Conservation Management

The valley has a variety of fruit trees many of which people will recognise.  However several of the apple and plum species may also be something a bit different.  Please feel free to try any of the fruits you find on the fruit trees; however we would recommend washing them first.  Also be careful to only pick fruit you recognise as some plants such as Yew can produce tasty looking fruits that are in fact highly poisonous.

The meadow areas are managed as annual hay meadow.  This management technique is accomplished by a single annual cut around September (weather permitting), then the cuttings removed to reduce the level of nutrients in the soil. Reduced nutrient levels allow wildflowers to thrive instead of being out-competed by vigorous growth of grasses.

The woodlands are mostly self-seeded Willow trees and Alder, both of which are typical of wetland areas. Wherever possible, fallen trees are left in situ; this encourages tree regeneration as well as providing a natural environment for insects, birds and mammals.

Different types of areas such as ponds, scrapes and the brook itself all provide valuable habitat for a variety of species.  Several bird species breed in the main pond and in the brook; eels, fish and possibly even a Water Vole can be spotted.  In order to protect our wildlife, we ask that particularly in spring, dogs are kept out of water bodies to protect breeding populations.