The Nico Ditch

A section of Manchester’s historic Nico Ditch runs through Ryebank Fields. The Nico Ditch is a  six-mile earthwork which runs across South Manchester from Ashton Moss in the East to  Moorside, Urmston in the West. Other parts of the ditch in Platt Fields park and at Denton golf  course are listed as Scheduled Ancient Monuments by Historic England. As it stands the ditch  in Ryebank Fields is deemed to be a “nationally important but non-scheduled monument” and  therefore any works in its vicinity require consultation. The Nico Ditch dates from the Anglo Saxon period somewhere between AD 600 and the tenth century. It forms part of an ancient  linear frontier or boundary between the old Anglo Saxon Kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria.  Another example of its type is Offa’s Dyke which forms the ancient boundary between England  and Wales. Structures akin to Nico Ditch also resonate closely with Roman frontier works such  as Hadrian’s Wall. Evidence of its existence can still be seen in Audenshaw, Gorton, Reddish,  Levenshulme and Platt Fields, however, the section in Ryebank Fields is one of the few parts of  the ditch still to remain in the West; much of it having been built over or lost. The word Nico is  Anglo-Saxon in origin and may have been derived from Hnickar, a water spirit who seized and  drowned unwary travellers. An alternative derivation is that Nico comes from nǽcan, an Anglo Saxon verb meaning ‘kill’. It is also referred to as both ‘Mykelldiche’ and `Magnum Fossatum’  meaning the ‘great ditch’. Legend has it that Nico Ditch was completed in a single night by the  inhabitants of Manchester, as a protection against Viking invaders. It was said that each man  had an allocated area to construct and was required to dig his section of the ditch and build a  bank equal to his own height. According to 19th century folklore, the ditch was the site of a  battle between the Saxons and Danes; the battle was supposed to have given the nearby towns  of Gorton and Reddish their names, from ‘Gore Town’ and ‘Red-Ditch’ but in reality, it is more  likely that the names derive from ‘dirty farmstead’ and ‘reedy ditch’ respectively.            

Article compiled by Julie Ryan

Photo by kind permission of Jay Clarke

The Aspen Grove at the centre of the northern perimeter is one of the most spectacular features of Ryebank Fields. Aspen are rarely found in an urban setting and the paths through the centre of the trees make our Aspen Grove unique. These paths have been maintained by local people over the years as the woodland has grown and expanded into the grassland.

Aspen (Populus tremula) is part of the wider family of poplar trees, and is one of only two native poplars in the British Isles - the other is the rare native black poplar (Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia) also to be found on Ryebank Fields (please also see our article on this very special tree). The name Aspen derives from the Greek word ‘aspis’ meaning ‘shield’ which was one of the traditional uses of the wood. The Latin name ‘tremula’, meaning to tremble, gives rise to the tree being known as quaking Aspen due to the way its leaves shake and quiver in the wind due to one side of the leaf stem being flattened.

In Celtic mythology, the visual effect of the Aspen trembling in the wind was believed to be the tree communicating between this world and the next. The leaves turn a vibrant gold in Autumn and a crown made of Aspen leaves was said to give its wearer the power to visit the Underworld and return safely again. Aspen leaves make a watery and fluid sound as they move which can often be mistaken for rain or running water. This water imagery is fitting as Ryebank Fields is in a location formerly known as ‘The Isles’, an area made up of a series of streams and tributaries to the River Mersey.

When you visit the Aspen Grove, have a think about how many trees there might be. You may be surprised to learn that there could be just one! This is due to the rhizomatic nature of the root systems of the trees. Aspen grow in clonal colonies derived from a single seedling and spread by means of root suckers. Each tree within a clone has an identical genetic profile. There is usually a handful of Aspen ‘giants’ - the oldest trees – at the centre of the colony. Aspen require little maintenance as they are self-thinning as only the fittest survive.

Aspen are extremely effective in fighting pollution because they sequester twice as much carbon as other trees due to their extensive underground root structure.

Aspen attract a wide variety of insects which feed on the microorganisms in the dead tree wood, including many species of moths, providing food for birds and other wildlife. These insects are food for birds and ladybirds. Deadwood cavities provide nesting opportunities for birds, such as the woodpecker.

Aspen is an indicator of ancient woodland. Other ancient woodland indicators on the northern perimeter of the Fields include Wild Garlic, Yellow Archangel, Lesser Cellandine and the native English Bluebell.

“See, how the wind-enamoured aspen leaves And hark! the rustling noise, that oft deceives, And makes the sheep-boy run:

The sound so mimics fast-approaching showers, He thinks the rain's begun,

And hastes to sheltering bowers.”

