Current News
Below is a summary of items of interest from the current year.
Please contact [email protected] if you have a specific query.
(The current volunteer work party arrangements are shown under the 'Volunteering' tab)
Please contact [email protected] if you have a specific query.
(The current volunteer work party arrangements are shown under the 'Volunteering' tab)
Storm Darragh - 7th December 2024
This severe depression with strong north-westerly winds brought down the top part of the semi-dead Ash tree leaning over the moat, where bees had made a large nest in 2022. Unfortunately, it fell directly downwards and smashed the boardwalk railings, but not the boardwalk itself. Fortunately, earlier walkers at around 3.30 pm had moved on, so the tree must have fallen between 3.30 pm and 4.00 pm, when it was discovered by two Trustees out walking. Safety action was taken quickly - by 4.30 pm, a prominent red and white barrier tape cordon had been placed around the site, closing the affected area of the boardwalk and making the area safe.
The next day, 8th December, at the working party, volunteers cleared the site and reopened the boardwalk, partially repairing the railings. The pictures show the work involved - which was watched by several appreciative inhabitants who were out walking. Thanks to Richard S for the chain saw, and to Edd M and others for the heavy lifting. Good experience for our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award students too!
The rest of the fallen tree trunk will remain on the moat bank and in the water until Trustees decide what to do with it. It may be possible to continue to cut it up with a chain saw, or it may need a tree surgeon if it is decided to lift it out.
This severe depression with strong north-westerly winds brought down the top part of the semi-dead Ash tree leaning over the moat, where bees had made a large nest in 2022. Unfortunately, it fell directly downwards and smashed the boardwalk railings, but not the boardwalk itself. Fortunately, earlier walkers at around 3.30 pm had moved on, so the tree must have fallen between 3.30 pm and 4.00 pm, when it was discovered by two Trustees out walking. Safety action was taken quickly - by 4.30 pm, a prominent red and white barrier tape cordon had been placed around the site, closing the affected area of the boardwalk and making the area safe.
The next day, 8th December, at the working party, volunteers cleared the site and reopened the boardwalk, partially repairing the railings. The pictures show the work involved - which was watched by several appreciative inhabitants who were out walking. Thanks to Richard S for the chain saw, and to Edd M and others for the heavy lifting. Good experience for our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award students too!
The rest of the fallen tree trunk will remain on the moat bank and in the water until Trustees decide what to do with it. It may be possible to continue to cut it up with a chain saw, or it may need a tree surgeon if it is decided to lift it out.
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The Trust is very grateful for the support of Inkberrow Men's Shed for their woodwork skills in creating two new seats for the Millennium Green - one to replace the rotten original seat by the boardwalk and the other for the new 'viewpoint' location in the southwest corner of the first field. Thanks to Gordon Allison for his invaluable help in installing the new seat by the moat.
Already the Trust has had favourable comments from users of the Green who like to sit at that point and are pleased to see the old seat replaced.
Thanks also to the work party team on Sunday 8th December 2024 for building up the second seat, especially Edd Manns for the impact drill, which made life a lot easier.
Already the Trust has had favourable comments from users of the Green who like to sit at that point and are pleased to see the old seat replaced.
Thanks also to the work party team on Sunday 8th December 2024 for building up the second seat, especially Edd Manns for the impact drill, which made life a lot easier.
Sept 2024 and Nov 2024: Archaeological dig reveals amazing variety of stone structures in southeast corner of moat - and an outflow pipe 1.25 metres below ground
For some years, the Trust has been aiming to stop the water leak from the south east corner of the moat. Consent was granted from Historic England in 2023 to do a repair, in a number of stages. The first of these was kicked off on 19th Sept 2024 with a professional dig by a team from Worcestershire Archaeology.
This revealed not just the collapsed and overgrown stonework (see left picture below) but also a remarkable variety of walls and historic attempts at repair, to a depth of many feet below the water level (see right picture below). The finest of these - an intact stone wall exhibiting stonemason markings - could date back to the 17th or 18th century, according to the archaeologists.
