Old Bridge Meadow: an appeal to purchase
Project: to purchase a flood meadow by River Thame for
public recreation and to enhance its biodiversity
| The Hurst Water Meadow trustees have been offered an
attractive site of 3.39 acres (1.372 hectares) beside Dorchester Bridge on
the village margin. This meadow could be made into a pleasant site, rich
in wild flowers, for public recreation. The acquisition and enhancement of
local flood meadows is an important part of the Trust's mission, for both
public enjoyment and sustaining a very scarce habitat.
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Why purchase the meadow?
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Hay meadows and wildlife-rich grasslands have shrunk to only
3% of the post-WWII level. It is essential that we restore these meadows
to provide nectar for pollinating insects throughout the season, and that
isolated pockets of grassland are linked by 'wildlife corridors'. In
partnership with Northmoor Trust (half a mile away across the Thames) it
could contribute to the wildlife corridor which they plan to coordinate as
part of a larger project. There could also be a pond to encourage frogs
and invertebrates such as newts. |
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The site would include part of a popular footpath linking the village (and
the Hurst Water Meadow) to the Thames towpath and Wittenham Clumps. Access would
be improved to allow wheelchairs and child carriages.
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How much will the project cost?
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Cost of acquiring the site |
£41,813
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A professional
valuation has reported that this is good value for money in the light of local
land prices.
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Improving the site |
£5,484 |
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Enhancing biodiversity |
£4,425 |
Total budgeted cost
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£51,722
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How much have we already got
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Offer from the Trust for
Oxfordshire's Environment from the Landfill Communities Fund |
£20,000 |
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Donation made from local resident to start our Land Fund |
£7,500 |
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Application to be made to fund enhancing biodiversity |
£4,425 |
The trustees are initially appealing to the public for this target sum of
£19,797 and we are confident of support for this project to enhance the
environment for the benefit of all for ever. We will also apply to other funding
sources, but success is uncertain.
Further information
For further information please apply to Peter Pritchard at 31 Martin's Lane
01865 340008, or Andrew Clements 01865 340753. Forms for Gift-Aid are available in
Dorchester Post Office or can be downloaded from this site..
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