Monthly Update - June 2024
On our kitchen wall there’s a list of jobs to be done around Rushall Farm, written clearly for all to see. One so far untouched was “Refurbish the Amphitheatre”. Situated in an old swallow hole, the steep banks had been terraced by scouts camping in the adjoining field years ago, using timber from the surrounding woodland. There are a number of swallow holes on the farm. The biggest one is both fascinating and mysterious to see, as a stream of water from the surrounding woodland disappears just as though you have pulled the plug on the bath. Over many years the slightly acidic nature of this water erodes the soft upper chalk, making the hole much bigger. The chalk fills up and supplies us here through our own borehole, while for Bradfield water is pumped by Thames Water straight from the chalk below a field just north of the village.
The work to be done is in a beautiful spot; ideal for camp fires and accompanying singing, also as a quiet place on a woodland walk for children to reflect and consider the special place it is for plants, birds, animals, reptiles, insects, butterflies and moths, not forgetting the very rare Drab Looper moth.
Now, though, the job needed doing! Well, Monday last week Thatcham Green Gym came and dismantled the rotting timber, pulling all the nettles from the surrounding area. We had already obtained the treated soft wood sleepers and posts to make up the seating. The following day 20 volunteers from the West Berkshire Countryside Society arrived. Ten were commandeered on construction, two were on fire duties burning the huge heaps of nettles, and the rest cleared fallen trees around the edge, and other paths. Oh, and one built a very substantial structure to protect an important Hazel coppice while another disappeared to check newly planted trees, clearing bracken around the base of each. By 2.30 the amphitheatre was finished, an ideal opportunity for a group photo. And for me? Relief and gratitude that the cavalry had come to my rescue and the list had been reduced by one item!
Two days later children came, ready to perform in their talent show and enjoy marshmallows around a camp fire. It had been a wet camp, and this was the last night. They were so excited as they arrived, after walking from Rushall Manor. The light was fading, the fire burning and the theatre was ready for action…certainly an evening to remember!
John Bishop