The leak outflow stopped - it was evidently quite high up in the bank - though unfortunately the dig did not reveal a conclusive location, such as a pipe, for the outflow. As the excavation gradually flooded again, the leak started again.
The team came back on 11th November and dug a trench across the projected line of the pipe outside the boardwalk. At some 1.25 metres down, they came across an earthenware pipe, possibly of 19th century origin, which appeared to carry the water from the moat. The limited-size trench soon flooded (see lower left picture below), as the pipe was jointed but not sealed.
Further work will need to be done in the New Year to determine the full route of the pipe from moat to road.
For some years, the Trust has been aiming to stop the water leak from the south east corner of the moat. Consent was granted from Historic England in 2023 to do a repair, in a number of stages. The first of these was kicked off on 19th Sept 2024 with a professional dig by a team from Worcestershire Archaeology.
This revealed not just the collapsed and overgrown stonework (see left picture below) but also a remarkable variety of walls and historic attempts at repair, to a depth of many feet below the water level (see right picture below). The finest of these - an intact stone wall exhibiting stonemason markings - could date back to the 17th or 18th century, according to the archaeologists.
The leak outflow stopped - it was evidently quite high up in the bank - though unfortunately the dig did not reveal a conclusive location, such as a pipe, for the outflow. As the excavation gradually flooded again, the leak started again.
The team came back on 11th November and dug a trench across the projected line of the pipe outside the boardwalk. At some 1.25 metres down, they came across an earthenware pipe, possibly of 19th century origin, which appeared to carry the water from the moat. The limited-size trench soon flooded (see lower left picture below), as the pipe was jointed but not sealed.
Further work will need to be done in the New Year to determine the full route of the pipe from moat to road.
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Annual grass cut and hay baling done in Field 1 on 29 Jul - 2 Aug 2024 - thanks to Anthony and Ian Steel. Excellent weather. |
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Big Butterfly Count 2024
The Trust takes part in the annual butterfly count, which was done by Jane R on 17th July this year.
A total of 67 butterflies were counted over two walks across the Green. This compares with Jane's survey in 2023, on 23rd July, when 63 butterflies were found. The 2024 survey yielded a great variety of species, including 15 Marbled Whites (see picture) which have been late this year.
Thanks to Jane for contributing her data to the national database.
Big Butterfly Count 2024
The Trust takes part in the annual butterfly count, which was done by Jane R on 17th July this year.
A total of 67 butterflies were counted over two walks across the Green. This compares with Jane's survey in 2023, on 23rd July, when 63 butterflies were found. The 2024 survey yielded a great variety of species, including 15 Marbled Whites (see picture) which have been late this year.
Thanks to Jane for contributing her data to the national database.
Successful school visit programme from Inkberrow Primary School - May - July 2024
All seven classes from Inkberrow Primary School - Reception and Years 1 to 6 - visited the Green between May and early July to do outdoor work towards their Science Curriculum. Resources provided by the Green included pond dipping, bug hunting, flower and tree leaf identification, with all resources designed to dovetail into the learning in class at the relevant level.
The Trust is grateful to the Teacher and Teaching Assistants, and to Mrs Ann-Marie Booton for organising and coordinating dates - and to the Trust's own volunteers for giving up their time to help and support the children.
Subject to each class's feedback, the sessions seem to have gone well, and we hope that the School will repeat the programme in 2025.
The Trust is grateful to the Teacher and Teaching Assistants, and to Mrs Ann-Marie Booton for organising and coordinating dates - and to the Trust's own volunteers for giving up their time to help and support the children.
Subject to each class's feedback, the sessions seem to have gone well, and we hope that the School will repeat the programme in 2025.
30 April 2024
Trustees of the Millennium Green welcomed a 23-strong group of volunteers from luxury car manufacturer Jaguar Land-Rover to undertake the repair of the moat bank (prior Consent obtained from Historic England).
Click on 'Volunteering' tab and then 'Corporate Events' drop down to see their work.
Sheep
The eight sheep which have successfully grazed the second field at the Green over the winter were safely removed to the adjacent (separately owned) field for the summer on 14th April 2024.
