Dear residents,

I hope you have all been enjoying the late May sunshine. The spring heatwave has brought some glorious weather, and the estate is looking beautiful. It is a lovely reminder of how fortunate we are to live here, although it is also a good reminder that both people and trees need to keep well hydrated.

There is still plenty to do, but we are continuing to make good progress.

Ben and the Clean and Tidy team have reported that the trial of the sit on mower was a real success. As a result, in the next few weeks we should start seeing the new Clean and Tidy sit on mower as a regular feature on the estate. This should help make grass cutting more efficient and consistent across the larger open areas.

The committee has asked that, where practical, the grass is left slightly longer than the very short “crew cut” sometimes seen on managed estates. This is intentional. Slightly longer grass is healthier in warm weather, holds moisture better, is less likely to scorch, and gives the roots more protection. It can also be better for insects and wildlife, while still keeping the estate neat and cared for.

Ben has also confirmed that the streets are due to be swept by a street cleaner on 4 June. This will be useful preparation before Clean and Tidy begin spraying the roads and kerb edges to deal with weeds.

We have also been made aware of a leatherjacket infestation on one of the grassed areas. Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, often known as daddy longlegs. They live in the soil and feed on grass roots, which can leave patches looking thin, yellow or damaged. Clean and Tidy will be treating the affected area.

Finally, with the dry weather continuing, could homeowners please help by watering any young trees near their properties where they are able to do so. Even a few watering cans can make a real difference during warm spells. In the longer term, we are investigating whether standpipes can be installed on the estate to make watering easier, but this will take some planning, permissions and costings.

Thank you to everyone who continues to help keep the estate looking cared for, whether through gardening, reporting issues, picking up litter, watering young trees, or simply taking pride in where we live.

Kind regards,
Malcolm