The pond has now been excavated and looks like a muddy hole, however it is rapidly filling up and already starting to 'settle in'. As soon as Spring starts to arrive we will grass seed the surrounding area (using native grass seed only) and then it is simply a matter of waiting to see what turns up in the way of plants and wildlife. The pathways around the pond area will slowly be levelled again and seeded with grass. We apologise for the muddy area but this was inevitable and shoudl rapidly disappear.
We believe this will be an important addition to the diversity of Swaines Green and will encourage yet more wildlife to find habitats.
It is intended to incorporate a 'dipping platform' at the currently lowest side of the pond.
UPDATE: The first signs of green shoots on the far bank have now appeared. The levelling out f the pathway has been slowed by bad weather but this is still slowly taking place. The grass seed will be sown as soon as the weather permits. The Committee of FoSG is currently discussing alternatives for a proper entrance into Lovelocks Field and also for an improvement into the main entrance onto Lincolns Field from Coronation Hill, which has always been a very muddy area.
The 2010 May Fayre will take place on Saturday 1st May. We have already booked some of the events, but anyone who wants to help or take part in this event should contact Ian Anderson as qucikly as possible (01992 574909 or sales@panther-print.co.uk).
We are always interested in: entertainments and local society stalls and exhibits, particularly anything relating to animals or other wildlife.. We also have a limited numbr of commercial stalls available but these must be of a 'traditional' nature, if in doubt, please phone first. Preference is always given to local people.
Swaines
Green is an area of land on the edge of Epping in Essex. It is
made up of three fields: Forties Field and two Lincolns fields,
which date back to approximately 1200 AD. The fields are small
by today's standards and are bounded on all sides by hegerows.
On one side of all three fields is Bolt Cellar Lane which is cut
across at right angles by a series of streams and ditches that
eventually flow into Cobbins Brook, the small river leading to
Epping Upland.
There is firm evidence that the field boundaries are the original Saxon/Norman demarcations and the hedgerows have been dated back to the pre-Tudor era. The fields and hedgerows of Swaines Green are the oldest historical feature in the area and are an immediately visible reminder of the time when our ancestors cleared the wildwood to begin farming in Epping. We are very fortunate to be able to hold these fields in trust for future generations.
OUR AIMS
The main aim of The Friends of Swaines Green is to preserve the unique nature and character of Swaines Green and also to purchase the area for the community (at present it is privately owned).
Regular Conservation Days are held to maintain the area, to allow easy public access and to encourage the diversity of the flora and fauna.