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Warden's Summer Diary
Summer at Wallingford Castle Meadows
Well what a summer we have had! Record numbers of thistles this year throughout the whole of Castle Meadows but we are still, thankfully, well in control of the ragwort. Pulling the thistles has certainly kept the volunteers busy but in the end we had to resort to cutting them, as we just couldn’t pull all of them by hand. This won’t remove the plant but will prevent them from seeding and spreading.
We have installed two new interpretation panels at Castle Meadows – one in the Victorian pond area, illustrating the wonderful wildlife that can be found there and one in Queens Arbour, visible from the Thames Path, highlighting last years archaeological dig and what was found under the ground in this meadow.
The Burh to Borough archaeologists came back for a short, unscheduled dig in the upper meadows this summer, which has just finished. They were looking for a medieval barbican but didn’t find what they were looking for, although they found many other interesting things. Check the
Wallingford Burh to Borough website for details or head over to Wallingford Museum for more details on exactly what they have uncovered over the last 4 years throughout Wallingford.
Green Flag Award for 4th consecutive year!
Now for some really good news - Wallingford Castle Meadows has retained its Green Flag award for the forth consecutive year! The Green Flag is a scheme that recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country and everyone in Wallingford can be proud that they have such a place right on their doorstep. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helps make Castle Meadows the very special place it is, whether you pick up a bit of litter as you walk through, clean up after your dog or come down to one of our volunteer days, every bit makes a difference, so thank you all! You now have the opportunity to vote for Castle Meadows as your favourite Green Flag award-winning site. Please
register your vote.
Over at Riverside Meadows people have been enjoying the warm weather, picnicking and sunbathing right beside the river Thames, whilst the cattle have been grazing the largest meadow. We will soon be working hard in the main ditch on the site cutting the tall vegetation to prevent the ditch from filling in and removing silt from the ditch that runs alongside the Wallingford Bridge to ensure that water is able to flow unimpeded to the Thames.
Record number of orchids at Mowbray Fields
Mowbray Fields has had a lovely summer this year. We have had record numbers of orchids, with the plants starting to colonise the wildflower meadow, which is great news. The meadows and ponds are due for their annual cuts later this month so the volunteers will have plenty to do.
New circular walk at Thrupp Lake
Thrupp Lake at Radley had its circular walk officially opened by kids from Radley Primary School. Maps and leaflets for the self-guided trail are available on site and will soon be downloadable from the Earth Trust website. The regular volunteer group, who meet on the first Thursday of the month, have worked hard creating a level, woodchipped path around the worst section of the walk and keeping the paths clear of overhanging vegetation. Thrupp Lake is a magical place at any time of year, and well worth a visit.
If you would like more information about the sites and events or are interested in getting involved with one of our volunteer groups or as a warden please contact me, Lorretta Waters, on 01865 409410 or 07982 218493, or email
lorretta.waters@earthtrust.org.uk