Duncan Down
Encyclopedia
Duncan Down is an open, public, area to the south west of Whitstable and is the largest village green in the United Kingdom. It is a 19 hectare (47 acre) area of grass and woodland incorporating two ponds and a brook.
The area is maintained by the Friends of Duncan Down with assistance from Canterbury City Council and has received a grant from the Lottery Breathing Places programme.
Originally intended for housing development in the inter-war years it is now protected by its village green
status.
but during the war the government directed that they should undergo cultivation and flax
and other crops were planted. After the war the area remained under cultivation, mainly for hay until problems of vandalism made continued use unprofitable. Throughout the 1980's Canterbury City Council provided minimal management of the area manly consisting of grass cutting and rubbish removal.
Since the 1960's four village greens have been registered. These, together, now comprise the area known by the name: Duncan Down. The first, VG124, an area of scrub and woodland to the northeast of the site was registered in 1969. The second area, originally cultivated farmland, which forms the major part of the site was registered in 1992. The third and fourth areas, VG240 and VG256, both woodland, were registered in 2007 and 2011 respectively.
Grass types present include perennial rye, sheep's fescue
, sweet vernal, and timothy
.
Flowering plants within the grassland areas include: birdsfoot trefoil, buttercup, clover
, flax
, ox-eye daisy, and vetch. The clover is of particular importance as bacteria within the root system fix nitrogen in the soil which is then used by other plants. Poppies
appear occasionally but are rare as the soil is not disturbed.
Slow Worms and lizards are found within the grassland existing on insects and slugs.
and sycamore
. Naturally occurring shrubs include blackthorn
, dog rose
, hawthorn
(also known as sloe, and blackberry
(bramble
). As the scrubland matures areas of it are cut back leaving semi-mature trees standing. In some areas, clearings are made and various native species are planted. Bird ringing is undertaken at this location to assist in research into the behaviour, particularly migratory patterns, of the resident birds.
remaining near the town of Whitstable
.
The oak
is the predominant species of tree forming the woodland but yew
and holly
, both of which can survive below the canopy of oak leaves are in evidence. Various other trees including field maple
and willow
can be found at the margins of the woods.
As evidence of its age, Benacre wood is host to large quantities of bluebells
in the spring. Other flowering plants present include primrose
, snowdrop
, and celandine
. Non flowering plants include ivy
. Various fungi are present including bracket fungi which are largely responsible for the natural recycling of dead wood.
In 2011 an area of hawthorn was removed from Trench Wood and a collection of native tree species was planted.
Two ponds have been created to provide a more reliable source of water for the local wildlife. Frogs, newts, and toads have all been identified in the ponds and the margins provide reed
and rush
cover for the young froglets which are otherwise taken by various predators including birds and grass snakes.
The banks of the stream are home to a number of old willows which provide a home for woodpeckers. Bats
are also present in the older trees.
, mayfly
, and waterboatmen
(notonectidae).
, lizards, and some small rodents occupy the grassland.
, together with small mammals such as foxes, and rabbits are to be found in this habitat. Resident birds include blackbird, blue tit
, chaffinch
, great tit
, wood pigeon
, owls
, and woodpecker
. Bats
are also known to be present on the site.
Major maintenance activities include: regular grass cutting of the pathways, annual cutting of the grassland and removal of hay and clearance of areas of scrub that encroach on paths and grassland.
The friends of Duncan Down undertake responsibility for the provision and maintenance of various bridges across Gorrell Stream together with paths that provide access to the newer areas of the village green.
The area is maintained by the Friends of Duncan Down with assistance from Canterbury City Council and has received a grant from the Lottery Breathing Places programme.
Originally intended for housing development in the inter-war years it is now protected by its village green
Village green
A village green is a common open area which is a part of a settlement. Traditionally, such an area was often common grass land at the centre of a small agricultural settlement, used for grazing and sometimes for community events...
status.
