Cherry Fields Minutes September 2025
Minutes of Cherry Willingham Parish Council’s Cherry Fields Committee
held on Monday, 8th September at 19.00 in the Millennium Hall
Chair of the Committee: Cllr J. Robinson
Vice-Chair of the Committee: N. Hooper
Present: Cllrs J. Robinson, B. Robinson, A. Burge and co-opted members: N. Hooper, A Gardner
and H. McCowan. (Initials used in minutes below.)
1. To note and record apologies and absences.
Apologies were received from C. Bochel, P. Burke, D. Leonard and J. Trahearn.
2. To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and
consider any requests for dispensations in relation to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or
other interests as outlined in the Council’s Code of Conduct.
Nothing to record.
3. To receive the draft notes of the Cherry Fields Committee Meeting held on Wednesday, 16th
July 2025 and approve as Minutes.
The Minutes were approved.
4. To receive a report on the Expenditure v Budget figures to date. (NH)
*NH presented the project and maintenance budgets. The project fund had not changed since July.
All expenditure was within allocated funds so far.
JR said the budgets for next year need to be thought about as they have to be submitted to the
October meeting of the Finance and General Purposes committee, which is before the next CF
meeting. NH will assess and respond to the chair.
5. To receive an update on matters relating to potential grant applications and donations. (HM)
No applications on-going at the moment.
An application will be made to Wickes when12 months have passed as we need some wood
preserver. AB reported that the PC now has an account which gives a 10% discount. Action: HM
6. To receive an update regarding the potential new lease of the Oasis area to Green Synergy.
The YMCA has given notice for the lease to terminate on 30th September 2025. The caravan has
been removed.
The revised Head of Terms was sent to Green Synergy’s solicitor for them to create a draft lease.
The PC has engaged a solicitor for advice.
It has been suggested that the PC needs to invite offers from other parties. It was resolved that BR
should draft wording for an invitation to be posted on Facebook and PC notice boards for 2 weeks.
Action: BR
7. To receive an update on the potential “behind–the–hedge” path on the fields now owned by
the EA.
The PC have agreed in principle to the path but there are various matters to be resolved first. BR,
AB and NH are meeting with the EA and tenant on 26th September to walk the site and discuss any
issues. One of the items to ask about is moving the field entrance gate from Fiskerton Road further
into the field. This will allow the path to turn right in front of the gate; this would, together with the
new hedge, create a reasonably dog-proof barrier for the farmer's crops. The EA were happy to
allow a 4m strip. JR suggested that it would be best to develop a simple grass path at first from the
vicinity of Waterford Lane to the Greetwell parish boundary. A link to Cherry Fields would also be
planned, although work on this path would not start straight away as it requires a bridge to be
constructed over the Cherry Fields dyke.
CWPC CFC Minutes 08/09/25 Page 2 of 8
NH confirmed that a hedge could be planted this year if the plants are ordered in time. JR said the
Co-op need 6 weeks’ notice for their volunteers to attend. WLDC also have some volunteers who
may be able to help with a community planting day.
Although this is a village scheme, it is likely that the Cherry Fields volunteers would do much of the
work including future maintenance of the path and hedge. Action: BR
8. To note the new wooden gate post has been installed.
Thanks to the volunteer team. The old post was hard work to remove.
9. To receive an update on actions to show the main track from the road to the river as a
permissive path on OS Leisure maps.
JR wrote to the OS and LCC. Chris Marsh, of LCC, said they no longer create permissive paths.
The OS said they only include paths on their Leisure Maps which are on the Definitive Map, but it is
understood that LCC are about 11 years behind with adding paths to the Definitive Map for
Lincolnshire. A further response is awaited from the OS about the OS Mastermap. It was resolved
to ask County Cllr. T. Bridgwood to pursue this with LCC. Action: JR
10. To receive an update on the work being undertaken to create a walk leaflet for Cherry Fields
for inclusion in LCC’s Countryside Walks for All series.
The PC has agreed to subsidise production of 1000 leaflets at a cost of £210. Work on the leaflet is
continuing.
11. To note that the hay cutting and raking by the contractor was completed by 26th August and
agree any further actions required.
Hay cutting and raking was completed by 26th August. It was a notably thinner crop than previous
years. BR used the tractor bucket to gather the raked hay into mounds and volunteers raked up the
reminder. The hay was piled into the coppices where it will prove a good habitat for voles. Paying a
contractor to do the cutting and raking work was certainly beneficial.
12. To receive a report on work undertaken since the last meeting. (NH/BR)
*NH reported that the level of water in the lagoon had just made it through the dry spell without
cracking the lining. The pump had worked hard to top up the water level and had proved to be a
good investment. There have been some new younger additions to the group recently and there is a
very good team of volunteers. Thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work.
