Winter on Jubilee Meadow
February 2026 Newsletter
Maintenance Work
Our small but dedicated Working Party has been busy over the last few weeks, tidying up Jubilee Meadow in preparation for the Spring.
A number of trees have been transplanted. The western edge of the meadow was overcrowded in some places, so five trees were moved to give more space. The trees were given a nutrient feed and have been well watered since transplanting due to this year’s incessant rain. There are no further plans for additional large scale tree planting .
In addition, some thirty bee orchids have been lifted from the Playing Field where they would have been cut back by the regular mowing of the outfield. The orchids have been grouped together for effect, and placed alongside the eastern path and around a couple of the benches.
We have also trimmed the side shoots on the trees, and cleared the surrounding base areas with work done to the wire guards to enable access for weeding and mulching.
We have been pleased to see a good number of people, both locals and visitors, enjoying the meadow while we have been working. The team, like many of our regular volunteers and walkers, are now waiting for the Spring to see the results of planting 500 bulbs last autumn with aconites, bluebells, daffodils and snowdrops hopefully appearing. A few snowdrops are appearing already.
More information can be found on our website www.thornhamjubileemeadow.co.uk.
Do keep walking and enjoying the Jubilee Meadow and thanks to all our supporters.
Volunteer working parties busily looking after the Meadow. Why don’t you come and join us? There is always plenty to do!
Visitors
Hares are regular visitors to the meadow, along with Muntjac deer. You can spot their entry points into the Meadow from the large field on the Southern boundary.
Winter Wildlife
Before Christmas, the trees around the boundaries of the Meadow held good numbers of fieldfares and redwings, as well as resident blackbirds and thrushes, stripping the trees of berries.
Flocks of up to 50 lapwings have been seen occasionally, with a few golden plover mixed in for good measure. Small flocks of meadow pipits are present throughout, and buzzards and red kites are daily visitors. The kestrel has been seen hunting on the Meadow, but, so far, no sign this year of the barn owl.
A stonechat passed through in December, and a woodcock was flushed in early February.
It may sometimes look quiet out there, but actually, there is a lot going on.