Meadows Activity Day celebrates ancient grasslands
There's a line-up of free ecology walks, traditional crafts, orchard activities, 'Meadow School' for children and more at High Hirst Woodmeadow's first Meadows Activity Day on Saturday 9th July.
The event aims to introduce more people to the woodmeadow, which has recently been officially designated a Local Wildlife Site in recognition of its ecological importance, and to spread the word about the value of meadows and the need to tackle the growing nature crisis.
Councillor Nikki Harvey, Chair of Hebden Royd Town Council's Climate Emergency Committee, said, "Our first Meadows Activity Day is full of fantastic activities that will be enjoyable to kids and adults, as well as helping raise awareness of the importance of our ancient hay meadow and heritage orchard. We have many important plant species on the site and can't wait to share the beauty of our meadow with the community."
The full line up:
- 11am & 2pm Guided plant ecology walks
Learn about and identify meadow plants including wildflowers and grasslands - the site has many rare indicator species. Led by local ecologist Steve Hindle. - 11am-4pm Traditional crafts
Try out green woodworking on a shave horse or try straw work, making a corn dolly. Led by local ecologist and crafts-enthusiast Miranda Cowan. - 11am-4pm Meadow School
Meadow-themed craft activities and games for children including leaf printing, cordage making and more. Organised by Rachael Taylor of Live Wild. - 12pm-2pm Discover our vital sphagnum moss
Sphagnum moss is the hero plant of our peat bogs. Find out how a local project is regrowing and replanting - help to propogate. Stall by Calderdale Council's Sphagnum Project Officer. - 1pm-2.30pm Help grow our orchard
Do some pruning of our young fruit trees and learn about heritage varieties. Talk and practical session led by local orchard expert Mark Simmonds. - 11am-4pm Farming heritage display
Centuries of farming shaped our landscape and ecosystems. A display put together by the Local History Society. Birchcliffe Centre, Main Hall.
Getting there
High Hirst Woodmeadow is located behind the Dodnaze estate, Manor Drive, HX7 8DS, next to the allotments (bus 595). You can also access the site from Sandy Gate.
Please note there is no parking. Please walk or use public transport to access the event.
Please bring a picnic as there won't be food available on site, but there will be access to water and toilet facilities.
The woodmeadow is a steep site with uneven ground. Please wear sensible footwear and take care on the meadow. The site isn't currently suitable for people with poor mobility.