Volunteers join in annual cut of Barnard Castle's town centre hay meadow

VOLUNTEERS and onlookers were out in force as Barnard Castle’s town centre hay meadow was given its annual cut in the traditional style – using scythes.

The small plot, outside The Witham arts complex, is being developed to highlight how 90 per cent of the country’s hay meadows have disappeared since the Second World War, with about half of the remaining 900 hectares in upper Teesdale.

Volunteer Neil Diment described growth on the plot during the past 12 months as “luxuriant”. He said: “It is almost too much for a hay meadow. The vetch is really thick to mow.”

Yarrow had also spread widely across the plot this year. Mr Diment said the day spent scything the plot had captured people’s imagination.

“We have had people popping in and chatting to us, sharing memories and wanting to have a go,” he said.

He said the hay meadow plot is continuing to develop.

“Over the last year, we have been planting out varieties from (noted botanist) Margaret Bradshaw’s garden at Eggleston.” This has included Lady’s Mantle, ox-eye daisies and scabious.

“We would like to see more of those and we would like in future to get more of a hay meadow crop,” said Mr Diment.

It is also hoped interpretation boards and more events will be held on the meadow in the next 12 months.