Stroud's Field
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| Tim Southern - June 2003 | Tim Southern - October 2003 |
It
might appear to many people that little has happened to Stroud's Field (between
The Green and the Pilhill Brook) in Amport over the last twelve months, and
therefore a note of explanation might be appropriate. When the Parish acquired
Stroud's Field two years ago, the Parish Council agreed that it should be kept
as an area for wildlife. A sub-committee, consisting of myself, Rose Wareham,
Rosie Latter and George Bacon was formed to manage the field, and advice was
sought from the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, who carried out a detailed habitat
survey in 2001 with the following objectives:
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To maintain and enhance the structural diversity and biodiversity of the site. |
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To
provide a haven for wildlife. |
After
discussion, the proposal for a bridge over the millstream and the provision of
access to the site was dropped, as it was felt this would not be compatible with
the above aims.
The
Hampshire Wildlife Trust recommended two areas for action:
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Groundworks - a cut in spring and autumn for half of the site |
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Tree
works - coppicing of the trees along the millstream in two blocks, each of
15 metres, annually. |
The
purpose of this is to reduce the nettles and brambles and by opening up the site
to increased light, encourage wild flower regeneration. At the same time, by
leaving the northern half of the site untouched, it is hoped that wildlife -
including water voles, harvest mice and butterflies - will be encouraged.
The
Hampshire Wildlife Trust envisaged a ten year plan. The brambles have been cut
twice this year and the first coppicing was carried out last winter. The second
batch of two 15 metre lengths will be coppiced this winter. The logs (almost all
willow) are left on the ground and can be taken for firewood, but they provide a
home for many small animals and insects. The bark chippings can also be taken
for use in the garden.
It
is much too early to say what has been achieved, but I hope that beneath or
inside a rather untidy site, much is going on. The very dry weather has not
helped, but perhaps in two, three or more likely four or five years time, we
shall have a site of great interest to those who appreciate wild flowers and
animals in Amport. - CFBS