Turnpike Field News

The last few weeks have been quite busy as regards activity and plans for the field.

Volunteers have just cut the hedge back on the corner of Green Lane, however there is still some attention required alongside the footpath- hopefully this should be sorted soon.

Also, last Saturday, Jonathan Gleave in his tractor flailed the Himalayan balsam whilst a working party of ADAS and AWEG volunteers pulled balsam in areas the tractor couldn't get to. There are still some smaller areas of balsam left, but the majority has now been prevented from further seeding.

Ponds

At the last group meeting on September 4th it was reported that Cheshire Wildlife Trust (CWT) had pledged grant funding for up to four ponds in the field. CWT will do all the work and fence them if required – they are keen to commence work before winter. One major justification for the ponds is specifically to help the newt population.

A recent site visit with CWT and ADAS has identified the locations and established that three ponds will be enough, each measuring 10 x 10 metres. Apparently two ponds that previously existed on the Greys Bridge side had dried up, although the depression in the ground can still be seen. Another ideal location is near the marsh area.

The working group discussed the educational and tourist attraction potential of having the ponds and agreed these were a good idea and in keeping with what the village had voted for. The working group voted to recommend the installation of ponds to the Parish Council.

Full minutes of the meeting can be found here: http://tfra.audlem.org/doc/D411075.pdf

The next village meeting to report on progress with the field will take place on Thursday, 14th November at 7-30 pm in the Public Hall.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.