Events & Courses 2024
To book places on all events contact Richard Small (richard.w.small@gmail.com) unless stated otherwise.
Saturday 5 October, 10.30am-3pm
Meadow fungi walk with the CWG’s Plant Group
Meet at The Bog car park.
GR SO 358 978 W
What3Words: ditched.jazz.education
Contact: cassy.clayton@naturalengland.org.uk
Wednesday 23 October, 7-9.30pm
Meadows Q & A session via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting here
Meeting ID: 812 8476 2673
Passcode: 886222
Friday 15 November
National Meadows Conference
Managing Meadow Groups.
Norbury Village Hall, near Bishops Castle
The conference is aimed at meadow groups, but MMG members
will be needed to help on the day.
The programme for the day can be downloaded here.
NB: Book your place via conference@middlemarchescommunitylandtrust.org.uk
Past events run in 2024
Friday 23 February, 10am-4pm
Stepping Stones Species Action Conference, Norbury Village Hall
More information here.
To book your place email
conference@middlemarchescommunitylandtrust.org.uk
Friday 8 March, 10am-3pm
Meadows & Roadside Verges conference
Oswestry Memorial Hall
More information here.
To book your place email
conference@middlemarchescommunitylandtrust.org.uk
Sunday 7 April, 10am-1pm
Free scythe peening workshop at the Stiperstones NNR base. No booking required. Come along and join your fellow Shropshire scythers to prepare your blades for the 2024 season.
Venue: Natural England Office, Pennerley, SY5 0NE.
GR SO 357 985
What3Words: pegs.sulked.earplugs
Contact Simon Cooter simon.cooter@naturalengland.org.uk or stiperstones.events@naturalengland.org.uk to be put on the mailing list
Sunday 19 May, 11am
MMG Annual General Meeting at the Crown, Wentnor
Followed by picnic lunch and walk at Barns Farm
Wednesday 5 June
Visit to the privately-owned flower-rich Hope Valley SSSI meadows with the CWG’s Plant Group. Meet at Holt Farm, Hope, Minsterley, Shrewsbury SY5 0JB.
Grid ref: SJ 340 012
What3Words: redeeming.zebra.imparting
Contact: cassy.clayton@naturalengland.org.uk
Saturday 8 June, 2.30pm-5pm
Visit to the meadows at Hurdley Hall, Hurdley, Churchstoke SY15 6DY
Saturday 22 June, 12 noon-11pm
The Real Hay Festival, Hanging Gardens, Newchapel, Nr. Llanidloes SY18 6LH. Organised by Handpowered and Mid Wales Meadow Makers.
Sunday 30 June,10.30am-3pm
Visit to Weo Farm, Rowton, Aston on Clun, Craven Arms, SY7 0NZ.
To include farm tour and discussion of the next steps for developing meadows managed by cattle grazing.
GR SO 413 802
What3Words: rainfall.pilots.sunblock
Saturday 13 July
Seed collection workshop at Fir Tree Meadow
Wentnor SY9 5EN
GR SO 400 929
What3Words fever.speeded.note
Sunday 7 July
Simon Cooter’s Introduction to Scything
Venue: Natural England Office, Pennerley, SY5 0NE.
£50 for MMG members (£60 for non members).
For location, booking etc. see details on 7th April.
Tuesday 9 July, 10am-3pm
Visit to the Monastery to record Devil’s-bit Scabious in the rush pasture on the East side of the Stiperstones with the CWG’s Plant Group.
Meet at the Stiperstones NNR (Knolls) car park.
Grid ref: SO 370 976
What3words: observe.overture.ideals
Contact: cassy.clayton@naturalengland.org.uk
Wednesday 17 July, 10am-3pm
Visit to east side of Stapeley Hill to record Devil’s-bit Scabious with the CWG’s Plant Group. Parking on roadside corner.
Grid Ref: SO 314 980
What3Words: mend.madder.grant
Contact: cassy.clayton@naturalengland.org.uk
Monday 29 July
Simon Cooter’s Introduction to Scything
Venue: Natural England Office, Pennerley, SY5 0NE.
£50 for MMG members (£60 for non members).
For location, booking etc. see details on 7th April.
Tuesday 30 July to Friday 2 August, from 10am
Scything with a View: daily scything on and around the Stiperstones for those who have completed a course or are experienced. Morning sessions starting at 10am. Maintenance and peening pm. Competition and BBQ Friday pm. For location, booking etc. see details on 7th April.
Sunday 11 August
Soil testing workshop using MMG’s soil testing kits and meters
Bring a sample of your meadow soil for testing pH, nutrients, soil moisture etc. Led by David Poynton. Pennerley House, Pennerley SY5 0NF.
GR SO 402 968
What3Words: ambushed.otherwise.stews
Saturday 24 August, 2pm-4.30pmDevil’s-bit Scabious workshopLearn how to recognise the plant and (if ready) collect a seed head or two. Ratlinghope Churchyard GR SO 402 968What3Words: scarred.explained.goodbye