Bull Meadow: 22 acres of land bought by community

Bull Meadow - located just off the A38 before driving into Fernhill Heath - was originally agricultural land before it was taken over by residents.

This land is designated for public use and has been purchased to protect the 22 acres.

Residents donated money while Claines Parish Council also paid a large sum towards the purchase as well as applied for grants.

The full total is believed to have cost in the hundreds of thousands of pounds though a precise figure has not been revealed.

Events were also held to raise funds including a fashion show and family events.

Megan Farmer, chair of Claines Parish Council, said: "It is a wonderful open space to go to. 

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TRANSFORMATION: Before and after of the land (Image: Megan Farmer)

"It will be a space where children can still play and kick a ball.

"It is a place where children can still be children.

"There won't be a carpark so people can walk there.

"It looks a bit of a mess at the moment but the more you go up there, the more you love it."

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Cllr Farmer said so much has already been done in the past 12 months, but they have big plans which will fully come to fruition in about ten years.

They include an orchard, pond and other plants to attract wildlife.

So far, trees have been planted by school children and they are soon to make bug hotels and other items to encourage wildlife.

The orchard has also been planted with trees which will grow apples, pears, damsons and greengage in a few years' time. 

Other plants, like 5,000 native snowdrops and daffodils and hedgerows, have also been planted.

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WORK BEGINS: A pond is being built on the land (Image: Megan Farmer)

Money can also be donated towards benches or trees in memory of people, and groups like the Women's Institute have already donated towards the project.

Currently, a path is being dug out in the area to enable access, and ponds are being dug out.

Cllr Farmer added: "It is there to protect the village from buildings going there and we have done so much in the past 12 months.

"It was supposed to be a 30-year project, and I thought I would not be able to see this.

"Now it will hopefully be finished in under ten."