Poem
The following poem was submitted to A Little Bit of Stone by Joe... It sums up our appreciation for this small patch of 'unimproved grassland'.
The Grassy Patch
at Aston Lodge
by Joe Stripp
Just a small bit of Stone is the "grassy patch"
but for bio-diversity it is hard to match;
Its rough grass provides a welcome home
for many creatures, some unknown.
Its brambles are a place of refuge
for hedgehogs and birds, during many a deluge;
Its hedgerows provide a place to nest,
positioned where the birds know best.
Moths and butterflies frequent the plot,
the crickets and grasshoppers are harder to spot;
Beetles and other bugs can be seen in the bogs
of the lower ground, and also frogs.
Many wildflowers, and a few thorn trees
ensure a visit from many bees;
Toadstools and mushrooms soon disappear,
after providing some autumn cheer.
People walking alone or with dog
appreciate what has been a hard slog,
to keep the developers away from this place,
at least for the short term it is still open space.
We must protect our open spaces
for our children in future to give them places,
where they can enjoy for years to come
the fruits of our success, hard won.