Summer Images by John Clare.

Article compiled by Julie Ryan.

Photo by kind permission of Jay Clarke.

According to Celtic folklore, a lone Hawthorn tree growing in the middle of a field is a faerie tree. This tree is believed to be the gateway between the mortal world and the nether world of the faeries. The magical folk are very protective of their portal and, as legend has it, will severely punish those who damage or cut down their tree.

A single hawthorn should be treated with respect and with much wariness. It is thought to bring good fortune and prosperity to the land, but it must never be cut or harmed for fear of inciting the wrath of the faeries. The tree is a sacred meeting place for the wee folk, who can oft be seen dancing around their tree at midnight. A Faerie Thorn is often located near to an archeological site, well or spring, with its magic hidden deep in the earth surrounding it. The faeries bury their pots of gold under the hawthorn, but you must never disturb the ground or take a nap in its shade as you may be whisked off to the faerie realm, unlikely to ever find your way back.

Even today there is a reverence for Faerie Thorns. In Belfast, the failure of the DeLorean Car Plant, famous for the DMC-12 featured in the Back to the Future Films, is blamed on the vengeance of the faeries. The company went bankrupt after cutting down a Faerie Thorn during the construction of their Belfast factory. Moreover, highway construction workers in Ireland, have been known to divert the course of roads so as to leave a single hawthorn standing.

Hawthorn is distinguished by its sharp, woody thorns and serrated leaves. Wands made of hawthorn are said to be extremely powerful and Maypoles were originally made from its wood; it was also said that witches made their brooms from its branches. Blooming in spring, the hawthorn is associated with the ancient festival of Beltane. At this time, the tree is covered with clusters of flowers in shades of white or pink, but don’t ever bring a bough of blooms into your house as it’s very unlucky to do so.

So, beware! Don’t ever cut down a Faerie Thorn or the curse of the faeries will fall upon you.

Our Ryebank Fields Faerie Thorn can be found not far from the Nico Ditch, towards the centre of the northern field.

By the craggy hillside, Through the mosses bare, They have planted thorn trees For pleasure, here and there.

Is any man so daring As dig them up in spite,

He shall find their sharpest thorns In his bed at night.

The Fairies by William Allingham

Article compiled by Julie Ryan.

Photo by kind permission of Jay Clarke.

There is a significant number of hedgerows surrounding Ryebank Fields. In Spring and Summer, some are particularly spectacular and abundant with blossom. The largest continuous section of hedgerow lies between Ryebank Fields and the Longford Park conservation area and is approximately 270 metres long.

To coincide with the first ever National Hedgerow week, in May 2021, it was surveyed by the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU) who confirmed that it fulfills a number of criteria set by the government that make it a hedgerow of 'importance'.

These include:

1. Its age: the hedgerow has been assessed, with the help of the Greater Manchester Archeological Advice Service (GMAAS) and is considered to be 100 years old.

2. It contains a variety of woody species, including Hawthorn, Elder, Holly, Hazel, Lime and Cherry.

3. It contains a rare native Black Poplar tree. (See our separate article about this very special tree).

4. The hedgerow also intersects an archaeological feature, namely the Nico Ditch. (See our separate article about this historical feature).

Being a hedgerow of ‘importance’ means this hedgerow is protected by law.

The Friends of Ryebank Fields surveyed the hedgerow and took part in The Great British

Hedgerow Survey run by PTES (People's Trust for Endangered Species) who are compiling a national data bank on British Hedgerows and the Ryebank Fields’ hedgerows form part of it.

Hedgerows support a huge eco-system and are alive with birds and insects. Birds especially rely on hedgerows for nesting and foraging. You may also see evidence of hedgehogs, foxes, and other mammals.

Regard again, and celebrate,

The hedgerow, with its beauty great, Which in pollution, ever rife, Breathes oxygen, to give us life.

Hedgerow by Pam Ayres

Article compiled by Julie Ryan.

Photos by kind permission of Jay Clarke.