Dog walkers are reminded that dogs may be walked off the lead in the second field through the summer, and that signs requesting that dogs are kept on short leads will be posted again in the autumn when the sheep return.
The Trustees of the Green are grateful for the cooperation of the public - there have been no incidents of harm to the sheep over the winter grazing season of 2023-24.
The eight sheep which have successfully grazed the second field at the Green over the winter were safely removed to the adjacent (separately owned) field for the summer on 14th April 2024.
Dog walkers are reminded that dogs may be walked off the lead in the second field through the summer, and that signs requesting that dogs are kept on short leads will be posted again in the autumn when the sheep return.
The Trustees of the Green are grateful for the cooperation of the public - there have been no incidents of harm to the sheep over the winter grazing season of 2023-24.
The Annual General Meeting of the Trust will be held on Monday 25th March 2024 at 7.30 pm at the Inkberrow Bowls Pavilion. All are welcome.
Work party from NFU Mutual Insurance improve steps in second field
10 volunteers from the NFU Mutual Insurance company's head office in Stratford did a morning's work on 13 March 2024, refurbishing the existing six steps in the second field, and adding a further eight. A good time was had by all, and the weather was benign, if dull. The Trust is very appreciative of the work of the team, which improves the safety of this footpath.
January 2024 - A Happy New Year to all the Green's users and volunteers
Storm Henk has brought a really wet start! The moat is overflowing, the stream is gushing across the road, and the 'ridge and furrow' in the fields is flooded. New springs - not seen before - are bubbling out of the hillside where the brambles have been cut back in Field 2.
Users should take great care of the muddy and slippery conditions.
Please keep your dog(s) on a lead in the second field, where sheep are still grazing;
…..and please do not carry wire cutters with a view to cutting fence strainer wires to make a short cut: there is only one entrance and exit to the Green - which is onto the lane.
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Photos above show the flooded lane, full stream and moat and waterlogged Field 2 on the Green after Storm Henk - 2nd January 2024
December 2023
As we approach Christmas, the Trustees of the Millennium Green would like to thank everyone who has enjoyed the site and made good use of it in the past year. A lot of work has been done by our volunteers and students to keep the site maintained.
In the second field, eight sheep are grazing through till the new year (the field is too uneven for large grass-cutting machinery). Particular thanks are due to Roger Winn for building and installing the new seat by the small pond; and to Edd Manns for organising the Corporate Social Responsibility group mentioned below. Thanks too to all those who give feedback via social media or e-mail on any issues that arise at the Green.
A note of caution in passing - the paths and grassland in both fields at the Green are very wet and muddy: please take extra care when walking. Where a path is very muddy, it may be safer to walk on the grass at the side; and please take extra care on slopes.
The Millennium Green has taken one of the spaces at the Christmas tree display in the Parish Church. Do go and have a look at all the displays there, by local organisations.
A Happy Christmas and a good New Year.
Tree surgery - November 2023
It is sad - and often rather a shock - to see a huge tree felled and lying on its side. The sight is quite final - that's it: no more tree; no more life.
Users of Inkberrow Millennium Green will hopefully be aware that decisions to fell trees are not taken lightly. Generally they are taken for one of two reasons - either to maintain the health of the tree (for example, to cut part of a branch to prevent a later collapse of the whole branch; to balance the tree and promote future growth) or the safety of the public (where a partially decayed tree has a large limb overhanging a road or footpath).
Our tree surgeons worked on two large Ash trees in the centre of the Green on Thursday 2nd November 2023. The 'lower' Ash, near the picnic tables, had snapped a 30' branch in September. This was cut and chipped so as to take the residual weight off the tree and make the site safer. Further work is likely on this tree, to shape and balance it, for its future health.
The 'upper' Ash was a different story. Partly dead, and partly rotten, it did not look healthy. As well as several dead or collapsed limbs, the tree had large bracket fungi growing around its base. Trustees inspected the tree at their meeting in June and, following consultation with the tree surgeon, agreed that it should be reduced overall to a 'safe height'. It was hoped that this could be done with a 'cherry picker', but the team could not obtain a suitable machine. With the ground being very saturated, there was a risk in using one anyway.
