Kidlington Parish Council
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25/02/2008
SUCCESS AND FAILURE AT ST MARY’S FIELDS: 2007
Last year was not an easy one at St Mary’s Fields. Flooding was a problem in June, followed by frequent heavy rains causing further difficulties continuing recently this year. Major mowing work planned for the end of July had to be postponed until a later date. This meant that the courser and taller plants had time to shed their seeds, so our efforts to develop wild flower areas for next year are unlikely to be achieved. The floods were also not helpful to ground nesting birds, butterflies, and a wide range of invertebrates.
In contrast the ditch, ( also known as ‘the moat’), running around the area behind St Mary’s Church, that for many years dried out in the late spring and summer, remained full of water throughout the year. This provided the right conditions for frogs, snakes, a variety of water creatures such as whirligigs and pond skaters, and numerous small fish that attracted a kingfisher. Animals and birds used it frequently for feeding and bathing. We had considered creating ponds in the fields, but if this amount of rainfall continues regularly we may not need to bother!
The saddest event of the year was the loss of our famous Hornbeam. Plant specialists considered it was the largest in the county and estimated it to be 300 years old. In a fierce storm on August 15 most of the major branches were snapped off, and now after
dangerous sections were removed, only the main trunk remains. We knew the tree has showed small signs of a dangerous ganorderma species of fungus and were considering how to counter this, but we didn’t realise how far it had gone. One hope for the future is that at least some the many young hornbeams growing around the old tree will survive despite the chewing of squirrels and roe deers.
Efforts of volunteer groups during the year were well rewarded. Areas cleared of invasive plants in the winter produced in summer an abundance of damp meadow loving species such as meadowsweet. Cutting back the vegetation around the car park has provided clear views of the great variety of tree species that have found their way here. Much of the former old causeway path to Hampton Poyle has been cleared which was of great benefit during the floods.
We have a hard working group of volunteers but would very much welcome more help. .
The next session is on Saturday March 29th from 10.00 a.m to 12.00 midday.
The main effort will be an ash bash : coppicing the ‘forest’ of young ashes.
Cutting tools would be helpful and wellies or boots advisable. Cut material can be used to fence young hornbeams, and will be available to any helpers for use as bean poles.
If you can spare the time please come and join us. For further details contact John Brucker on 01865 372845
Also please make note in your diary to remind yourself to come to the meadows at 4.00 am on Sunday May 18th to listen to the Dawn Chorus. It’s Magic.