13. To consider ways of ensuring good visibility when leaving the main entrance and agree any
actions and expenditure as required.
A member of the CF volunteers has asked about ways to improve visibility when exiting the site, as
vehicles are parking in the grassed area between the gate and the layby. The grassed area belongs
to Highways so we are limited in what we can do there. Various options were discussed, and it was
resolved to spread another layer of soil next to the gate, with stone edge markers for the layby, and
put laminated signs on posts at either end of the grassed area to stop vehicles parking there. If this
is successful permanent signs can be purchased. A mirror on the lamp post opposite would be
expensive and would require LCC approval so will not be pursued at this time. Action: BR/NH
14. To consider the creation of a simple dirt bike track with clay mounds beside the main track
between the wooden gate and the events area.
BR suggested a series of jumps on the west side of the main track, using clay and soil heaps and
the natural incline of the land. AG asked about access to the dyke for maintenance. There would be
around 10m between each jump, so plenty of room for diggers. There is a lot of spare soil on site
which can be used. It was resolved to go ahead with this project. Action: BR
15. To review any matters arising from recent H & S inspections and agree any actions still
required.
DL did the last inspection and nearly everything identified has been rectified. NH reported a hanging
crack willow branch near the end of the scramble trail and bridge. It has fallen onto other trees but
is not on our land, plus is 25m high. This will be monitored.
JR reminded that reports should be sent to the Clerk, BR, NH, JR and the next person on the list.
CWPC CFC Minutes 08/09/25 Page 3 of 8
BR reported that some boards on the lagoon boardwalk by the track were lifting and need fixing
down.
The following were agreed at the last meeting: September – CB, October – JT/PB, November -
JR/BR, December – AG.
16. To review the programme of works for the forthcoming months and agree associated
expenditure. (NH/BR)
A digger has been hired for 26th September at a cost of £115 + vat to rectify damaged done by WT
IDB. This will be recharged to WTIDB and was resolved at the last meeting.
The playground inspector had mentioned the cycle rack, near the bike track, which can be moved.
However, the soil is too soft to hold new fixings. This is not a H&S concern, and it was agreed to
continue to monitor the current fixings but not to purchase any new fixings.
NH said the stakes in the orchard continue to be damaged by the grass cutter. The wooden
protective baskets are working well, and new stakes are required at a cost of around £1 each.
It was resolved to spend up to £25 on the purchase of 20 new stakes.
NH has researched pheromone traps, previously mentioned. They are designed to monitor the level
of activity rather than control bugs. Grease bands are still the best protection but terrible to fit.
A notice for someone to look after the orchard has previously been advertised in the Cherry News,
but no-one came forward. NH said this would be advertised again and posted on Facebook.
The pipe into the new pond needs covering to disguise it. BR will ask DS if he has some spare
stones. AG will also ask the IDB if they have any spare.
NH said shrubs for hedging on the soil mounds around the horseshoe area would be better than
grass, as this would need regular cutting with a strimmer. Action: AG/NH/BR
17. To note the Lincolnshire Environmental Awards and Community Networking Day on Saturday
27th Sept and agree any actions as required
Committee members were encouraged to book places to attend. NH and BR have booked to attend,
and HM is still considering it. It will be a networking opportunity.
18. To receive an update on the proposed bulb and meadow flower planting on 18th October and
agree any actions as required.
NH reported that the bulbs and plants have been delivered, apart from the Snakes Head Fritillary.
The plants are growing on in his garden. There is an advert in the current Cherry News, and this will
also be included in the October issue. JR will send the advert to the Scouts etc and Primary School.
Action: NH/JR
19. To discuss further ideas for celebrating 10 years of Cherry Fields in 2026 and agree actions
as required.
JR suggested we need to find people such as a forager or wood crafter who can run sessions.
Guided walks by NH were suggested showing what wildlife used to be there and what is found now.
BR could also do the timed fastest lap competition. The weekend of 4/5th July was suggested. WCs
would need to be ordered. It was suggested that the awards ceremony may give an opportunity to
ask around for suitable activities.
The scouts may want to do a demonstration or make dens. Also, someone to give talks about moths
and butterflies. Green Synergy may want to have an open day.
20. To receive an update on matters relating to the roe deer and future sculptures and agree any
actions required.
JR reported that there was no recent update.
21. To receive brief reports from members on actions/issues arising since the last meeting and
resolve actions required (if not itemised on agenda above and dealt with already):
a. Health and Safety (AG/NH/BR) – Nothing more to report.
b. Grants (HM) – Nothing to report
c. Dyke maintenance (AG) – Nothing to report.
d. Pond maintenance (NH/BR) – Nothing more to report.
e. General path/track and site maintenance (BR/NH) – Nothing to report.
