News
DIG THIS NOVEMBER 2025 - FEBRUARY 2026
Saturday 1st November 2025
Newsfeeds
We hope you find the newsfeeds of interest.
The next updates will take place on 1 February 2026.
Making us look good: There are wooden planters and ceramic pots dotted around the estate that were provided by the developer of The Old Meadow to enhance sales and to discourage illegal parking. After weathering some wooden planters had become dilapidated, and we replaced them with ceramic pots no longer being utilised on the estate. We will be replacing other damaged planters with ceramic pots in the near future to continue to smarten up the estate. Previously members of the ‘Friends of The Old Meadow’ (FoTOM) had lent their support but sadly interest has waned over the years. The group could be resurrected but it needs persuasive leadership.
Dan, our estate grounds man has done an excellent job keeping hedges around the estate clipped back enabling visibility at junctions and tidying the shrubs and greenery along the frontages of the apartments as well as along the riverbank border. We are aware that the box hedging has been decimated by the box moth and spraying has been carried out to save what we can. The good news is that in some cases box can revive over time.
Tree surgery: This winter pruning of trees that are growing vigorously across the estate is needed and quotes are being sought from tree surgeons. The necessary removal of various trees in the north and south gardens – whose roots caused serious damage to the paths – has been successful and we are now waiting for a specialist contractor to remove the roots before the paths can be repaired.
Bamboo progress: Recent publicity regarding the vigorous growth and spread of bamboo in general has concerned some residents whose gardens abut these areas. We have been assured by The Knotweed Company (who have treated the bamboo) that the situation is being closely monitored. The treatment of the bamboo is ongoing until 2028, meanwhile we will soon be able to plant up most treated areas.
Preparing for replanting in the north and south gardens: Preparation of the ground for planting is well under way after a digger was used earlier in October to clear dead plants from the gardens. This was done under the direction of Sebastian, Charles and our resident co-opted garden advisor David. We are mindful of costs and care was taken to retain plants for use elsewhere. This is a long-term project but the planting programme will begin ASAP.
We are pleased that we continue to receive positive feedback about work carried out by the gardeners, Sebastian and Charles and Dan who looks after the rest of the grounds.
Gerry Smith (RMC) and David Brown (co-opted as a gardening advisor to the RMC board).