Stones mark opening of new 'agricultural' space

A new open space celebrating Gloucester’s agricultural history has been given the finishing touches.

Stonemasons from Gloucester Cathedral have created “meerstones”, or boundary markers, for the entrance to the Horsbere Meadow open space on Brionne Way, on the northern boundary of the city.

These are the final features to be installed as part of the scheme, which was devised when Westbury Homes developed adjoining land off Ferndale Close.

Designed by the city council’s landscape architects, the scheme has retained historic agricultural features, such as the remnant of ridge and furrow field system, as well as providing a backdrop for newly-commission artworks.

The meerstones are made from local Forest of Dean sandstone, quarried and supplied by Forest of Dean Stone in Parkend and are carved with the name of the open space, the city crest and the date.

Already in place are boundary railings and a gateway to the site, created by artist blacksmith Julian Coode. These are hand forged with a flowing ‘grass’ design, representing the cereal crops that would have been grown in the fields in the past.

Wood artist Will Glanfield has created the timber seating for the site. He also worked with pupils from Longlevens Junior School to design hand-carved clay bricks depicting drawings of local flora and fauna, which were supplied free of charge by Coleford Brick and Tile Company, based in the Forest of Dean.

The children carved their designs into the wet clay before the bricks were fired, resulting in more than 120 bricks that can be seen in the winding path running through the site.

Funding was provided by the developer for the city council to transform the open space. Consultation with residents revealed a wish for a ‘natural’ parkland area, similar to the farmland that residents had used informally for a number of years, and which supports local wildlife.

City council leader Paul James said: “It is great that while regeneration and development continue to produce a thriving 21st century city, a wonderful resource for local people that incorporates aspects of Gloucester’s more ancient heritage and agricultural past has been created for all to enjoy.”