During the last twelve months we have continued with our maintenance plan for the area, which includes keeping nature in check by clearing certain areas of Briars and Himalayan Balsam. Both species if not kept in check will dominate. Briars especially in areas that we have planted with tree saplings will have a detrimental effect if not removed. Himalayan Balsam is an attractive plant and very beneficial to the Birds and Bees but is very intrusive. We have areas where we attempt to keep this plant in check and areas where we leave it untouched as we have realised over the years that any attempt to eradicate it would be futile, due to its ability of its seeds to lie dormant for years and the fact that it is prevalent on land that adjoins ours.
We have continued to keep the water course free of obstruction, leaving areas of debris in the stream where necessary to protect the banks of the stream on our side and to slow the stream down in times of flooding as recommended by the Environment Agency.
We have planted several trees donated to us by local residents, some in memory of loved ones and some of which have become unwanted, for various reasons.
We have carried out maintenance and repairs as and when required.
A wild flower patch has been created on the Lammas Land, the seeds sown by members of the local Girl Guid and Scout associations. This in its first year was a success and we will evaluate it again this year to see if it is sustainable. Also, several wild primroses have been planted in the Little Holms.
We have written a new constitution for our committee and this has now been adopted. We are also in the final stages of agreeing a new five-year management plan and we are hopeful of being able to implement this in the next few weeks.
Richard Partridge
Chairman