A Busy Day in Westfields and Nine Acres Meadow
Saturday was a busy day on the Landscape Trust land. Elaine, our trustee and volunteer coordinator took a group including myself to do some weed clearing and dry-stone walling in the meadow below Westfields. We cleared a path through the brambles and thistles to the lovely stone seat there and cleared along the walls to allow access to them for future maintenance. We left a large patch of thistles in the corner though as there are many butterflies and insects that use them including lots of gatekeeper butterflies on Saturday. Whilst this was happening the hay on the meadow which had been cut previouslywas being turned to release the seeds and bailed for hay so two tractors were working in the normally peaceful meadow. The hay bales were removed leaving theseed on the land for next year’s meadow .Also, Scott Foster was replacing the damaged gate between Westfield and the 9-acre meadow. The wood had rotted so it was replaced with a wider gateway (for easier access) and a pull handle.
Once we had cleared the seat area, Elaine took the group to the lower part of the meadow and taught the basics of repairing a damaged wall, there is certainly a lot to learn! In all a very busy and successful morning. Thanks to the volunteers and to Scott Foster for his work on the gate. there are photos below but please go and walk in the meadow and see the progress for yourselves if you are able. Most of the flowers have gone now but the view over to Richmond castle from the seat is magnificent.