Stokes Field is a local nature reserve, owned by Elmbridge Borough Council, in Long Ditton. It is just over 6 hectares in area and is a mixture of woodland and the remnants of meadows. There are several entrances to the site and many paths across it which are used by many of the locals, especially dog walkers. There are two ponds and several magnificent oak trees on the site.
Stokes Field is a valued green island in an area with limited access to the countryside or green spaces, due to dense housing development on three sides and the physical barrier of the A3 to the south.
The Lower Mole Countryside Trust, a registered charity, were left a legacy by a Lower Mole volunteer who lived locally to Stokes Field. The Trust’s Board agreed that it would like to spend the funds on work at Stokes Field. Elmbridge Borough Council showed their support, and offered to match the amount, mainly with gifts in kind. After meeting local representatives and individuals interested in the future of Stokes Field, work started on the the process of improving the area, including updating entrances, repairing fences, surfacing paths to create a circular all weather route, a pond dipping platform to allow school groups safe access to one of the ponds and benches. Plus habitat management work, including scrub clearance to restore meadow areas and management of the woodland.
Most of the work was to be carried out by the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project’s volunteers in conjunction with Elmbridge Borough Council’s Countryside team and would aim to involve local people in the practical tasks. The intention would be that by the end of the life of this scheme a small group of interested local people would be able to carry on the work of looking after the site.
The Lower Mole Countryside Trust has been involved in a similar way to this with another Elmbridge Borough Council site, Hersham Riverside, please visit our website at www.lowermolecountrysidetrust.com for more information about this.
If you would like to be involved in this project please contact Helen Cocker at the Trust on 01372 743783 or email mole.trust@surreycc.go.uk.
