As I write this in April the rain continues to fall and the meadows are largely under water. This is frustrating for walkers, joggers and dog owners but, if nothing else, we will appreciate the meadows all the more when we can return to using them. I hope that by the time this May issue of Dorchester News is published the water will have drained and new grasses and wild flowers will be growing.
The polo ponies grazed the Hurst efficiently, without escaping too often, and went home on 1st March. Their owner sent his thanks saying: “People were very nice to them and it’s great to have the support of those who use the meadow regularly.”
In Old Bridge Meadow the next section of hedge on the boundary with the car park was laid by three experts: Will, Max and Peter, who live locally and who very kindly offered to do this work for us so that they could practise their skills. They have done a beautiful job and taught us that a laid hedge has a front and a back. You will be looking at the front as you walk past it in the meadow.
In early March we were joined once again by members of Sonning Common Green Gym who helped us to lay blackthorn and deepen ditches in the Hurst. Meanwhile trustee Chris Smith, who manages our own volunteers, was frustrated by the weather and unable to start the Tuesday morning work sessions on the meadows as soon as he and the volunteers would have wished. They will be playing ‘catch-up’ as the nettles start to grow.
Mystery donation
A cheque, payable to the Hurst Water Meadow Trust, was sent to our treasurer in March but was not accompanied by any other information. The signatory of the cheque is not someone we know so I have been unable to write to thank this kind supporter. If the donor happens to read this please accept the grateful thanks of the trustees for your unexpected and generous gift.
Gillian Johnson (Hon. Secretary) on behalf of the Trustees
01865 340925
