In 2005 the field off Claverham Close had been bought by a group of residents as they wanted to retain the green space near their houses. North Somerset Council’s ecologist was impressed by the uncommon flowers growing in the field including knapweed, pepper saxifrage and meadowsweet. The boundary hedges are ancient and exceptionally rich in wildlife. The site received a designation of Site of Importance to Nature Conservation, indicating its local significance.
The field was divided up but most of the new owners chose not to mark their plots as they preferred most of the field to remain uncluttered by signs or fences. One of these unmarked plots belonged to local, Harry Hailes, and he had chosen the one with a beautiful oak tree. As Harry grew older he began to think about who would own his plot after his death. He bequeathed some money and his part of the field to YACWAG so it could be looked after for nature in perpetuity. The oak tree on this reserve is an eco-system in itself and a host to an array of invertebrates as well as a resource for birds.
In December 2020, a new oak tree was planted on the northern end of Harry’s Plot in line with the two existing oak trees in the field. The tree and its guard were sponsored in memory of Mrs Bobby MacArthur and her lifelong friend Joan Rees.