The decision was therefore taken to fell the complete tree. This turned out to be effective: at least one-third of the width of the trunk was found to be completely rotted through. It is likely that the whole tree would have fallen in due course. The tree surgeons ensured that much of the tree was sawn up or chipped, and the main trunk was left lying away from the footpath.
Left: Safety precautions were put in place before work began.
Some pictures of the tree surgery are shown below. The path and surrounding meadow will recover next spring. In the meantime, users of the Green are advised to take extra care on muddy surfaces, and particularly on slopes, when walking.
It is sad - and often rather a shock - to see a huge tree felled and lying on its side. The sight is quite final - that's it: no more tree; no more life.
Users of Inkberrow Millennium Green will hopefully be aware that decisions to fell trees are not taken lightly. Generally they are taken for one of two reasons - either to maintain the health of the tree (for example, to cut part of a branch to prevent a later collapse of the whole branch; to balance the tree and promote future growth) or the safety of the public (where a partially decayed tree has a large limb overhanging a road or footpath).
Our tree surgeons worked on two large Ash trees in the centre of the Green on Thursday 2nd November 2023. The 'lower' Ash, near the picnic tables, had snapped a 30' branch in September. This was cut and chipped so as to take the residual weight off the tree and make the site safer. Further work is likely on this tree, to shape and balance it, for its future health.
The 'upper' Ash was a different story. Partly dead, and partly rotten, it did not look healthy. As well as several dead or collapsed limbs, the tree had large bracket fungi growing around its base. Trustees inspected the tree at their meeting in June and, following consultation with the tree surgeon, agreed that it should be reduced overall to a 'safe height'. It was hoped that this could be done with a 'cherry picker', but the team could not obtain a suitable machine. With the ground being very saturated, there was a risk in using one anyway.
The decision was therefore taken to fell the complete tree. This turned out to be effective: at least one-third of the width of the trunk was found to be completely rotted through. It is likely that the whole tree would have fallen in due course. The tree surgeons ensured that much of the tree was sawn up or chipped, and the main trunk was left lying away from the footpath.
Left: Safety precautions were put in place before work began.
Some pictures of the tree surgery are shown below. The path and surrounding meadow will recover next spring. In the meantime, users of the Green are advised to take extra care on muddy surfaces, and particularly on slopes, when walking.
Right: The 'lower' Ash - in good health, with the collapsed limb removed and chipped.
Below left and right: The 'upper' Ash felled, with the chipping machine and the team making good at the site.
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Right: The full extent
of the decay in the 'upper' Ash trunk can be seen in this picture. Note both the completely rotten part
of the trunk to the left and, to the right of the remaining stump, the less rotten stump showing a white 'core'
of decay visible at its centre. The large, dark grey bracket fungi are visible at the base of
the remaining stump.
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20 Oct 2023
Rain from Storm Babet raises level of moat and allows outflow into pond 1 - and from pond into the stream - first time for a year or two.....
9 Oct 2023:
New fence and other projects completed by 'Corporate Social Responsibility' volunteers from leading law firm.
New fence and other projects completed by 'Corporate Social Responsibility' volunteers from leading law firm.
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Trustees welcomed a 'Corporate Social Responsibility' Group from leading UK law firm Gowling WLG in Birmingham to undertake a number of projects on the Green - including replacing a 30 metre length of crushed fence.
The work party - 10 people - came on 9th October 2023. Substantial pre-work had been done in clearing fallen trees and removing brambles to give the team a good start. |
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The team arrived at 10.00 and worked till 2.00 - and were blessed with warm weather. Trustees made sure they had the right tools to do the job - here, volunteers use a post rammer to locate posts |
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The group enjoy a well-earned coffee break |
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The new fence nearly complete. The team also replaced two planks in the boardwalks in the second field, and dug a drainage trench to stop the footpath flooding. Trustees are really grateful for the work done, and particularly to Edd Manns of Gowling WLG (who is also a Trustee of the Millennium Green) for arranging the party. |
Winter Grazing - second field
Five sheep have been introduced to the second field at the Green as of 16th September 2023. They are Ryelands – an old breed originally from the Leominster area.
