Cowleaze
Introduction
Shepton Beauchamp Cowleaze Meadow Project
This project is a community effort to utilize a 1 hectare (approx) site near the centre of the village. The site has been leased by the owners, Wessex Water, to the Parish council for 25 years. The site currently contains a sewage pumping station, which pumps waste water, and surface water to the treatment works in South Petherton. It has been formerly used as a sewage treatment works, but this was decommissioned in 1986.
It is hoped to provide a woodland/shrubby area, orchard area, wild flower meadow, secure seating and pathways that will allow access to a majority of the site by wheelchair users, parents with children in buggies, and all other villagers. It is also intended that a portion of the site is used by the playgroup as an allotment to grow vegetables, and to set up a sensory garden. Cowleaze Meadow can be found on OS maps using ref ST40561708. It contains a public right of way, and is bordered by a stream. The surrounding land is used for grazing cattle, growing arable crops, commercial fruit/vegetable production, housing and productive gardens with mature fruit trees. Various surveys have shown no remarkable plant species. There is a colony of water voles in the stream, and badgers, rabbits, deer, foxes have all been seen in the area. An otter has recently been observed in an adjacent field.
Local volunteers, who come from all parts of the community, will carry out the body of the work, once the basic infrastructure has been provided. We have secured the money for the work to be completed by contractors from a Community Spaces Lottery funded grant. The local school will use the area for nature walks, and the play group will be doing some planting. Before work can commence we require further soil samples to be analysed to make sure the areas to be planted with edible crops is free from any contamination. The survey and soil samples have been completed, and we are waiting for the results.
In addition to grant applications, we have received money from the parish council, various donations from groups and individuals.
Mary H Clarke 22nd February 2010
Click here to see a larger version of the latest planned layout
Wildlife Watch
Would you like to take part in our Wildlife Watch, we have prepared a few notes which will help you plus a form on which you can record your findings, click to download then print your own copies.
Wildlife Data Collection Form
For details of all the wonderful wildlife recorded to date see the Flora and Fauna page.
News - Views - Events
Wild Flower Plan July 2010
I suggest we mark out the area for wild flowers and cut the grass short . This allows the smaller, less vigorous grasses to germinate, and helps to reduce the shade etc from taller coarse grass. Probably the easiest way to start is to plant selected wild flower seeds in weed free beds, or in individual cells. Autumn and spring are the best time to plant.
Many seeds need to fully imersed in water, and be subjected to a period of cold weather to trigger germination in the spring. The seed will generally be scattered on the surface of the soil, not covered. They will need to be protected from birds and other creatures that may dig them up, or eat them. Not all seeds germinate at the same time, to avoid adverse weather conditions, so if it looks as if nothing has happened, don’t lose heart. Keep seeds moist, but not wet, as this can cause rot.
In the spring, when the plants are large enough to transplant, we have to make holes in the grass ready to plant the widflowers. At this time mowing of the grass should stop. Initially Yellow rattle is a good plant to grow, as it is partially parasitic, and helps to check the growth of grass. Other flowers can also be planted, and may need to be watered initially. Depending on the seed mix, most flowers should bloom in June/July, and when they look as if they are dying back, should produce seed. In order to get seeds for next year, the grass cannot be cut until late summer. This hay can be left to lie on the site, so seeds can drop through to the soil. After a week of two, this hay must be removed, to prevent too many nutrients entering the soil. It can be composted, or used for animal feed.
The mowing regime will involve keeping the grass short during the late autumn, and winter, then stopping mowing in the spring to allow flowers to grow successfully. Hay making in late summer will be followed by another period of cutting. Grass should be removed from the wildflower area, and not let to lie. Strong weeds that compete for light, nutrients and water may have to be removed by hand, or the use of a selective weedkiller.
Suggested Species.
| Achillia millefolium | Yarrow |
| Centaurea nigra | Common Knapweed |
| Gallium verum | Lady’s Bedstraw |
| Geranium pratense | Meadow Cranesbill |
| Knautia arvensis | Field Scabious |
| Leontodon hispidus | Rough Hawkbit |
| Leucanthemum vulgare | Oxeye Daisy |
| Lotus corniculatus | Birdsfoot trefoil |
| Malva moschata | Musk Mallow |
| Plantago lanceolata | Ribwort Plantain |
| Plantago media | Hoary Plantain |
| Primula veris | Cowslip |
| Prunella vulgaris | Selfheal |
| Ranunculus acris | Meadow buttercup |
| Rhinanthus minor | Yellow Rattle |
| Rumex acetosa | Sorrel |
| Sliene vulgaris | Bladder Campion |
Wessex Watermark Award
Come and join us on site to receive the Wessex Watermark Award and cheque for £250
A chance to get your picture in the paper, and meet other group members.
Update September 2010
Roger and I had a meeting on site with Mike king, who carried out the latest batch of soil tests. He has confirmed the position of two points where higher than expected Mercury was found. At this level is not a problem, but as a precaution we will not plant edible crops in this area. These points have been clearly marked, so now Debbie and David will be able to complete the plan for orchard tree planting, and mark the positions so the site can be prepared in good time. Grass cutting of paths and the scythed orchard grass is continuing, but because of holidays there will be no cutting done in the last 2 weeks in September, We need some one to do this, so could we have volunteers. Roger has the group cutter, and if you would like to use it please contact Mary 240363, or Roger 241608 by Sunday. There will be a work party on Sunday 26th September. Please contact Debbie for details 241756.
We are proposing a meeting on Thursday 7th October, in the Pub, to discuss next steps. Please let me know if this OK
The contractors have finished most of the first phase of the work, but will be back in mid September to reseed the grass in the seating area, and hopefully install the benches. Any comments etc, please contact me.
Mary 3rd September 2010
Update October 2007
With the support of Wessex Water, owner of the site, and the Parish Council, the signing of the 25 year lease for land at Cowleaze Meadow is about to take place. This will allow the creation of a public space in this area of Somerset wetland, and will provide benefits to the whole community, including the school.
A subcommittee formed by the Parish Plan steering group, lead by Debbie Welch, have produced an outline design for areas of woodland, orchard, wild flower meadow and seating. In consultation with Barbara Collier, South Somerset District Council’s tree planting project officer, a list of trees is being considered. The next practical work is to clear an area for placing the seats, and prepare the rest of the site for planting up next year. All volunteers are welcome-watch out for further information on working parties.
The next meeting for interested people is Tuesday 6th Nov, 8pm in the Duke of York