Luccombe Parish Council’s request to the National Trust for some land for a children’s play area in the village has become a bigger project.
The parish council’s pursuit of a play area for children was a response to the arrival of several families with young children in recent years.
Having recovered 1.7 ha of pasture from Wychanger Barton, the National Trust has decided to create an orchard in this space, along with the proposed children’s play area.
Work has already begun to set out where a range of fruit trees will be planted in the area. There will also be a pond that will be fed by a stream coming down from the hill. Villagers and the public will be free to access and enjoy the rewilded open space.
Part of the project will set aside land for a children’s play area. The parish council welcomes suggestions as to what equipment or facilities should be available and will make the area an attractive and safe place for children in the village.
The maps and archaeological study attached define the area. The archaeological study was commissioned by the National Trust. The study concludes that the archaeological value is low consisting of anciently enclosed land, modified 17th to 19th century. The wider landscape shows significant evidence of prehistoric activity. The more immediate environs reflect medieval and post-medieval agricultural activity and settlement alongside industrial (mining and quarrying) activity probably associated with iron ore mining on Knoll Top.
Geophysical Survey Report | Wychanger Orchard Planting Areas