Six signs have been staked in the field, as last year, to advise users of the Green to keep dogs on short leads in the presence of the sheep. Trustees appreciate the cooperation of members of the public in respecting these signs.
Grass and seat maintenance
Thanks to Clayton Bonehill for cutting the paths in Field 1 mid-August, and for pointing out that the picnic table seat had broken. Seat fixed with the aid of four 100mm screws and now nice and solid again.
Thanks also to Anthony Steel for cropping the Field 1 grass - especially the 'corners' - for hay on 21 August (though it was into September before it could be baled, due to wet weather).
And lastly, thanks to Paul Fleming for dismantling the rotted remains of the original seat by Pond 1 - like the same seat by Pond 2, replaced in 2022, it seems to have lasted rather more than 20 years before 'giving up the ghost'.
Inappropriate waste in Green recycling bin
- On 10 August one of our Trustees found two semi-transparent plastic bags each tied up with a knot and placed in the green recycling bin at the Green entrance. Each bag weighed several kilos; and each contained an unlabelled, unidentified semi-liquid swill waste. With some difficulty, and some help - as they were heavy - the Trustee managed to remove the bags from the green bin.
- Another Trustee took them home, and wearing rubber gloves and working outside, managed to unknot the two bags. The contents appeared to be liquidised food, with one containing a quantity of shredded food packaging. One bag was leaking.
- After careful inspection, the waste was assessed as safe enough to flush down the toilet.
- Trustees ask that the green bin - as with any green recycling bin - is used for dry recycling, such as cardboard, plastic, glass and paper. (The black bin is for small general waste, including dog poo bags).
- It is not appropriate to put heavy bags of an unidentified liquid waste in a green recycling bin.
High water levels in moat
No - the tide has not come in...! The heavy rains in July have raised the water level in the moat. The gradual subsidence of a repair done to west moat bank near the entrance in 2012, plus the activity of the ducks, has caused some quite rapid erosion of this bank again in 2023. Consent is being sought from Historic England (as the site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument) to do a repair, before the erosion affects the boardwalk.
Inkberrow Primary School summer visit programme - June / July 2023
A great programme of visits by all 7 Year Groups from Inkberrow Primary School to the Green has recently been completed.
The children enjoyed themselves and learned about nature and science topics in a natural setting. Trustees and volunteers are grateful to the staff and volunteers from the School for organising the visits. The positive feedback has enabled the Trust to send off a claim to obtain support under "Educational Access" from the government's Rural Payments Agency.
A great programme of visits by all 7 Year Groups from Inkberrow Primary School to the Green has recently been completed.
The children enjoyed themselves and learned about nature and science topics in a natural setting. Trustees and volunteers are grateful to the staff and volunteers from the School for organising the visits. The positive feedback has enabled the Trust to send off a claim to obtain support under "Educational Access" from the government's Rural Payments Agency.
2023 season underway...
With the first cut of the paths in Field 1 on 13th May (thanks to Clayton Bonehill), the spring /summer season seems finally underway. Glorious swaths of buttercups have replaced cowslips on the Field 1 slopes, and the bluebells are almost over. The hawthorn blossom is magnificent. At our Sunday work parties, our bronze Duke of Edinburgh volunteers have mainly finished - we have enjoyed having them and they have made a good contribution. Recent users of the Green include a three-man party with maps doing a 'recce' for a group walk, plenty of dog walkers, and visitors and new residents.
With the first cut of the paths in Field 1 on 13th May (thanks to Clayton Bonehill), the spring /summer season seems finally underway. Glorious swaths of buttercups have replaced cowslips on the Field 1 slopes, and the bluebells are almost over. The hawthorn blossom is magnificent. At our Sunday work parties, our bronze Duke of Edinburgh volunteers have mainly finished - we have enjoyed having them and they have made a good contribution. Recent users of the Green include a three-man party with maps doing a 'recce' for a group walk, plenty of dog walkers, and visitors and new residents.
