What the fields looked like when we bought them in May 2020
Front Field
The Front Field was 6 acres of unimproved grassland that had been used for summer pasture for sheep for the last 20 years.
Front Field
Hedgerows with fences currently form the boundaries of the Front Field. We plan to create more hedgerow banks to form a mosaic of different habitats – the hedgerow banks will be created with the soil generated from digging the ditches and from the turf that needs to be removed for the meadow creation. Wherever possible, the hedges will run east-west through the field so that the side with the ditch faces south.
Front Field
The plant complex of the hedges already includes plenty of Hazel, perfect habitat for the hazel dormouse!
Front Field
One of the ditches on the eastern boundary has historically been used to drain water from the fields above.
Front Field
The two fields are separated by a typical Devon hedgerow.
Back Field
The Back Field is 4 acres and a much heavier clay. In the past it has occasionally been cut for reed for animal bedding and has quite a lot of soft rush (Juncus effuses) growing on it.
Back Field
The combination of multiple water sources and heavier clay soil means the Back Field is already much wetter and has a different complex of plant species to the Front Field.
Back Field
There are two water sources for this field, both from the fields above. Historically the water has run around the boundaries in a ditch.
Back Field
More Hazel and other tree species in the hedges already provide excellent corridors for small mammals, birds and other wildlife to travel through the agricultural landscape effectively. This not only provides shelter from predators, but also maintains the viability of populations by creating a wider gene pool. We hope to extend and enhance this provision.
Back Field
Historically the boundaries have been either Devon bank hedgerow or post and wire fencing.
Back Field
The Back Field will be turned into a wetland complex. The soil is heavy clay that will retain water, and there is a supply of good quality (spring) water coming in from the ground above. This makes it relatively straightforward to create a complex series of scrapes, pools and ditches.
Back Field
Some planting of willows will also be undertaken.
Submerged aquatics and the marginal vegetation will be allowed to colonise naturally.
Back Field
An established Yellow Flag Iris already pokes its head up through the reeds and rushes.