CWPC CFC Minutes 08/09/25 Page 4 of 8
f. Grass Cutting (NH/BR) – The Harvest Festival is on Sunday, so the grass events area was
inspected recently. The grass is not growing much at present and did not need cutting.
g. Woodland and Meadow Project (NH) – Nothing to report
h. Orchard (NH) – HM will purchase one tree, but another donation is required.
i. Dog exercise area and off lead strip – One dog owner reported that two dogs got underneath the
wire on the south side. BR has walked around but cannot find anywhere which needs attention.
An offer of some logs has been made as a donation. If they are big enough so that they are not a
trip hazard, but can also be moved round when necessary, it was resolved to accept this donation.
j. Wildlife Camera (BR) – BR says the camera needs moving again. No wildlife has been spotted.
k. Bike Track (BR) – Nothing to report
l. Car Park and Gate-opening and closing (BR) – The closing time will change to 6.30pm later this
month, then 5.00pm when the clocks change.
m. Oasis (CB) – A query was raised about whether the composting WC would still be available for the
CF volunteers to use. Action: JR/BR
22. General: Any other matters to report for inclusion in the next agenda.
The budget for 26/27 needs to be included in the next agenda.
23. To confirm the dates of the September and November meetings and note the proposed
meeting dates for 2026.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 12th November at 7.00pm in the Millennium Hall.
Proposed meeting dates for 2026 are Wednesdays at 7pm on 4th February,1st April, 13th May, 8th
July, 26th August and 11th November
The meeting closed at 21.00.
Signed ........................................
*Additional documents follow as appendices
CWPC CFC Minutes 08/09/25 Page 5 of 8
Appendix A: Projects budgets update
Available project funds :-
PC projects :-
Natural play equipment £1,000
Total PC funded projects £1,000
Grants and donations :-
- Carried forward £1,335
- Additional grants and donations £0
Total grants and donations £1,335
Orchard budget :-
- Carried forward £576
- Additional sponsorship (2 trees) £80
Total Orchard funds £656
Expenditure of PC projects funds
- Allocated to dog area drainage £472
- Available for restoration work outside the dog area £258
Total PC funded projects £1,000 £1,000
Expenditure of grants or donations:-
Purchase of woodland and meadow bulbs and plugs 282
Unallocated £1,053
Total grant and donation funded projects £282 £1,053 £1,335
Expenditure of Orchard funds:-
2 replacement cherry trees ( subsequently died in drought) £18
Grease bands etc £100
2 replacement cherry trees £50
Unallocated £488
Total community orchard fund projects £18 638 £656
Appendix B: Maintenance budgets update
Allocation for contract mowing £1664
Allocation for inspections £100
Allocation for general maintenance £3,000
Earmarked 2024/5 dog drainage funds £358
Allocation from 2025/26 Projects budget for dog area drainage £742
CIL monies for dog area drainage £1,700
Allocation from 2025/26 Projects budget for restoration outside the dog area £130
Total £7,694
CWPC CFC Minutes 08/09/25 Page 6 of 8
Item Actual Estimate Total
Contract mowing (paths and picnic areas):-
April £208
May £208
June £115
July £208
August £416
September £208
October £208
Unallocated £93
Total contract mowing £739 £925 £1,664
Inspections:-
Annual cycle track inspection £100
Unallocated £0
Total inspections £100 £100
Other maintenance:-
Witham Third drainage rates £100
Volunteer fuel costs remaining budget (£900 allocated):- £900
Purchase of 10Kg bacterial blanket weed control £111
Fence posts (Oasis fence) £88
Drain maintenance £0
Meadow mowing and tedder hire £280
Hedge maintenance £0
Replacement gate post (oak) including delivery £210
Digger (inc auger) hire for gate post replacement £110
Gate furniture £50
Paint brush £10
Unallocated £1,141
Total other maintenance £589 £2,411 £3,000
Expenditure of PC dog area funds :-
- Plastic drains (Plastics express) 151
- Plastic drains (Sky plastics) 301
- Landscaping fabric (Easy Merchant) 361
- Gravel 1135
- Screwfix spray paint 34
- Digger and wacker hire £350
- AB (fuel for digger) 38
- PT claim for tractor use 310
- PT claim for tractor use 32
- BR claim for tractor use 88
Total dog area drainage maintenance £2,450 £350 £2,800
Expenditure of funds for restoration outside the dog area:-
Digger hire to reprofile the contemplative area bank £130
Total restoration outside of dog area £130 £130
Total 7,694
CWPC CFC Minutes 08/09/25 Page 7 of 8
Appendix C: Note of volunteer work undertaken between 6 July and 29 August 2025
Project development
No further project development work has been undertaken.
