Tor Hill Lane Update July23
We are approaching a busy period for the project as we make preparations for the Big Tor Hill Lane Grass Rake. The Strawberry Line Association led by Richard Jones, has agreed to scythe the grass verges on 11th July with a team of volunteers. So far we have 5 people who will do this work (which is all we need), with ID Verde finishing off any areas they are unable to do for any reason. In about a couple of week’s time, once the grass has dried, we need to rake it up.
The grass raking will take place on Wednesday 19th July and 22nd July (between 10.30am and 3.30pm) with five people at a time helping out. This is a rallying call and we hope local people will wish to volunteer to assist with this task by offering an hour of their time. There are not many opportunities to like this to play your part for Nature, but this is great one. If you would like to join us please email maddy@milnes.myzen.co.uk with your availability on these two days. Refreshments will be provided.
Barbra Lakin, Biodiversity Officer for Somerset Council carried out a biodiversity audit on 1st July. A wonderful selection of plants can be found along the lane as well as interesting insects and butterflies. To enrich the area further we need to encourage a greater variety of wildflowers, which if all goes well we will start to do in Spring next year.
Along the path we can report the following sightings: Wild flowers: Meadow sweet, Meadow Cranesbill, Greater Willow herb, Knapweed, Purple Loosestrife, Comfrey, Yellow Flag Iris, Creeping Thistle, Hog weed, Cow parsley. Birds: Spotted woodpecker, goldfinch, nesting blue tits; Butterflies: Ringlet, Red Admiral and Peacock; Insects: Darter Dragon Fly, Banded Agrion Dragon Fly, Oil Beetle.
Comments from Barbra Lakin:
The Banded agrion damsel flies are lovely and a good water quality indicator as their larvae will be living in the stream.
Of course it is brilliant to know you have the black oil beetle on site - (A Mendip AONB target species)
Floristically I think the area at the start with the running water is best - purple loosestrife, Meadow Sweet, Greater Willow herb, comfrey etc. The Meadow cranesbill further along is nice to see too.
If you spot any interesting wildlife along Tor Hill Lane please let us know by emailing maddy@milnes.myzen.co.uk. Photos too would be much appreciated.
If you would like to be part of the warden group of volunteers for Tor Hill Lane, please get in touch. For more information email Maddy at: maddy@milnes.myzen.co.uk
Tor Hill Lane
Sustainable Wells has been working on Tor Hill Lane (area outlined in blue on map below) for several years to try and have the area managed in a way that benefits Nature.
Work To Date
We carried out a residents’ survey in October/November 2022 and 80% of those who responded, supported the idea of an annual grass to benefit wildlife, and we had several offers of help. Other issues were identified as follows:
1. Dogs
Concern was expressed about the owners not picking up dog mess when grass is long, and problems with ticks, seeds and burrs caught up in fur.
2. Accessibility
The need to improve the path to make it easier to use for wheelchair users, people with poor mobility, cyclists and pushchairs.
The importance of being able to cut grass outside rear entrances backing onto Tor Hill Lane -
3. Stream/ditch
Some people would like to see the ditch kept clear to prevent flooding.
Litter picking is needed to ensure the stream and ditch are kept clean.
4. Hedge
Maintenance of hedges need to be continued.
Having considered all the responses we are delighted there is so much support for the proposal and in particular that local people are willing to help too. We also recognise there are concerns that need to be addressed. The comments about the uneven path were passed onto Mendip DC. The ditch and hedge will be cut as normal but at times best for Nature. We will also encourage dog owners to clear up after their pets.
Next Steps
A Mendip Ecological Plan (MEP) has been developed for the area and Sustainable Wells is pleased to announce that a Licence has been signed between us and Mendip District Council (to be transferred to Somerset CC in April 2023).
The Licence is also supported by Wells City Council who are providing the insurance cover for the project.
As a consequence activities will be carried out at times that best suit Nature as follows:
• Idverde will continue to mitigate the risk of flooding by clearing out the ditch in early Spring.
• The hedge will also be cut in February so as not to disturb nesting birds
• A survey of wildlife will be carried out in June, which will be used to assess our progress, however, it will take several years before we see a significant change.
• The annual grass cut will take place in July to give flowers a chance to seed, after-which a team of volunteers will rake up the grass to reduce nutrients soaking into the ground, making the soil better suited for wildflowers and so increase the biodiversity of the verges.
To support our work, regular visits will be made to Tor Hill Lane and a WhatsApp group of “wardens” has been set up so that issues can be picked up and dealt with quickly.
Plus we will carry out regular litter picks to keep the area clean for Nature, the first will be in March 2023.
Local residents who requested to be kept informed, have been invited to Walk and Talk events in March to continue with the conversation about how best to manage the area.
If you would like to join one of these events please email sustwells@gmail.com
“ This area is precious and there is nowhere else in Wells quite like it”
We can all play our part to ensure this area is clean for Nature by please taking your litter home or by using bins provided and picking up your dog’s mess every single time.
Just click the button below if you wish to help with this project or to find out more.
