There are lots of community owned green spaces scattered over the Parish, all managed by the Parish Council. Some are tucked away, quietly acting as mini wildlife reserves without the need for too much intervention; others, much larger, like the pleasure grounds are in constant use by the community.
All would benefit from attention to ensure that biodiversity is protected and restored wherever possible. ChalCAN Biodiversity has identified and mapped all the sites as an initial step.
Fragments of the old Bisley common. These are forgotten corners scattered across the Parish such as the hillside verge toward Avenis Green and the triangle of land at the bottom of Marle Hill. With a little attention, several could be restored to their original range of biodiversity. Our early work on Parish Bank, France Lynch, shows how readily this can be achieved; but any intervention requires careful liaison with the Parish Council, willing volunteers, and regular maintenance.
The parks and playing fields. The Pleasure Grounds at Bussage and Chalford Hill are 150 years old and again are remnants of the old common, given to the parish for general use. The playing field in Chalford Vale dates from after the Second World War. All three have been carefully surveyed and are of interest; but it is the France Lynch Pleasure Ground which boasts by far the greatest biodiversity and is worthy of protection as a remnant of unimproved limestone grassland. It is already recognised by the Wildlife Trust as a Local Wildlife Site . We are looking at ways in which this busy and popular field could be managed so that it both protects these plants and allows free access for all its many uses.
Middle Hill Field, Chalford Hill. This large area has been used both for allotments and as agricultural land in the past, but still boasts many flowers and plants: bee orchids and pyramidal orchids popped up here this Spring. The field is being cut in August in an effort to replicate the rhythms of a traditional hay field and preserve these flowers.
Manor Farm Green Spaces. Manor farm estate has many green spaces that are closely mown and maintained. We have begun to identify some small areas where we can add colour with wildflowers or new trees; but any changes would need the support of the community and obviously we would need to discuss these possibilities with the local council.
To find out more, or if you’d like to help out in any way contact us: info@chalcan.org.uk
One Response
Great that larger swathes of parish land are already heeding guidance from the wealth of expertise in this group. Would love a detailed map of the verges & small spaces, and to know the results if any have been biodiversity surveyed. These are a the crucial corridors linking it all together, and so often get parked on! (Residents put rocks & sticks on their carefully mown/bulb planted sections to discourage parking, wild verges considered fair game until they turn to mud this weather) A great way of bringing neighbours together to know more about ‘their’ piece e.g. What’s the potential for the wider footpath verge below phone box library and paths leading down from there? should we be dissuading ‘off road’ parking by park visitors on Brantwood road or is only the park itself likely to have retained any common land ecology? If I ‘seed bomb’ my bit will it be trashed by the council strimming/mowing regime? Thankyou anyone who can advise on this as spring approaches