This charming meadow can be found where a substantial apple orchard previously stood, before its removal some 30 years ago. Once a rich abundance of productive trees bearing ripe fruit, the land was subsequently converted to an agricultural use, but now presents as an opportunity for a new custodian to replant the land and return it to its former bountiful glory. This could be done with fruit trees, if so wished, or perhaps in combination with a raft of native broadleaved species. Part of the fun of taking on a conservation project such as this is the chance to express one’s creative sparks, landscaping the open land from scratch with a combination of open rides and glades, wooded sections and even some wildflower meadow. Rewilding land, and increasing the tree cover we have here in the UK is a noble endeavour, and Orchard Meadow is perfectly suited to such a project.

The land comes in two principal sections, with open land to the left of the entrance, where a pond can be found on the eastern boundary, and a section of woodland to the right of the entrance, occupying the smaller western section of the parcel. This variance is excellent in terms of both biodiversity and amenity interest, resulting in a mixed landscape which can be managed, enhanced and enjoyed. The pond at the edge of the meadow is a delightful feature, serving as a rich habitat for a range of wildlife including aquatic plants, frogs, newts, water beetles, dragonflies and an array of other insects and pondlife. The fringe of vegetation around its banks provides plant cover for amphibians and insects with terrestrial life stages.

From the pond, one can head across the open land to a gap in a hedgerow which leads to a clearing, before entering the belt of woodland beyond. As well as providing an attractive amenity space and a useful source of seeds for the natural regeneration of the open land, the woodland provides a home for mammals such as rabbits and badgers as well as an assortment of woodland birds. It is bordered to the north and west by stock proof fencing, whilst a line of stakes demarcates the southern boundary, which stretches out into and across the meadow. This could be improved along its length with the introduction of a new hedgerow. The western boundary is formed by the edge of the access track.

Orchard Meadow would appeal to those who are looking to own a manageable parcel of private land which offers both sections of open land for tree planting and a belt of established woodland. The pond is an additional benefit, offering the chance to conserve and expand the habitats which already exist for local wildlife.

In their eagerness to preserve this meadow, and as recognition of its value, the local council have given it an extra level of protection by including it within an Article 4 area, which means that it is protected from unsympathetic development. You can read more about that here.

The purchasers of the meadow will be asked to enter into a covenant