This thirteen acre
site was described by Julian as an oasis of unimproved grassland
surrounded by intensively cultivated farmland. It's owned by Gloucestershire
County Council and has full public access. This thirteen acre
site was described by Julian as an oasis of unimproved grassland
surrounded by intensively cultivated farmland. It's owned by Gloucestershire
County Council and has full public access.
Except for last year when Foot and Mouth Disease was a threat, the site is grazed and this has the effect of keeping the grassland in a condition suitable for all the mammals, birds and invertebrates that live here.
Notably, it is an important habitat for three rare and endangered butterflies. Interestingly, the fees from the sizable communications mast at the highest point contribute greatly to the upkeep of the site.
Despite a somewhat
unfavourable weather forecast seven GVCV volunteers took this
first opportunity to work at Kilkenny. In the event, although
it was misty and overcast, we only experienced two short drizzly
periods.
Our task for the day was to reduce the numbers
of hawthorn trees and clumps of gorse. The hawthorns in the area
where we were working were sawn down and hauled in large pieces
to a central point where the bonfire was located. 
The trees and shrubs were then sawn and
lopped into burnable lengths and reduced to ash. The whole team
worked with a will and by the end of the day all the unwanted
material was disposed of. Julian thanked everyone for their efforts
and said he was delighted at the amount of work we had accomplished.
