out, using material from the site, including one of the redundant electricity poles (cost of work on lane and culvert £2000). 

Care of trees and new planting

Six trees (two black poplar, two English oak and two osier) have been planted, along with 50 scrub plants of five native species (common alder, blackthorn, purging buckthorn, common dogwood and spindle). The re-introduction of cowslips has been very successful, and snake's-head fritillaries will be planted as soon as approved stock is available. The black poplar by Buck Pool has had tree surgery. Three willows along the flood drain have been pollarded. Brushwood has been chipped and used around the new planting to deter competition. Some of the chippings have been used on muddy patches of footpath.

A less active future for the meadow?

After this flurry of (necessary) activity, the trustees hope that there will now be a period of calm for the forces of nature to exert themselves and river meadow flowers and other wildlife to flourish. Minor work that may be undertaken is some `willow spiling' to strengthen the eroded river bank below the new bridge (in partnership with The Environment Agency) and to drive in more willow stakes in the meander bank. The stakes placed there two years ago have been very successful in delaying erosion at flood time. Cattle grazing is planned from early August to the end of October. 

Plan to purchase two small plots between Buck Pool and the bypass

The ownership of these attractive wooded plots is unclear, but both the parties concerned are prepared to let the Trust have these pieces of severed land. This would allow public access to the east side of Buck Pool and the river Thame, as well as diversifying the wildlife habitat. The South Oxfordshire District Council has pledged £5,500 towards the implementation of this scheme. A light footbridge to connect the two plots will be needed.

Gift of garden tractor/mower by The New Horizons Trust

A generous gift of £2,290 has allowed the purchase of a new ride-on machine. The trustees have bought a chipper attachment which has already been put to good use and also a light trailer which will lessen the need to bring cars or lorries on to the meadow for maintenance work. The mower can be used for occasional cuts to keep the main footpaths clear. 

Policy statement and brochure

The trustees have produced a two-page policy statement. Any member of the public may apply to the hon. secretary for a copy. A tri-fold brochure has also been produced. This is available in the Post Office, the Abbey tea-room and Chesters, as well as the hotels. 

Finances

Income (including grants) for the year ended 31 March 1999 was £27,194. Expenditure was £30,794 (of which £24,221 was for the bridge). This has reduced the bank balances from £4,977 to £1,377, with £991 still owing for the bridge. `Basic' income from the MAFF grant, fishing permits, covenants etc was £1,583. 

A public appeal has been launched for pledges on purchasing the adjacent site and for donations to help with contingencies and running costs. The first phase was a mailshot on 8/9 March 1999 to residents who had arrived in the village since the appeal in 1995. The response has been encouraging, but we are well short of our target of £11,200.