Early Summer 2023 Update

 

Forbes Field has seen plenty of action in May and June. On Sunday, 7 May, we hosted Chilmark’s commemoration of the coronation of King Charles III. Attended by over 200 people, this event with lots of fun activities including a circus, provided our first opportunity to show the residents of Chilmark what we had achieved in the Field over the past 12 months or so. A good number of visitors stopped to look at our exhibition of photographs and plans at our welcome tent, positioned at the entrance to the Field, while others took the opportunity to inspect the newly planted trees in the Orchard and Half Moon plot.

 

Since the coronation commemoration we have been mowing the grass in the lower (northern) part of the Field, and watering the young trees at least weekly thanks to a good turn-out of volunteers. The upper (southern) part of the Field remains uncut to encourage the growth of wild flowers. A big thank you to all involved.

 

In the coming weeks we will advance our plans for the winter wet area, boundary fencing and further tree planting. In addition, we look forward to a wild flower survey in the Field and a ‘bat walk’ in Chilmark, both events being organised by staff of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are very grateful for their continuing support.

 

In the meantime, do take a walk around the Field. It is taking shape well; the first fruit on the trees in the Orchard has appeared, showing good promise for future years.

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25 June 2023

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