The meadows surrounding Longfurlong Lane are areas of permanent pasture, that have not been ploughed in living memory. They contain a wonderful array of wildflowers, veteran trees, small woodlands, ponds and an area of low lying wetland. The meadows are enclosed by drystone walls and hedgerows and contain two historic stone barns. This is a landscape that is characteristic of the Cotswolds, and the area provides a glorious setting to the southern edge of Tetbury, and the beautiful parklands and organic gardens of the Highgrove Estate. If this area was developed it would be lost forever. That is why it is protected by the Local Plan and the Cotswold National Landscape designation. It is vital that we protect these landscapes for future generations to enjoy. The meadows and woodlands provide a variety of functions that benefit wildlife, landscape and people.
• They support biodiversity—woodlands, hedgerows, wildflowers, pollinators, birds, bats and small mammals.
• They help manage water by absorbing rainfall and reducing surface runoff.
• They protect nationally important landscape character—the views, and sense of place that define the Cotswolds.
• They benefit health and wellbeing by keeping access to open space close to home.
Longfurlong’s greenfields — why are they important?
