The Patch

The patch is 156 hectares of mostly former farmland in Roby  Mill, Lancashire.

The farmland has now reverted to scrub and rough grassland. There is also some woodland, a few small bodies of water, as well as small areas of active farmland and dwellings and disused quarries.

It also contains the extensive, former grounds of the now dilapidated St Joseph’s College* and what was previously the adjoining golf course – now also turning to scrub.

My garden, which adjoins the patch, was officially added to the patch in 2015 by the Queen. No commentator has so far likened this to annexation of the Sudentenland by Germany in 1938.

 *NB there is no public access to the College building or grounds and this is enforced by security guards and CCTV