The paddock
The Paddock is a 0.2 ha (approx. 1/2 acre) field adjacent to the path leading to Sunnyside Lane.
History
- The Paddock was part of the land farmed by the Loxam family.
- It was used to hold the cattle waiting to be milked.
- Edenbreck Cottage, which is adjacent, is thought to be one of the oldest dwellings in Lancaster.
- In recent times there was a dairy attached and pig styes.
Since 2011
- The dairy and pig styes were demolished when the Fairfield Association took over the lease, leaving the concrete floors to form the base of our shed.
Current Features
- Thick hedges separate the field from the allotments and footpaths, making this a useful habitat for birds and insects.
- In the centre of the field is a wild service tree, with lower growing species, protected from the cattle in a wooden enclosure.
Maintenance
- In the summer nettles are scythed.
- Woven hazel fencing is used to stop the gaps in the hedge along the footpath.
- Cattle are brought in when the grazier need them closer to his home, for example when they are calving.
Future
- The trees in the enclosure will provide an attractive feature and a “staging post” for birds between the wooded part of the orchard and the hedges on the far side.
Look out for
Green finch in the trees by the Fauna stones – Butterflies such as comma and speckled wood – White Park calves
Photographic Survey
The Fairfield Association have maintained a photographic survey of the reserve since 2015. Photographs have been taken on roughly 5 occasions each year: March, mid-May, late June, early August and late September.
Each album is arranged in date order. To find out the specific date particular photos were taken, first select the photo and then select the ‘i’ icon in the top-right of screen. (All albums launch in a new window.)
