AWEG visits Fordhall Farm

Many local readers will have heard how youngsters Ben and Charlotte Hollins recently saved their family home and beautiful farm in the Tern Valley from dispossession and possible redevelopment.

A public share subscription scheme provided enough funds to allow the farm to be purchased and converted into a Community Land Initiative for educational purposes, while retaining organically reared cattle, sheep and pigs.

On Tuesday evening ten members of Audlem Wildlife and Ecology Group visited Fordhall to hear Charlotte tell her inspiring story on a guided tour of the farmland. Afterwards we enjoyed an excellent supper of Fordhall meat and salads served in a yurt which is providing temporary accomodation until the adjacent barns can be renovated, hopefully in the next 12 months.

Most of the fields, including low-lying flood meadows by the Tern, have not been ploughed for many decades and so provide a now rare habitat of deep-rooted, species rich grassland. Insect and microbial life, birds and mammals are accordingly diverse and abundant. There is also a good selection of wild flowers in season. For further details, including shop and visiting hours, go to their website – click on the link beneath the photo.

Apart from the much enjoyed Recordathon day at the Marina (see previous story on this website), this was the first excursion for AWEG. More outings and invited speakers will be arranged in due course.

Potential new members should contact Greville Watts on 01270 812414 or greville.watts@btinternet.com">greville.watts@btinternet.com or turn up at our next meeting at The Lord Combermere on Tuesday 14 September at 7.30pm.

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