Warden's Diary - Summer 2009
Lorretta Waters is the Trust's Neighbourhood Wildlife Warden and manages Wallingford Castle Meadows, Riverside Meadows, Crowmarsh and Mowbray Fields Local Nature Reserve, Didcot.
Well how things change – I thought I would be writing about the effects of the prolonged hot weather we have been having but now it just will not stop raining! The effects of the June heat wave are still evident on the meadows however; the normally lush green grass is looking decidedly brown and crispy, the first time I have seen it looking like that. Now we have cut the hay at both Riverside and Castle Meadows things should start looking a bit greener.
Despite the heat (or the rain!) work still carries on. Our main annual summer task is weed control – this year the ragwort and thistle problem at Castle Meadows has drastically improved thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, as well as some selective herbicide treatments designed to specifically target these two main weed species.
We have also been hard at work repairing some damaged fencing and we will be replacing the one remaining small kissing gate, at the northern end of Kings Meadow, with a new large gate suitable for large mobility vehicles and buggies. At the same time we will also be renewing the interpretation board and leaflet dispenser.
The Burh to Borough archaeologists were busy in the trench at Castle Meadows from the 4th to the 25th July, the second year they have excavated a trench at Castle Meadows, and found lots of interesting things. I know lots of you went to have a look whilst the trench was open but do check out their web page or head over to Wallingford Museum for more details on exactly what they discovered.
Over at Riverside Meadows, the area into which we sowed wild flower seed last year has been quite successful with around two thirds of the seed mix coming through, most of which will flower next year and we hope to sow more areas at both Riverside and Castle Meadows in the future to further increase biodiversity on the sites. We will also be busy in the next couple of months clearing out the vegetation from the ditches so that they continue to drain water away from the footpaths and laying down some additional layers of willow “faggots” to help prevent erosion of the riverbank in places.
Now for some really good news - Wallingford Castle Meadows has retained its Green Flag award for the second consecutive year! The Green Flag is a scheme that recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country and everyone in Wallingford can be proud that they have such a place right on their doorstep. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helps make Castle Meadows the very special place it is, whether you pick up a bit of litter as you walk through, clean up after your dog or come down to one of our volunteer days, every bit makes a difference, so thank you all!
If you would like more information about the sites and events or are interested in getting involved with one of our volunteer groups or as a warden please contact me, Lorretta Waters, on 01865 409410 or 07982 218493, or email
Forthcoming Events
Bats at Wallingford Castle Meadows
Thursday 27th August
8.30pm - 10.30pm
Free event – booking essential
Join a local bat expert to find out more about these fascinating night flyers. Learn how to use a bat detector and recognise different species in flight. Please bring a torch; dress warmly.
For further information and to book your place, contact the Northmoor Trust on 01865 407792 or email
Wallingford Castle History Walk
Saturday 12th September
11am – 12.30pm
£3 - all proceeds to the museum
Meet at Wallingford Museum – no need to book
As part of the fun at Wallingford Museums Finds and Fossils Day join local historian Judy Dewey on a guided walk around Wallingford Castle Meadows.
