Sir,-Many people around the town are asking, What's happening on Petersham Meadows. Where are the cows?' A short update from the trustee may be helpful.

The simple facts are that the Petersham Trust, a registered charity, took over the meadows in October under a long lease from Richmond upon Thames Council.

You reported the sunlit ceremony at the time, when Chris Brasher made the first rent payment (a posy of wild flowers) to the mayor. We acquired an area of grassland in poor condition, and a nondescript herd of store cattle, which like the land, had not been well looked after. Expert advice was of course taken as to the next steps.

After long negotiation over their passports' the cattle were eventually sent to market and sold and the land is now being rested over the winter.

Meanwhile, much work must be done, and a good start has been made, thanks to Jason Debney and Arcadia in the City, to clear obtrusive concrete and renew the remaining wall at the northern (Richmond) end of the meadows.

At the same time the old farm buildings have been cleared of lorry loads of accumulated junk and debris, so that work may start on the task of conservation and improvement.

Fences and hedges have yet to be repaired and gates made accessible for wheelchair users. As soon as possible in the spring, the trustees will purchase new livestock to restore the historic grazing of the cattle by the riverside.

This after all is the raison d'tre of the Petersham Trust. A part-time administrator has been appointed to push the project forward.

We are grateful for the great interest shown and for the help already received, but the need for further finance is urgent.

Wellwishers may contact the trust's treasurer, Graham Ball FCA, on 8940 0812. We will be happy to provide further information and gift aid forms.

-Bernard Marder, Stanmore Gar-dens, Richmond.