News and Sightings from Roding Valley Meadows
Thursday 12th April 2012
Cattle Grazing
We would like to welcome a conservation grazing herd of cattle back to the reserve. We now have a mixed herd of six cows on site, and we will keep the public up to date with their location as they are moved around the reserve through the use of signs and notices, and also through use of this webpage.
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The cattle are currently in fields Further River Mead and Lower Mead. Keep an eye out for signs and website updates to keep abreast of cattle movements.
We have been using cattle at Roding Valley Meadows for many years, as they are an important part of the management of the grasslands. Management of the meadows aims to follow the ancient system of hay-cutting and grazing which led to the current plant and animal communities. Grazing has occurred here for centuries and created the open areas we have today; it removes some of the competitive grasses to allow room for the more delicate plants to grow, and the mosaic of short and long patches left behind by light grazing benefits a wider range of plants and animals. For these reasons we lease cattle from a grazier, moving them gradually around parts of the reserve which are in particular need.
Cattle will be on site for the Spring/early Summer graze, and again from September to early winter to remove the aftermath from haymaking. We are requesting dog walkers to keep their dogs on a short lead at all times when in those fields where the cattle are kept. The cattle are in a small proportion of the whole site, and it is a legal requirement on ‘open access‘ land to keep your dog on a short lead at all times for the welfare of the cattle, as well as the safety of people and their dogs. Please cooperate with us in this matter, and help to inform anyone who isn’t aware of this request.
If you are worried about the cattle, try to find an alternate route or keep your distance within the field. These cows are used to people as they graze at a range of country parks with public access, however do not attempt to get too close or to pet them as they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. In the rare case that these cows chase you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off a lead – don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.
We have opportunities for interested people to get involved as a volunteer stock checker; if you are interested please get in touch by emailing Roding@essexwt.org.uk or calling 0208 500 3094.
Tom Heenan, Assistant Ranger - Essex Wildlife Trust
Monday 14th November 2011
Car Park Renovation Project
Visitors to the reserve may have noticed some changes occurring around the reserve car park, near the David Lloyd club, over the past few months. This is part of an exciting and ambitious project by reserve staff and volunteers, to restore the car park and surrounding area and to provide a useful and attractive entrance to the reserve.
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Already staff and volunteers have cut back vegetation and soil which had encroached on the car park surface, and cleared a bank beside the car park right up to a row of hawthorn which previously remained hidden. Laying of this hawthorn as a hedge has also begun, which when finished will provide an attractive feature that is also good for wildlife. Some native primula have been planted on the bank below this hedge, which will look fantastic when they flower around February or March next year. When completed, the renovation work will greatly improve the appearance of the car park, and help to welcome visitors to the reserve.
Additional work is under way to resurface the car park itself, with material for resurfacing kindly donated by Eurovia. The car park may be unavailable for a day or two while this work is being carried out, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but this will vastly improve the appearance of the car park. With a much more even surface it will also be safer for cars and people to use. The old fencing around the car park is being replaced in stages with oak bollards, which will last much longer and have a more natural look.
Moving beyond the car park, construction is also taking place on a set of steps leading from the reserve entrance up to a footpath along the M11 embankment. The previous steps had fallen into disrepair, and in conjunction with the car park project these brand new steps will help encourage visitors into the reserve. The steps themselves are being made from heavy-duty sleepers which will be very durable, and complement the woodland in which they are sited. A variety of native trees will also be planted alongside the steps, to eventually become a new hedgerow.
A lot of progress has been made so far on improving the car park and surrounding area. Please bear with us over the coming months as we complete this project, and keep an eye on our progress!
Friday 29th July 2011
Green Hay Strewning
Last week saw an exciting collaboration between Essex Wildlife Trust and Countrycare (EFDC) to increase biodiversity at a local nature reserve in Buckhurst Hill.
species-poor site, can help boost the poorer grassland with the input of wildflower seeds from the hay. Last week (20th July) staff from both organisations, plus volunteers, helped to transport green hay from Essex Wildlife Trusts Roding Valley Meadows Reserve to the nearby Linder's Field LNR site (EFDC), and then spread it thinly on the prepared ground. This was the culmination of work also carried out on the 13th and 19th July to prepare both sites, but it isn't the end of the story.
and next year and in future Linder's Field should benefit from more variety of plants, with a resulting increase in animal species. It should also look nicer with the increase in wildflowers!