Annual General Meeting: in line with its Trust Deed as a Registered Charity, the Inkberrow Millennium Green Trust held its Annual General Meeting for the year ended 28th February 2023 on Monday 27th March 2023 at the Inkberrow Bowls Pavilion. The meeting approved the Trust's Annual Report and Accounts, and also heard views on the use and running of the Green from those present.
February 2023: Bird Boxes: a big thank you to Inkberrow Men's Shed for making 8 new bird boxes for the Green. These will be put up at the first available work party and hopefully will be a useful addition to the housing stock for our feathered friends on site...
January 2023
Once again it was time to coppice the most island - or at least approx one-third of it. Last time was 2018 (see below in prior years' news).
With the aid of our temporary bridge and the help of 7 of our current Duke of Edinburgh Award students, the job was completed within the two hours of our extra work party on 29th January. Great job done by everyone!
Once again it was time to coppice the most island - or at least approx one-third of it. Last time was 2018 (see below in prior years' news).
With the aid of our temporary bridge and the help of 7 of our current Duke of Edinburgh Award students, the job was completed within the two hours of our extra work party on 29th January. Great job done by everyone!
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A great turnout of 17 volunteers including 8 Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme volunteers on 8th January. A major clearance of invasive brambles in the second field was achieved. This was the first work party of the new year - and the first since November. 'Before' and 'After' photos are shown below - courtesy of Paul Fleming. Thanks to all who took part.
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December 2022 / January 2023
A safety warning sign was posted at the entrance to the Green concerning the dangers of walking or throwing things on the ice on the moat and ponds.
The Millennium Green Trust has entered a "tree" in St Peters' Church as part of the annual festival of community displays.
On 16 December, a visit was received from Historic England to view the possibilities for undertaking a fresh attempt to repair the leak at the southeast corner of the moat. This is good progress - due to apparent e-mail communication issues at HE, the topic has made little progress in two years. Their response is now expected in the new year, for work to take place in the summer of 2023.
- A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of the Green's users, visitors and volunteers.
A safety warning sign was posted at the entrance to the Green concerning the dangers of walking or throwing things on the ice on the moat and ponds.
The Millennium Green Trust has entered a "tree" in St Peters' Church as part of the annual festival of community displays.
On 16 December, a visit was received from Historic England to view the possibilities for undertaking a fresh attempt to repair the leak at the southeast corner of the moat. This is good progress - due to apparent e-mail communication issues at HE, the topic has made little progress in two years. Their response is now expected in the new year, for work to take place in the summer of 2023.
November 2022 - progress this year
Substantial progress has been made in the summer / autumn of 2022 with maintenance, community involvement, and the understanding of our natural environment at the Green in line with the Trust's aims -
Substantial progress has been made in the summer / autumn of 2022 with maintenance, community involvement, and the understanding of our natural environment at the Green in line with the Trust's aims -
- Undergrowth on the moat island was cleared - thanks to the work party from NFU Mutual Insurance on 7th October and the Trust's own volunteers
- the first field was mowed and baled in July - thanks to Anthony Steel - and upper part of the field (which the tractor mower / baler could not access) was strimmed and cleared in good time (see picture above)
- there was a good response to the advertisement in the Inkberrow 'What's On' magazine for Duke of Edinburgh Award student volunteers (see also under Volunteering tab)
- the second field has had an early start to the autumn grazing season, with five sheep introduced in September and retained until the fourth week in November.
- a regular monthly moth survey was conducted by two local experts, and their results published to Trustees (see under Animals drop down in Nature and Wildlife tab)
- Hedges, moat banks and both ponds were cut / cleared in late autumn
- Trustees are very grateful for the grant from Heart of England Community Foundation (Harry Payne Fund) towards the running costs of the Green, and to the family of the late Iris Cottrill for their generous donation
- All seven of the year groups from Inkberrow Primary School visited the Green with their teachers / TA's to explore habitats / environments as part of their science curriculum activities - thanks to Ms Lori Yates and the Headteacher.
- The Trust contributed a 'tree' to the Advent display by local organisations in St Peter's Church Inkberrow (...actually a 'flower-arrangement' of the offcuts from the main Village Green Christmas Tree!)
