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COUNDON WEDGE |
Adjacent to the village of Allesley lies the open spaces of
the area known as Coundon Wedge, so called because it forms a wedge of open
land between the built up residential areas of Coundon and
Allesley. Consisting of gently undulating farmland one of its attractive
features is the number of many mature trees, particularly at the south western
end. Coundon Wedge is in the City's important Green Belt.
Many of the fields are now mostly used for
pony grazing
Luckily the public has access to much of the Wedge. These
pastures with the shallow brook are popular with local
children. |
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The River Sherbourne 3 miles
from its source |
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In early summer the pastures are yellow with wild buttercups
and the untrimmed hawthorn hedges are able to produce a mass of white "May"
blossom.
Early
Summer |
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A new Woodland Cemetary for Allesley Church is being
developed in this pleasant field |
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New Woodland Cemetary Site |
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The wide fields behind the old Church of All Saints,
Allesley were the scene of archery practice after church by the bowmen of
Allesley in centuries past.
Handsome Oak and Horse Chestnut
Trees in the "wedge" field. |
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THE LANES |
The lovely quiet Staircase Lane (it is now a cul-de-sac)
forms the western boundary of Coundon Wedge. Still rather steep and narrow it
no doubt was at one time more difficult to travel along judging by its
name. The infrequency of vehicular traffic makes it ideal for
walking. |
Staircase Lane |
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Staircase
Lane |
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Staircase
Lane |
To the horror of lovers of this delightful piece of
countryside some years ago a new road was proposed splitting Coundon wedge in
half. This was for the benefit of a nearby national car manufacturer. A
strongly fought, and at times bitter, campaign was fought but as so often
happens progress triumphed over sentiment and the road was built. |
New road across Coundon Wedge
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Some householders on other roads in the area have benefited
by the reduced traffic but there is no doubt that the peace and tranquility of
Coundon Wedge has suffered from the noise of the speeding cars and heavy
lorries despite attempts to limit the problems by embankments. |
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NORTHFIELDS FARM |
The land to the west of Staircase Lane is part of the former
working farm known as Northfields Farm, now sadly vacated.
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Northfields Farm house (soon after
this the listed house was damaged in a mysterious fire and
demolished. |
In front of the house is a large park-like pasture field
with 3 huge specimen mature lime trees.
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Much of the land is lush water meadow pasture. Now, since
farming ceased, its only farming use is a hay crop taken by a nearby farmer.
Also the field hedgerows are no longer trimmed back so severely and the shrubs
are rapidly developing. |
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Running along the length of the land is a small stream, the
'young' River Sherbourne. Only about 3 miles from its source near Corley Moor
the stream usually runs shallow and clear but at times it becomes dirty and
deep when road drains pour storm water into it. Interesting birds seen
regularly are grey wagtails, wild ducks, moorhens and the occasional kingfisher
flashes along. |
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