Areas of Interest
Clay Pit 1
The clay pit is accessed via steps from the main path.
The pit comprises of a circular walk, through coppiced willow, and a naturalised area left as a haven for wildlife.
There is a small seasonal pond which sometimes forms during autumn and winter.
Clay Pit 2
The clay pit contains Gordons Walk, the remainder of the area is naturalised and left as a haven for wildlife so there are no designated pathways for public access.
There is now a much larger wetland area that we have worked on through the winter clearing debris and deepening. Although the area is very much a 'work in progress' the intention is to provide a suitable environment to encourage Great Crested Newts?
Clay Pit 3
The pit is an open grassland area that can be accessed from the main path and is crossed by a number of secondary paths and access points.
The area is becoming naturalised with trees and scrub areas.
There is a local hibernacula (compost pile) for reptile over wintering and refuge, formed from scrub and grass cuttings.
Eastern Meadow
An area of grassland which forms the largest meadow. The meadow slopes to the south and contains a variety of grasses and flora.
The meadow includes small areas of scrub which are retained and managed for wildlife.
The meadow also includes the main path, the Millennium Feature, the Tree Circle and there are a number of secondary paths.
Western Meadow North
Area of grassland to the north west of the green that contains a variety of grasses and flora.
There are a number of secondary paths through the areas
Western Meadow South
Area of grassland to the south west of the Green that contains a variety of grasses and flora.
There are a number of secondary paths through the area.
Tree Circle (Twelve Apostles)
The tree circle is one of the formal features of the Green.
It consists of three concentric circles of thirty six trees, namely Oaks, Scots Pines, Wild Cherry and Field Maple.
The twelve oaks will eventually outlive the other trees and stand alone as the Twelve Apostles.
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Play and Picnic Area
This fenced area is set aside as a children’s play area and for picnics. It is the only area on the Green that is designated a dog free zone.
There is a central meadow area which resembles a glade surrounded by a small wood.
The is a picnic bench and an informal trail through the woods.
The meadow is cut more frequently than the other areas of the Green.
Grass Area 1
Grass area with an abundance of ant hills and a marsh area with grasses and sedges at the eastern end.
The area is unmanaged but has a small circular grass path.
There is a local hibernacula (compost pile) for reptile over wintering and refuge, formed from scrub and grass cuttings.
Bob's Walk
Bob’s walk is a shaded path along the north west perimeter of the Green, it is immediately adjacent to pit 1.
This is principally a wooded area and in 1988 a number of Elm trees were planted as part of an Elm reintroduction scheme following the blight of Dutch Elm Disease.
Gordon's Walk
Gordon’s Walk is a shaded path along the perimeter of Pit 2, which then descends into and crosses the pit.
This is principally a wooded area and includes a boardwalk through a seasonally wetland area that we are currently developing into a suitable environment for the Great Crested Newt.
Grass Area 2
Grass area managed as a wild flower meadow, the grass is cut and collected once a year.
There is a local hibernacula (compost pile) for reptile over wintering and refuge, formed from scrub and grass cuttings.
There is also a log pile behind the little bench in the little copse, This encourages, and offers shelter to insects like the endangered Stag Beetle.
Southern Boundary Walk
The southern boundary hedge appears to be of considerable age and may well derive from ancient woodland. It contains old Hornbeam stools and old Oak as well as more recent replanting.
There are a number of steps and sleeper bridges along the route.
Western Boundary Walk
This is a shaded walk along the western boundary, immediately adjacent to the Ridgewood House estate.
There are a number of veteran boundary trees along boundary together with more recent planting.
Pond
The pond is located in an area contained by post and rail fencing with a mix of coppliced alder and willow.
Annual surveys have identified the pond as a good breading area for Great Crested Newts and the pond is managed to ensure a suitable environment continues.
Invasive flora is managed in the pond and the tress coppiced to provide restricted shading.
The pond is supplied by natural run off from the Green to North, there is no spring, hence it can sometimes be seasonal and dry out in hot and dry summers.
Millenium Feature
The feature is one of the formal elements of the Green. It is located at the viewpoint at the top of the eastern meadow and comprises of a seating bench and a brick wall featuring the brickwork heritage of the Green.
The bricks in the perimeter dwarf walls are original examples from the brickworks..
