February 21st 2023
An impressive round dozen members of the local community, under the umbrella of the Friends of Hogshaw Working Party, gathered by the play equipment on Hogshaw Rec this afternoon. The chief topic under consideration was how the various rights of way in and around Hogshaw could be linked together and enhanced to form an interesting walking route for local people and promote an appreciation of Hogshaw as a wildlife haven.
Blessed by unseasonably warm weather, with blue skies and barely a hint of a breeze, we set off along the western edge of the playing field and onto the rough track which winds its way below the now birch and scrub covered remnants of the old railway marshalling yard and above Nun Brook. There’s much to be seen here if you know what you are looking for (I don’t!) but I heard other members of the group mention everything from comfrey to Japanese knotweed and Tawny Owls to Blackcaps.
Standing on the little footbridge crossing the brook we admired the veritable forest of mossy green willows framing its waters whilst discussing its merits as a natural habitat for various species. Rabbits scampered carefree in the open fields to our left as we ascended the public footpath towards St Peter’s Church, and one of our group was quick to point out the first (for me at least) bumblebee of 2023. It will be a shame if the fields do get developed for housing, though we all agreed that the more valuable habitat is the wild and wooded area below it.
Continuing up the footpath we dog-legged first left, then right and right again onto St Peter’s Road, all part of the proposed route and an interesting section too, with historic St Peter’s Church on our left and the charming Arts and Crafts houses on our right. Even the wide verge of the alley leading back down Nunsfield Road and thence Hogshaw Rec has great rewilding potential.
All in all, it was an enjoyable and more importantly useful walk and talk. It’s already a much-loved stroll for many local people, but with a little bit of careful TLC, interpretation, and maintenance, it could become an even more valuable resource for us all. It’s up to us to make it happen. Today was an encouraging start – now comes the hard work required to turn words into action.
By Terry Richardson
Appeal: Friends of Hogshaw has plenty of people willing to help enhance the area, what we would love now are volunteers to form a committee to formalise the group. Please email [email protected] if you can help in any way.
