A ROW has broken out between Thornbury Sailing Club and a woman over the mowing of a meadow near the River Severn, which she says is doing "damage" to the wildlife.

The land, which is owned and maintained by the sailing club, was mowed at the beginning of the month despite Liz Macdonald’s protestations.

She has accused the club of not considering the welfare of nesting birds which had made the land their home.

In a letter sent to the Gazette, Ms Macdonald said that skylarks – which nest between April and August – were being disturbed by the mowing.

She said: “They could have waited another six weeks before cutting the meadow but they seem to be completely unaware of the damage they’re doing to wildlife.

“A flowering meadow is a rare thing nowadays and we need to make sure we look after them properly as they are havens for wildlife.”

But the club refuted the claims, quoting RSPB advice which says that: “Skylarks can nest successfully in hay or silage fields if they are not cut or grazed between early April and May, and if any subsequent cuts are at least seven weeks apart.”

Land owned by the sailing club has been passed on to a farmer to be managed, who uses the grass to make silage.

Rob Hudson, a member of the club said: “Since the farmer started working on the club’s land last year, the fields have been kept tidy and the ragwort under control.”

The condition of the fields has also been praised by Oldbury Parish Council who said that “the whole area is a credit to the club and its members”.

Mr Hudson added: “I’m sorry Ms Macdonald is upset, but we are well aware of the need to conserve the land we own, and will continue to do so responsibly.”