Villagers and wildlife make the most of Evergreen Meadow

Community land between Shaw and Whitley has been a ‘popular’ spot for many villagers after a local couple purchased the area to save it from development.

Last year, the five-acre land, known as Evergreen Meadow, was purchased by Shaw residents, Mike and Leila Sarson-Rowe, who wanted to keep the space for community use, after people were worried it would be developed into houses and the two villages would become one suburb.

“Both villages are separate in character,” explained Mike last year, when the couple purchased the land. He said, “Our slogan is providing easier access to nicer outside space.”

After Mike and Leila purchased the land, a group of about 20 volunteers helped clear brambles from the meadow and make an easier access pathway.

“The community open space has been enjoyed by many villagers this year, with and without dogs,” says Mike. “The wildflowers and grasses are still beautiful and it is a place for wildlife, including the occasional deer. Later in the year, we hope to sow more wildflower seeds to increase biodiversity for future years.”

Meanwhile, they are growing a substantial crop of potatoes, which will soon be offered for sale in aid of Whitley Stores, which recently opened in the Pear Tree Inn’s car park.

Mike and Leila have also taken on other community-minded initiatives and have been running a tea and coffee morning at Christ Church in Shaw every Monday after the school drop-off. The hot drinks are free, although they do invite donations, which go into the church’s charity pot.

This will continue until Monday 22nd July. “Anyone is welcome to drop in between 8.45am and 10am for a drink and a chat, either this term or when school restarts in September,” says Mike.