End of Summer Update
27th September 2025 Newsletter
View towards the Hall showing the newly cut hedge which was expertly layered by Rory Hart two year ago. The growth has thickened out at the bottom. A better haven for birds and small mammals.
End Summer Update
It has been another busy summer on Jubilee Meadow and, as we move into autumn, we look back on a successful second season. The annual strip provided a blaze of colour in early summer and the main area, planted with perennials, suprised both us, and our expert Ed Cross, with how far ahead it was. After only two years, it really did look like a real meadow!
Summer Drought!
The big challenge has been to keep the recently planted trees watered during the long summer drought. We bought a 1000 litre container and, using a donated trailer, we managed to water the trees weekly. We have lost one or two, and perhaps a couple more will go, but, compared with what we read about happenings nationwide,this is a good performance. One more year of watering and the trees should be self-sufficient.
Autumn Maintenance
There is a lot to do to bed down the Meadow before winter sets in. Rory Hart has already sprayed the annual strip. This has been cut and will be rotavated and then, probably in November, overseeded to build up the number of annuals for next Spring.
The whole of the Meadow has had its annual cut and lift. Many thanks to Albanwise, and their young apprentice, Finn, who came and did such a good job for us. The large haystack at the western boundary will be taken away and used as compost by local farmer, Will Barber.
In a few weeks time, Amanda Crown, from Bluestone Farm will come and rotavate the annual strip and in November we will arrange for a Working Party to come and sow the seeds. If you would like to take part, please let John know. His email is at the bottom of this Newsletter.
Volunteers Needed
We have bought 250 native daffodil bulbs, plus a variety of native bluebells, snowdrops and winter aconites which we are going to plant on Saturday, October 25th starting at 10.00am. If you would like to come and give us a hand, you would be most welcome. Just turn up and bring a spade if you’ve got one!
Ragwort Pullers!
Many thanks to the small band of ragwort pullers who worked so hard to contain the spread of ragwort over the summer months. Hard work, but we seem to have it under control. The ragwort will be back next year and so, hopefully will our volunteers!
Relaxing on the Meadow
Richard shows how to relax in style, reading a book while walking the dog.
