Pocket park volunteer- Byfield

Posted for Byfield Pocket Park

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Byfield Pocket Park is part of a former railway cutting adjacent to the Brightwell. 

The idea of Pocket Parks originated in Northamptonshire. They are natural areas of countryside which are owned, looked after and cherished by the local community for peaceful enjoyment, the protection of wildlife and to provide access for all.

Before 1963 this area was a busy railway station with two platforms, a woodyard, cattle yard buildings and much hard standing (some of which is still slightly visible in places).

Pocket park

After Dr Beeching closed the line it was left to go back to nature and there was some tipping in the cutting.

In 1980 the Parish Council started negotiations with British Rail to buy the land. Part of it was needed for the new burial ground and a questionnaire was sent round the village about the rest of the land. As a result the area between the platforms and the meadow were infilled.

In 1985 the idea of a Pocket Park was proposed to protect the site's wildlife value. And it was fully established in 2001. It covers 3.58 acres

Over the years there has been much planting of Northamptonshire trees to extend the natural woodland cover, and there is a lovely 'Woodland Walk' through the site. This has helped to provide a peaceful area for us all to walk and enjoy contact with the natural world while conserving the woodland and scrub area with minimal disturbance.

 A meadow area on the Church Street side is grazed by local sheep. Growth and spread of wildflowers in the meadow and elsewhere is encouraged

Recently a new group of volunteers have started to tackle areas which have been neglected. If you are interested in meeting for one morning a month to help conserve this lovely area please register an interest and we will put you in touch 

Flora and fauna spotted in pocket park

• Meadow Pipit
  
• Grasshopper Warbler
• Marsh Tit
• Bugle
• Doves-foot Cranesbill
• Mullein

Skills

Because of the variety of work different skills are required but nothing too specialist. Most of all you need a love of wildlife and an interest in improving your green environment!

Volunteers would need to have the ability to get along with a variety of people some common sense and some time to offer. 

Register your Interest

Details

When do I need to be available?

Start Date: 10/03/2021

End Date: 10/03/2022

Availability Details

Flexible to suit

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