There are many hybrid varieties of Black Poplar but a native Black Poplar is a very rare find. Black Poplars are notoriously difficult to identify from field study alone so, in October 2020, sponsored by the local community, ten of the trees along the boundary with Longford Park were DNA tested by the Forestry Commission. These trees were identified as hybrids but are still of considerable cultural significance - please see our separate article on ‘Enriqueta’s Trees.’ There was one tree, however, that we were unable to get a leaf sample from at this time so, on advice from Forest Research, we took cuttings from this tree which we then propagated indoors, and once leaves had formed, in early 2021, we sent a sample off for DNA testing. The results arrived in April and we were very excited to have our tree confirmed as a native Black Poplar, Populus Nigra subsp. Betulifolia – known as the ‘Manchester’ Poplar – and one of the UK’s rarest trees! Hopes had been raised by red catkins indicative of a male tree (the Manchester Poplar is a male clone); elongated leaf tips and

hairy leaf petioles (all good signs), but we still needed DNA testing to be sure.

Black Poplars were mass planted in Manchester from the 19th century onwards due to their unique ability to resist the smoky polluted air of the city and thus they acquired the name of Manchester Poplars. At this time Manchester was known as Cottonopolis, with its multitudinous mills casting their dust and grime over an ever-industrialising landscape.

Manchester Poplars were planted to combat pollution and were heralded as the climate solution of the times. Sadly Manchester Poplars are now a rare sight as they were hit by a virulent airborne disease known as “poplar scab” in 2000, all but wiping them out in Manchester. It is difficult to to produce viable seedlings and so this tree, which is integral to our city’s heritage, is in imminent danger of dying out. Other remaining specimens can be found in St John’s Gardens, Alexandra Park and Crumpsall Park but they are few are far between.

Our tree sits quite deep in the hedgerow and is flanked by vegetation on both sides making

it difficult to pick out, but it is a truly stunning specimen with long low-sweeping boughs that extend outwards, and hang poised just inches from the ground. Black poplars are usually found in wet areas, typically along side streams and rivers so it’s not surprising that it is positioned adjacent to Longford Brook which is runs culverted beneath Ryebank Fields and into Longford Park. Black Poplars promote biodiversity as they provide food for the caterpillars of many moths, the catkins provide an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and the seeds are eaten by birds. Our Manchester Poplar is therefore of significant conservation interest. It must be protected, not only for its intrinsic value, but

because its presence encourages and supports a host of other wildlife to thrive.

This was a joint venture between the Friends of Ryebank Fields and Friends of Longford

Park, who generously sponsored the DNA test for this tree. You can find out more about the Manchester Poplar here: https://www.cityoftrees.org.uk/news/blog-manchester-black- poplars-tall-tale-how-city-gotit’s-very-own-tree

Article compiled by Julie Ryan.

Photo by kind permission of Jay Clarke.

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” - Martin Luther.

On the eastern boundary of the northern field, at the back of the houses on Peveril Crescent, there is a large, mature apple tree and close by you can see some small, younger fruit trees.

This is our Community Orchard which was started by Joe who used to live on Peveril Crescent. In around 2015, he planted apple and cherry trees, to the rear of his garden, so people passing by could help themselves to the fruit. Sadly, Joe is no longer with us but friends and neighbours have continued to look after these trees by pruning and watering them on his behalf.

To continue his legacy, in 2020, the local community came together to plant more trees in memory of Joe. On 17th January, Old New Year’s Day, around 12 more trees, including plum, peach, apple, sweet and sour cherry, all sponsored or donated by local people, were added to create the Community Orchard. Young and old came to the Fields to take part in a traditional Wassail Ceremony to learn the ancient folklore associated with blessing the trees and join in customary songs, stories and rhymes. Every year we continue this tradition.

There's a memory keeps a-runnin' Through my weary head to-night, An' I see a picture dancin'

In the fire-flames' ruddy-light; 'Tis the picture of an orchard

Wrapped in autumn's purple haze, With the tender light about it

That I loved in other days. An' a-standin' in a corner Once again I seem to see

The verdant leaves an' branches Of an old apple-tree.

The Old Apple-Tree by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Article compiled by Julie Ryan.

Photo by kind permission of Jay Clarke.

DISCLAIMER: MMU’S Human Health Risk Assessments states that the land is not currently suitable for allotment end use. We know that people have been foraging on Ryebank Fields for many years, however, we cannot state that it is safe to do so.

 "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek Proverb.

Our Millennium Oaks were planted by a local resident who was encouraged to plant trees, in the year 2000, to combat climate change, then known as global warming. He used to walk his dogs twice a day on Ryebank Fields and thought he could kill two birds with one stone by locking-up carbon dioxide and making the Fields less attractive to a developer by populating the land with oak trees. So to keep some genetic diversity, he collected acorns from several trees around Chorlton and planted a few every time he went for a walk.

