Progress report July 2004

It's been a while since I've given an update on our village conservation site. Things are taking shape nicely, most of the trees so far planted survived last summers drought very well with only a few losses. We have a good selection of our local trees and shrubs, oak, ash, maple, birch, holly, wild cherry, spindle, buckthorn, dogwood, hazle, elder, hawthorn and blackthorn. All of these originate from native species, as seedlings or cuttings from Bulmer. At the moment we are not asking for any more.

This spring it was most pleasing to see that the cowslips, which were seeded in with the grass seed over 2 years ago were flowering all around the paths. Later on, in May, the site was yellow with the flowering heads of beaked hawksbeard, a tall flower of the daisy family. June saw swathes of flowering red fescue (one of the grasses seeded) a most delicate and colourful grass, when in flower and seed.

The seats provide excellent perches for the birds, especially the little owl often to be seen in the lane. Too much so, looking at what they leave behind on the seats! Dennis had the brainwave of adding a perching rail behind the seats, let's hope they use it.

Last year we had a blitz on the creeping thistles, cutting them several times during Spring and Summer. This treatment seems to have had some success, as there is far fewer this year. Of course, we must allow some thistles to flower and seed, to encourage the butterflies and seed eating birds. Speaking of butterflies, although the weather has been bad for them so far, we have had nine different species this year on the site.

Although last year the biggest part of the site was mown in late August, this year only an area intended as the wild flower meadow will be cut. This is at the far end of the site. It will then be raked to remove any nutrient rich herbage. This is a vital part of the management to encourage wild flowers to move in. There are already dark mullein, common centaury, teasel and St.Johns wort growing there, which is a good start.

I'm very grateful for the volunteer helpers, especially Dennis, George, Jim and Wendy, who turn out so willingly for the work parties, not always in the best of weathers.

Finally, may I recommend a walk up to Little Dean Spinney, by whichever footpath or lane you may choose. There are many routes, according to which area of Bulmer you are starting from, all of them quite delightful. Why not enjoy the views from one of the seats? Or even take a picnic, it's a haven of peace and quiet, for all to enjoy.

Peter Rowe July 2004

Progress report September 2002 and future aims.

The work for which the Landfill Tax grant was obtained, has now been virtually completed, thanks to our small band of loyal volunteers. This included ploughing and leveling the site, seeding the perimeter path, making the new gateway, fixing gates, stile and seats, reinforcing rabbit netting and fixing the sign board. One aspect of this has already failed, RABBITS have got onto the site.
Although I viewed this as somewhat of a disaster, I have now realized that this could be turned to advantage. The only objection in the first place is that they would eat the young trees. Since then, we have been lucky to have been given a lot of spiral tree guards, by Phil Rowe. Of even more use are a load of S/H tree tubes and stakes, from the Suffolk Wildlife reserve Spouses vale,at Assington. I already have some of these in place and a few more work parties should see most of the trees protected. The rabbits will help keep some of the other vegetation down, even if they do have to be thinned out
from time to time.

The overall plan is to have a mix of trees and meadowland, about half and half with the path running through a good length of the woodland.

In creating an area such as this, most conservation bodies stress the importance of only introducing native trees and plants, originating from local sources, onto the site. The reason being that, genetically speaking all plants are specific to their immediate area. They are therefore unique to that area,in our case Bulmer. There has to be, of course, exceptions, in our
case for instance, the apple saplings already growing on the site and the grass mix sown on the path, I am keeping a book, which will record all trees and plants already growing or introduced to the site. This will also pinpoint any “aliens” (apple trees etc.)growing on the site. This means that in the future it will still be possible to identify the genuine “Bulmer” plants.

Signs requesting that dogs be kept on leads have been put up. I hope this does not offend, but it is important in an area where wildlife is being encouraged.

There are several ways in which the site or, parts of it, can be managed to maximize its overall diversity. -

WILD FLOWER MEADOW
To encourage a plant rich meadow, it is desirable, after cutting ,to remove all the cut material, to prevent it from enriching the soil. This discourages the more rampant grasses and plants from overwhelming the more delicate ones.
It would be impractical to rake the whole of the meadow land, but by selecting a manageable portion and raking that clear each year, a small wild flower area could be established.

ARABLE WEED AREA
This may seem a strange concept, but many of our more interesting flowers and plants are classed as arable weeds. They thrive best on soil that is disturbed from time to time. We already have, growing on site, a little plant called corn spurrey, which is rare to our area. Here again the plan will be to select a small area.

UNCUT AREA
It is hoped that the majority of the site can be kept from being overrun by the more rampant plants e.g. docks and thistles. However it is important that a good-sized area be allowed to go wild to produce seeds for the likes of
goldfinches and linnets and as cover for small mammals. Initially and certainly for a long time to come, this will be where the young trees have been planted. It is in any case more difficult to keep this area cut. The trees themselves can have a mulch mat at their base to prevent too much competition from the grass etc., Even ragwort should be allowed here. It can
easily be stopped from seeding too much by simply cutting the flower head off the plant. It is the only host to the cinnabar moth, one of our most colourful daytime moths, which I have already found on the site this year.

