Community survey: Summer management of The Forty
Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey.
The outcome of the survey was in favour of the summer meadow management plan (74% in support of meadow management; 157 responses received). Having considered the results, the Parish Council decided to continue with summer meadow management of the Forty, rather than mowing, at its meeting on 21st January 2026. Borders around the edge, a central avenue to the memorial and other pathways will continue to be mown throughout the summer. Suggestions made by residents in the survey were considered and it was agreed to revisit educational signage about the project and to provide a bench on the Forty. It was noted that, with this type of meadow management approach, the percentage of grasses are likely to decrease and the percentage of wild flowers increase over time.
Survey results can be found below (the full report can be found in the January 21st Agenda Pack):
Questions 1 and 2 asked respondents how they would like the Forty to be managed (summer meadow, summer mowing, or no strong preference).
In response to Question 1, of the 157 respondents, 74% responded that they would prefer summer meadow management (i.e. ‘no mow’ except for paths and border around the edge until the end of July); 24% would prefer regular mowing in June and July after buttercup time; and 2% did not feel strongly either way.
74 free-text comments were then received under Question 2, which provided space for comments following Question 1. These cannot be made public for confidentiality reasons but a copy (redacted as necessary to maintain anonymity) was provided separately to Councillors in confidence, to assist in their decision making.
Questions 3-6 provide demographic information about the 157 respondents, e.g.
68% of respondents are working; 21% are retired
62% of respondents are aged 19-54; 31% are aged 55 or over (7% prefer not to say)
The Clerk has used AI (ChatGPT) to produce the below summary of the comments received under Question 2:
Management of The Forty – Summary of Survey Responses
Consultation Context
- Total electorate: ~3,500 residents
- Survey responses received: 157 (~4.5% of electorate)
- The response rate is typical for a voluntary parish-level consultation (for comparison, response rates to previous Parish Council surveys: Recreation Ground Path June 2024: 204 responses; A329 crossing November 2024: 132 responses – Clerk); however, it does not provide a statistically representative cross-section of all residents.
- Responses demonstrate strong engagement and detailed views among participants, but a majority of residents did not participate.
- Results should be considered alongside ecological data, professional advice, and other evidence when determining next steps.
Summary of Responses
The survey demonstrated a range of strongly held and, in some cases, opposing views among respondents.
- Support for summer meadow (Option 1): A majority of respondents expressed support for continuing the summer meadow approach. Key reasons cited included biodiversity benefits, enhanced habitat for insects, birds, and plants, educational and recreational value for children, visual interest, and appreciation for volunteer involvement. Some respondents noted improved access via defined mown paths and borders.
- Support for regular mowing (Option 2): A smaller but significant group of respondents preferred a return to regular summer mowing, emphasizing the appearance and function of The Forty as the village’s central green. Concerns included untidiness, impact on the war memorial, reduced usability, accessibility issues, fire risk, and health concerns such as hay fever. Some questioned the appropriateness of a meadow at such a prominent village location.
- Compromise approaches: Several respondents suggested hybrid solutions, such as combining mown paths or seating areas with meadow sections, structured planting using native species, and interpretive signage to explain biodiversity benefits. Clear communication and active management were highlighted as essential to avoid perceptions of neglect.
- Overall observation: Responses reflect a tension between maintaining a traditional village green aesthetic and adopting environmentally beneficial management practices. While opinions are strongly held among respondents, the survey does not represent the views of the entire electorate.
Headline Findings
- Majority of respondents support the summer meadow approach for biodiversity and visual appeal.
- A notable minority prefer regular mowing to maintain a formal village green appearance.
- Compromise solutions, such as partial mowing and clear paths, were suggested.
- The Forty is widely regarded as a key and symbolic village space, requiring visible and careful management.
- The survey indicates strong engagement among respondents, but the low response rate means views may not reflect the wider electorate.
