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Entrance Drive – Tarn End Field
This field is grazed by sheep under a grazing licence and under countryside stewardship scheme.
The field is divided into two by a stone wall. The field is very undulating and thus popular with
children for sledging in the winter. It has also been used on a number of occasions for cyclocross
events, lastly in Sept 09 organised through Border City Wheelers. The area next to the
entrance drive is used a couple of times a year as a car park for the Regatta or similar other big
event. All use of field other than for grazing is agreed in advance with grazing licence holder
(Currently Mr Routledge). Running parallel to the entrance drive are a row of standard trees
planted within large metal sheep guards. These are still fairly young with a mix of beech and oak
and there are some gaps that need planting. There is also a row of older standard trees of a
variety of species running along parallel to the Talkin village road. A few of the trees are
memorial trees, which have associated plaques. No formal record is kept of these.
The section of the field nearest Tarn End has a large area of gorse that was cut back in 2002 This
is now re-growing. The boundaries of this field are a mix of stone walls and post and sheep wire
fencing. There is also a small section of hedge bordering Tarn end. All are in good condition and
just require general maintenance. The post and wire fence that borders Top Wood between the
overflow car park and the willow hide corner area where the wood ends and the gorse starts, was
replaced in 2007. The fence on the overflow car park was partially replaced in 2009. New 12ft
gates have been installed in overflow car park 2009 and drive entrance 2006. Both kissing gates
by Tarn end have been repaired and widened in 2009.
Action
Re-cut gorse as required
Replant standard trees that have died in metal guards with native species suitable for this area.
Tarn End – Sluice Wood Field
This field is grazed by sheep under a grazing licence and under countryside stewardship scheme.
The boundary next to Talkin Road is mainly stone wall with a section of post and wire fence.
There is a new gateway in the bottom corner that was created in 2008. The other boundaries of
this field include a hedge row planted in approx 1999 and a post and wire fence parallel to the
Tarn ( installed after foot and mouth disease outbreak in late 2001). There is also a ditch know as
Hell Beck.
The area nearest Hell Beck on the eastern side of the field is significant for its wet grassland
areas and subsequent vegetation. This area should be maintained. Hell Beck and its adjacent new
and old hedges provide an important wildlife corridor in and out of the Tarn. It is thought that the
otter uses this route. The hedge is growing well and will need to be maintained.
The post and wire fence section bordering sluice wood was replaced in 2009.
This field also contain the old sewerage system for the old Tarn end hotel. This area is fenced off
with a post and wire fence to prevent sheep or human injury.
Action
Maintain hedgerow
Hell Beck – Roman Wood
This field is grazed by sheep under a grazing licence and under countryside stewardship scheme.
Areas of post and wire fence in this area require some maintenance and longer term replacement.
A shallow ditch runs along the eastern edge of this field running into Hell Beck. This grassland
area adjacent also has a significant wet grassland area that should be maintained. The Southern
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