Horsley Meadows Update
Published: 23 November 2023
Meadow cut delay
We have been let down by our contractor who is contracted to cut the meadows as agreed with our conservation manager, we are doing our best to rectify the situation and come up with a solution.
Hedge along Long Reach
A section of the hedge was freshly layed earlier in the year, it was not cut in preparation for this and will now be left to thicken. The remaining section has not been cut in preparation for further hedgelaying next year.
Vegetation piles on site
We will address these piles when the remaining section of the hedge is layed next year. Our reserves officers attempted to clear them in response to a complaint, they were delayed due to bad weather and high winds, following a further visit it was discovered wildlife had already moved in, they were reluctant to disturb the piles.
Site
Horsley Meadows is visited weekly by our reserves officers who carry out site patrols, they have been brush cutting around the bases of hedges recently these last few weeks, the paths are fully accessible, and the bins are emptied regularly.
We recently had our annual inspection carried out by the landowners, The Land Trust, they were delighted with how the site has evolved since their visit last year, they spoke to visitors on site at the time and they received a good response on much they enjoy visiting the site and the wildlife it is now attracting.
There is a practical task planned on 22nd November which will focus on clearing some of the scrub opposite the hedge on Long Reach, this will be followed by further brush cutting around the base of the hedges the day after.
Volunteering with Surrey Wildlife Trust
We organise regular weekly practical volunteer tasks at reserves all over Surrey, should anyone be interested in volunteering with the Trust and receive our weekly newsletters, please visit our website https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/support-us/volunteer/outdoor-practical-volunteering or you can contact our volunteering team to register as a volunteer or for more information by emailing volunteers@surreywt.org.uk