Last week in Rye News we reported on plans for wildflower meadow planting on Rye’s Iron Salts. The article was widely discussed, not least on what the piece of land is actually called. Rye’s Deputy Mayor Pat Hughes says wildflowers can be part of the solution, but the land needs just simple mowing to allow locals and visitors to enjoy a much loved open space in the town centre.
I’m in favour of looking towards the wildflower planting being the understory to the orchard. This (the site of the putting green) was where Rye’s Wildflower Meadow Trust (I am one of the Trustees) was planning to install a small wildflower meadow. Initially Rother District Council was very keen but objections (by locals), including that such planting would spoil the look of the Salts, resulted in them turning down the proposal. Subsequently, Rother’s adoption of not mowing the Iron Salts created a horrible sight which was downright dangerous in the hot summer.
The state of the Iron Salts has been discussed by Rye Town Council and one of our key concerns was the loss of an area where people, old and young, could be active (who remembers playing football there?) or not (picnics or simply lazing about). We protested about failure to reinstate the goal posts (unlike on Bexhill’s Downs) and eventually a small goalpost was put in place on the Fair Salts. But the Fair Salts are not appropriate for casual activities; even though fairs are not as frequent as pre-Covid, they do still come (and the goalpost is removed) and this is still where Rye Bonfire takes place each November. Although the Society works hard at the clear up and the reseeding of the bonfire area it is very much dictated by the weather, and was very late this year with the heavy rain continuing into March.
The Rye Wildflower Meadow Trust was impressed by the work of Nigel Dunnett (remember the wonderful meadows at the Olympic Park?). Although an agricultural meadow could have a 80%/20% grass/flower mix he created seed mixes with little or no grass to avoid it inhibiting the flowers (especially on nutrient rich soils).
Rother DC’s decision to stop mowing the Iron Salts simply allowed grasses, particularly strong coarse ones, to proliferate and dominate. Please can the Iron Salts be simply regularly mowed, goal posts replaced and allowed to be a space for people to please themselves.
As for wild flowers, surely creating an understory for the orchard would be of huge benefit bringing bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The Rye Wildflower Meadow Trust would be happy to support it.
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Image Credits: Vic Vicarey .
I don’t always agree with Pat Huges,but she and the council are right, we have lost the football from the football and cricket Salts after 60 years,and to put up a goalpost on the fair Salts close by the footpath,is dangerous and ill judged by Rother parks, lets get the Iron salts,or old town salts as most of us are accustomed too, back like it used to be,an important recreational area,for all to enjoy in this town.
I totally agree with the comments concerning the future of the Rother iron works recreational salts field, in the previous years this field was used on a regular basis for many local events to many to mention.
Many years ago I objected to the skateboard ramp being built on the wrong side of the A259 trunk road, my objections before it was built was} this area of the field floods, there is also no safety crossing to access the public toilets which are across the road, the ice cream van is across the road, the children’s play area is across the road, did rother district council listen the answer is a big NO.
Now we have a hideous goal post on the fair salts right in front of a public footpath.
What is coming next I wonder surely a good start to maintain this field would be to mow the main area on a regular basis keeping the grass under control and then fill in the surrounding areas with a wild meadow area etc.
This community area is a complete eye sore for visitors and local residents.
The salts should be mown ready for all to enjoy their sport and even be ready for an event maybe,
Football goal reinstated and a great idea to have the wild flower meadow in with the apple trees ,
A few extra wildflowers could be planted on the sloping banks either side of the salts in between the trees maybe.
I have long advocated for the Town Salts to be returned to being a space for everyone and berated Rother District Council many times over the past few years regarding their neglect and ridiculous claims that the area was benefitting from ‘re-wilding’ by being left unmown and feral. There were times in the past when the small area which is now the Community Orchard would be crammed with families trying to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, whilst the main Salts, grass grown up way beyone knee height, remained deserted which is insane. I applaud those who have more ambition and insight for one of the only significant green spaces in Rye.
Good idea @James Fuggle – the banks are raised so may not be as saline. We’ll test. If OK we can plant wildflower plugs instead of seed. We have some available from a donor.
I totally agree with you all. The re- wilding looked so untidy.It should be a space for all to enjoy.
I used to play football on both the salts many years ago and find it absolutely crazy at what they have have done.
I love the mown paths through the long grass. Wavy hazy sunny buzzing. Especially now, this year, they have been slightly reconfigured and more accurately reflect the desire lines actually taken by people walking through/across. Yesterday there were two separate pairs of people picnicking in the middle of the grassy non-bonfire salts (iron salts?). As for wild flowers on the banks of the footpaths – there already are some established from early spring (plus the Alexanders are much loved by insects). I will admit to have warily watched the penalties being taken through the goal by the path, but usually the players are careful not to blast it while someone’s walking there. I’ve had more problems with the buckling footpath surface due to the tree roots than any football game. So in summary the whole thing is going quite well from my perspective.
Observing the old town salts today what has happened to the promises and ambitions of Rye town council to keep this important recreational are mowed, just like last year the weeds,and deadly ragwort are raising their ugly heads,amongst the overgrown grass.and once again it’s becoming an eyesore, for locals and visitors alike.