Boundary Meadow, Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire

Boundary Meadow can be found close to the England/Wales border in the small village of Craswall, in the county of Herefordshire. The local landscape is characterised by the dramatic peaks and sweeping valleys of the Brecon Beacons and its surrounding environs. The easternmost range of the Beacons, The Black Mountains, rise up just to the west of Boundary Meadow, with The Black Hill (or the Cat’s Back) forming the immediate backdrop to the land. The meadow lies towards the northern end of the Monnow Valley through the floor of which courses the Monnow River, itself forming the northern boundary of the meadow. Terrific views can be enjoyed down the valley from the higher points of the meadow near the southern boundary.

The meadow would appeal to those looking for a private parcel of land with abundant natural beauty which also has potential for further diversification, either through active tree planting or rewilding. In addition to the open meadowland, a number of mature trees populate the land down its eastern flank, on the bank next to the river and in a small copse in the middle of the meadow. These trees provide balance and important habitats for wildlife, as well as being willing dispensers of their bountiful seeds which will colonise the grassland.

One enters the meadow in the south west corner where an area of hardstanding allows for vehicular parking. A stock fence and recently planted hedgerow form the western boundary, heading straight down ahead of you from the parking area to the woodland bank to the north. The open land broadly sweeps out to the north and east towards the valley, which stretches into the distance over the roof of Old College House which lies just beyond the eastern boundary. The southern boundary is formed by a well-established hedgerow.

As one heads north across the meadow, the woodland bank which guards the river presents as a wall of green in front of you. Through gaps in the trees one can find paths down to the floor of the valley where the River Monnow runs. The overhead canopy and rock formations create a serene atmosphere – ownership of a section of a watercourse such as this is a rare delight. A smaller internal stream which meanders along the eastern boundary of the meadow can be accessed from the main field; it eventually feeds into the river. A stock proof fence (which delineates the boundary of the land) crosses this stream showing which section belongs to the meadow.

Boundary Meadow presents as a balanced mix of open meadow, woodland fringe and two watercourses. It would be of great interest to anyone looking for a parcel of amenity and conservation land with potential for woodland creation. Local amenities are available in nearby Craswall and Hay-on-Wye.