Sunnyside New Project
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A partnership has been formed between the Town Council, Sunnyside Allotment Society (SAS), Sunnyside Rural Trust (SRT) and Countryside Management Services (CMS) to manage jointly the eastern side of Sunnyside New to the benefit of all of us. It is a long-term project which should result in the area looking much more cared for. Active management of the site will hopefuly make it less desirable to developers. A 30 foot wide strip adjacent to the eastern boundary will be allowed to develop as a natural habitat. Together with a south-facing wildflower meadow, attracting bees and butterflies, this should result in a valuable ecologically sustainable habitat where all forms of wildlife can flourish. |
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| Sunnyside New Plan | ||||||||||||||
| Importantly the provision of an orchard (maintained by SRT clients as part of their horticultural training and the planting of different kinds of willows for hurdles and other garden structures continues the allotment tradition of productive use of the land. CMS are providing environmental guidance and practical help, and are applying for grants. Their projects have to meet certain criteria, the educational and public access elements can be fulfilled by school visits and special events. The environmental aspects will be met by enhancing the viability and biodiversity of the site. | ||||||||||||||
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The preliminary plan is shown above, but the precise shape and location of the wildflower meadow and the extent of the willow area are still to be finalised. We will be involved in the planning and planting of the meadow and the annual cut will be financed from the Environment Committee budget (not the Allotment budget). The first joint event took place at the end of March, when SRT clients, CMS conservation volunteers and SAS members combined to clear rubbish and scrub. The next stage was clearance of the area leased to SRT as preparation for the orchard. This work will benefit SSN plotholders, as surplus soil will be used to widen the central roadway, which will allow the tractor to deliver muck to a point between the top and bottom plots. Two more working parties have recently been held to plant a hedge (which will be layered) around the orchard site and a hazel and other species coppice. | |||||||||||||
| Volunteers planting the coppice | ||||||||||||||
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As the project progresses further there will be more opportunities for SAS members to be involved. Volunteers will be needed to plant the orchard trees, the willows and of course the wildflower meadow. When dates are known far enough in advance they will be publicised in the newsletter; otherwise they will be displayed on the allotment noticeboards. We have set up a small group of people keen to be involved in the project; if you are interested in joining in please contact Angela Wheeldon at the Tea Hut. |
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| The coppice and hedge | ||||||||||||||
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| Ted and Angela planting oak tree | More planting | Welcome refreshment | ||||||||||||
| Back to Allotments | ||||||||||||||