2023
Hedgerow reinstatement and community engagement
Volunteers onboard and new hedgerows
Over the winter months a team of volunteers were recruited to support Bathampton Meadows. Volunteer rangers help support the countryside work, repairing fences, planting trees and general maintenance, whilst the walking and talking volunteers support with data gathering, litter picking, community engagement and activities.
Traditional hedgelaying techniques were used to start building improved hedges across the Meadows. Over 2,000 trees were planted as part of the hedgerow reinstatement, and grass and wildflower seed added to the edges to improve the habitat for nature.
Understanding the history
In April 2023, records showed Bathampton Meadows as part of Ralph Allen's estate in the 18th century. Work began on a number of archaeology surveys and studies to get a clearer picture of some historical artifacts at the site.
Community engagement process
Over the summer of 2023 we carried out community engagement with the aim of shaping and informing a spatial plan for Bathampton Meadows. The consultation explored and tested the following areas with local residents:
- Creating habitats to boost the local wildlife
- Improving infrastructure to make the Meadows more inclusive and accessible
- Developing ways people can enjoy more of the Meadows
- Involving local communities in the process of shaping the future for the Meadows
In total we spoke to over 500 people and used a mix of methods to look at existing usage and previous information surrounding Bathampton Meadows. This included:
- Reviewing and analysing previous studies and consultation feedback
- An interactive semi-structured online survey
- Walking Focus Groups with a wide spectrum of users
- Interactive Drop-In Events held in various locations across the Meadows
- Creative workshops with young people
- Observational studies to record how people are currently using the Meadows
Key findings from the community engagement
From the feedback it was clear that people highly value the Meadows as a community asset and in particular its semi-rural character. There were some key conclusions that could be drawn from the research.
Strong support for restoring and enhancing habitats for nature
All the research activities undertaken indicated there was deep and widespread support for preserving and enhancing the landscape for wildlife. Indeed there was strong support for; restoring wildflower meadows, restoring hedgerows, restoring wetland habitats such as ponds and reed beds and introducing wet or river woodland.
Support for creating opportunities to enjoy nature
There was widespread support for creating opportunities for people to get closer to nature and enjoy it.
Paths for all
For the main routes through the Meadows, it was clear that smooth sealed surfaces were imperative for wheelchair users.
Circular walks
One specific area of interest was around developing circular walking routes so that people could more fully explore different parts of the Meadows.
Wayfinding and interpretation
People would like suitable wayfinding and interpretation information at key arrival spaces across the Meadows and people were keen to understand about the processes and practices being undertaken to enrich wildlife habitats.
Seating
There was support for provision of seating to make the Meadows more accessible and to enjoy the views such as the river and Solsbury Hill.
Space for exercising dogs
Walking dogs is a popular activity on Bathampton Meadows and dog owners valued the Meadows as somewhere they could take their dogs.
We reviewed all the feedback and common themes from the research, ensuring that our plans for the meadows reflect the needs of the local community wherever possible.
