Friends President’s Coronation Meadow

2nd May - This event has SOLD OUT. If you would like to be added to a waiting list, in case we have any cancellations, please email office.administrator@fogc.co.uk. We are sorry for any disappointment caused by the early sell-out of this very popular event.

Be sure to book quickly as numbers are limited!

We are delighted that our President, Hugh Tollemache, and his wife Rosie have very kindly invited members of the Friends (accompanied by a guest) to afternoon tea in his beautiful garden and an opportunity to explore his wonderful wildflower meadow.  There are only two meadows in Gloucestershire which have been designated as very special "Coronation Meadows” – one owned by the King at Highgrove and the one owned by our President.

In 2013 King (then Prince) Charles wanted to make a present to the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee and promoted the creation of a wildflower meadow in each county to be known as Coronation Meadows.  Our President was asked if his meadow could become the Coronation Meadow for Gloucestershire – though the King decided to include his own as well!

The meadow has never been ploughed or treated with any chemicals.  After it was acquired by Hugh and Rosie they simply did nothing to it, but waited.  A vast array of wild plants then emerged. There are many wildflowers, including milkwort, betony, birdsfoot trefoil, devilsbit scabious and great burnet. There ae unusual grasses including Yorkshire fog, crested dog’s tail and marsh thistle.  There are also many orchids, including bee, early purple, early and southern marsh, common spotted, pyramidal and common twayblade.

More information about concept can be found here: http://coronationmeadows.org.uk/coronation-meadows/region/gloucestershire

Our President’s house is in a lovely position on a mill stream and adjacent to the wildflower meadow.  Hugh and Rosie will escort small groups round to meadow and point out the various plants.  Afternoon tea will then be offered on the lawn under the trees, or in the house, if wet.