..History >

The Ditchfield Common Working Group was formed early in 2003 by local residents, keen to prevent another 'invasion of travellers' that had occurred the previous summer, and to try and regenerate the natural diversity of the Common, which had suffered from neglect over the past decade. With the financial assistance of the Parish Council as well as local businesses, and help in cash and in kind from a small group of individuals, barriers were erected, lockable gates installed and new banks created which we re seeded with wild flowers.

..Aims and Objectives >

Now that the first stage - protection - is complete, the second stage - regeneration and conservation - has begun. The large area of Japanese knotwed, on the Southern part of the Common, has been almost completely cleared by working parties of local residents, and in its place are appearing large clumps of snowdrops - long since disappeared from most of the Common. A new grass cutting regime is being introduced to improve the natural plant diversity - some areas will be regularly cut and the grass lifted while other areas will just be cut - a mixture of kept and wild. Anyone who can remember the pond by the Jolly Blacksmiths as being a place to play must surely be saddened by its neglected look - a regeneration plan is being drawn up for action, hopefully, later this year and ther's a whole lot more that requires action over the next few years.

..Working Parties >

At the time of writing only two sessions have taken place, and the amount achieved in such a small time has surprised everyone. The banks have been cleared and tidied for the winter and a large expanse of the Southern part of the Common has been reclaimed from invasive Japanese knotweed. There are, however, many other jobs that need to be tackled, and we would welcome volunteers able to put in a few hours work on an occasional Saturday morning. We plan to hold one session per month throughout the year. The planned dates are: 14 Feb;13 Mar; 10 Apr; 8 May; 12 Jun; 10 Jul; 14 Aug; 11 Sep; 9 Oct; 13 Nov and 11Dec - Starting at 09.30. What's needed? Gloves, old clothes and enthusiasm. The works organiser Paul Thomas on 01494 882716 has a long list of tasks to suit every state of fitness. So if you want to help us improve and maintain our Common, give him a ring and Come and Join in.

..Contacts >

Chairman - Paul Venables - 01494 882984 Hon Secretary - Jane Osborn Hon Treasurer - Richard Fisher