The Court was well represented at this year’s Remembrance Sunday parade, which took place in a cold, but dry and sunny, Cricklade. Continue reading “Remembrance Sunday 2019”
Remembrance Sunday 2019
Flooding on North Meadow this week
The recent heavy rain has caused flooding on North Meadow this week. We have been watching the water levels closely as we are in the middle of the grazing season. Fortunately the water levels have now started to drop. Rain is not expected for the next few days and this will give time for the water to drain away. Continue reading “Flooding on North Meadow this week”
Court Awarded Heritage Lottery Fund Grant for North Meadow
Cricklade Court Leet is delighted to have been awarded a Heritage Lottery Grant of £33, 400 for North Meadow . The Court will use part of this grant to purchase 5.5 acres of North Meadow, previously held in private ownership. This land will then become a permanent part of the National Nature Reserve. Continue reading “Court Awarded Heritage Lottery Fund Grant for North Meadow”
Dorothy Bloxham – Special Presentation
The High Bailiff of Cricklade, Clive Smith, made a special presentation to Cricklade resident Dorothy Bloxham, who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday. She was joined by family members and friends from Open Door at the Jenner Hall this afternoon where there was also a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ with the music provided by members of The Cricklade Band led by Paul Hewer. Happy Birthday Dorothy!
September meadow flowers
A great morning on the meadow, so many flowers to see. Continue reading “September meadow flowers”
Grazing of North Meadow Started On 9th September
Conservation grazing, which is so important to the management of North Meadow, started on Monday this week. Twenty two cows and their calves, forty four animals in total, were turned out onto North Meadow. A further fourteen cows and calves will go onto the meadow this weekend. Continue reading “Grazing of North Meadow Started On 9th September”
Grazing Preparation for North Meadow
Members of the Court Leet have been preparing North Meadow for grazing in the last two weeks. This involves the installation of 2.5km of electric fencing and eight pasture pumps. Continue reading “Grazing Preparation for North Meadow”
Pasture Pumps on North Meadow
Grazing animals would normally drink from the River Thames and River Churn which skirts North Meadow. By entering the rivers the animals introduce silt into the water. This creates a water quality problem which damages fish spawning beds, resulting in poor fish populations. Continue reading “Pasture Pumps on North Meadow”
Hay Cut Started on Thursday 27th June
The hay cut started early this year to help to reduce the nutrient levels on the meadow. Nutrient levels have been rising, mainly caused by increased flooding in recent years and this reduces plant diversity. The hay cut would normally start in July. Continue reading “Hay Cut Started on Thursday 27th June”
Cricklade Court Leet on TV August 24th 2016.
Jeremy Paxman and the production team of the Channel 4 series “Rivers” visited Cricklade to record an episode of series for broadcasting on 26th March 2017. Jeremy walked part of North Meadow with High Bailiff (Clive Smith), Haywarden (John Barratt) and several other members of the Court. An explanation was given about the close relationship between the Court and the management of North Meadow throughout the year, Winter flooding, Spring Fritillary season, Summer/ Autumn haymaking and grazing to complete the year.
This was followed by a Court Meeting to show how the ancient court works in this modern day and age.