PEASEDOWN ST.JOHN -- VILLAGE PLAN
TOPIC INTEREST HEADING :
‘OPEN SPACES, FOOTPATHS, FLORA & FAUNA’
REPORT 1
May 2006
author : Kathy Thomas
Introduction
Although Peasedown St.John is a relatively new village that has doubled in size over the last 15 years there is evidence of earlier occupations. The village is built on a ridge that follows the line of the Fosse Way, the Roman Road that ran from Axminster to Lincoln. Very little agricultural land lies within the parish boundary, however the village is surrounded by open countryside, with the Cam valley to the north west and the Wellow valley to the south.
Geology
Open Spaces
The open areas within the parish boundary are mainly recreational.
Land in private ownership :
--Cricket field
Land managed by B&NES/School :
--Land between Bath Road and Sunnyside
--Beacon Field
--Play area off Eckweek Lane
Land that is the responsibility of the Parish Council :
--The recreation ground ( football pitch ) ( previously known as the Miners Welfare Field )
--A gain of the recent development was the provision of a length of land, Ecewiche Green that lies adjacent to the bypass, it is managed by the Parish Council.
It is proposed that at least some of this land should be of mixed management.
--The burial ground, there is a significant piece of land that is not currently used.
--The Village Green, lies at the northern end of the village.
Footpaths / closed roads ( Eckweek Lane )
The village is well served with footpaths, in the past these were used extensively by miners walking to the various coalmines, farm workers and other's employees as well as for recreational purposes.
Green Lanes
Although outside our parish boundary they provide access to the countryside for walkers, horse riders and unfortunately motor vehicles
Ponds
A pond was preserved - located on the boundary of the by pass - not easily accessed
Hedgerows
An essential part of the design for the village development included the retention of hedgerows but unfortunately the management of these and the associated verges was not specified. It is recognised that a mixture of hedge, copse and trees are necessary to provide a suitable habitat for wildlife and natural plants.
Protected Plants
‘Bath Asparagus’ a protected plant, grows abundantly in the hedgerows.
Action to date :
Meeting with Helena Crouch 16th February 2006 : Helena has promised to :
--put together some notes regarding options available to us to survey the POS
--consider a "Flora" walk in Peasedown
--to ask if there are any members of the Cam Valley Wildlife Group able to help with a survey of birds
Assumption :
That there are residents of the village with knowledge of the flora and fauna of the area
Proposal
To enlist the help of residents in a survey of the village to draw up a comprehensive picture of the flora and fauna in the village with the aim of establishing a group of interested residents.
Method :
Letters/ approach asking for volunteers to assist with the survey to :
--Residents that live adjacent to open ground including Eckweek Lane.
--Parents of school children at PSJ and Writhlington
--Churches
--All businesses
--All Services