Annual report for year ended 31 March 2006

The meadow 

The hay was cut as usual, and aftermath grazing by horses arranged. This worked well and should improve the quality of the meadow. 

Funding for raising the level of the first 50 metres of the footpath, enlarging the second scrape and planting wild flowers has been granted from Wren Recycling Environmental (WREN) of Sutton Courtenay (from the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, via the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment) and from Oxfordshire County Council. Work is planned to start in April 2006 and should be completed in a month. Volunteer help will be needed, especially for planting the wild flowers in the scrape. 

Volunteers have spread chippings on the muddy patches and also down the back lane. The Overy Conservation Area now includes the whole of the meadow and Buck Pool Spinney.

Chairman, new trustee and administrator 

Sadly, our original Chairman Roy Tudor Hughes died on 15th September 2005 after a long illness. He has been a wonderful Chairman since the Trust was set up in 1995 and an unfailing inspiration to us all. We are fortunate that Richard Douglas has agreed to become Chairman. Brian Rogers has joined us as a trustee. Lisbet Clements has been appointed as part-time administrator of the Trust.

Wild flower planting and hedge restoration project 

Tree management 

A field maple near the river had some rot, so the crown was reduced by a third as advised by the District Forestry Officer. A veteran willow was cut back.

New Woodland Project 

There has been no progress, but we are still hopeful and ready for action.

Sale of Buck Pool Spinney 

This was sold at auction, but the new owner had to be taken to court to complete the sale (which includes the weir and sluice). We hope that our licence for access and management will be renewed. Meanwhile the public have access as before.

Finance 

Income for the year was £7,607 (9,247), and expenditure £7,243 (7,882). The bank balance is £8,153 (7,729) - (last year's figures in brackets). There have also been several very generous private donations which have been a great help. 

Our grant under the Defra Countryside Stewardship Scheme ends in September 2006. We have applied for grants from the Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme to maintain and improve the meadow and for school visits. We have been accepted for an annual grant under the Defra Single Farm Payment Scheme, starting at £127, and (hopefully) rising to about £1,200 per annum in 2012. 

South Oxfordshire District Council is a pioneer of revenue grants and has awarded us £250 a year for three years. Although this was less than we had requested, we were fortunate to get anything, as the demand was very heavy.

Projects

Andrew Clements has set up an education project aimed at teaching primary school children English and mathematics using a program on the website and also site visits. The material is about birds and the countryside. 

The trustees plan to encourage visits by school children and have produced fact sheets and a teachers' information pack. The response has been good.

Help from volunteers 

Volunteers have continued to support us most enthusiastically and all seemed to enjoy the working parties. Anyone wishing to join us should notify the hon. secretary.

Website 

Andrew Clements has updated the text and added a number of pictures as well as the education program.

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 

31 March 2006

Previous annual reports

2005, 2004, 2003,  2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997