Published: 1 February 2022
NEWBURGH NEWS SPECIAL FEBRUARY 2022
0FRUIT/BERRY PLANTINGS
ORCHARD
ACTIVITY AREAS
POND
FIELD PATH
CIRCULAR WOOD PATH
APPLETON FIELDS ASSOCIATION – RESIDENTS’ SURVEY
WOODLAND FLOWERS
WILDFLOWER AREA
FIELD AND WOOD ENTRANCES
At the end of last year Newburgh residents were invited to offer their opinions on the ideas proposed for the future of Appleton Fields (the meadow and wood next to the Sports Club donated to the village by the Appleton family).
IMPROVE HABITATS
There was a very encouraging response to the survey, with over 200 replies equating to around 25% of the adult population of the village.
The chart shows the “votes per idea” listed in the survey expressed as a percentage of the total votes. The ideas are spelt out in full below the chart.
% of votes
The ideas in full, ranked in order:
1 Improve habitats to increase the number of pollinators and encourage wildlife (including eg bee hotels, nettle patches,bird boxes) 2 Improve the entrance to the field for all weathers and for disabled access 3 Create a wildflower area within the field 4 Plant areas of the wood with woodland flowers (eg bluebells, wood anemones) 5 Create a circular path through the wood 6 Improve the circular path around the field 7 Create a wildlife pond 8 Develop activity areas within the field and wood (eg for young people groups) 9 Grow a community orchard 10 Add fruit/berry plantings to the hedgerow.
Volunteers welcome
The Appleton Fields Association has been formed to develop these ideas. In the short term actions are being identified to deal with immediate needs such as improving access. A volunteer group will take these actions forward with working sessions on the last Saturday of the month (starting on Sat 26 Feb at 10am) on the field. If you would like to join in and help please speak to any of the contacts overleaf or look out for details on social media or on the Parish Council Notice Board (or just come on the day).
Master plan
At the same time a long-term master plan will be developed based on the survey results, discussion and additional expert information. This will include habitat surveys and landscape design, in collaboration with appropriate agencies and university departments, which will determine options on which to base a sequential programme of works that can be costed, funded and delivered over time.
Again, if you have expertise to help with this long term planning or would like to contribute to the thinking, please call any of the contacts below.
Funding
The plans will require funding. The Parish Council, which will continue to own the land, has agreed to fund the necessary work to formalise the legal structure of the association while the association will begin work to identify public funding for its future programme. Environmental funds are expected to offer opportunities here. Any experience of funding welcome.
The association looks forward to working with residents to fulfil the potential of the site to meet its commitment to environmental and ecological objectives – and simply to enable residents to enjoy the space.
Meetings of the Association will be on the third Tuesday of the month starting on Tues 15 March at 7pm at Newburgh Sports Club, with residents welcome to attend.
Contacts Chris Hayes Appleton Fields Association Chair E: chrisyhayes@hotmail.com T 07973 684564
Phil Atty Newburgh Parish Council Project Leader E: atty.pj@gmail.com; T O7595 056726
Chris Moore Appleton Fields Association Secretary E: chris.moore14@btinternet.com T: 07982 008471
Ian Edwards Appleton Fields Association Treasurer E: ianedwards1@sky.com T: 07731 508472
Social media
https://www.facebook.com/appletonfieldsassociation/
https://www.instagram.com/appleton_fields_association
https://www.facebook.com/newburghlancs
Published by Newburgh Parish Council Mrs Sandra Jones, Clerk Tel: 01704 892520 clerk@newburghlancs.co.uk