The Yare Valley Meadow Makers has recently been busy preparing the ground for next year’s crop of wildflowers. A lot has been done, and a large area of UEA meadows is now ready for seeding.
Preparing the groundTaking a break
In the upper picture, look beyond the workers and to the right and you will see lurking in the background “The Reapers” Three in all, they are an addition to the Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park.
A Reaper up close
The Artist Ivan Morison says “In gaming circles Reapers are a synthetic-organic alien race, connecting us to the fear we share of the mutant monsters sure to come from human techno meddling in plant biology. …” The works are an outcome of the artist’s research residency Towards the Weird Heart of Things at The Sainsbury Centre.
The development of the McCarthy Stone site saw a significant bite taken out of the green space of the Yare Valley corridor. To compensate, environmental conditions were placed on the planning application approval. In early 2024 the Yare Valley Society became concerned about the slow progress being made towards fulfilling the conditions. It sent a report to the Norwich City council detailing deficiencies. The council acted swiftly, and progress has been made. In October YVS submitted a second report drawing attention to what remained to be done. YVS is pleased to note that most of the promised on-site habitats such as bird boxes, bee bricks and bat boxes had been installed. So far so good, but much remains to be done including planting the green open space to the southwest of the site, the hedging on Bluebell Rd, and the openings for hedgehogs in the boundary fence. While work proceeds there is no public access to the green space.
On the positive side the green open space has been part seeded, paths laid out and seats installed. The chance must not be missed in the present season to plant the promised trees in the green open space.
McCarthy Stone green Space looking southMcCarthy Stone green space looking northSeats overlooking wildlife basin
When work is completed, the increase in habitats and the landscaped green space will make a valuable contribution to local biodiversity and to accessible public green space. The green space will link with the Strawberry Field meadow, and its north and south ends will have links to the Yare Valley Walk and so increase the options for short circular walks.
All are welcome to give the support they can. There are big opportunities this month to get your hands dirty and join the volunteers to contribute directly to the wellbeing of Yare Valley wildlife:
Cringleford Bridge Meadow on Monday 4th and Friday 15th
Eaton Burial Ground on Church Lane on the Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th, and Tuesday 12th
Bluebell Woods at Eaton Park on Friday 22nd.
The programme is here. It gives full details including the occasions when lunch will be available.
The Yare Valley Meadow Makers invite you to join them in improving the Yare Valley wildflower meadows. In November (weather permitting) there will be work parties on Saturday the 9th 10 – 12 am and Sunday the 17th 2– 4 pm. Join them on the UEA broad hay meadow at the picnic area by the lake W3W ///ripe.keys.vocab.
They will be doing some raking and creating bare earth patches with mattocks to prepare the meadow for the sowing of more wildflower seed shortly after.
Profusion of ox-eyed daisies in the Strawberry Field Meadow
All help will be much appreciated. They will have plenty of seed thanks to their own collections and some kind donations from High Ash farm and Norwich City Council earlier this year.
The Yare Valley Meadow Makers direct most of their efforts at improving the Strawberry Field meadow and the UEA hay meadow and the hedgerows that link them.
The view in the direction of Keswick Mill from Eaton Common and the nearby bridleway has changed dramatically in the last day or so as a result of tree felling of Cricket Bat Willow (Salix alba caerulea). After 15 years of growth the time has come to crop the trees and turn them into cricket bats.
The willows mature relatively quickly in the marshy land and there has been a commercially viable market for the wood. It is expected the plantation, which is on private land, will be quickly replanted to produce another crop in 15 or 16 years. The trees must be checked twice a year, and any side shoots removed. This keeps the main stem of the tree free from knots, and so suitable for making cricket bats.
We are looking to thank volunteers old and new by providing lunch for all attendees wherever convenient outlets exist near to where we are working this month, as indicated by L [in the programme] … Could be sandwiches, could be chips, but we will see that people get a decent feed to help keep out the autumn chill. …
Eaton Village Residents Association (EVRA) are hoping to launch a new project to manage a section of the hedgerows along Marston Lane on the Yare Valley Walk, from its junction with Lindford Drive to the Golf Course crossing. The Project would manage the excess growth of some species, including ivy, and plant suitable species to fill gaps. The project was suggested by Keri Williams.
EVRA have agreement in principle from Norfolk Highways and hope to have support of Eaton Golf Club for any work on their side of the lane. EVRA are planning to start work in the autumn. Keri will lead the project, but will need some volunteers to do the work. If you would like to help with the project, please email evra.vc@live.co.uk
The Conservation Volunteers will be out in force in August doing work in various locations, including Bowthorpe Southern Park on two occasions. Their task here will be to remove ragwort from a specific area to make it safe for cattle grazing. Grazing creates vegetation at different heights, and small areas of bare ground. This encourages a wide range of wildlife in different habitats. It also helps wildflowers to grow, flower, and set seed each year.
Everyone is welcome. Details of the Programme are here.
Yare Valley Meadow Makers would welcome your help to harvest Yellow Rattle Seed. Now the summer has finally come, the yellow rattle seed is ripening and they need lots for Strawberry field and UEA meadows in the Autumn.
The harvest will be on Wednesday 10th July 6-8pm, with a pint in the Cellar House after for those who would like to.
Meeting location – Marston Marsh, at the entrance opposite the big golf club gates, what3words: brush.handy.admit.
Yellow rattle growing in Strawberry Field, possibly from seed sown in earlier years:
Their programme in July includes conservation work in the Yare Valley Bluebell Wood at the Junction of Bluebell Road and North Park Avenue, Eaton Park, Norwich. They will be cutting back bramble to allow bluebells to thrive. In July there are also two free courses:
Mark Webster writes:
“… we have two free courses people can attend if they wish:
Saturday 20th we have local expert Adrian showing us how to find insects and identify them. All welcome, suitable for all ages, beginners as well as those who already know their bugs and beetles. A great opportunity to see some minibeasts up close, and hopefully find some real rarities. Whether or not you usually come out at the weekend, I hope you can join us for this – bring family and friends!
Tuesday 30th we will be running a task leader’s course, giving you all you need to know in order to run a safe and happy conservation task day. Great for the CV, especially for those looking for a job working with wildlife.” Details of the programme, and how to contact Mark if you are interested in attending a course, are here.
