What do we look after?
Grasshoppers meet regularly on the third Saturday of each month and occasionally, as needed, during the week.
Our aim is to help maintain and enhance the local green spaces owned by Bleasby Parish Council; these include Jubilee Ponds, Ferry End and Glebe Field.
We also organise a few community events throughout the year which you might be interested in coming along to - click here.
Below you will find a summary of our tasks and projects for the year ahead.
It's not all hard labour (we leave that to the contractors) and there is a strong focus on community, having fun and getting some fresh air!
If you are interested in getting involved, or just interested to find out more about these green spaces, please send an email to bleasbygrasshoppers@outlook.com and Mike or Jo will get in touch.
FERRY END
Upkeep of benches, fencing, planting, grass and trees
Develop a plan to introduce new planting that will enhance the area for visitors and wildlife
Add a hedge alongside existing western edge fence
GLEBE FIELD
Christmas tree and oak require regular watering until end 2024
Upkeep of orchard area and consideration of further planting
Hedgerow and grass to be maintained by contractors
Development of Coronation Meadow – started in 2023 (behind the old oak tree) - introduce yellow rattle plugs this spring
Improve the aspect around the notice boards to provide a more attractive focal point
Consider planting of bulbs along Main Street grass verge
JUBILEE PONDS
Centenary Wood
Coppice hazel as required
Spring and autumn cut and clearance to be carried out by contractors
Regular mowing of diagonal paths
Keep base of trees clear, especially on younger specimens
Renew tree labels and a map identifying those being remembered
Improvement of planting to create spring / woodland ground cover – we need a plan
Den Building area
Control vegetation at entrance
Regular checks for safety, materials, boundaries etc
Monitor trees for signs of disease, decay and dangerous limbs
Develop more permanent boundaries through building deadhedges
Bird Hide area
Remove existing feeders
Fit bird boxes
Main Meadow
Check yellow rattle has self-seeded
September main cut and clear, then winter & spring cuts (to be made by contractors / local farmer)
First cut (early) of meandering path and then regular mowing
Autumn cut of main hedge (contractor)
Maintaining carved bench / bug hotel and gate entrance area
Monitor & record flower and wildlife species
Explore possibility of grazing from September to December
Improve information for visitors about Main Meadow and associated wildlife species
Meadow Triangle
Complete cut & clearance in spring and autumn
Keep path cut through grass and around edges to allow access
Maintain the single old hawthorn and dogrose
Maintain bonfire area for storage of debris and keep safe for use
Introduce yellow rattle to help suppress growth of aggressive grasses
Monitor existing wildflowers and develop planting plan for future
The Reed Bed
Based on NWT suggestions, develop a full improvement project plan for approval by BPC
Vistas
Keep seating areas around ponds clear
Paths
Contractors will keep paths cleared and carry out any significant work on hedgerows and scrubland
Area by Railway Crossing
Develop planting and sustainable maintenance plan for area