Monthly Archives: July 2022

New pathway opened

Last Wednesday (27th July) was a beautiful sunny day, which it always seems to be when we have a public event!

We were delighted to welcome our MP Cat Smith, our County Councillor Lizzie Collinge (standing next to Cat Smith)

and our City Council Leader Caroline Jackson, seen here opening the new pathway from Kentmere Road into the Field.

It’s rare when all three can attend an event together and we are very grateful to them all, and to Lancaster City Council for their advice and support.

Wild flower seeds were distributed and these were sown in the soil alongside the path so by next spring it should all look much more ‘natural’.

After the official opening, Chairman Paul Wiggins led a tour of the Field. In this picture he is introducing Charles Tyrer (the new Chief Executive of the Gregson) to the Memorial Garden, which is looking magnificent. Paul is accompanied by his wife Margaret and three of the many local volunteers who have worked so hard.

It just shows what is possible if everyone pulls together. Coming up with new ideas on how to improve the field and helping to deliver these ideas is something we can all do to protect this unique local asset.

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New Path Official Opening

At 14.30 on Wednesday 27th July, Caroline Jackson, the leader of Lancaster City Council will officially ‘open’ the new path onto the Field from Kentmere Road. There will be quite a few visitors in attendance with representatives of the Council, the Gregson, the contractors and Lancaster City Council.

It would be good to see some locals there, especially if you have helped with the woodland or the flower planting. The event will be short (perhaps 15 minutes) and the more actual users of the Field who can attend, the better.

P.S. Apparently we are being nominated for a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service so a good turnout for this short event on Wednesday would be really great.

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July Flowers in the Field

Anyone passing by or walking across the Field at the moment cannot help noticing the blaze of colour from all the wild flowers which are in bloom.

This is the direct result of our great planting effort last year.

Some varieties like Yellow Rattle are largely over now (look out for the dry papery seed sacs. Break one off and shake it by your ear – that’s why it is called Rattle!)

There are a few Spotted orchids still looking exotic

In full bloom at the moment are Self Heal…..

and lots of Greater Birds Foot Trefoil.

Tufted Vetch adds a striking purple presence against the green background.

On a rather larger scale there’s Common Knapweed

 

 

 

 

………… and Meadow Cranesbill, a delicately coloured wild relative of the  geranium.

 

 

Look out too for the Common Sorrel, not a flashy plant, but unusual and easily identified:

Look down between the larger plants and you might be lucky enough to spot some Eyebright, a delicate brilliant white flower among the green canopy.

 

 

 

Finally, please look out for the wonderfully named Amphibious Bistort, which is just coming into flower. It loves wet areas (hence the name) and is a very unusual and striking pink addition to the flora on the Field.

The Field looks magnificent and that is due to the efforts of local people in planting hundreds of native flowers and continuing to look after this fantastic local amenity.

THANK YOU!