Wildflower meadow Picnic

Picnic in the Wild Flower Meadow.

The members visit to Roger Burns wild flower meadow was first arranged for June. But it was postponed due to bad weather until mid-August. This time the heat took its toll. Events started with the erection of gazebos. A walk round some local fields was led by farmer and ornithologist Roger Matthias, who explained how the management of hedges was arranged to benefit wildlife. Also margins at the edge of fields were left and a strip of sunflower seeds had been planted in one area. We were able to see the effect that the drought was having on the crops.

Returning to the wild flower meadow, Roger Burns explained how he had developed the field with a great variety of trees tree planted around the perimeter and in the middle wild flowers had been grown to the benefit of his bees and wildlife in general. Had the visit taken place in June we would have seen a great variety of flowers and other wildlife. Again, we could see the effect the hot weather had had as we walk around the meadow.

A picnic tea was eaten when we got back to the gazebos. Roger Howells thanked Roger and Christine Burns on behalf of the members for their hospitality and a very interesting afternoon

Myles Huthwaite