Mitchells Field

Mitchells Field is our first project - it is the grassy area alongside the footpath that runs next to the Hook Schools at the back of Quince Tree Way. It has hedges, trees and a stream as well as the meadow where we have already let the grass grow longer opposite the Tennis Courts to allow wildflowers to flourish in summer. Last summer we saw so many butterflies here.

We have a wild flower meadow, some ancient hedges and a small area by St John's Close which we have recently had coppiced.  

Coppicing is an old technique, used on certain types of tree, every few years, the trees are cut down to the base.  This lets light in, and the trees send up new shoots.  The wood which was removed was traditionally used elsewhere, for example to make fencing or as we have done to make beetle banks and dead hedges.  

Any storm damaged branches are also cut up to add to our dead hedges or to our beetle banks.

The beetle banks and dead hedges are great habitats for insects, birds and small mammals - we're keeping a look out for hedgehogs and for beetles - perhaps we will get stag beetles living here.