Malford MeadowMalford Meadow

PROJECT

Malford Meadow is a 'Pocket Park' lying immediately on the north side of the Village and extending from the river eastwards towards the Nurseries. The Christian Malford 'Pocket Park' is a communal amenity available to all Village residents for use as a community meadow and where the protection of wildlife is a priority.

There are entrances to the Meadow adjacent to the Church at the western end and off The Green at the eastern end. It covers an area of approximately 4.5 hectares (11 acres) and is relatively flat at around 55 metres (180feet) above mean sea level. It extends for roughly 760 metres, about half a mile, from end to end.

STATUS

Work achieved during the first two years has included clearance of the river bank and the establishment of fishing swims (stations), the re-laying of extensive lengths of hedgerows, the development of a network of footpaths for easier walking and strolling and the installation of bench seating and picnic tables. Information Boards dealing with various aspects of the Meadow will soon be in place.

The longer grass in the Meadow is cut and removed two or three times a year and there is a programme for keeping nettles under control.

Projects under way include the establishment of a Community Orchard consisting of some twenty assorted fruit trees whilst children at the Village School are developing a wildflower pocket - their own pilot project within the Meadow.

There is a vision for the Meadow to become home to a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna and users are encouraged to draw attention to any interesting specimens which may be observed.

An informal opening ceremony for the Meadow is planned for the Spring of 2012.