History
At the beginning of the twentieth century a plan was produced that would have involved the development of a large part of the downs for housing. Two very small sections of this plan were built but the remaining sections were never implemented. Until world war II the downs were grasslandGrassland
Grasslands are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants . However, sedge and rush families can also be found. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica...
but during the war the government directed that they should undergo cultivation and flax
Flax
Flax is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent...
and other crops were planted. After the war the area remained under cultivation, mainly for hay until problems of vandalism made continued use unprofitable. Throughout the 1980's Canterbury City Council provided minimal management of the area manly consisting of grass cutting and rubbish removal.
Since the 1960's four village greens have been registered. These, together, now comprise the area known by the name: Duncan Down. The first, VG124, an area of scrub and woodland to the northeast of the site was registered in 1969. The second area, originally cultivated farmland, which forms the major part of the site was registered in 1992. The third and fourth areas, VG240 and VG256, both woodland, were registered in 2007 and 2011 respectively.
Ownership
The local council, Canterbury City Council is the main landowner. There are several plots of land under private ownership but the majority of the land has no registered owner.Grassland
Approximately one quarter of the area of the downs is set aside as grassland which provides food for insects, birds, and the significant rabbit population. Although this grassland would ideally be controlled by animal grazing, the lack of ruminants on the site means that an annual hay harvest is undertaken.Grass types present include perennial rye, sheep's fescue
Sheep's Fescue
Sheep's Fescue or Sheep Fescue is a species of grass.-General Description:It is a perennial plant sometimes found in acidic ground, for example in the Portlethen Moss, Scotland and mountain pasture, throughout Europe and eastwards across much of Asia; it has also been introduced to North...
, sweet vernal, and timothy
Timothy-grass
Timothy-grass , is an abundant perennial grass native to most of Europe except for the Mediterranean region. It grows to 50–150 cm tall, with leaves up to 45 cm long and 1 cm broad. The flowerhead is 7–15 cm long and 8–10 mm broad, with densely packed spikelets...
.
Flowering plants within the grassland areas include: birdsfoot trefoil, buttercup, clover
Clover
Clover , or trefoil, is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the leguminous pea family Fabaceae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution; the highest diversity is found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, but many species also occur in South America and Africa, including at high altitudes...
, flax
Flax
Flax is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent...
, ox-eye daisy, and vetch. The clover is of particular importance as bacteria within the root system fix nitrogen in the soil which is then used by other plants. Poppies
Poppy
A poppy is one of a group of a flowering plants in the poppy family, many of which are grown in gardens for their colorful flowers. Poppies are sometimes used for symbolic reasons, such as in remembrance of soldiers who have died during wartime....
appear occasionally but are rare as the soil is not disturbed.
Slow Worms and lizards are found within the grassland existing on insects and slugs.
Scrubland
Scrubland forms around one fifth of the downs and is an important feature of the assisted evolution of the site. It is the natural result of leaving an area uncultivated and consists of a broad mixture of native tree species, mainly oakOak
An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus , of which about 600 species exist. "Oak" may also appear in the names of species in related genera, notably Lithocarpus...
and sycamore
Sycamore
Sycamore is a name which is applied at various times and places to three very different types of trees, but with somewhat similar leaf forms....
. Naturally occurring shrubs include blackthorn
Blackthorn
Prunus spinosa is a species of Prunus native to Europe, western Asia, and locally in northwest Africa. It is also locally naturalised in New Zealand and eastern North America....
, dog rose
Dog Rose
Rosa canina is a variable scrambling rose species native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia....
, hawthorn
Hawthorn
- Plants :* Crataegus , a large genus of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae* Rhaphiolepis , a genus of about 15 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Rosaceae...
(also known as sloe, and blackberry
Blackberry
The blackberry is an edible fruit produced by any of several species in the Rubus genus of the Rosaceae family. The fruit is not a true berry; botanically it is termed an aggregate fruit, composed of small drupelets. The plants typically have biennial canes and perennial roots. Blackberries and...
(bramble
Bramble
Brambles are thorny plants of the genus Rubus, in the rose family . Bramble fruit is the fruit of any such plant, including the blackberry and raspberry. The word comes from Germanic *bram-bezi, whence also German Brombeere , Dutch Braam and French framboise...
