Fantastic Support For Local Nature Reserve

Fantastic support for Local Nature Reserve

“It’s like the proverbial buses – you wait for ages then two arrive together!” enthuses Bob Buck “You may imagine my reaction - about the same time that John Maycock was making a very generous offer of a replacement mower I had another call which resulted in our being gifted a mechanical hay-rake as well.”

When Bob started clearing brambles from a patch of Primroses on the A369 verge near the M5 Gordano roundabout it wasn’t obvious that this would become an important wildflower site.

Very soon it became apparent that a wide range of other plants was benefitting from the work. That management, begun 30 years ago, soon attracted appreciative attention. One of the first to show this was John Maycock of Brackenwood Plant Centre in Abbots Leigh. Recognising Bob’s efforts he made a donation towards running costs. Since then the site has become known as St. George’s Flower Bank, an award winning Local Nature Reserve, much admired by locals, passers-by and environmentalists. Being alongside a busy A road means working closely with North Somerset Council, who are supportive and helpful, as is Pill and Easton-in-Gordano Parish. Apart from expanding on the roadside the volunteer team advises and helps on several other similar sites being created locally.

Brackenwood have remained supportive for the whole 30 years; “When I had another phone call from John” says Bob “He was offering us a new machine. I was rather taken aback – he’s always helped us but this is extraordinarily generous!”

John’s view is “I’ve always admired the fantastic work Bob’s team do. This is showing our thanks on behalf of everyone who has enjoyed the wildflower spectacle. We are glad to help.”   As John was not available, the presentation was made by his daughter Clare and her husband, Chris Baker, who now run Brackenwood. The machine is a BCS powerscythe which will make short work of the annual hay-cut. It comes with mechanical hay-rake, which will speed up clearing cuttings. The rake has been funded by someone who remains anonymous.

Photo 1 - Jim Bolton*, Giles Morris*, Bob Buck*, Clare & Chris Baker
Photo 2 - Giles Morris*, Clare & Chris Baker :Bob Buck*, Noel Ayling*
*St. George’s Flower Bank LNR team