OTTERHEAD ESTATE TRUST UPDATES 2009

Spring 2009

As readers will probably be aware, the Otterhead Estate Trust is a not-for-profit company which has been established to manage the core area of the old Otterhead estate under the terms of a lease from the landowners - Wessex Water. The Trust intends to continue to primarily manage the estate as a nature reserve, conserving its historic features andencourage its responsible use by walkers allowing the public to enjoy its special atmosphere.

The trust currently relies heavily upon volunteers to carry out essential maintenance (footpath clearance, etc.) but in the longer term it will be necessary to undertake more major works of repair such as stabilising the walls of the former walled walled garden and to improve facilities particularly access for the disabled. The only possible way in which this can be financed is by obtaining grant aid. The Trust, therefore, urgently needs to recruit someone with appropriate skills ans time who would be willing, on a voluntary basis, to prepare and submit bids for such grants. Although this work would be unpaid, the Trust would be happy to pay any modest expenses.

If you are interested in helping the conservation of this marvellous local amenity in this way, would you please telephone the Trust on 01297 33944 or 01823 680554 or email otterheadestate@aol.com.

We were very sorry that the snowdrop walk had to be cancelled because of snow, however, we are organising a Spring Walk on Sunday 3rd May (meet at the car park at 2pm) with tea and cakes afterwards at the coach house Adults £3; Children free. Everyone most welcome but please bring boots and wet weather gear if the weather looks bad. We are anxious to expand our Friends of Otterhead group so if anyone is interested and would like further details, please visit the Friends of Otterhead page on this website.

The Trust wishes to say a big thank you fo Councillor Ross Henley for allocating us a grant from his community fund; this was very much appreciated.

Winter 2009

A New Year at Otterhead, and the Steering Group and Estate Trust hope to push on with more clearance and sensitive restoration. The Midweek Volunteers will be putting in another day in March clearing Laurel. A working party made a good start on pruning back the Laurel hedge by the drive, and work has been continuing to get this back into shape. Some of the Ash and Sycamore is being felled in the walled garden, and around the coach house yard. Work is also continuing to remove Rhododendron ponticum, to allow some of the species Rhododendrons more room. The brick steps by the walled garden have been repaired, and we should be able to start work on the walls of the coach house yard with funding help from Somerset Gardens Trust.

The snowdrops will be pushing up when you read this so we are organising another Snowdrop Walk, following the very successful one in 2008. This will take place on Saturday 7th February at 1.30pm, meeting in the car park, wearing suitable footwear as some parts are very muddy. There will be hot drinks and cakes at the Coach House, together with early photos of Otterhead House and gardens. Cost - Adults £3, children free. Do come and join us for an interesting afternoon, and to share your memories of the estate, find out about future plans, or voice any concerns you may have. We look forward to meeting you.