AUTUMN UPDATE – RECENT EVENTS and PLANS
2022 was a lovely, sunny summer and it was good to see so many people of all ages enjoying the field.
New Access Path and Drainage Area
We were awarded a grant from the Dulverton Trust to enable us to finance the long-awaited plans to alleviate flooding at the Kentmere Rd entrance and provide an access path. This was opened on 27th July when members of the public came along to join Council Leader Caroline Jackson who ‘cut the ribbon’, plus Cat Smith and Lizzie Collinge.
New Wildflower Meadow
In late September the Council cleared the new area and in early October around 26 hard working volunteers planted approx. 3000 plug plants! Further planting continued over the next few days plus the addition of more wild flower seeds. A tremendous effort by our volunteer force plus a big thank you to Richard Evans and Catherine Walker who grew and nurtured the 1000’s of the plug plants from seed.
New Fruit Orchard Plans
An area at the bottom of the Field has been cleared by the Council to allow a new fruit orchard to be planted in Winter 2022. This will extend our flora and fauna, providing another valuable habitat for wildlife and the opportunity for locals to pick free fresh fruit in the future. We will be asking for volunteers to help Ben Ruth, the lead volunteer who researched and instigated this development.
Planting in Existing Apple Orchard
The apple orchard planted in 2000 is in a poor state. The Council have strimmed between the existing trees to help us to access the area and we aim to plant new apples and pear trees that are more suited to the site.
Remembrance Day Nov 11th
The Rev Carol Backhouse of Christchurch has kindly offered to help co-ordinate and lead the service of our Annual Remembrance service at the Memorial Stone on November 11th. School children will obviously have pride of place but members of the public will be welcome to attend. More information will be circulated nearer the time.
Vandalism
Unfortunately there has been three notable issues of vandalism. Graffiti on the benches, the notice board at the bottom of the Field has been broken and a mattress and large plastic items tipped into the stream. The graffiti has been cleaned up but some reappeared. The notice board is being repaired. Large rubbish has been removed. This is disheartening and costs our charity money. However, the bigger picture is that the Field remains relatively free of vandalism and our daily visitors and volunteers continue to clear up rubbish and pick up dog mess on a regular basis – many thanks to you.
Bonfire Night Sat 5th November
After a break of several years due primarily to Covid the Gregson Festival group laid on this popular event again this year.
Queens/Kings Award
Our FMWF group has been nominated for the Queens award for Voluntary Service. Our nomination has been accepted at the first stage but there are many stages to follow. Even if we do not succeed any further it is a real recognition of the effort made by our volunteers. We will keep you updated.
Working with Lancaster City Council
None of this wonderful work, new developments and on-going maintenance of the field would be possible without liaison and a big, essential input from staff of Lancaster Council.
To contact our group or be added to our members/volunteer contact list, email:-
who was clearly not impressed by the effort the volunteers were putting in and decided to help out!