Cricket Field Copse

To the east of the pond and over the flood barrier lies a small copse. This was originally meant to be a meadow but for some reason plug plants wouldn’t take but this was resolved when Acomb Wood Meadow was cleared for development and the turf and topsoil transplanted here in 1993, a variety of around 220 saplings, including ash and birch with dog rose, hawthorn, buckthorn and willow (supplied by Ryedale District Council) were then planted creating a woodland edge.

Since late 2012 the Friends of Rawcliffe Meadows have been managing this within the site’s Scrub Management Plan to open up parts, coppice some trees and ensure a range of tree types and heights to encourage biodiversity.

In January 2014 students from Askham Bryan College offered to assist us with some coppicing to gain experience, and whilst the initial results may look shocking the stumps will regenerate and provide a range of storeys in the copse. It also allows some light in to the  undergrowth. The fence was replaced during the summer to ensure the cattle stayed out. In the winter of 2015 12 Hazel samplings were added to the solitary Elm one, and numerous Elder were cut back.