Canal
Meadows
Total area of this Block: 64 Acres.
This Grazing Block is in Countryside Stewardship (C.S), and also is designated a site of special scientific interest, (SSSI).
The grazing is well suited for cattle, but can also be used to graze sheep as required, to form a break in the potential worm cycle. Checking sheep is time consuming, as there are long stretches of riverbank and the risk of drowning is far greater for sheep than cattle.
The soil is fertile and retains moisture well. Some areas lay wet in winter and therefore are not suited to grazing early or late in the year with cattle. There are also areas that are wet all the year round.
From an organic point of view the main problem is weed control especially thistles and nettles, topping is required at least three times a year, the undulating terrain makes this a tedious and time consuming task.
Canal Meadows Field Records
Canal Meadows – Rookery (Fields 6831, 7425, 8045)
Canal Meadows – Friars Cliff (Fields 6595, 5263)
Canal Meadows – Lower Canal (Fields 4042, 7005)
Canal Meadows – Bleaching Meadows (Fields 1033, 0225)
Canal Meadows – Wickham Cliff (Fields 9314, 7901)
Canal Meadows – Upper Canal (Fields 8096, 4669, 4664, 5264, 5567)
Canal Meadows – Squirrel Tail (Field 9905)
O.S Map TQ9017
Countryside Stewardship Area
Site of Special Scientific Interest Designation
Grazing Area: 9 acres.
2001:
O.S Map TQ9017 and TQ9016
Countryside Stewardship Area
Site of Special Scientific Interest Designation
Grazing Area: 8.5 Acres.
2001:
O.S Map TQ9016, 9017
Countryside Stewardship Area
Site of Special Scientific Interest Designation
Grazing Area: 11 Acres
2001:
O.S Map TQ9016
Countryside Stewardship Area
Site of Special Scientific Interest Designation
Grazing Area: 9 Acres.
2001:
O.S Map TQ8916
Countryside Stewardship Area
Site of Special Scientific Interest Designation
Grazing Area: 7 Acres.
2001:
O.S Map TQ8915
Countryside Stewardship Area
Site of Special Scientific Interest Designation
Grazing Area: 12 Acres.
2001:
O.S Map TQ8916
Countryside Stewardship Area
Site of Special Scientific Interest Designation
Grazing Area: 7.5 Acres.