Hurst water meadow news

1 September 1997

Wild flowers in profusion!

The unusual weather conditions this spring have resulted in a spectacular array of wildflowers of many species and the late hay cut will have allowed these to seed. There is still a lot of colour along the riverbank. A large number of cowslips have been planted - a gift from Chris Norman. We hope that prudent management of the meadow will make future years even more colourful.

Ragwort and thistles

These have also flourished. Volunteers collected and removed 22 refuse sacks full of ragwort. The thistles will be dealt with by a contractor using an approved herbicide.

Hay cut

Graham Howard and colleagues cut the hay at the end of July and removed the bales. Grazing is planned for the autumn, if we can find a willing flock of sheep or cattle.

Notice (interpretation) board

This was put up on 17th July near the concrete (long) bridge by a group of volunteers. One side has a coloured map of the meadow (artist Phil Greenaway), the other side has information about the meadow and its history, fishing, bye-laws etc. Some people feel that the map is upside down and they have a point! It had to be on the north-facing board so that the colours did not fade so quickly.

Bank maintenance

The `willow spiling' by the long bridge has been very successful and there is much new growth of willow which will help to consolidate the bank. Likewise, the 12 posts by the meander have all sprouted. Erosion has been minimal because of the lack of winter floods.

Stile and fences

These are beginning to weather to a natural colour. The coach screws which secure the fence rails have corroded from contact with the oak sap. The plan is to add oak dowel pegs in the traditional style.

Tree planting

A small number of trees will be planted in accordance with the site management plan, and also a group of specimen trees in memory of the late Ralph Cherrill.

`Natural Pioneer' Millennium Awards

One thousand awards, each of up to £3,500, will be available to people who wish to gain knowledge and skills so that they can lead local conservation projects, in a scheme run by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. The rules are very flexible, and training will be tailor made to suit each applicant. We believe that training for conservation work in the Meadow, and elsewhere in the area, would be eligible for a grant. This opportunity is not likely to recur, so apply now. 

If you are interested, apply to Hannah Duneen, BTCV, 36 St Mary's Street, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 0EU (01491 839766). Peter has pamphlets. John Metcalfe (340054) will advise on possible projects. One example might be to help develop a Parish Conservation Plan: another to manage hedgerows in the interests of wildlife and their visual appeal. Farmers across the Thames have already started to improve their hedges.

Boundary posts

These will be fixed at seven points to mark our legal boundaries. We could then `beat the bounds' every year if we felt the need.

Financial position of the trust.

The accounts, prepared by the hon: treasurer and presented at the public meeting on 14th May 1997, were independently examined by Mr Malcolm Lucas and submitted to the Charity Commissioners.

On 31 March 1997 the bank and deposit balances were £4,283. This balance and the grants expected from the Countryside Stewardship Scheme should cover day-to-day expenditure, but leave nothing for contingencies or reserves. The trustees would welcome further donations and covenants. 

Maintenance of bridge

Maintenance work on the bridge is planned. This would involve plating and welding the RSJs which are in two parts. Access should be unrestricted during the work, but the arc welding must not be watched as it can harm the eyesight.

Your views are needed

If the trustees are to manage the meadow for the benefit of all, we need your views. So please do not be shy about telling us.