Please scroll down to see the events the Marches Meadow Group are running or taking part in this year.

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Friday 29th September, 7.30pm
Field Names and Meadows What can we learn about meadows from historic field names?
Guest speaker: Prof Jayne Carroll
Cardingmill Valley Tearoom, Church Stretton SY6 6JG
Book your ticket on Eventbrite here.

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Prof. Carroll is a member of a research team that has published a multi-volume work on the field names of Shropshire. Her talk will focus on historic field names that are related to meadows – what can we learn of meadow history from these names? Entry free for MMG members, £5.00 per person for non-members.

 

 

 

Meadow Fungi

Sunday 22nd October, 10.30 am
Hill Cottage, The Bog, SY5 0NL

Rob Rowe will lead a fungal foray around the meadows and pastures at Hill Cottage, The Bog.

Meet at the Bog car park (GR: SO357978
What3Words: sensual.intro.mentioned) at 10.30 a.m.
There are some moderately steep slopes and wet grass – walking boots recommended. Drinks and cakes available at The Bog Visitor centre afterwards.

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(?th) November 7.00 – 9.30 pm (TBC)
Members’ Question & Answer Workshop

Another chance to have your questions answered, particularly (but not exclusively) related to meadow creation on lawns and fields.

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Events that have taken place so far in 2023 (date order)

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Marches Meadow Group AGM and Guest Speaker

Sunday 14th May, 2.00 p.m.

After the business of the AGM our guest speaker will be Dr. Lynn Besenyei, ecological consultant and former senior lecturer at Wolverhampton University specialising in ecological restoration including meadow creation.

The Cock Inn, Hanwood SY5 8LY

 

Visit to Severn Gorge Countryside Trust Meadows

Saturday 3rd June 10.00 a.m.

John Brayford (aka JP), Chief Executive of the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust, will lead a walk around the meadows managed by SGCT. Meet at the Countryside Trust offices (address below). The visit is expected to take 3-4 hours, so bring a picnic lunch. Note that there are some relatively steep climbs; wear good walking boots and bring water.

Booking essential.

Darby Road, Coalbrookdale, Telford TF8 7EP

 

Visit to Westhope Manor Meadows

Saturday 24th June, 10.30 a.m.

We hope the owner of the manor and founder of Westhope College, Anne Dyer, or her colleagues will give a talk ‘Wild about Westhope’ before we eat a picnic (bring your own food; tea and coffee provided). There is a marquee in the event of rain or blazing sun! After lunch spend as long as you like looking around the grounds of the College. Booking essential.

Westhope College, Westhope, Craven Arms SY7 9JL

 

Visit to Rob Lee’s RL Wildflower Seeds Nursery

Saturday 1st July, 10.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.

Celebrate National Meadows Day with a visit to see the stunning single-species meadow plant plots at Rob Lee’s wildflower seed nursery. Following the tour Rob will supply a 200 cell tray into which you can sow a selection of seeds such as Cowslip, Betony, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Sneezewort etc. Booking essential. Donations to Marches Meadow Group.

Albrightlee House, Albrightlee, Shrewsbury SY4 4EE

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Introduction to Scything Course

Sunday 8th July, 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

 Learn the joy of scything at this one day course run by Natural England site manager Simon Cooter. The course will include how to set up, sharpen and use the scythe in different conditions. £60.00. Contact Simon to book your place (01743 792294 or simon.cooter@naturalengland.org.uk)

Natural England Office, Pennerley, SY5 0NE

 

Shropshire Hills Hay Meadow Festival

Saturday 15th July, 11.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.

Return of this popular biennial event celebrating all things meadow-related, with competitions, stalls, advice and fun! Music continues until 7.00 p.m.

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre,

Market Street, Craven Arms SY7 9RS

 

Introduction to Scything Course

Monday 24th July, 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

An alternative date for Simon’s scything course. For details see above. Followed by a week of optional and free scything sessions.

 

Seed Collection Workshop

Sunday 30th July 2.00 – 5.00 p.m.

This event will include a demonstration of MMG’s seed harvester as well as various hand collection techniques. Come prepared to collect your own seed! Numbers limited and booking via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/seed-collection-workshop-marches-meadow-group-tickets-664506636237

Belmore Farm, Ratlinghope SY5 0SR

 

Meadow Monoprinting Workshop

Tuesday 1st August 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Learn some techniques of nature/plant monoprinting to create your own greetings cards with Sarah Jameson who uses plants from her meadow in her print making. Continue in the afternoon if you wish. Charge £20 to cover costs of materials and limited to four participants (but could be repeated if sufficient demand).

Sarah does much of the artwork and design for MMG. Venue: Stags Head, New Invention, Bucknell, SY7 0BS

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