Grassland Action Group

The Potwell Dyke Grasslands Action group was set up in January 2004 when the agreement between Southwell Town Council and the Countryside Commission was coming up for renewal.

In addition to a start up grant from the council we were given a few hours per week practical help from Paul Ritzema. Paul also wrote the management plan which secured a further 10 year agreement.

Since then the site has been transformed from a wilderness to a place of outstanding beauty. This has involved clearing weeds, hedge planting, tree coppicing, pond digging, erecting a perimeter fence and positioning signs at both entrances advising visitors that this area is a designated Site of Importance to Nature Conservation. Sheep belonging to Notts Wildlife Trust play a big part by grazing the site and spreading the seeds of the many wildflowers. Regular recordings of the flora, birds, butterflies and moths are carried out to assist with the management of the site.

We are very proud of our achievements and grateful for the help we have received. Our agreement expires in October and we are quietly confident we will secure another 10 year agreement.

Come and meet the volunteers to learn more about the Grasslands and hear Erin McDaid talk about 50 years of Notts Wildlife Trust at our public meeting on Wednesday 30th April, 7.30pm at Trebeck Hall, Southwell.