Ock Meadow

In recent weeks this blog has ventured further afield, exploring  the delights of autumn in near (and not so near) locations.  However, it had a bit of shock when it returned to it's natural environment of the river Ock.
This is what the Ock Meadow looked like in early June (more at: http://viewsoftheock.blogspot.com/2010/06/meadows.html):
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And this is what it looks like today:
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Although the land is owned by the Vale of White Horse district council it has been leased out to another land owner who is left it fallow, possibly using it as a part of a set aside scheme. 
Either the land has changed hands and is now has a different manager or the current ones have decided to change tact and use the land for crops.
Whatever the reason, the ploughing has been quite brutal as no verges have been left.  This may annoy local dog walkers who use the field as part of circular walk::
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At least the footpath that forms the 'ock valley walk' has been left:
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With this verge and the ladygrove meadow on the other side of the river, there should be enough habitat left for the water voles.  But what the effect will be on the bank voles, field voles and the mice which in habit the ock meadow and the buzzards and kestrels that feed on them, only time will tell.  Let alone the plants and insects that had formed the meadow.
The ploughing is very deep, probably with purpose of these plants not becoming weeds.
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Instead of a varied flower meadow, it looks like we could have yet another field of rape seed and as anyone who lives nearby will testify, giving the rivers propensity to flood, growing crops next to it is a risky endeavour.