Annual report for year ended 31 March 2002

Buck Pool Spinney Project

Since the last annual report in April 2001 this project has almost been completed. Volunteers cleared a footpath through dense scrub and bramble on 30th June. Litter was removed and grass seed planted. The Environment Agency Constructor Unit has widened the weir bridge and set the main beams of the new footbridge on concrete foundations. Volunteers did the rest. Chuck Selwood and craftsmen from Hallidays fixed the keruing decking and the treated softwood handrails. 

Other volunteers constructed ramps for all three bridges, fixed new handrails on the sluice bridge, painted the steelwork and put wood chippings on the muddy footpath. The access has been much improved. An otter holt has been constructed and fenced off to make a wildlife reserve. The bypass has also being fenced off to deter trespass - a generous donation from Ian Reid. 

The owners of the Buck Pool Spinney site, who kindly allow us access, repaired the weir (26th March). Residents and visitors can now enjoy attractive views from the spinney and the shady woodland. Wildlife can benefit from a more varied habitat.

Link to storyboard

Funding of Buck Pool Spinney project

Raising the money has not been easy, as the trustees only have three years' security of tenure, but this is renewable. If the owners re-possess the site, the Trust may have to refund part of the grants. The sources of funding, for which the trustees are very grateful, have been as follows:

The Countryside Agency Local Heritage Initiative £8,497 South Oxfordshire District Council Capital Grant £4,550 Shell Better Britain Campaign £1,750 Public subscriptions and Trust funds £4,025 Dorchester on Thames Society (for strimmer) £ 569 New Horizons Trust (for chainsaw) £ 463 Total £19,854

In addition, the trustees have received much professional help `in kind' from architects, surveyors and solicitors as well as all the volunteers.

Opening event on Wednesday 10th April 

The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mr Hugo Brunner, has kindly agreed to open the site on Wednesday April 10th at 11am. All members of the public are welcome.

Appointment of new trustee

Sadly, Leo Hill, one of the original trustees, has resigned owing to pressure of other work. He has been a tower of strength and wisdom. Mrs Susan Dixon has been appointed as a trustee in his place.

Financial summary 

Income for the year to 31 March 2002 was £20,237 (2001 = £4,500). Expenditure was £20,331 (£3,286). Bank balances are £6,021 (£6,106). The accounts can be inspected.

Maintenance work on the meadow 

Three substantial willow trees, and one small one, have been pollarded by volunteers. The cordwood has mostly been removed. The brushwood has either been chipped for drying up muddy footpaths or left in place as a nesting site for birds. Volunteers have tried to clear the verges of the lane from the bypass to the Hurst. The Parish Council has generously contributed £223 to the mower servicing costs. Graham Howard and his team have kindly reinstated the field fence at the end of Manor Farm Road.

Open day on Tuesday 7th May 2002 to visit the Hurst and the Abbey 

Una Crowe has suggested this idea. Assemble in Manor Farm Road by the Rectory at 5.30pm. Participants will have the choice of a number of expert guides who will lead small groups round the Hurst. The topics will include natural history and ecology (with expert help from the Northmoor Trust); the landscape through artists' eyes (Rebecca Hind); and conservation, site and charity management. The groups will return for guided tours of the Abbey including new and ancient features and `light in the abbey', ending up with a glass of wine in the Abbey. Donations will be welcomed and will be shared between the Abbey and the Trust.

Appeal for funds for a reserve and contingency fund for the Trust

The Trust has no reserve fund to meet exceptional expenses, such as river bank maintenance, nor the means to purchase any adjacent property that comes on the market. A reserve fund, either in the form of money or pledges to support projects, would make the future more secure. Most funding bodies will only cover actual projects, and if property comes on the market, we would have to move very quickly. The meadow is small in terms of conservation, as birds and mammals cover a much larger area. We would like to acquire the copse on the north side of the river Thame and indeed, the whole of the 33-acre Demesne Field (on the left as you go down to the Hurst). This could provide an attractive new woodland for the public to enjoy and a choice of shady walks. This appeal will be discussed at the Parish Public Meeting on Tuesday April 23rd, and people's views sought, before we make any moves.

Website www.hurst-water-meadow.co.uk

The site has been updated and now includes photographs of the Buck Pool Spinney project. We would be glad of help in re-designing the layout and including a logo.

Public involvement

Once again, the trustees wish to stress that the meadow is for the benefit of residents of the village and the public in perpetuity and we need your comments and views on its conservation and management.

Peter Pritchard hon. secretary 

Previous annual reports

2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997