The Meadow

Visitors are welcome to walk round this unspoilt wildlife haven

Overview

Prior to our purchase in 1995 this 4.5 acre site, known as ‘Tom’s Field’, was for several years open pasture for horses. Going back in time it was agricultural land in the stewardship of the Webbs of Chapel Farm. Once acquired trees & shrubs, those that encourage wildlife. were planted – more added over the years. The mature ancient hedge to the east was thickened with saplings. A few years ago the northern boundary was planted with a new hedge of native species. The site is mostly a good, fertile, heavy, alkaline loam with a spring line running across the centre, the highest northern part much stonier & free draining

Maintenance

The grass is cut and removed each year once the wildflowers have been allowed to seed. This together with the sowing of Hay Rattle will, in time, reduce the vigour of the grass allowing more native flowers to establish.

Access paths are kept regularly mown – please do take the chance to walk around when you visit the nursery. There are wonderful views across the valley and a home fashioned seat to take a rest. No insecticides, weed killers or fertilisers are used. Hedgerows and shrubs are pruned as required in the winter months.

Flora

The fertility of the meadow sustains a large number of grasses & wildflowers. Ever increasing carpets of cowslips are followed by a sea of creeping buttercups & hedge parsley which in turn give way to swathes of ox eye daisies in the drier areas. Patches of violets snuggle with stitchwort in the shadier areas whilst the eagle eyed may spot bee, common spotted & pyramidal orchids – the numbers varying yearly. Knapweed, dandelions, celandines are valuable sources of nectar for many insects

Fauna

A combination of trees, mature hedgerows & grasslands provide the perfect habitat for birds, mammals & insects. Along with the usual songbirds green & great spotted woodpecker are frequent visitors.

Buzzards & red kite, a ‘resident’ raven, pheasant, partridge are familiar sightings. Mr fox has created his own path whilst badgers visit at night. Large numbers of smaller mammals & invertebrates are all part of the food chain. Insects abound especially bees & butterflies.