The flood meadows or water meadows around Clipstone were created between 1819 and 1839 by the 4th Duke of Portland. Their purpose was to irrigate the grassland to encourage early grass growth. Stock such as sheep and cattle would then be put out to graze on the grass and fertilise the land with their dung. Sewage from Mansfield was also diverted along flood dykes to provide additional fertiliser. The stock would be moved around different areas of the meadows to allow the cycle of growth to continue. Later in the year the water would be held back by sluice gates so that the land drained and hay crops could be harvested.
The water meadows here are unusually large, and the only remnants which can still be seen are near the pub. The dyke behind the houses on Squires Lane still holds back water from the River Maun today.
Please note that cattle may be in the field close to this cache but they are very docile and used to people crossing their field.
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