The Howe

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Dec 2023 - Howe Trust Volunteers working with the Oxford Conservation Volunteers (OCV) group to reduce a large patch of scrub which was encroaching on the Memorial Tree area.
Nov 2023 - The newly planted up Coronation Copse of 80 native saplings. The varieties were chosen to be of particular value to wildlife.
Gate into Sheldon Field - The steeply sloping field which abuts the memorial and community garden areas is called Sheldon's field.
A small copse of native trees was planted adjacent to the middle path running through the Howe circa 2020ed
Jan 2024 - Howe Trust Volunteers planting a 60m of native hedge in Dalton's field as part of the new community garden project
All of our paddocks are named - the trustees chose old local surnames. Our largest paddock is called Tombs Field
Nov 2023 - Wheatley residents donated to purchase the Coronation Copse trees and they were planted by them with the help of Howe Trust Volunteers
Nov 2023 - In addition to the Coronation Copse, eight 8ft oak trees were planted across The Howe.
As of 2024 The Howe Trust Allotment Association have over 100 allotments and 10 raised beds.
Rare breed sheep have grazed on The Howe for many years. These are Balwen Welsh Mountain Sheep which originally come from the Tywi Valley.
Our tenant shepherd also breeds Bluefaced Leicesters. These sheep are very friendly and inquisitive and often wander up to our volunteers when we're working on The Howe.
View from the top

Archive Notes:

View from The Howe taken in 1987, can only be inspected at WVA. Photographs from 2023 submitted with the following text.

The 26 acres of allotments and green space that are 'The Howe' have been village-owned land since 1879. Over the last few decades the number and popularity of allotments has grown steadily and there are now over 100 plots. Accessibility improvements include making a network of permissive footpaths across the land and a better entrance from Howe Close. More recently kissing and dog gates have been introduced, as well as raised beds to make growing vegetables easier for those with limited mobility. In 2009/10 an ecological survey was commissioned, and since then the focus of the trustees has been on managing the land to create better habitats and boost biodiversity - which in turn creates a more interesting and varied place for visitors to enjoy. This has included reduced grazing of the grassland to increase the variety of plantlife; renovating the existing hedgerows (and creating new stretches); planting more wildlife-friendly tree varieties (such oak, hazel, wild cherry and rowan) and in 2024, with the support of a grant, we hope to dig 3 new large wildlife ponds. We are also creating a community garden to help inspire and educate local children and young families. Our work is carried out by our volunteers via monthly working parties. Young people from Wheatley Park School also help regularly via the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

Map Address:

Howe Allotments