CONSERVATION - General Introduction

The holding has a stream passing along its boundary and throu part of it, this ultimately feeds itself into the river Avon. This stream over the years has naturally cut itself into the ground to a depth of 2 to 3 metres below ground level. The holding is located within a nitrate vunerable area, as defined by DEFRA, this works well with the withdrawl from the use of chemicals, as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

Current Status (Habitats)

The holding has climatic conditions ranging from very dry to waterlogged, but also it is a microcosm of all the following habitats.

WOODLAND / SCRUB

An area of steep and often waterlogged meadowland that was unattainable by tractors to produce hay has been converted to woodland and coppice. The trees and shrubs growing in this area are primarily.

STREAMSIDE / WILDLIFE STRIPS

The stream has naturally cut its path, which forms one of the fields boundaries, and has wide wildlife strips. These wildlife strips naturally regenerating over the years, growing primarily blackthorn and hawthorn with a few ash trees. These strips also provide a natural corridor for animals such as badgers and foxes, that have created their own natural pathways. The habitats are particularly of value for the fungi, lichens, bryophytes and invertebrates associated with veteran trees and decaying timber. As all fallen trees are allowed to remain, as long as not causing a hazard. Naturally cleared areas have been allowed to developed by natural regeneration. Over the past, additional plantings have taken place on a small scale using alder, hazel, holly, cherry. The Alder is needed to try help stop soil erosion, where the stream turns and runs parallel with the road.

MEADOWLAND

The remaining grassland is set down as traditional meadowland for hay, but is already has a rich amount of flora, including grasses, rushes and ferns etc. The main plants already growing in this area are primarily.

HEDGEROWS

Hedgerows are allowed to grow and are only cut when needed. Where hedges are gappy these are always infilled with self set saplings. All hedges have been interplanted with trees, and allowed to grow as trees.

Ten Year Plan

1 - Application of slurry and chemical fertilisers, herbicides etc are to cease. Spot application of herbicides in March to August only to thistles, ragwort, spear and creeping thistle, curled and broad-leaved dock etc, or via topping.
2 - The intensive hay production is to cease, with the meadow land being cut every year in late July or August, after the seeds have dropped to leave a 100mm sward. All cut grass to be taken away and not left to mulch the sward.
3 - Chain harrowing (when required) to be limited to between September and March.
4 - Maintain a 1 metre strip of uncut meadowland around all hedges and fences.
5 - Use plugs to introduce new flora, using local self gathered and germinated seed. If any seed is bought in, it is to be of native origin. The following is a list of preferred species to introduce. Being aware of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, re uprooting of any wild plants. Introduce species as listed below.

6 - Maintain existing ridge and furrow system, and not plough up.
7 - Area to be fully fenced off against rabbits.
8 - To establish an area for the growing of nut trees, hazel, chestnut, walnuts, oak etc for human consumption, and to record the growth and productivity.
9 - To establish an area for the growing of unusual fruit trees, medlar, quince etc for human consumption and to record the growth and productivity.