). As the scrubland matures areas of it are cut back leaving semi-mature trees standing. In some areas, clearings are made and various native species are planted. Bird ringing is undertaken at this location to assist in research into the behaviour, particularly migratory patterns, of the resident birds.
Woodland
Approximately half of the down is woodland. There are three named woods: Trench Wood, Gorrell Wood, and Benacre Wood. Trench and Gorrel woods have formed over the last 50-60 years from scrub land but Benacre Wood is a remnant of an ancient forest that once covered around 1214 hectare (3000 acres) of the locality. Trench Wood is so named because of the defensive trench workings that remain from World War II, Gorrell Wood is named for the stream which runs through it and Benacre Wood is the last surviving part of an ancient bleanBlean
Blean is located in the Canterbury district of Kent, England. It is the name of the civil parish as well as the village within it: the latter is scattered along the road between Canterbury and Whitstable, in the middle of what was once the extensive Forest of Blean.The village name of Blean is...
remaining near the town of Whitstable
Whitstable
Whitstable is a seaside town in Northeast Kent, Southeast England. It is approximately north of the city of Canterbury and approximately west of the seaside town of Herne Bay. It is part of the City of Canterbury district and has a population of about 30,000.Whitstable is famous for its oysters,...
.
The oak
Oak
An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus , of which about 600 species exist. "Oak" may also appear in the names of species in related genera, notably Lithocarpus...
is the predominant species of tree forming the woodland but yew
Yew
-Botany:* Any of various coniferous trees and shrubs in the genus Taxus:** European Yew or Common Yew ** Pacific Yew or Western Yew ** Canadian Yew ** Chinese Yew...
and holly
Holly
Ilex) is a genus of 400 to 600 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. The species are evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones world wide....
, both of which can survive below the canopy of oak leaves are in evidence. Various other trees including field maple
Field Maple
Acer campestre, common name Field Maple, is a maple native to much of Europe, north to southern Scotland , Denmark, Poland and Belarus, and also southwest Asia from Turkey to the Caucasus, and north Africa in the Atlas Mountains...
and willow
Willow
Willows, sallows, and osiers form the genus Salix, around 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere...
can be found at the margins of the woods.
As evidence of its age, Benacre wood is host to large quantities of bluebells
Bluebell
-Plants:* genus Hyacinthoides** Common Bluebell ** Spanish Bluebell * genus Mertensia** Virginia Bluebell * Scottish Bluebell...
in the spring. Other flowering plants present include primrose
Primrose
-Botany:* Primulaceae, a family of flowering plants* Primula vulgaris, commonly known as the Primrose * Oenothera, commonly known as Evening Primrose, a plant genus...
, snowdrop
Snowdrop
Galanthus is a small genus of about 20 species of bulbous herbaceous plants in the Amaryllis family, subfamily Amaryllidoideae...
, and celandine
Celandine
Celandine is a common name for three species of flowers:*Greater celandine, Chelidonium majus, in the poppy family*Lesser celandine, Ranunculus ficaria, in the buttercup family*Celandine-poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum, in the poppy family...
. Non flowering plants include ivy
Ivy
Ivy, plural ivies is a genus of 12–15 species of evergreen climbing or ground-creeping woody plants in the family Araliaceae, native to western, central and southern Europe, Macaronesia, northwestern Africa and across central-southern Asia east to Japan and Taiwan.-Description:On level ground they...
. Various fungi are present including bracket fungi which are largely responsible for the natural recycling of dead wood.
In 2011 an area of hawthorn was removed from Trench Wood and a collection of native tree species was planted.