Now, a quarter of a century later, the trees that came up in the first year are a very respectable size and we see more coming up every year. We have counted at least 150 across the two Fields. The trees were positioned to complement the existing terrain and flora and to avoid encroaching on the gardens of local residents and oak was chosen

because of its longevity, its ability to grow to a large size and its iconic Englishness.

A single oak tree sustains over 280 types of insects which in turn attract birds and wildlife and promote natural biodiversity. When oak apple gall wasps lay their eggs in the centre of an oak leaf, a chemical reaction takes place when the larvae hatch, causing the tree to form a spherical gall. Each one contains only one wasp and is essential to its growth and development. Once the galls dry out a hole is formed and the infant moth flies out. These tiny pockets of biodiversity can often be seen on the oaks on Ryebank Fields. They cause no harm and do not injure the trees. Oak gall ink can be made from the remaining galls when crushed.

Acorns were traditionally used as food and fodder for animals and oaks are said to have restorative and medicinal qualities so just walking amongst these trees should give you a sense of well-being. It’s said that oak trees were worshipped by the Druids, with ‘Duir’ being the ancient word for oak. Oaks are steeped in history: we’ve all heard of the Royal Oak which derives from when King Charles II hid in an oak tree to escape the Roundheads at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Oak Apple Day dates back to 1660 and commemorates the Restoration of the Monarchy when the king returned to London on 29th May (his birthday), after the death of Oliver Cromwell. Typical celebrations include Morris and Maypole dancing and the wearing of boughs of oak.

The Ryebank Fields Millennium Oaks were featured on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Open Country’ programme in 2020 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000dgbk?

“Those green-robed senators of mighty woods, Tall oaks, branch-charmed by the earnest stars, Dream, and so dream all night without a stir...”

Hyperion, Book I by John Keats

Article compiled by Julie Ryan.

Photo by kind permission of Jay Clarke.

The Wishing Tree, on Ryebank Fields, is located at the inside edge of the Aspen Grove where it meets the North-eastern Copse. The tree is not easy to spot at first so you may have to search to find it.

The Wishing Tree is a Silver Maple, Acer saccharinum, distinguishable by its delicately palmated leaves which have a downy silver underside that produces a radiant effect when exposed to the light. There are many maples on Ryebank Fields, but this tree is special due to the wishing well that lies hidden in its trunk. The trunk is forked with at least four limbs having branched out from its centre. It would appear that damage to one of these limbs has caused it to break off resulting in a hole which has subsequently filled with rainwater to create our well.

It is believed that if you make a wish out loud at a wishing well your wish will come true!

Please don’t disturb the water or place coins or any other objects in the well as a tree hole is a mini ecosystem that is often overlooked. The well water contains decomposed leaves, mosses and twigs which provide energy for bugs, bacteria and larvae to thrive. In turn the insects that evolve from here provide a food source for birds and small mammals.

Wishing trees are popular in many cultures around the world, for example, the Hindu Banyan tree, the Japanese Tanabata, and the Celtic Clootie. These trees are identified as having an intrinsic spiritual value as it is believed that wishes are granted by a specific nature spirit or religious entity associated with the tree according to local traditions.

The Silver Maple is often found along waterways and in wetlands, leading to the colloquial name of ‘water maple’. It’s therefore significant that many maples are found on Ryebank fields as the area was previously known as ‘the Isles’ as it was made up of a series of streams and tributaries to the River Mersey. Maples can live for up to 130 years and are highly adaptable trees that can happily

exist in many different soil types and climates. Their seeds are joined together in winged-pairs called samaras, which fly and spin on the wind like mini-helicopters to aid their dispersal.

Its rapid growth and resilience make the Silver Maple a symbol of strength and fortitude. In folklore it represents life, longevity and balance. The wood is said to be protective and for this reason was often incorporated into door frames. Maple is also associated with offerings. The tree feeds people with its sweet sap (maple syrup) and wildlife uses the tree in various ways: the seeds are a primary food for squirrels and for birds who find a safe haven to nest in its wide, sprawling branches, and its leaves are rich in nutrients for moths.

Maple is one of the most prominent trees on Ryebank Fields with various types growing there including the Silver; Norway; Red and Sycamore varieties.

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) unfortunately have previous form for failing to recognise the value of this much-loved tree. In 2012, they destroyed a striking row of mature Maple trees along Stretford Road to make way for the construction of their Birley Campus.

If I had two wishes, I know what they would be

I'd wish for Roots to cling to, and  Wings to set me free; Roots of inner values, like rings within a tree,

And wings of independence to seek mydestiny.

Roots and Wings by Denis Waitley

Article compiled By Julie Ryan

Photo by kind permission of Jay Clarke