Background
In March 2004, following an appeal for contributions, the Nayland with Wissington Conservation Society purchased 16.98 acres of land bordered to the north by the River Stour and to the south by a strip of land owned by Bunting & Sons adjacent to Horkesley Road.

The Nayland with Wissington Land Company Limited, now a registered charity, was formed to own and manage this water meadow in perpetuity. The sum of £65,000 was raised to purchase this land and grateful thanks are due to the more than ninety individuals and organisations who supported the appeal. 

Fishing
The fishing, which now belongs to the Land Company, has been made exclusively available to all residents of the parish of Nayland and Wiston. 

Arable Reversion
After discussion it was decided that the land should revert to grassland under the Defra Suffolk River Valleys Enrivonmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme. This involved seeding with a suitable grass/conservation mix. Since this has become established a local grazier puts his sheep on the meadow between March and November.

Grants for fencing the land, on the inside of the public footpath, were obtained from Defra and the Suffolk Environmental Trust assisted by Babergh District Council, who also funded a small area of planting as shown on the plan.

In November 2005 two classes from Nayland Primary School helped plant the young trees, directed by Peter Ennis of the Dedham Vale Project.

Pond Scheme
The Environment Agency approached us with a view to creating a permanent wetland habitat and pond. This “back water” habitat is identified by the Environment Agency as important for maintaining fish stocks.

Planning permission was granted for this work, which was completed in early 2005.  

The shallow pond is linked to the River Stour by a short channel (culvert beneath the footpath) and surrounded by reedbeds. (Plants sourced locally.)

The Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Project were involved in habitat improvement work.  To compensate for the loss of flood plain capacity a shallow scrape was created on the opposite side of the meadow (beside the weir). The spoil was used to widen the footpath along the riverbank but not to raise it.

This £30,000 scheme was jointly funded by Defra and the Environment Agency at no cost to us. Maintenance is carried out by the EA assisted by the Dedham Vale Project, our contractor and local volunteers.

Click for larger plan of the meadow or
Click for 2005 Press release (pdf 493Kb)

February 2005 - click for larger image