Wildflower and Wildlife Meadow
For a number of years we have been looking after the meadow, which is, bounded on two sides by a tall hedge, which on analysis indicates that it maybe up to 800 years old and could once have been part of an ancient woodland. Whatever its origins, the hedge now provides welcome shelter for a wide range of plant, animal and bird life.
A meadow diary, with relevant photographs has been kept from the start and over the years volunteers have planted flower species to boost those already present as well as adding new ones compatible with the soil type. Our efforts have met with mixed success, as some species have not been able to establish a large enough seed bank to survive beyond the first year. Primroses grow in the next field and we shall aim to establish some in the meadow for next year.
The original species list has been revised with help from Alan Burberry of Avon Wildlife Trust; the list includes 76 flower species, 9 grasses, and 2 types of rushes, 13 tree species, 10 bird species and numerous varieties of butterflies, moths and other insects. Given more time and resources no doubt we shall identify many more.
In March 2006 a band of volunteers from Thombury Rotary Club turned out with their spades to plant 40 yards of new hedging to separate the meadow from adjacent fields. The Rotary Club also gave us a generous donation of £500 some of which was used to pay for the whips that were planted. The remainder of the Rotary Club donation will be put towards an interpretation board, which will feature a map of the meadow, details of its history and pictures of some of the species which can be found there.
In September 2006 the meadow was awarded the Manchester and Victoria Cup by Britain In Bloom judges for being classed as the outstanding environmental project in the South West region.