Thornham Jubilee Meadow

Aim

To convert a 17-acre field owned by a local Charity into an environmentally friendly bio-diverse meadow with a selection of native trees.

Join us in creating a 17-acre wildflower meadow that will not only transform our community but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations and the environment. Our project is more than just a green space; it's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a real difference.

Here's what makes our project truly special:

1. Community Unity: Our small village community is unanimously behind this initiative. It's a rare occurrence when everyone comes together with a shared vision, and we have that unity.

2. Accessible Nature: We're not just creating a wildflower meadow; we're creating a sanctuary that's accessible to everyone through walkways. Families, individuals, and nature enthusiasts will have the chance to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the meadow up close.

3. Environmental Stewardship: Our project is a cornerstone in our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. We're planting trees and hedges to sequester carbon and contribute to a healthier planet.

4. Climate Change Mitigation: The meadow will serve as a natural carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change. By supporting our project, you're directly contributing to a more stable climate for future generations.

5. Enhanced Biodiversity: We aim to increase biodiversity by creating a welcoming habitat for animals, birds, insects, and a wide variety of wildflowers. Our meadow will be a haven for nature, fostering a thriving ecosystem right in our village.

6. Protection of Ground Nesting Birds: Ground-nesting birds often struggle to find safe places to raise their young. Our meadow will provide them with a protected environment where they can thrive.

7. Barn Owl Sanctuary: Barn owls are majestic creatures that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. We're very keen to provide them with a hunting and nesting area, ensuring their continued presence in our community.

8. Educational Opportunities: Beyond its natural attractions, our meadow will become a valuable educational resource. Schools, nature groups, and enthusiasts will have opportunities to learn about ecology, biodiversity, and conservation right on our doorstep.

By supporting our wildflower meadow project, you're not only investing in a greener, healthier, and more sustainable environment for our community but also playing a small part in the global effort to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. Your generosity will leave a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come. Together, we can make this vision a reality. 

Join us on this journey and help us create a brighter and more sustainable future today!

Who are we?

We are Thornham United Charities, which dates back to the Eighteenth Century, and our mission is to create a recreational haven for the residents of Thornham and those who visit our village.

Our dedicated team of six local Trustees, all volunteers, has embarked on a completely new mission. We've set our sights on converting a 17-acre field that, until a few years’ ago, was growing agricultural crop  for a local farmer. Now, given time and patience, we look forward to seeing a pattern of annual and perennial wildflowers growing among native trees. Memorial benches and picnic tables will be scattered across the meadow, offering a tranquil retreat for everybody to cherish.

But this target is not merely a dream; it's a well-supported reality. We've consulted with our village every step of the way, and their resounding support has fuelled our determination.

Our track record speaks for itself. Over the past 13 years, we've successfully managed and completed a Village Hall Project that is now a cornerstone of our village community.

The Meadow and its Memorial Trees represent the next stage in our project. Future aspirations, with the help of funding, include a bird hide and pond to enrich biodiversity even further.

Once this project is realized, Thornham will have a natural sanctuary of peace and serenity for present and future generations to enjoy.

Stretch Target

Our "Stretch Target" is to exceed our original goal. Any additional funds will be used to provide picnic benches on the meadow, creating spots where residents and visitors can relax in a natural environment.

Where will your support go? 

Your contributions will invigorate our project by providing a diverse array of mature, native trees carefully selected to thrive in the local soil and salt air conditions. These trees, varying in age, will quickly transform the aspect of the field, encouraging increased biodiversity. A large variety of plant species, flowers, animals, and insects will flourish here.

To ensure the success of this long-term endeavour, an experienced local environmentalist with over 20 years of experience will professionally oversee the project.

Our Story

We have long wanted to do something for the community with our Charity field. The expiry of the lease at the end of last year allowed us to turn our vision into a reality. We held public meetings, sent questionnaires to our community, and received an encouraging, "Go Ahead!"

Our journey has already begun. We've planted 500 young trees along the boundary and installed safety fencing. The community has sponsored 20 small nest boxes and two boxes for barn owls. We've also raised funds to seed the field with wildflowers.

Your contribution to our crowd funding project will allow us to plant the area with native trees, creating a rich and balanced environment for all.

Situated adjacent to the Village Hall and Playing Field, our field, combined with its surroundings, covers a large area of 26 acres, dedicated to the village's long term enjoyment.

Rewards

As a token of our gratitude for your support, we have rewards to offer:

- Pledge £200 or more, and we'll plant a native tree of your choice from our selected list, complete with an engraved memorial plaque.

- Pledge £100 or more, will allow us to plant a sapling.

- Pledge £50 or more, and you'll receive a small, mixed bag of wildflower seeds.

Join us in making this ambitious project come true. Your contribution will make a real difference to the village and leave a lasting legacy of biodiversity, and community for generations to come. Together, we can make Thornham even more special. 

Donate today and be a part of our story.

This project successfully funded on 30th October 2023