Pitch in with meadow clearance
GREEN volunteers are being sought to help with a seasonal clear-up at a National Trust property near Markfield.
Staff at Stoneywell, the Arts and Crafts cottage, garden and grounds in the Charnwood Forest, are appealing for help with the end of summer clearance of a wildflower meadow.
Nearly two acres of meadow grass will need to be raked and barrowed, ready to be transported off-site, to be either composted or burned as biofuel.
The work day will be held on Sunday September 4, starting at 10am and ending by around 3.30pm with refreshments in the Stoneywell tearoom.
Property staff say the work is vital for the conservation of the meadow and the flora and fauna it supports.
Stoneywell gardener Joe Thompson said: “We’re very proud of our meadows.
“They create interest for our visitors throughout the spring and summer as well as benefit the wildlife that calls Stoneywell its home.
“In many respects we replicate the natural grazing of the grass lands by cutting and removing the grass from the site some days later, once seed has fallen to the ground.”
The meadows formed part of Leicester architect Ernest Gimson’s plans when he created Stoneywell in the late 19th century.
A National Trust spokesman said: “Wildflower meadows and grasslands have declined rapidly in recent times across the United Kingdom. The near two acres of meadow grass at Stoneywell not only provide extensive habitats for an abundance of wildlife but are also befitting of Ernest Gimson’s intentions when he designed the property as a cottage appearing organically out of the ground and blending seamlessly with the wild landscape which surrounds it.
“The meadow at Stoneywell provides striking seasonal changes, from the host of golden daffodils in spring and the blanket of bluebells in May to the soft pink hues of the grass and wildflowers in the summer.
“With the meadows covering just less than half of the gardens, it’s all hands on deck to gather the grass together ready for collection.”
Before the property was taken on by the National Trust, its previous owner Donald Gimson would burn the cut grass each summer in small fire pits around the garden.
These days, the grass is gathered to one spot, in a huge mound, before being removed from the site.
Mr Thompson said volunteers should expect to “rake, collect and barrow like they’ve never done before”.
Volunteers are advised to wear appropriate outdoor clothing and gardening gloves.
Other equipment will be provided.
They should also take a packed lunch, with the Stoneywell team promising to provide dessert.
To register your interest or to sign-up to support Stoneywell’s meadow clearance, call the property team on 01530 248040 (option 3) or email stoneywell@nationaltrust.org.uk