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
Meeting Notes January 2012
Notes on committee meeting held on Thursday 12th January 2012. Present Ruth, Roger, Barrie and Mary.
We discussed the three organisations that had sent us details of what they could offer us as a community drumming experience, as part of our Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations on Saturday 2nd June 2012. We chose Victoria Gater from Frome, who will provide a series of short workshops from 2-4pm. She can cater for up to 20 people at a time. 2 people will run the workshops, and chairs for the participants will be required and also gazebos to enable the activity to continue in spite of rain etc.Mary to contact all applicants; also to contact events committee re use of gazebos, and the village hall committee about borrowing chairs for the afternoon.
We propose to run a quiz/hunt for information around the village form 10am to 12 midday, a village picnic from 12-2 pm (bring your own food, drink and seating). We may provide a barbeque so people can cook their own food. Roger to enquire about the possibility of having music during the lunch, either pre recorded, for which we will need a power supply, or a live performer who may not need amplification. We are not sure if any electricity could be supplied by a local resident, of if the distances cables would have to run would be a problem. The picnic will be followed by the drumming workshop.
There is to be a work party on Sunday 22nd January. Roger and Barrie are unable to attend, and Mary may not be able to. Tasks to be completed include:- Filling in bare earth by willow tunnel with spare turf; cutting back buddleia near stream edge and public footpath; starting to clear the brambles on the edge of the stream from the “den” area, towards the main gate. This will open up the bank side to allow grass to grow, and produce a more congenial habitat for water voles; some trees planted in the seating area are making grass cutting next to the fence difficult, and need to be relocated in the dormant period. There are always plenty of jobs to be done. Contact Debbie for final details on 241 756. Mary H Clarke 16/01/2012
Meeting Notes 15th July 2010
Present were Roger, Marcus, Barrie, David, Debbie and Mary.
Management plan
The original was updated by Debbie/Marcus/Jane in Dec 2009. Mary has carried out an assessment of what has been done. The plan needs to be finalised and sent to Wessex Water. This issue was not resolved at meeting. As the contractor is now working on site most of the major infrastructure works are on the way to completion.
Seating area Central bed.
We agreed to plant a central tree, possibly a cherry, and purchase a bench to go around the base, with plenty of room for expansion of girth. The quadrant sections had been allocated for native grasses, but it was decided to explore planting sensory beds. Debbie to consult gardener at Vivary Park in Taunton re planting list, and costing. It was suggested that cuttings from members gardens to be used to reduce cost. So all you gardeners, please get busy taking cuttings of herbs, and other suitable plants. For further advice contact Debbie on 241 756.
Pre school
Are still interested in having a bed once the timber for raised beds are in place. They will be able to plant what they want, but will not plant food crops, as these are grown in the garden behind the village hall.
Fencing.
David is concerned about the fencing to the south of the seating area being redundant, and a likely interference with maintenance. It was stated that this was to mark our boundary-(not in any legal way) and to allow the growth of hedging plants, budlea etc without danger of damage from mowing. If this was found to be a problem when the meadow was up and running, we will reconsider this, with all other things that need reconsideration over time. The rustic fencing is currently being erected, and we agreed the wire mesh (large grid chicken type wire) would be effective to keep dogs out of seating area, if placed on the lower rail, and fixed to the ground, or partially buried. Other aspects of the fencing were discussed, and decisions made at previous meetings reiterated. It was agreed that signs would be needed to inform people that the seating area was a dog free zone. Care will be needed in the choice of wording. Tap. There is a temporary tap available to contractors. The setting up of a permanent water supply may mean metered water, which increases cost. Security is also important. No final resolution made.
Oak trees.
There are several oak trees already growing on the site, and some have been moved. We propose to move one that is unsuitably close to another. As we will shortly be choosing trees for winter planting, Mary to contact people who have generously given money to sponsor trees, to discuss options. If you would like to discuss, contact her on 240 363.
A member of the public is concerned about spraying nettles close to the path. In order to prepare the site for planting in the winter, some pernicious perennial weed will have to be removed, and weed killer is a cost effective and efficient way to do this. We do not intend this treatment to be used frequently once the site is organised, and all people involved in these treatments take care to observe safety guidelines, and watch out for people in the vicinity. Orchard. Debbie and David have visited suppliers, and ordered 22 apple trees, culinary, dessert and cider types, with links to the locality. These need to be planted in weed free areas of about a metre in diameter, which needs to be kept weed free for a couple of years, to allow the trees to become established. The standard trees will be delivered in December for planting and staking. Protection from rabbits will need to be used. The next working party will select sites for the trees, so site preparation can get underway.
