Meadow mystery Council reveals reason for diggers at beauty spot
robin.jenkins@reachplc.com
COUNCIL bosses have explained why they have dug up part of a much-loved Cheltenham beauty spot.
Cox’s Meadow, off Old Bath Road, has become increasingly popular in recent years – especially since it was landscaped and a footpath and cycle path was created around its edge.
The site was particularly well-used during the lockdown as people sought to get some fresh air and exercise close to their homes.
But the community has been scratching their heads at why a large area close to the Meadow Cafe has been fenced off while diggers remove the turf.
There has been criticism that this has blighted the scenic location at a time when hundreds of residents want to use it.
Now though, the borough council has explained why the work is being undertaken.
Malcolm Walls, its green space officer, said: “At Cox’s Meadow, grass reinforcement mesh is being installed so that the structural integrity of the flood alleviation scheme banks is maintained in a flood. This work is expected to take another two weeks subject to weather conditions.
“To allow the seed to establish without being walked on the fencing will remain for a little longer. Additional bulb and wildflower meadow planting will be undertaken in the autumn around the park.”
Cox’s Meadow is a mixture of wetland and wildland. Since the early years of the millennium, it has been part of Cheltenham’s Flood Alleviation
Scheme. The town is vulnerable to floods caused by run-off from thunderstorms high on nearby hills.
The floodplain at the meadow helps give protection.
It has also created a habitat that supports a diversity of flora and fauna.
Following heavy rain, the area turns into a wetland and then once the floodwater has drained back into the River Chelt, it becomes a meadow again.