Maintenance
During the last eight weeks a wide range of maintenance tasks have been completed by the volunteer
group including :-
• Volunteers have continued pumping water from the reservoir to top up the lagoon whenever
opportunities arose
• Both the castle and fort woodwork have been painted with preservative
• The scramble trail and path to the delph have been made safe after the recent storm brought
down several older trees. Both willow tunnels have been trimmed and rewoven. Growth of low
hanging branches, briars and brambles on the woodland walk and cycle track have removed on a
regular basis. The section of hedge that was laid over the winter has regrown strongly and been
trimmed. Several dead trees (cherries and rowan) have been removed.
• Two vandalised trees have been felled and graffiti has been scrubbed off the riverside benches.
• Newly formed holes in the entrance track have been filled on several occasions and the most
used path from the car park resurfaced.
• The species rich meadows have been mown and the hay gathered into windrows for collection.
• The rotten entrance gate post has been replaced and both dog area pedestrian gate posts at the
eastern end have been repositioned after they moved over the past year.
• The Oasis fence has been fully restored and vehicle limiting posts have been installed next to the
entrance gate.
• The backfilled dog area drainage trenches have been restored and reseeded
• Primroses and cowslip plug plants for the October planting event have been delivered and are
being grown on.
Orchard
Several more of the recycled stakes holding up the fruit cages have snapped and needed replacing. The
fruit has been comprehensively thinned to improve its quality and chipped bark mulch has been spread
around a third of the trees.
Volunteer input (between 6 July and 29 August 2025)
Project development 0 person days
Maintenance 19.75 person days
Gate opening 5 person days
Total 24.75 person days
Appendix D: Project and maintenance work required over the coming months
Project development.
If the proposed “behind the hedge” path link to the Fenland Hideaway comes to fruition, it would
significantly improve the visitor experience to make a link to the path. In this case, an all ability means of
crossing the main drain will be required. Depending on the location selected, it may be possible for the
volunteers to construct this, but there will be a significant materials cost.
CWPC CFC Minutes 08/09/25 Page 8 of 8
Maintenance
The restoration of damage which occurred during the Witham Third District IDB dyke cleaning will
involve the hire of a digger for the day (including cleaning out the reservoir) and there may be an
opportunity to use up any spare time to upgrade drainage on the path south of the culvert bridge. And
restore the contemplative circle embankment.
The willow tunnels have gradually increased in height over the years and this winter may be a good time
to give both tunnels a more radical reshaping.
There have been a number of drought related fatalities amongst the more recently planted trees on the
flat, southern area of Cottage Pastures. It is proposed to undertake a detailed audit and replace the
losses this autumn with birch trees, which appear to be better able to survive long dry spells.
Resurfacing a muddy section of woodland walk near the NE access would improve winter safety.
Materials are already in stock.
The dog area drainage work has created a new seasonal pond, two new mounds and a horseshoe
shaped pile of subsoil. All of these need to be “naturalised” :-
• The soil mounds will be difficult to mow, so it is proposed to plant native shrubs to extend the
woodland edges in these areas.
• The point at which the plastic drain enters the new pond is rather unsightly and consideration
could be given to building a drystone revetment at this point. This will require a source of large
limestone blocks to be identified.
• The soil dumped near the horseshoe needs to be profiled – a digger will cost £130 a day. An
opportunity could be taken to restore these areas with native wildflower seed and shrubs. There
will be no cost for shrubs but purchasing seed may require around £100.
There are some ruts on the bike track that need filling with compacted sweepings.
The cycle rack fixings and the timbers of the castle and fort need checking in line with the findings of the
recent annual inspection and action taken as required.
Community orchard
Although a stockpile of bark mulch has now been obtained, as it is used up, opportunities to acquire
additional free material should still be taken if tree surgeons are working in the village.
The baskets used to protect the fruit trees from mower and deer damage are held in place by recycled
tree stakes. As they age, sturdy recycled stakes are becoming more difficult to find and fairly soon it may
be necessary to purchase new replacements.
Further background work on the merits of pheromone traps as an easier alternative to grease bands
suggests that as they are short lived and different tree groups (apples, pears, prunus etc) require
separate traps, they may be significantly more costly. In addition, the RHS recommends that they are
best employed as monitors of pest activity levels rather than protective measures.
Throughout the past year the volunteers have pruned the fruit trees and thinned the crop, but as time
progresses, it will become increasingly important to have a dedicated orchard “manager”. It might
therefore be worth considering rerunning the Cherry News and Facebook advertisement.