Love Melksham column

This week my love for Melksham is written from an autumnal bench under a golden tree surrounded by the tranquil leafy surroundings of the lovely Shurnhold Fields.

This brilliant green space is a few hundred yards west of the train station and is what used to be the George Ward School playing field. When the houses were built to create George Ward Gardens, the field, which lies either side of the border of Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council, was taken on as a joint project by both councils in 2017.

Since then, and with the help of the wonderful volunteers of the Friends of Shurnhold Fields, the space has developed into a haven for wildlife, walkers and anyone who appreciates a peaceful moment with nature.

When you arrive here (on foot, on the bus or via the very smart new car park) there is the lovely moment of emerging into the big open space, breathing in the fresh clean air and heading off around the grassy path. I join the unspoken agreement to walk clockwise round the fields, following the families and dog walkers enjoying the space, drinking in the natural beauty and earthy autumn air.

Hand drawn information boards, by community artist Maralyn Trew, explain that the many newly planted trees are a memorial woodland for 200 fallen World War I soldiers from the Melksham area.

A helpfully mown path allows a mini wander off the main track to explore the bold splashes of golden leaves shimmering in the tall grass.

The gently meandering stream of Southbrook borders the top of the field and little pathways invite exploration of these wilder areas, thick with leafy trees and rich with birds. The amount of trilling birdsong warrants a click on the Merlin app and within minutes I’ve recorded a meadow pipit, a hawfinch and a grey wagtail. This winding stretch of Southbrook provides fascinating geographical lessons as it is what Mr Wood – my previous teacher at George Ward School – calls a ‘living stream,’ which creates what appears to be almost an oxbow lake.

Another mini forest of saplings fill the field to the east, making up the community orchard full of species called lovely names like Byford Wonder, Sweeney Nonpareil and Jargonnelle Pear, planted by Shaw Primary School children. These are followed by the wildflower meadow towards the end of the circuit, in which two levels of planting provide nurturing habitats for different types of wildflowers, as well as some cleverly designed flood management.

The Friends of Shurnhold Fields play an integral role in keeping this splendid area so lovely. The friendly volunteers plant trees, take care of picnic tables and memorial benches, pick litter, mow the paths, install bird boxes, manage the hibernaculum (for small creatures) and arrange an annual Easter egg hunt in the fields. They are on Facebook where you can see some lovely pictures, find out more and sign up to help!

Grab a friend, your dog or simply a half hour on your own and wander over to Shurnhold Fields to discover another green and glorious reason to Love Melksham!