Thicket
Thicket and other trees. Roger has made out a planting plan for the thicket. The site has been levelled to some extent by the contractors cutting paths etc. Debbie requested that we leave a raised pile of earth to form a mound for children to play on. This was agreed, providing the soil is available when the area is safe from holes etc. Under the power cables may be a good area if there is no tall vegetation on the apex. A bench/ other structure may be placed there.
Gates.
There are some gaps next to the new pedestrian gates which will need to be closed. The field gate will be closed with a chain and padlock. We need to liase with Wessex Water so they can fit their own padlock to the chain, and we can all have access to the site.
Volunteers.
We need to plan what will happen at work parties, so we can achieve our aims more readily. For July workparty we propose Hand weeding of sapling nursery area. Digging beds in seating area. Marking out positions of apple trees. August workparty Spray areas to accommodate apple trees.
Scythe
Debbie and Marcus to contact the scythe man, and get a quote for the purchase of a scythe. Where this is to be stored has not been discussed.
The meeting closed at 11pm. There may be a few bits missing in the notes due to the extended power cut in the evening.
Mary H Clarke 16th July 2010
Meeting Notes 14th April 2011
Scrub Land Management
Information/Advice gained from, Ecologists Terry Franklin YDC, Steve Scriven SCC & Mathew Marshall SWT
They suggest: • Cutting Regime, when to cut? The best time to cut is at the end of the summer when everything is dying off, at the present time everything is starting to move. For example, wildlife is waking up, mating, both flora and fauna are growing and developing. The area is lifting up thus providing a good source of food, protection and warmth for wildlife. The area is home for slow worms, a wide variety of spiders, insect larvae, small mammals, ladybirds, slugs and snails (break down decaying matter, disperse seeds and produce rich compost). Wildlife likes tussocks, with the area not being too tidy. • What to use? Allen Scythe & Scythes have a scissor cutting action which leaves a longer length this is less detrimental to wildlife and to their habitat. Allen Scythe is a receiptical mower which is what we want. Rotary mowers if set higher could be a good alternative if there are lots of brambles. Flail mowers mulch the land which devastates wildlife and their habitat. • How often to cut? Every 3 to 4 years. It is best to divide the area into sections thirds, quarters or in half. For example: Quarters, cut one quarter of the area the first year and the remaining three quarters the following three years, like crop rotation, so that there is always older grass on site for the wildlife. Lift arisings to keep the nutrients down.
I think we need to maintain the original focus of the project concerning wildlife habitat and land management for conservation – Re: Management Plan. Make decisions as a team so we all know what tasks we are going to do at work parties. I think we could put a small sign in this area to explain what’s going on. It was suggested that we could invite Terry Franklin to do a site survey of this area for us.
Cowleaze Sign
Launch Event
Buginham Pallets – Homemade Insect Tower
AOB
Meeting Notes 2nd November 2011
Present Barrie, Debbie, Ruth, Roger and Mary.
We discussed grass cutting in the two areas to the east of the site, that have not been properly cut for years, apart from a trim by Ed Wakely a couple of years ago. Because of the destructive characteristics of flail mowers, we decided to cut using an Allen scythe, and see what happens. As wildlife, including insects, small mammals etc are in these areas we need to be sensitive to their requirements. Roger to talk to Loxstons about hiring one from them in the next few weeks. We would need help to rake grass, and to place on the compost heap. More info from Roger as it arises.
We have agreed to pay for materials used in the premature service of the mower, and will be speaking to Loxstons about Allen scythe hire.
The bug houses were set up last week, with lots of participation from local families—so thanks to all who helped. The houses, made from pallets and stuffed with a variety of materials, have been named as Buginham Palace and Louse Lodge. Debbie is going to make an explanatory notice to place near the structures.
The Wildlife Trust, in conjunction with SCC apple Orchard programme will be taking groups of local children to Cowlease for educational visits. This week Ilton School and Shepton School will be going.
Two events later this month. Saturday 19th November we will be cutting willow, and preparing for the erection of the tunnel, from 11am onwards, on site. We need secateurs/ sharp knives for the harvesting and preparation of the willow wands. We also need the lines for the tunnel walls to be marked, and the turf removed from a spades width at either side of this line.
On the following Saturday, 26th November the tunnel building will take place from 11am onwards. This will involve making holes to place the willow wands, planting through black plastic sheeting. I believe there will be upright willow every 6 inches approx. and wands at 45 degree to strengthen the structure. These will be tied in with string. There will be some entry and exit points along the length of the tunnel. Everyone is welcome to attend this event, especially children. Mary to contact press about this event.
We have re-applied to Tincknells for some more saplings for hedging etc, but have not yet had a response. Western Power will also be providing some saplings for Cowleaze and the recreation ground.
On a more mundane level, we have our AGM on Thursday 24th November, at 7.30 in the pub. If you have items for the agenda, please send them to me.
Mary H Clarke 2/11/2011, tel 240363, email-home@marymhclarke.plus.com