Annual report for year ended 31 March 2005

The meadow

The hay was cut as usual, but no grazier could be found, as there are now very few small herds in the neighbourhood.    

Some boughs from the old black poplar have been arranged as additional seating near Buck Pool. 

The level of the footpath round the meadow has been raised in two places where it crossed old drains and flooded easily. The soil was obtained by starting a new 'scrape'. Soil was also put on the causeway to the small island in Buck Pool. Volunteers have spread chippings on the muddy patches and also down the lane from the bypass bridge. The Overy Conservation Area is being extended to cover the whole of the meadow, including Buck Pool Spinney, access to which has been improved.

Sale of Buck Pool Spinney 

The owners, with whom we had a licence agreement for access and management, decided to put the site up for auction for £5,000. In the event it was sold on 9th February 2005 for £15,000. The trustees were not prepared to buy it, as the weir and sluice were included and the liability for their upkeep (about £25,000 soon and £150,000 every fifty years or less) is beyond our means. The sale has not been completed yet, and the licence for access to the spinney will run for another year, and we hope for very much longer.

Wildflower planting project 

The Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment has granted £7,189 from the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme for the wildflower and hedge restoration project, to be spread over four years. A good start has been made with the sowing of yellow rattle, to be followed in September with wildflower seeds. 

Tree management 

The ash tree by the long bridge has had crown reduction to make it safe. The veteran black poplar by Buck Pool has had major tree surgery to reduce its height and remove boughs overhanging Buck Pool. This was done on the advice of consultant Arboriculturist Dr P G Biddle, who did a survey of all the trees on and around the meadow from the viewpoint of public safety. All the work he advised for our trees was carried out. A willow tree from a neighbouring plot had fallen into the meadow, and this was also removed. Two unhealthy ash trees from this plot could be a risk to the public and the owner has been informed. Meanwhile, the footpath has been diverted and walkers are advised to keep to the mown footpaths, particularly when the wind is strong. Tree work for this year has cost £2,350.

New Woodland Project 

There was hope that this would go ahead when the owners might have bought a field to exchange for the Demesne Field, but their bid was not successful. The plans are all ready should the field come onto the market, and we are hopeful of eventual purchase and development of the 35 acres as woodland.

Trustees

We are very sad that Jenny Nudds and Chris Sleigh have resigned. They have worked long and hard as trustees, and will be missed. Cllr Chris Hill and Michael Southon have been appointed in their place. They are both very active volunteers. Normally we have two trustees who are Parish Councillors, but it has not worked out on this occasion, and the Parish Council has concurred.

Finance 

Income for the year has been £9,247, and expenditure £7,882, leaving a surplus of £1,365. The bank balance is £7,729. We have been particularly fortunate in receiving grants of £1000 from the Oxford Preservation Trust and £2,400 from the Gannett Foundation (the parent body of the Oxfordshire newspapers) for carrying out certain projects (see below). There have also been several very generous private donations.

Projects 

As well as the projects already mentioned, the grants and donations have allowed us to buy a more modern cutter deck, a roller, powered grass collector and jack for the Countax tractor/mower which will allow volunteers to take on tasks that might otherwise have needed a contractor. We also plan to update the map and information on the notice board and produce some new brochures.

Help from volunteers 

Volunteers have continued to support us most willingly and the working parties have been enjoyable occasions. Anyone wishing to join us should notify the hon. secretary.

Website 

Andrew Clements has updated the text and added a number of pictures. John Metcalfe has produced many photographs and descriptions of wildflowers growing on the Hurst.

The trustees hope that the meadow adds to the well-being and quality of life of all who use it. Suggestions from users are always welcome.

Peter Pritchard hon. secretary 

11 April 2005

Previous annual reports

2004, 2003,  2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997