May 2023 - Cricklade Court Leet

18th May 202327th May 2023

North Meadow Closure Extended

Natural England have extended the closure of North Meadow until 16th June. The warmer weather and no rain in the last week has reduced river levels which are now lower than any time since February. Natural England are reviewing the meadow condition regularly and will re-open the meadow to the public as soon as possible.

Banded demoiselles, newly emerged common blue damselflies, brimstone and large white butterflies were visible from the entrance to North Meadow this morning.

Check back here for further updates on the condition of the meadow.

Update 27th May 2023

North Meadow is still closed to the public. River levels have dropped and the meadow is drying but still very muddy and prone to compaction damage. Natural England are continuing to check to the condition and hope to re-open the National Nature Reserve soon.

11th May 2023

North Meadow still closed and flooded

The rainfall this week (37mm) has raised the river levels again. The growing hay crop makes the meadow look green from a distance but much of the meadow has 100mm of water in the grass. The paths are impassable and drainage channels have deep water in places where they cross the paths,

The temporary closure is in force until 19th May and it is possible that this may now be extended as concern is growing for the condition of this internationally important habitat.

Check back here for further updates on the condition of the meadow.

8th May 2023

Coronation Concert and Picnic

Our Coronation Concert and Picnic was a great success. About 400 people enjoyed the Cricklade Band Concert in the unexpectedly fine weather.

We are very fortunate in Cricklade to have such talented musicians in the Cricklade Band to enable us to celebrate important events like the Coronation in such an enjoyable way.

Lots of people brought a picnic to enjoy while watching members of the Court Leet light the beacon.

Here are some pictures from the event

Thank you to all the members of Cricklade Band and everyone who helped to make this a special day.

7th May 20237th May 2023

Court Leet Coronation Mugs

Cricklade Court Leet members visited St Sampson’s School, Cricklade Preschool Playgroup and Thames Playgroup this week. The Court is giving every child up to the age of 11, who lives in Cricklade, a Coronation Mug to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6th May 2023.

A selection of Photos from our visits

Coronation Mugs

Some of the children had made amazingly colourful crowns and it was very enjoyable to celebrate this historic event with them, and to give them a small memento to mark the occasion.

4th May 20238th May 2023

North Meadow is closed but drying

River levels have dropped quickly this week and the meadow is now drying rapidly. Ground conditions are still very soft and the pathways are blocked in several locations by water in the drainage ditches. Natural England have not yet opened the meadow to the public to protect the meadow from compaction damage. The temporary closure from 14th April until 19th May is still in force see closure notice and map showing the area of restriction.

The meadow is full of birds feeding on invertebrates in the soft mud. A Great White Egret was feeding on Frogsham meadow next to the road this morning.

The Snakes Head Fritillaries have now reached the end of their flowering season and with more rain forecast in the next few days it is not going to be possible to see the spectacular display this year. The hay has now stared to grow and will soon be full of wild flowers still a wonderful sight when the meadow re-opens.

It is possible Natural England will open North Meadow to the public before 19th May if conditions allow. Check back here for further updates on the condition of the meadow.