Roger and I had a meeting on site with Mike king, who carried out the latest batch of soil tests. He has confirmed the position of two points where higher than expected Mercury was found. At this level is not a problem, but as a precaution we will not plant edible crops in this area. These points have been clearly marked, so now Debbie and David will be able to complete the plan for orchard tree planting, and mark the positions so the site can be prepared in good time. Grass cutting of paths and the scythed orchard grass is continuing, but because of holidays there will be no cutting done in the last 2 weeks in September, We need some one to do this, so could we have volunteers. Roger has the group cutter, and if you would like to use it please contact Mary 240363, or Roger 241608 by Sunday. There will be a work party on Sunday 26th September. Please contact Debbie for details 241756.

We are proposing a meeting on Thursday 7th October, in the Pub, to discuss next steps. Please let me know if this OK

The contractors have finished most of the first phase of the work, but will be back in mid September to reseed the grass in the seating area, and hopefully install the benches. Any comments etc, please contact me.
Mary 3rd September 2010

Sunday, 22nd August from 10am onwards. We intend to mark out the planting positions for 22 standard apple trees for the orchard, and start to prepare the ground by removing weeds etc. If this is not to your liking, there is always digging in the seating area.

Can anyone interested in growing wild flower seeds over the winter let me know, so we can organize those able to do so. For further information please ring Mary on 240 363, Roger on 241 608 or Debbie on 241 756

I suggest we mark out the area for wild flowers and cut the grass short . This allows the smaller, less vigorous grasses to germinate, and helps to reduce the shade etc from taller coarse grass. Probably the easiest way to start is to plant selected wild flower seeds in weed free beds, or in individual cells. Autumn and spring are the best time to plant.

Many seeds need to fully imersed in water, and be subjected to a period of cold weather to trigger germination in the spring. The seed will generally be scattered on the surface of the soil, not covered. They will need to be protected from birds and other creatures that may dig them up, or eat them. Not all seeds germinate at the same time, to avoid adverse weather conditions, so if it looks as if nothing has happened, don’t lose heart. Keep seeds moist, but not wet, as this can cause rot.

In the spring, when the plants are large enough to transplant, we have to make holes in the grass ready to plant the widflowers. At this time mowing of the grass should stop. Initially Yellow rattle is a good plant to grow, as it is partially parasitic, and helps to check the growth of grass. Other flowers can also be planted, and may need to be watered initially. Depending on the seed mix, most flowers should bloom in June/July, and when they look as if they are dying back, should produce seed. In order to get seeds for next year, the grass cannot be cut until late summer. This hay can be left to lie on the site, so seeds can drop through to the soil. After a week of two, this hay must be removed, to prevent too many nutrients entering the soil. It can be composted, or used for animal feed.

The mowing regime will involve keeping the grass short during the late autumn, and winter, then stopping mowing in the spring to allow flowers to grow successfully. Hay making in late summer will be followed by another period of cutting. Grass should be removed from the wildflower area, and not let to lie. Strong weeds that compete for light, nutrients and water may have to be removed by hand, or the use of a selective weedkiller.

Suggested Species.

Present were Roger, Marcus, Barrie, David, Debbie and Mary.

The original was updated by Debbie/Marcus/Jane in Dec 2009. Mary has carried out an assessment of what has been done. The plan needs to be finalised and sent to Wessex Water. This issue was not resolved at meeting. As the contractor is now working on site most of the major infrastructure works are on the way to completion.

We agreed to plant a central tree, possibly a cherry, and purchase a bench to go around the base, with plenty of room for expansion of girth. The quadrant sections had been allocated for native grasses, but it was decided to explore planting sensory beds. Debbie to consult gardener at Vivary Park in Taunton re planting list, and costing. It was suggested that cuttings from members gardens to be used to reduce cost. So all you gardeners, please get busy taking cuttings of herbs, and other suitable plants. For further advice contact Debbie on 241 756.

Are still interested in having a bed once the timber for raised beds are in place. They will be able to plant what they want, but will not plant food crops, as these are grown in the garden behind the village hall.

David is concerned about the fencing to the south of the seating area being redundant, and a likely interference with maintenance. It was stated that this was to mark our boundary-(not in any legal way) and to allow the growth of hedging plants, budlea etc without danger of damage from mowing. If this was found to be a problem when the meadow was up and running, we will reconsider this, with all other things that need reconsideration over time. The rustic fencing is currently being erected, and we agreed the wire mesh (large grid chicken type wire) would be effective to keep dogs out of seating area, if placed on the lower rail, and fixed to the ground, or partially buried. Other aspects of the fencing were discussed, and decisions made at previous meetings reiterated. It was agreed that signs would be needed to inform people that the seating area was a dog free zone. Care will be needed in the choice of wording. Tap. There is a temporary tap available to contractors. The setting up of a permanent water supply may mean metered water, which increases cost. Security is also important. No final resolution made.

There are several oak trees already growing on the site, and some have been moved. We propose to move one that is unsuitably close to another. As we will shortly be choosing trees for winter planting, Mary to contact people who have generously given money to sponsor trees, to discuss options. If you would like to discuss, contact her on 240 363.

A member of the public is concerned about spraying nettles close to the path. In order to prepare the site for planting in the winter, some pernicious perennial weed will have to be removed, and weed killer is a cost effective and efficient way to do this. We do not intend this treatment to be used frequently once the site is organised, and all people involved in these treatments take care to observe safety guidelines, and watch out for people in the vicinity. Orchard. Debbie and David have visited suppliers, and ordered 22 apple trees, culinary, dessert and cider types, with links to the locality. These need to be planted in weed free areas of about a metre in diameter, which needs to be kept weed free for a couple of years, to allow the trees to become established. The standard trees will be delivered in December for planting and staking. Protection from rabbits will need to be used. The next working party will select sites for the trees, so site preparation can get underway.

Thicket and other trees. Roger has made out a planting plan for the thicket. The site has been levelled to some extent by the contractors cutting paths etc. Debbie requested that we leave a raised pile of earth to form a mound for children to play on. This was agreed, providing the soil is available when the area is safe from holes etc. Under the power cables may be a good area if there is no tall vegetation on the apex. A bench/ other structure may be placed there.

There are some gaps next to the new pedestrian gates which will need to be closed. The field gate will be closed with a chain and padlock. We need to liase with Wessex Water so they can fit their own padlock to the chain, and we can all have access to the site.

We need to plan what will happen at work parties, so we can achieve our aims more readily. For July workparty we propose Hand weeding of sapling nursery area. Digging beds in seating area. Marking out positions of apple trees. August workparty Spray areas to accommodate apple trees.

Debbie and Marcus to contact the scythe man, and get a quote for the purchase of a scythe. Where this is to be stored has not been discussed.

The meeting closed at 11pm. There may be a few bits missing in the notes due to the extended power cut in the evening.
Mary H Clarke 16th July 2010