Welcome

Welcome to the CRA’s resource page on the open land below Camden Crescent. Owned by BANES, the land has become overgrown and unkempt, leading some Camden area residents to voice concerns about security and visual amenity. In response, a CRA subgroup has been formed to represent the interests of Camden area residents. In the interests of openness and transparency, this site has been created to document the subgroup’s work and to present material that may be of interest to visitors.

So that we're clear on what the "open land" means, here's a Google map and some images. It's the triangle of green space bounded by Camden Road to the west and Upper Hedgemead Road to the east:

Latest News

28 May 2011 - Margot delivers the goods

After three months of great work by our porcine friends we have some new arrivals to continue the challenge of clearing weeds on "Wild Camden" land. The Pedigreee Berkshire sow, familiar to many as Margot, has given birth to 9 cute little piglets - three sows and six boars. Check out the Bath Chronicle's article or, better still, go see the little guys from the viewpoint in Camden Road. Farmer Mick McNulty, who owns the pigs, specialises in rare breeds such as Pedigree Berkshire. He tells us that Margot is one of only 700 breeding females left in the UK. To find out more, visit Mick's web site at www.bathfarmer.co.uk.

The Wild Camden Group, a sub group of the Camden Residents Association, is delighted with the pigs' work since their arrival in February. We're now working with BANES to agree the long term management of the site. In the short term (Autumn 2011), the plan is to lay green strewn hay over the cleared areas to give us a wild flower meadow in the Spring of 2012. We hope therefore to have the pleasure of Margot’s company for 2-3 months more.

28 Feb 2011 - The Pigs Arrive!

The pigs were successfully released yesterday into "WIld Camden", the land below Camden Crescent, and appear to be settling in well at their new temporary home. Their eagerly awaited arrival follows last Sunday's litter pick and bramble bashing (see the Bath Chronicle's article on the event) and further Winter Clearance work. Camden Crescent residents Nathan & Jaime have kindly offered their vaults as shelter for the pigs when the animals are not busy chomping on the undergrowth outside.

11 Feb 2011 - Litter Picking & Bramble Bashing Party

This month's Camden Area litter pick is scheduled for Sun 20th February at 11am. Given the imminent arrival of the pigs, we have decided to extend the scope of the litter pick to include some bramble bashing on the land. This will help the pigs to get off to a good start when they're released during the following week. We could do with some help, so please come along if you have an hour or so to spare on the 20th. The picking party will assemble in Upper Hedgemead Road at 11am. Please remember to bring sturdy footwear and gloves.

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