GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC RECREATION IN MAC’S MEADOW
Following discussions with the new owner of Mac’s Meadow, Mr Robert Jones, Bishopstone Parish Council is happy to issue these revised guidelines as to the use of the meadow by members of the village community.
Mac’s meadow provides two distinct amenities, a rare and unmolested section of chalk stream and a delightful area of sheltered grassland in a beautiful setting.
Mr Jones has indicated that his reason for acquiring this land is to protect, maintain and enjoy, as a private facility, the ‘wild’ fishing and bankside habitat which the River Ebble provides.
However, Mr Jones is very happy for the wider 2.4 acre meadow, through which the public footpath passes, to continue to be available to villagers for quiet enjoyment and informal recreation so long as this is done in a spirit of respect for his rights as the landowner and the need to conserve the quality of the natural environment of the meadow.
Mr Jones’ aim is to establish a wildflower meadow which will be enjoyed and appreciated by those who go there and which will provide pleasure to everyone living in the village. The objective will be to promote the establishment of wildflower species native to this area and situation. In addition it is planned to protect the riverbank vegetation to provide a wildlife corridor, which will be a breeding and feeding area for birds, small mammals, moths and butterflies.
The river, its banks, the riverside trees and vegetation are not to be encroached upon for any reason without the written permission of the owners (including, for the northern half of the river and its bank, Mr and Mrs John Gibbon and the Newcastle Estate).
Short-term management
In order for the flowers to establish themselves and thrive it will be necessary first of all to reduce the density of the meadow grass. This will be done initially by grazing with sheep. This will require, for a short period, the erection of an electric fence to protect the riverside vegetation and extra vigilance and discipline by those who take dogs along the path during this period.
It should also be stressed that it is a legal requirement, under County by-laws, that dogs must be on a lead on any footpath where livestock is present, also during the breeding season for ground nesting birds (beginning of February to end of June). Many waterfowl are in this group.
Bishopstone Parish Council is particularly pleased that ownership of this land will remain in the village and that it will be available for use by villagers. However, it would emphasise that for this to continue users of the meadow must show proper respect for their surroundings. Damage to the natural habitat must be avoided, no litter left in the field and dog owners are asked to clear up after their pets.
Mike Ash
Clerk
Bishopstone Parish Council
Mac’s meadow provides two distinct amenities, a rare and unmolested section of chalk stream and a delightful area of sheltered grassland in a beautiful setting.
Mr Jones has indicated that his reason for acquiring this land is to protect, maintain and enjoy, as a private facility, the ‘wild’ fishing and bankside habitat which the River Ebble provides.
However, Mr Jones is very happy for the wider 2.4 acre meadow, through which the public footpath passes, to continue to be available to villagers for quiet enjoyment and informal recreation so long as this is done in a spirit of respect for his rights as the landowner and the need to conserve the quality of the natural environment of the meadow.
Mr Jones’ aim is to establish a wildflower meadow which will be enjoyed and appreciated by those who go there and which will provide pleasure to everyone living in the village. The objective will be to promote the establishment of wildflower species native to this area and situation. In addition it is planned to protect the riverbank vegetation to provide a wildlife corridor, which will be a breeding and feeding area for birds, small mammals, moths and butterflies.
The river, its banks, the riverside trees and vegetation are not to be encroached upon for any reason without the written permission of the owners (including, for the northern half of the river and its bank, Mr and Mrs John Gibbon and the Newcastle Estate).
Short-term management
In order for the flowers to establish themselves and thrive it will be necessary first of all to reduce the density of the meadow grass. This will be done initially by grazing with sheep. This will require, for a short period, the erection of an electric fence to protect the riverside vegetation and extra vigilance and discipline by those who take dogs along the path during this period.
It should also be stressed that it is a legal requirement, under County by-laws, that dogs must be on a lead on any footpath where livestock is present, also during the breeding season for ground nesting birds (beginning of February to end of June). Many waterfowl are in this group.
Bishopstone Parish Council is particularly pleased that ownership of this land will remain in the village and that it will be available for use by villagers. However, it would emphasise that for this to continue users of the meadow must show proper respect for their surroundings. Damage to the natural habitat must be avoided, no litter left in the field and dog owners are asked to clear up after their pets.
Mike Ash
Clerk
Bishopstone Parish Council