One of the effects of growing from locally collected seed, is that we will create a “seed bank” of our village flora. I can think of many plants which only have a tenuous hold on the few sites where they occur in the village. This can ensure their survival Creating a “mini-Bulmer” of flora and fauna on the site would create a good educational resource, especially if backed up by an information board and possibly a nature trail. Of course for most of this to happen we need the continuation of our loyal volunteers on the site. As I pointed out when we first thought of this project, the site is well-placed within the Parish’s footpath network. With the seats provided it will be an ideal rest station for walkers.

The importance to wildlife in general of a site such as this cannot be over-stressed, especially now that many in the village want all our grass areas kept as “lawn”. Ten cuts a year may be aesthetically pleasing to the eye but almost worthless in conservation terms. Eventually with only one grass cut per year, Little Dean Spinney will be comparatively cheap to maintain as far as the P.C. is concerned, especially with volunteer continuance.

I hope this has enlightened some of you as to just what is happening up on the site and of my proposed plans for the site. With this in mind, I will be grateful for any comments/useful suggestions or indeed endorsements for what I am proposing.

The site is launched - March 2001

Old allotment land at Upper Houses recently has become vacant. The Parish Council felt that it is an ideal site for developing a community conservation area. Nature has already begun the job for us with upwards of 100 self-sown trees already growing beside the ancient hedgerow at the top of the plot. Fortunately the site is surrounded by a rabbit proof fence, removing the need of expensive protection for the young trees. Maple, birch, hawthorn and numerous oaks are starting to colonise naturally. The remainder will be managed as rough grassland and occasional clumps of apple trees (left over from it's use as a fruit tree nursery). We plan to plant oak trees along the road frontage and perhaps a new hedge along another boundary. Access will be improved and a circular path cut regularly so that local people can enjoy the site. From the top of the site there is a good view towards the Street and the Church.

We are being advised by Peter Ennis of the Dedham Vale & Stour Countryside Project. He will be helping us with the planning, practical development and obtaining of grant-aid. Peter Ennis had the following to say about the site: " I knew straight away that this site had great potential. With the rabbits fenced out, seeds from hedgerow trees were growing unmolested. These natural seedlings develop better than nursery grown trees and being of local origin they are perfectly adapted to their environment. I envisage woodland developing naturally in some areas while other parts are managed as tussocky grassland. Voles, mice, lizards, butterflies and other insects will thrive and in turn attract favourites like owls , kestrels and woodpeckers. Add a mown path winding through the site and people can enjoy it as much as the wildlife"
It is hoped that as many people as possible will take an active interest in the conservation area. To further establish the woodland area we are seeking for donations of native species, especially oak, ash, hawthorn, maple, hornbeam and holly.

Update - April 2001
Thanks to everyone who kindly gave Bulmer grown saplings and seedlings for planting on the site, following the appeal in the last 'Whats On'. We will be looking for some more but not until next Autumn/Winter. So far over fifty have been planted. These include oak,ash, maple,holly, yew, sweet chestnut, lime and hazel, which all originate from Bulmer.
We have just applied for a Landfill Tax Grant, which we hope to receive by late summer. This will provide funds for cultivating the meadow area and creating paths, as well as providing a new field gate, two stiles, two bench seats and a sign board. Some of this work is to be carried out by ourselves, in the autumn, any volunteers please!.

Update - June 2001
Much of the site is ablaze with the bright yellow flowers of Hawksbeard, a member of the Dandelion family. Two types are growing, Beaked and Smooth Hawksbeard. After an hours survey of the plants growing on the site produced the following

PLANT SPECIES:-

BRAMBLE
GT.WILLOWHERB
BITTERSWEET
GREATER PLANTAIN
BRISTLY OXTONGUE
GROUND IVY
BEAKED HAWKSBEARD
HOGWEED
BROAD LEAFED DOCK
IVY
CLEAVERS
PRICKLY LETTUCE
COMMON CUDWEED
RAGWORT
COMMON CHICKWEED
RIBWORT PLANTAIN
COW PARSLEY
ROSEBAY WILLOWHERB
CREEPING THISTLE
SCENTLESS MAYWEED
CURLED DOCK
SMOOTH HAWKSBEARD
DANDELION
SOWTHISTLE
FIELD BINDWEED
SPEARTHISTLE
FIELD HORSETAIL

GRASSES;-

ANNUAL MEADOW GRASS
COCKSFOOT
BARREN BROME
ROUGH MEADOW GRASS

IN THE ANCIENT HEDGE:-
ASH
FIELD MAPLE
BLACKTHORN
HAWTHORN
CRABAPPLE
HAZEL
ELDER
OAK

It was encouraging to see yet more oak,maple and blackthorn seedlings showing themselves near the old hedge. Some of these will be suitable for transplanting further out onto the site when they get large enough to be moved.

