The Glebe Field is nestled between the Parish Church and the Clunch Pit, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It has been used as common land for at least a century, and it is thought that it has never been cultivated. The field was described on the Chicheley Estate map of 1686 as the ‘The Furlong on the backside of the Church’. In recognition of the rich diversity of flora of the ancient chalk grassland meadow it has recently been designated as a County Wildlife Site by the Wildlife Trust.
From the top of the field it is possible to see the gothic folly at Wimpole Hall. Constructed of clunch, it was designed by architect Sanderson Miller and built under the direction of Capability Brown in 1769.
With views over open countryside, the church, churchyard and burial ground, the Glebe Field has provided a special site for contemplation for generations.
Saved in perpetuity for the Village
The village recently had a very successful fundraising campaign which raised enough money to buy the Glebe Field and Paddock. It will guarantee that they are never built on and remain open green spaces in perpetuity.
This has been made possible thanks to the wonderful generosity of people in the village and a large grant from the Amey Community Foundation. Over 100 people kindly provided comments in the survey in support.
The intention is to preserve the Glebe Field exactly as it is and the funding will enable this. We also have sufficient funds to buy the Paddock – the field at the bottom of the Glebe Field which leads to Fishers Lane. At the moment there is no public access to this area and we want to change this, creating a path connecting the Glebe Field to a new entrance on Fishers Lane. We will replace the wooden five-bar gate which is permanently locked with a kissing gate and specially designed gate to allow disabled access. It will include lettering to commemorate the purchase of the land for the village and a plaque near the entrance will record names of donors. An interpretation panel, similar to the one in the Clunch Pit, will provide details of the flora and fauna and history of the area.
Guided by expert advice and an environmental management plan we will plant an avenue of trees along the new path, create a wildlife pond and wildflower area, install bird and insect boxes, plant hedges, restore the ancient well and provide a picnic table and benches.
In addition to preserving the Glebe Field and ensuring we can all enjoy the wonderful views, and protect the flora and fauna, we also have the opportunity to enhance the environment and improve biodiversity. The funding raise will enable us to plant trees and hedgerows as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Initiative to mark her Platinum Jubilee, install bird boxes and create wildlife habitats.
New footpath
The funding will also enable us to create a path with access from Fishers Lane through the paddock to the Glebe Field. A kissing gate would be installed on Fishers Lane including a specially designed gate to allow disabled access. It would include lettering to commemorate the purchase of the land for the village and a plaque near the entrance would record names of donors. An interpretation panel, similar to the one in the Clunch Pit, which the Bishop of Ely unveiled last May, would provide details of the flora and fauna and history of the area.
Restoration of Orwell’s ancient well
Just inside the paddock by the Fishers Lane entrance is an ancient well, fed by one of Orwell’s precious chalk springs. It is in a poor state of repair and would be restored – very fittingly given that our village owes its location to these springs and it has been suggested that the name derives from the well. An oak bench will be installed in the paddock, and in due course, a seat and picnic table under the magnificent large trees at bottom of the Glebe Field would provide a tranquil place to relax in the heart of the village.
This has been made possible by the Diocese of Ely kindly agreeing to sell the land to us as agricultural grade and not land for development. This is approximately 5 acres for villagers and visitors to enjoy.
A selection of comments about the Glebe Field
The Glebe Field has been a wonderful resource for the people of Orwell during the 42 years in which we have lived here. It is exceptionally beautiful in Spring and a lovely place in which to walk during all seasons. Without it Orwell would not be Orwell.
It is such a fantastic green open space and it would be devastating if people can no longer walk there and enjoy it. My family – me, my husband and three children have had the pleasure of enjoying Glebe Field, really as part and parcel with the protected Clunch Pit. The children have grown up with it over the last 25 years, walking, playing, walking the dog(s) and tobogganing in the winter snow! Please keep it for everyone to enjoy!
As Barrington has its signature village green, so Orwell should keep its ancient heritage of the Glebe Field and Clunch Pit. Fundamental to the identity of the village it provides an escape to the natural world to give balance to life’s practical challenges. Of great benefit to the wellbeing of all, preserving The Glebe Field must be a priority.
Glebe field is so important to the culture and social points of our village. We’re had social events to share with the village. It’s a place of peace and quiet, reflection to take a walk in the fields where you live and sit, look out on the views and enjoy the animals grazing or children playing through all the seasons. We simply cannot take any chance of losing this beautiful place.
The Glebe Field in Orwell is one of my favourite spots in the entire world; the wonderful views, the contemplation it inspires and the surrounding nature. It has been there my entire life and is something I hope will be there for many many generations to come. We are so very lucky to have a spot like this in our village and it’s something we need to keep close and in PUBLIC ownership.
Ancient flora in an unploughed field – it is rare in East Anglia to have pasture dating back to Medieval times and should be preserved. It is part of the original village structure alongside the orchard and provides great access to walkers, nature lovers, a safe space away from traffic for children to observe nature and play in the countryside.
It’s so beautiful and a joy to walk through at all times of year. I see so much flora and fauna as I walk through. We are privileged indeed to have such an enchanting space close to our homes. My husband is buried in the adjacent burial ground. The glebe field is a precious and unique surround and I hope that it can be preserved in perpetuity.
The Glebe Field offers great views of the surrounding countryside, including a view over to the Folly in the Wimpole estate, which make it a perfect space for enjoying a cuppa and unwinding – an invaluable benefit to my mental health since the pandemic. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors, have a chat with passers-by and discover the natural treasures lurking in amongst the wildflowers that cover the field for a good portion of the year. My wife and I enjoy it so much that we chose to have our wedding photos shot there. Long may it remain a special green space for the community of Orwell and beyond to enjoy!
It is vital in maintaining biodiversity in the area. In a time of climate change we need to preserve our green spaces for further generations.
I love going there, it’s become my ‘happy Place’. When I go there, I can forget all my worries. It’s so peaceful.
If you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque to Orwell Parish Council (marked Glebe Field fund), Orwell Village Hall, The High Street, Orwell SG8 5QN, or ask for details for direct payments, clerk@orwellparishcouncil.co.uk.