September to November 2022
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Sheep Grazing As mentioned above, five sheep were brought into the second field to graze during the autumn. They have a valuable role on the Millennium Green not only by keeping the grass 'mowed', but also in playing an important part in the restoration of the nationally important wildflower grassland habitat for which we have a Higher-Level Stewardship Agreement. The sheep are also an essential part of the maintenance of the field, as it is too steep and uneven to manage with modern agricultural machinery. |
The sheep stayed for some 7 to 8 weeks - making a good impression on the grassland in that time. They have now been removed, and the 'dog signs' have also been taken down. There were no incidents this year, thanks to everyone's cooperation in keeping dogs on short leads whilst the sheep were in the field.
And some news from prior years....
January 2021 Yes - it does snow sometimes...
Some 40 people from the village enjoyed the snowy conditions on 24 January 2021 - note the skier at the centre of the picture in the background!
September 2020 A brief summer update
We continued to maintain the Green over the summer during the Covid 'lock down' as individuals taking our exercise. We resumed small socially distanced work parties in June when 6 adults from different households could meet together. Many thistles were pulled, nettles cut, a seat repaired, and we are sorry to say 4 or 5 more gaps cut in the boundary fences had to be repaired - this time two children and at least one dog disappeared through one.
Anthony Steel made the hay and Alan and Luke Farnsworth strimmed the rest of the grass around the ant hills in the first field. More recently we have been working on the moat banks. The wildflower grassland in the second field was very good this year.
We continued to maintain the Green over the summer during the Covid 'lock down' as individuals taking our exercise. We resumed small socially distanced work parties in June when 6 adults from different households could meet together. Many thistles were pulled, nettles cut, a seat repaired, and we are sorry to say 4 or 5 more gaps cut in the boundary fences had to be repaired - this time two children and at least one dog disappeared through one.
Anthony Steel made the hay and Alan and Luke Farnsworth strimmed the rest of the grass around the ant hills in the first field. More recently we have been working on the moat banks. The wildflower grassland in the second field was very good this year.
Sunday 22 March 2020
We are very sorry to have to report yet another attack by a dog on one of the sheep in the second field. As a result we are now banning dogs from the second field until the sheep have gone in April. A reminder that you are committing an offence if your dog chases or attacks sheep and such an offence will be reported to the police.
We are very sorry to have to report yet another attack by a dog on one of the sheep in the second field. As a result we are now banning dogs from the second field until the sheep have gone in April. A reminder that you are committing an offence if your dog chases or attacks sheep and such an offence will be reported to the police.
When there are sheep present all dogs must be on a lead in the second field to prevent the possibility of sheep worrying (anything from chasing to killing a sheep). Most dogs may normally be well behaved but their reaction to the sheep can be unpredictable. We have had a number of incidents in past years including one sheep having to be put down and another seriously injured.
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It has been a great season for autumn colours and fungi
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Moat Island Nov 2018
The bridge across to the island was erected by Millennium Green trustees and volunteers on Saturday 17th November. On Monday 19th November the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust brought their volunteers to clear brambles and coppice some hazels on the island. With the help of 6 of our volunteers as well this task was completed in good time and the bridge taken down for storage on the island. Our thanks to James and his team from DWT.
Look out for primroses and bluebells in the Spring.
The bridge across to the island was erected by Millennium Green trustees and volunteers on Saturday 17th November. On Monday 19th November the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust brought their volunteers to clear brambles and coppice some hazels on the island. With the help of 6 of our volunteers as well this task was completed in good time and the bridge taken down for storage on the island. Our thanks to James and his team from DWT.
Look out for primroses and bluebells in the Spring.
Hay-making July 2018
The long hot spell of dry weather allowed the hay to be made without any problems.
We would like to thank Tieren Price from Stockwood who made over 150 small bales.
The long hot spell of dry weather allowed the hay to be made without any problems.
We would like to thank Tieren Price from Stockwood who made over 150 small bales.
