At the AGM the Trust discussed a variety of initiatives aimed at getting more people interested and involved in the meadows with particular emphasis on using the land to engage and educate children. A number of activities were being arranged with the local schools but these were quickly cancelled as the meadows flooded and remained sodden and impassable for a number of weeks.
Running alongside our schools engagement programme had been our wildflower plug plant out days and we had successfully engaged a number of large corporate company's to help us. We took delivery of over 7,000 plug plants which were being "brought on" at the council greenhouses with our intention to have them planted out during March and the beginning of April . Our plans were scuppered again by the Covid 19 outbreak and the lockdown we are now living under. As the new rules regarding isolation and permitted work and exercise became clearer it was obvious that we couldn't have groups of volunteers gathering to carry out this activity. However we have made progress! The plants were moved by the council to the space2grow acre today and are more easily accessible for a plant out in the meadows. Our partners at space2grow were able to help by having a volunteer finely mow a couple of areas where the plugs will be planted and we're currently working on a plan to get people involved safely and within the law to complete the task.
The Meadows really are proving their worth to the town during these difficult times. Earlier in the year they flooded on two occasions, trapping millions of gallons of water that was otherwise destined to flow further downstream, potentially flooding the town as happened in 1968 ( Click here to see You Tube video) Now it is coming into it's own as a recreational space with many people taking the opportunity to walk around and through it. New paths are being formed as walkers take direct routes across it whilst some of the existing paths have become wider as people stick to the social distancing rules. There are some real treats to be seen at the moment too, especially if you enjoy twitching! There are quite a few egrets to be seen and the graceful herons are to be found in number too. However it is the kingfishers which are making us all excited as they are nesting in the river bank and can be spotted quite easily as the flit up and down the river in their electric blue livery. With traffic noise greatly reduced the birds and their singing can be really appreciated and enjoyed.
Many of the Trust's plans are on hold for the moment but our focus has turned to ensuring that the public, many of them using the meadows regularly for the first time, can enjoy the space safely. There are many more casual walkers, runners, people walking dogs and even cyclists than have been seen for many a year and its important that everyone enjoys the experience. Signs have been put up in strategic areas to ask that users follow social distancing rules, keep a watchful eye on their dogs and pick up any dog mess. So far we have not noticed any anti social behaviour, nor any increase in littering, so it appears that all the users are following the guidelines but we'll keep an eye on it. It is likely that footfall will increase over the coming weeks and we must all be more tolerant of each other when using the meadows whilst also ensuring that the Covid 19 rules are being followed - especially if groups are seen to be gathering.
Kingfisher image courtesy of Jeremy Pilgrim