The Batters
The Batters is approximately 1.5 hectares of woodland with footpaths and mown grass. The site undulates with a lower path running alongside the Great Western Railway Line and Byde Mill Brook.
The woodland area consists mainly of ash and hawthorn with sycamore and elm, in varying sizes and condition. Ground flora includes ground elder, wild garlic, nettles, cow parsley, dogs mercury, and bramble. Part of the footpath and brook go through the lower section of the woodland. There are several mature trees in the woodland including a significant elm. The stream appears to be fairly uninteresting for wildlife but does contain a few species, along with a wide range of ferns along the banks.
We plan to carry out a number of environmental improvements over the next few years including:
Additional tree and shrub planting to increase the range of species.
Improving the watercourse by removing debris especially metal.
Removal of flytipping.
Coppicing of trees where appropriate.
Introduction of wildflower mix to the grass margins
Thinning trees to open up the view from the mound across open farmland
Improvements to the woodland paths
Creation of steps and viewing/picnic area north of the brook.
The Batters was used by the Scots Guards for digging trenches and realistic training for the First World War.
In the mid-1970’s the site fell victim to Dutch Elm Disease resulting in the loss of several mature trees.
Vegetation was cleared from the site in 1968 to improve access. In the early 1990’s volunteers carried out further clearing and replanted trees and re-laid paths.
The Brook was classified as Main River by the Environment Agency in 2004. A public footpath runs the length of the site from Pound Pill/Prospect to Brook Drive.
The woodland area consists mainly of ash and hawthorn with sycamore and elm, in varying sizes and condition. Ground flora includes ground elder, wild garlic, nettles, cow parsley, dogs mercury, and bramble. Part of the footpath and brook go through the lower section of the woodland. There are several mature trees in the woodland including a significant elm. The stream appears to be fairly uninteresting for wildlife but does contain a few species, along with a wide range of ferns along the banks.
We plan to carry out a number of environmental improvements over the next few years including:
Additional tree and shrub planting to increase the range of species.
Improving the watercourse by removing debris especially metal.
Removal of flytipping.
Coppicing of trees where appropriate.
Introduction of wildflower mix to the grass margins
Thinning trees to open up the view from the mound across open farmland
Improvements to the woodland paths
Creation of steps and viewing/picnic area north of the brook.
The Batters was used by the Scots Guards for digging trenches and realistic training for the First World War.
In the mid-1970’s the site fell victim to Dutch Elm Disease resulting in the loss of several mature trees.
Vegetation was cleared from the site in 1968 to improve access. In the early 1990’s volunteers carried out further clearing and replanted trees and re-laid paths.
The Brook was classified as Main River by the Environment Agency in 2004. A public footpath runs the length of the site from Pound Pill/Prospect to Brook Drive.
The Batters Management and Maintenance Plan (pdf file 39kb)
The Batters Leaflet (pdf file 406kb)
Help - How to access PDF files
The Batters Leaflet (pdf file 406kb)
Help - How to access PDF files
