Cuckoo Pen
The Cuckoo Pen is a small enclosed green space situated between the brook and the St Helen’s Allotments, covering approximately 0.5 hectares.
Previously a privately operated commercial nursery, the site had been abandoned for a number of years. We have undertaken a regeneration project with the aim of restoring the area so that it can once again be enjoyed by the whole community.
Over time, this piece of land became heavily overgrown with brambles and other vegetation. It was also used for dumping waste, with items ranging from tyres and corrugated metal sheeting to old machinery left across the area. In addition, much of the site remained covered by a plastic weed-control membrane dating back to its nursery days. Four large skips of waste and redundant materials were removed as part of the initial clearance work.
This first phase of the project was completed during the first quarter of 2026, safely ahead of the bird nesting season. Vegetation along the lower boundary has been carefully managed and cleared, opening up views of the brook and improving access to this beautiful natural feature which is unique to Benson.
Once the site settles, we are implementing a 5 year plan to enrich the area with a community orchard, wild planting, a stumpery and seating.
These photos show the Cuckoo Pen before clearance
This is the cleared site has now been seeded with grass which our grounds team are working hard to keep watered in the heatwaves
