From 14.00

At Coedygrafel Farm and Walterstone Common

Jim Hardy / jim@jimhardy.co.uk

Jim Hardy is hosting a walk at Walterstone Common for local people to look at wildflowers and has kindly extended the invitation to Herefordshire Meadows members.

Booking is essential: send email to jim@jimhardy.co.uk.

Meet at Coedygrafel at 2.00pm for tour of farm, then Walterstone Common, followed by tea and cake kindly provided by Diana Palmer. Peter Garner, the County Botanical Recorder, will be there to help with flower IDs.

Coedygrafel is a certified organic holding farmed in conjunction with five neighbouring holdings as well as the adjoining common. There is a flock of pedigree Dorset Horn sheep, a suckler herd of various breeds and even a working cart-horse! Most of the land has never been touched by any 'modern' farming methods and is consequently rich in wildlife of all kinds. Much of it has also been in Stewardship schemes, and there are old cider/perry orchards and some outstanding wildflower meadows. The Walterstone Brook flows through the middle and with a stunning view of the Black Mountains as a backdrop, visitors are always moved to remark on the beauty of the spot. Walterstone Common is a mixture of pasture and woodland also full of wildlife interest. It is owned and managed by the local community and has an active group of volunteers who undertake maintenance work.

HOW TO FIND COEDYGRAFEL

From Rowlestone follow signs to Walterstone Common (not Walterstone). When you get to the common, turn right at the junction by the Village Hall/Old School House/Dead End Sign. Go straight down this lane to Coedygrafel. There is plenty of parking space.