Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common

Latest News

Leckhampton Beef for sale

Many of you will know that the cattle we see on the hill are owned and managed by Eddie and Emma from Wades Farm in Stroud. The cattle are our 24×7 conservationists, munching through the grass and brash in the traditional way, keeping the hill in great condition to the benefit of the endangered flora and fauna of the rare unimproved limestone grassland on the hill. Modern cattle do not thrive on a diet of old fashioned grass (they need richer grass and supplements to grow rapidly), but the traditional Belties do the job brilliantly.
Wades farm is a business, and this business depends on selling the beef – in the traditional way farms always have.
You can help support Eddie and Emma, and the conservation of the hill by purchasing beef from them. It’s superb meat and very good value.
The document below give prices and information on how to order.

NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE STATUS CONFIRMED

Natural England has confirmed that our site is to be conferred the designation as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) this year. The designation recognises the special value of this site for both its nature and its geology.
As the site remains a precious area of unimproved limestone grassland, it is home to a wide diversity of nature, including nationally endangered species like the Adder and the Duke of Burgundy butterfly for which this type of landscape is especially favourable.
At the same time, the geology of this limestone escarpment has been deemed important, not least because the old quarry faces leave exposed millions of years of geological history.

February Work Party Schedule

Hello all,
We have another full and busy month ahead. Again, our focus is on gorse but there is also some tree planting for a lucky few! As always we meet at the designated point at 0930.
Thursday 12 February. Meet Daisybank CP.
Leaders: Serena and Julian
Charlton Kings Common (CKC) W/E: If numbers allow we will split into three groups. The three tasks are – preparation for the visit of HSL the following day, burning gorse left over from firebreak work. Wayne will be looking for four people to plant saplings in Lower Hopkins – he will take you there in his truck.
Tuesday 17 February. Meet Daisybank CP.
Leaders: Pete and Julian
CKC/E: Continue work on the new firebreak and also removal of gorse on the other side of the CW.
Sunday 22 February. Meet Daisybank CP.
Leaders: Serena and Rob
CKC/E: precise area to be decided but gorse will be involved!
As always, look forward to seeing you on a work party.