RATS Stints 28-30

RATS TEMPLE STINT 28

Date: 2nd February 2011

Observers: Brian Verity, Terry Sheppard and Marion Vincent

Location: Field accessed from private driveway to Southfield Farm

OS Ref: SK5781311918-SK5779112035

Map Title: Site 209 Cecily Croft/207 Great Close

Owners; Tony Cooper, Southfield Farm, Rothley

We continue in Cecily Croft until we reach the gate at 22metres into Stint 28b and then cross back into Site 207 Great Close. The hedgerow continues as before with the addition of holly and modern trees prunus sp.

In the remaining 8 metres of Stint 28b we still keep the hedgerow with the addition of young Oaks, maple and layered hawthorn with blackthorn.

An old footbridge crosses the ditch as part of the Public Footpath with a lovely slab of slate.

12 metres before the end of this stint we turn a gentle right turn but still keeping alongside the hedgerow. In this part of the ditch, when viewed from Site 209 Cecily Croft, you can see stones that build up the bank. There are also remnants of parkland railings.

We now have to find out where we turn across Great Close as there is no evidence of the ancient boundary. Terry to study the old maps!

RATS TEMPLE STINT 29

Date:2nd February 2011 and 30th March 2011

Observers: Brian Verity, Terry Sheppard and Marion Vincent

Location: Site accessed from the driveway to Southfield Farm, Rothley

OS Ref: SK5779012057-SK5770212069

Map Title: Site 207 Great Close

Owners: Tony Cooper, Southfield farm, Rothley

The first part of this stint continues along the hedgerow as in Stint 28 but at 29b we strike out across Great Close towards Great Close Spinney. We skirt an ancient oak and a group of three trees and curves round gently easing towards the spinney. No hedgerow for Stints 29b, c and d so cannot do a date for this stretch.

RATS TEMPLE STINT 30

Date: 30th March 2011

Observers: Brian Verity, Terry Sheppard and Marion Vincent

Location: Site accessed from the driveway to Southfield Farm, Rothley

OS Ref: SK5770212069-SK5758612090

Map Title: Site 207 Great Close

Owners: Tony Cooper, Southfield Farm, Rothley

Stint 30 runs through Great Close and turns towards Great Close Spinney. No hedgerow.

To continue to Stints 31-33 please click on the following link: