Protected by an Act of Parliament since 1902, Petersham Meadows presents a vista frozen in time. Petersham Meadows is a 24-acre water-meadow. It lies alongside the River Thames in Petersham, London. The meadows are bounded by Buccleuch Gardens and Manor Farm Livery Stables. Petersham Road and River Lane also border the meadows. The Capital Ring footpath crosses the meadow. It leads to Petersham. The Thames Path follows the towpath.
Petersham Meadows was originally part of the Ham House estate. Imagine this land as it was centuries ago. Cows have grazed here since at least the 19th century.
Let’s step back to 1880. Mr. Hornby took over the tenancy. He used the milk to supply the Hornby and Clarke dairy. Their shop was on Richmond Hill. Though the shop is no longer a dairy, it remains. The lease later passed to Express Dairies. In 1982, a private investor took the lease. But they couldn’t maintain a dairy herd.
Then, in 1998, something special happened. The Petersham Trust was founded. Its mission was to protect the Meadows. It wanted to preserve it for grazing. Richmond Council took over management in 2001. Since 2010, the National Trust has been the caretaker.
Every year on St Peter’s Day, the National Trust pays a unique rent. It’s a posy of wildflowers. This is given to the Mayor of Richmond. Originally, the National Trust kept cows on the field. However, after incidents with dogs, they were replaced.
Now, every summer, a small herd of Belted Galloway cattle moves onto the meadow. These cattle help maintain the biodiversity. They are a living part of the landscape. Petersham Meadows has inspired many artists. Sir Joshua Reynolds and J. M. W. Turner both painted the view.
The Petersham Trust played a crucial role. In 2003, they were in discussion with the National Trust since to arrange for the transfer of the care of Petersham Meadows. The long delay had been the cause of considerable frustration. The Trustees wanted to ensure that the National Trust would continue to honor the Trust’s aims. The most important being a commitment to continue to retain cows on the Meadows for most of the year and to ensure that the Meadows would be maintained to the current standard. The necessary assurances have now been obtained. In order to transfer the lease, the Trustees needed to put an endowment in place which would create the revenue to fund the upkeep of the holding.
Imagine the Petersham Trust newsletters. They detail efforts to improve infrastructure. New gates and fences were erected. Trees were planted. Thistle growth was addressed. The Trustees worked with Richmond Council. Their goal was to reduce the concreted area on the eastern boundary. They wanted to increase the pasture area.
The Trust invested in the Meadows’ infrastructure. They worked on gates, fences, and hedges. This ensured the current high standards were maintained. The Trust organised events to raise money for the National Trust endowment.
Think of the challenges faced. In 2007, a new barn was built. It replaced one made of corrugated iron. The new barn was made of wood. Also in 2007, The Trustees were in active discussion with The National Trust to complete the final phase of Trustees’ responsibilities to hand over the management of the Meadows to them. The negotiations were based on ensuring that the objectives of The Petersham Trust are maintained.
Petersham Meadows stands as a testament to preservation. Public interest has conserved it for generations. In the 1990s, residents feared losing the cattle grazing on the Meadow. The Petersham Trust formed in 1998. Its aim was to ensure cows remained on the Meadows. The Trust wanted farming activities to continue.
So, as you stand here, remember the history. Remember the artists, the cows, and the people. They all played a part in preserving this tranquil scene. Petersham Meadows remains a vibrant, living landscape.