A DONATION of 100 fence posts has ensured a Friends group can continue to graze animals on a hay meadow, home to an abundant range of rare plants.
Members of the volunteer group Friends of the Upper Demesnes hay meadow expressed their gratitude to pipeline contactor Farrans after taking delivery of lumber which will be used to replace rotting posts at the Barnard Castle wildlife haven.
The hay meadow was created in 2009 by residents and dog walkers after a survey revealed there were at least 80 species of wild plants, including rare varieties on the land.
A volunteer Friends group was formed and with the help of botanists Dr Dick Warren and Dr Margaret Bradshaw wildflower seeds from the dale were gathered and sown.
Grazing sheep on the meadow each September removes excess foliage and provides fertiliser. However, fencing to keep the sheep safe had deteriorated resulting in a number of animals escaping and causing damage to the adjacent rugby pitches.
After hearing about the work of the Friends group, Farrans, the contractor installing Northumbria Water’s new pipeline, stepped in to help with the donation of 100 fence posts.
The company’s Karen Alexander, said: “It’s very important that we engage positively with the neighbourhoods in which we work. We aim to gift our time and expertise, as well as financial donations, to help local charities and community initiatives.”
Friends member Roger Peat said: “Replacing the rotten fence posts will certainly prevent the damage to the rugby field and the continual annoyance of having to recover stray sheep.”
The new posts will be installed in the autumn by a contractor before sheep are put to graze.
Longer term aims of the Friends group include planting native hedging along the fence from the gate by Parson’s Lonnen to the entrance to the rugby pitches.
Mr Peat added: “Working with Geoff King at Trees for Teesdale we are looking at funding applications for this.”