Stream and Ponds
The Gorrell Stream runs through the downs providing a valuable source of water. During the summer there is only a very slow flow of water which may dry up completely during dry periods. During the winter the flow can become torrential which keeps the channel clear.Two ponds have been created to provide a more reliable source of water for the local wildlife. Frogs, newts, and toads have all been identified in the ponds and the margins provide reed
Reed
- Musical instruments :* Single-reed instrument, a woodwind instrument that uses only one reed to produce sound* Double reed instrument, a woodwind instrument that uses two reeds to produce sound...
and rush
Rush
- United States :* Rush, Colorado* Rush, Kentucky* Rush, New York* Rush, Ohio* Rush City, Minnesota-People:* Rush, a nickname for Canadian mixed martial artist Georges St...
cover for the young froglets which are otherwise taken by various predators including birds and grass snakes.
The banks of the stream are home to a number of old willows which provide a home for woodpeckers. Bats
Bats
A bat is a flying mammal in the Chiroptera order.Bats may also refer to:-Films:*Bats , starring Lou Diamond Phillips and Bob Gunton*Bats: Human Harvest -Groups:...
are also present in the older trees.
Green flag award
The downs have been awarded a green flag indicating a well maintained and cared for public green area.Ponds
The ponds support frogs, newts and toads. Insects present include dragonflyDragonfly
A dragonfly is a winged insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera . It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body...
, mayfly
Mayfly
Mayflies are insects which belong to the Order Ephemeroptera . They have been placed into an ancient group of insects termed the Palaeoptera, which also contains dragonflies and damselflies...
, and waterboatmen
Notonectidae
Notonectidae is a cosmopolitan family of aquatic insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly called backswimmers because they swim upside down. They are all predators, up to nearly 2 cm in size. They are similar in appearance to Corixidae , but can be separated by differences in their...
(notonectidae).
Grassland
Slow worms, Grass SnakesGrass Snake
The grass snake , sometimes called the ringed snake or water snake is a European non-venomous snake. It is often found near water and feeds almost exclusively on amphibians.-Etymology:...
, lizards, and some small rodents occupy the grassland.
Scrub and woodland
Various rodents including squirrels and miceMICE
-Fiction:*Mice , alien species in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*The Mice -Acronyms:* "Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions", facilities terminology for events...
, together with small mammals such as foxes, and rabbits are to be found in this habitat. Resident birds include blackbird, blue tit
Blue Tit
The Blue Tit is a 10.5 to 12 cm long passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. It is a widespread and common resident breeder throughout temperate and subarctic Europe and western Asia in deciduous or mixed woodlands...
, chaffinch
Chaffinch
The Chaffinch , also called by a wide variety of other names, is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.- Description :...
, great tit
Great Tit
The Great Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae. It is a widespread and common species throughout Europe, the Middle East, Central and Northern Asia, and parts of North Africa in any sort of woodland. It is generally resident, and most Great Tits do not migrate except in extremely...
, wood pigeon
Wood Pigeon
The Wood Pigeon is a species of bird in the Columba genus in the Columbidae family. It is a member of the dove and pigeon family Columbidae.- Distribution :...
, owls
OWLS
OWLS is a mnemonic used by general aviation airplane pilots to assess an unprepared surface for a precautionary landing.Like all mnemonics this check has become part of aviation culture and folklore.OWLS:* Obstacles* Wind direction...
, and woodpecker
Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are near passerine birds of the order Piciformes. They are one subfamily in the family Picidae, which also includes the piculets and wrynecks. They are found worldwide and include about 180 species....
. Bats
Bat
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera "hand" and pteron "wing") whose forelimbs form webbed wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. By contrast, other mammals said to fly, such as flying squirrels, gliding possums, and colugos, glide rather than fly,...
are also known to be present on the site.
Maintenance
The primary maintenance of the down is undertaken by Canterbury City Council through their contractor: Serco. In addition the 'Friends of Duncan Down' organise a wide variety of activities for the improvement of the area including monitoring of the site, planting of spring bulbs, minor maintenance and construction of seating benches.Major maintenance activities include: regular grass cutting of the pathways, annual cutting of the grassland and removal of hay and clearance of areas of scrub that encroach on paths and grassland.
The friends of Duncan Down undertake responsibility for the provision and maintenance of various bridges across Gorrell Stream together with paths that provide access to the newer areas of the village green.