From: 154 Autumn 2021
Author: Chris Butterfield
By reason of the coronavirus pandemic there could be no formal inspection of Port Meadow in 2020. We could only wait and hope that it might take place in 2021.
In the event, our hopes were largely fulfilled. The Government’s roadmap out of lockdown was due to see all final restrictions lifted on 21 June. So the inspection was scheduled for 25 June: not quite the Friday nearest the longest day, but the first Friday after freedom from virus restrictions. In the event, ‘freedom day’ was postponed until 17 July. But with the inspection being by its nature an outdoor event, it was able to proceed much as planned.
The Sheriff Councillor Dick Wolff arrived promptly and showed considerable interest in the Meadow. The walk was led by the Ranger Julian Cooper who concentrated on recent developments, particularly in the light of the pandemic. This had placed a great strain on his team, with thousands of Oxford residents taking advantage of the open space on their doorstep when they could not travel further afield. Litter had caused many problems, being not unsightly but also a danger to cattle; he described how it was usually removed early in the morning, so the removal was invisible and did not encourage visitors to drop litter in the expectation that it would soon be removed.
Julian pointed to the fencing on the west bank of the river, to deter cattle from fording the stream to get to the pasture there. He said it had been very nearly a total success. A reasonable number of beasts were seen enjoying the pasture, but he did say more could be beneficial to the sward.
Some restrictions like mask wearing were in place at the Plough, where everyone gathered after the inspection for the traditional Aunt Sally match (of which a separate report is provided). A special mention should be made of the Sheriff’s fellow Morris dancers from the Oxford City side, who provided entertainment to supplement the match.