During the winter one owl and two tit nest boxes were positioned in the trees. As yet they have not been used, but we live in hope! A Little Owl is quite often to be seen in the area.

Update - Sept. 2001

The Parish Council has now received the Landfill Tax grant for our proposed works on the site, courtesy of Cleanaway Ltd. and administered by the Anglian Water Environmental Partnership. We are also indebted to Peter Ennis of the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Project, who advised and assisted us when applying for the grant.

Work has already begun, part of the field has been ploughed to level out some very deep ruts. It will now be power harrowed, to bring it to a nice even surface. Following this we can sow the grass seed to create the perimeter path. Many of the little apple suckers growing on the site have been lifted and temporarily heeled in, ready to be planted in clumps in the newly cultivated area. Other works will be carried out over the coming months, including installing the new field gate, stiles and two bench type seats. It is hoped to seed the path in October and any volunteer help will be most welcome with this, or indeed with any of the other work. Please phone 375935 if you would like to lend a hand.

We will still be requiring Bulmer grown seedling and sapling trees to add to our "Bulmer grown" spinney. These should only be varieties of trees or shrubs that are native to our area. Late Autumn/Winter will be the best time for this.

The majority of the trees planted last Winter have taken well, and new seedlings keep emerging close to the old hedge. Some of these will be transplanted further out into the field as they become large enough.

The site is already being visited by good numbers of birds. I have seen ,Blackbirds, Thrushes, several varieties of Finch and Tits etc. and a Little Owl which appears from time to time. Also several different species of butterflies, including Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. The Speckled Wood, until a few years ago quite scarce, has suddenly increased in numbers. Its caterpillars feed on various grasses.

So, anyone who feels able to give the odd hour or two of help, will be more than welcome. We can guarantee an abundant supply of fresh air and good healthy exercise! The success of the project would be greatly enhanced by your involvement.

Update - Nov. 2001

Having been cultivated, the field was most unfortunately drowned by about 2.5 inches of rain within a few days. The result was a veritable quagmire. Because of this we were unable to seed any of the grass path until it had dried out considerably, at the end of October. We then managed to get over two thirds of the job completed.

Still more wet weather held up any further work until 23rd. Nov. On that morning having found the soil workable, I was dismayed to find out that rain was forecast for that night. After a few phone calls, we had no fewer than five volunteers on the site within an hour, a marvelous response! With that willing help the remainder of the path was sown by 1.30pm.a great effort. Many thanks to Margaret, Ken, Dennis, George, John, Wendy, Ron, Dave, and Jim, for all their efforts over the four days it took to seed the whole path.

Apart from the grass, some locally collected wild flower seed has been sown....especially a good quantity of Cowslip, kindly donated by Alan Dixey. Other seeds included Common and Greater Knapweed, Scabious, Tansy, Dark Mullein, Toadflax, Yarrow, Ox-eye Daisy, Teasle and Wild Basil, all collected in Bulmer. It will be interesting to see how many of these establish themselves over the next few years.

We are still awaiting the delivery of the field gate, posts, and the timber for the stiles and the seats. When these arrive there will be fresh tasks to undertake.




Update - May 2002

Work is progressing well on the conservation site at Upper Houses. The perimeter path was seeded with a special grass mix last autumn. In most places it is now showing through, but due to the extremely wet winter, not as well as might be hoped.

All the expenditure on the site is covered by a landfill tax grant from Cleanaway Ltd, administered by A.W.A.Environmental Partnership.

Apart from the grass, some locally collected wild flower seed has been sown, including Common and Greater Knapweed, Scabious, Tansy, Dark mullein, Toad Flax, Yarrow, Teasle and Wild Basil, all collected in Bulmer. It will be interesting to see how many of these establish themselves over the next few years. The aim is to create an area which is representative of the trees, shrubs and wild plants which occur naturally in various parts of the village, all raised from local seed.

We will still be looking for seedling or sapling trees in the late autumn. They must be species native to this area, particularly, any of the following....ash , oak, elm, blackthorn, hawthorn, holly, hazel etc. They must, of course all come from Bulmer.

The majority of the trees planted in autumn 2000 have taken well and new seedlings keep appearing against the old hedge at the rear of the site. Some of these will be transplanted further out on to the site when they are large enough.

Work parties are now being arranged, which are supported by several loyal volunteers. Very many thanks to them all. To date, the perimeter rabbit fence has been reinforced, the main gate installed and a start made on fixing the stile and the pedestrian gate. The work parties are now arranged on a regular basis, usually on the second Sunday morning and the last Thursday afternoon of each month. The forthcoming dates are listed at the top of this page click here Anyone welcome, good healthy exercise and fresh air guaranteed Anyone interested, please phone 01787 375935
Peter Rowe