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Official opening of new boardwalk Saturday 9th December 2017
The new boardwalk was completed by the end of October and has already been much appreciated by visitors to the site. The Trustees are very grateful to the following charities and organisations who gave us enough money to cover the full cost (£21,654) of replacement: Tesco Bags of Help £10,000 Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust Grimley Charity G J W Turner Trust Harry Payne Fund via the Heart of England Community Foundation Ratcliff Foundation Rowlands Trust Welcome to our Future (Severn Waste Environmental Fund) Wychavon New Homes Bonus |
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The snow which fell the day after the opening gave the local children chance to do some toboganning and produced some lovely pictures.
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Progress with the new Boardwalk - 21st October 2017
East side decking
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Bridge over outlet from moat to pond
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Duckworth Worcestershire Trust visit Monday 22nd May 2017
We were very pleased to have another visit from the Environmental Wardens team and their volunteers to help with repairs and improvements to the Millennium Green. This time, alongside a few of our own volunteers, the 'back steps' in the second field and the upper seat in the first field were repaired ,some fence posts were replaced, and a new post for the upper swing gate was put in place.
We would like to thank them for their invaluable help once again.
We were very pleased to have another visit from the Environmental Wardens team and their volunteers to help with repairs and improvements to the Millennium Green. This time, alongside a few of our own volunteers, the 'back steps' in the second field and the upper seat in the first field were repaired ,some fence posts were replaced, and a new post for the upper swing gate was put in place.
We would like to thank them for their invaluable help once again.
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Replacing rotten gate post
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Trust applying for community grant
February 2017
February 2017
The Millennium Green Trust has asked the Parish Council if it could apply for a part of the Wychavon DC 'New Homes Bonus', available to communities where new houses are being built.
The Green is close to the centre of the village. It is used by the inhabitants of Inkberrow and visitors throughout of the year. The Trust estimates that at least a dozen or more people visit the Green every day, or 7,000 to 8,000 a year. Apart from the sports field, the Green is the only public open space in the village, and is nearer to the new homes than the sports field. All visitors use the main structure on the site - the 200 metre boardwalk around the moat.
In 2017 the IMGT will install a new boardwalk. The structure formed part of the Parish Council and Countryside Agency's original investment in the Green, in 1999/2000. The new boardwalk will cost at least £20,000, of which 90% will be funded through a generous grant of £10,000 from the Tesco Bags of Life Scheme, and also from appeals to local charitable trusts. The Trustees are hoping the Wychavon DC will want to participate in the remaining 10% of the cost. A bid for £1,000 has been submitted to Wychavon, sponsored by the Parish Council, with consultation in the community. The Trustees are grateful to the Parish Council for its support of the application, and the guidance received from Wychavon, and await the outcome of the bid, after the DC Localism Panel meets in April.
The Green is close to the centre of the village. It is used by the inhabitants of Inkberrow and visitors throughout of the year. The Trust estimates that at least a dozen or more people visit the Green every day, or 7,000 to 8,000 a year. Apart from the sports field, the Green is the only public open space in the village, and is nearer to the new homes than the sports field. All visitors use the main structure on the site - the 200 metre boardwalk around the moat.
In 2017 the IMGT will install a new boardwalk. The structure formed part of the Parish Council and Countryside Agency's original investment in the Green, in 1999/2000. The new boardwalk will cost at least £20,000, of which 90% will be funded through a generous grant of £10,000 from the Tesco Bags of Life Scheme, and also from appeals to local charitable trusts. The Trustees are hoping the Wychavon DC will want to participate in the remaining 10% of the cost. A bid for £1,000 has been submitted to Wychavon, sponsored by the Parish Council, with consultation in the community. The Trustees are grateful to the Parish Council for its support of the application, and the guidance received from Wychavon, and await the outcome of the bid, after the DC Localism Panel meets in April.
Visit of the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust - February 2017
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The Trustees and regular volunteers on the Millennium Green are very grateful for the help of the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust team who came on Monday 13th February to help with clearing bramble and fallen trees on the island. With their help plus a few of our own volunteers we were able to cut the bramble over the whole island and make habitat piles with the logs and branches of the fallen trees. The bramble and some of the wood was taken off the island for burning. This work has let more light onto the ground so we expect a good display of bluebells and primroses in a month or two. |
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