Small campsite, big habitat
The campsite might be small, but the habitat for nature is a very big part of the place. This year a small pond has been added amongst the area of scrub where blackthorn and hawthorn trees have been allowed to self seed from the hedgerows, hazel, birch, sweet chestnut, field maples and holly trees have been planted. Brambles spread with unruly abandon and grasses grow long. These pictures show how the land has changed over the last few years. The hedgerow is much wider on the left hand side. On the right are areas of rewilding where additional trees have been planted.
Each spring more wild flowers emerge as nature takes back control of what was a mono-cultural plot of little interest to wildlife. The butterflies and the bees seem to appreciate the changes. We hope you do too.
The pictures show how the campsite has changed over the years from a monocultural field to a rich habitat where nature and people can thrive.
Starting with a raised bed
Looking back at just how empty the field was, it’s great to see the changes that have already taken place. A small orchard of fruit trees include apples, plums, cherries and green gage. In the raised beds are flowers for cutting, herbs and vegetables - fresh peas are my favourite.
The Wildlife Trust describe Maggie’s Field Campsite:
“There is an interesting array of habitats existing on the site…exceptional hedgerows and areas of blackthorn scrub. Blackthorn is an exceptionally valuable species, providing food for pollinators in spring, fruit in late summer and autumn as well as valuable nesting opportunities for birds…. Mature hedgerows and weedy verges are excellent hedgehog habitat. Another area of the site with great potential is an area of rough grassland scattered with fruit trees.”
The work continues to improve biodiversity and restore habitats for nature to thrive. Hedgehog, Polecat, Badger, Fox, Toad, Newt, Field mice, Rabbit are a few of the fauna recorded at the campsite. By day Red Kites circle overhead and Cuckoos call, by night hear the hooting Owls and the swoosh of a bats wing.
Surrounded by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust reserve sites: Court Wood, Ernle Gilbert, and Davies Corner Meadows at Norton Canon, Court Wood Bredwardine, Quebb Corner Meadow Eardisley, The Sturts Letton. Not to mention Moccas Hill Wood, Moccas Park National Nature Reserve, all within a four-mile radius.
Join the Wye Valley Walk, just over a mile from the campsite and head west towards Hay on Wye for stunning views high above the River Wye at The Scar, pick up your first passport stamp at Bredwardine, climb Merbach Hill then circle back on the Herefordshire trail to visit the ancient Neolithic site; Arthurs Stone.
