Somerset Fields
Last week we mentioned that now is a great time to find a project you’d like to volunteer some time to in 2024. Read this lovely article from Nicky Cornwell about Kingfisher Common.
Between Wells and Wookey are a set of irregular shaped fields that hug the River Axe as it passes through. Long ago the river was teased into two and now lies like a divining rod across the fields, east to west - its lower branch feeding the mill at Burcott, the upper branch twitching its way on into the village.
These beautiful Somerset fields were gifted to my sister and myself when our Grandfather died. Just like that, three distant fields with a river running through became our responsibility.
From the first visits we recognised how interesting they were, full of curves and lumps and bumps.
Ash, hazel, and field maple lined the riverbanks and we saw kingfishers and dippers flying along the path of the water. There was a well-used dipping spot, an overgrown hazel copse that offered shelter and a swing, and a weir made its presence felt with a noisy tumble of sound and white water.
Walking the hedgerows, sitting at the weir, watching the fields reveal themselves, it was easy to imagine the acres of grassland transformed into a thriving, biodiverse landscape for wildlife, water, plants, insects and people.
By managing them differently, restoring habitats and ecosystems, could we make a meaningful, nature-rich, accessible space within the community - to enjoy, engage with, respect and, importantly for us protect in the long-term?
We'd like to try! There is no grand plan, we intend a sensitive and informed approach involving a lot of patience.
Changing the way the fields have existed in people's minds, messing with how they have always been used, can seem dismissive of a strong connectivity between the land and people.
But we aim to tread slowly, respectfully, inclusively and want to encourage local people to be involved.
The decision to plant trees as a first gesture was a simple one, the reality less so! It was a steep learning curve. Which trees and where? How do we protect them from cows, deer, rabbits.
How do we keep moisture in and the nutrient stealing grasses out? Mulch!
What do we use as mulch? Where do we get it? Who can we ask to help plant?
Will there be enough flapjacks?! Who knew the subject of mulching could bring sleepless nights?
Help did come and we planted over 200 trees in 2021 and they are doing really well. But we have been awarded a grant to plant another 665 this winter! - so, needless to say, if you have a spade and like flapjacks, please get in touch.
We have a simple webpage at www.kingfishercommon.co.uk where you can find out more about our ideas, offer your own and sign up for email updates.
Among our plans is an interest in offering part of the land for a start up CSA/market garden/local food growing project. Please spread the word!