Newbury Field

Year Acquired / 1990

Size / 34 acres

Trails / 1

Properties / 5

Situated off Lowell Road in the Spencer Brook Valley, the Newbury Land offers some of the most beautiful riparian and meadow landscapes in Concord. The property was a gift by Anne Newbury in 1990. Donations by Land Trust members helped cover the cost of the access trail.

Features

Open meadow, large rock outcropping, riparian habitat

Trail Conditions

Easy walk, wet areas near Spencer Brook crossing, gentle rolling rise in field

Entrances / parking

Park on the right-hand shoulder of Lowell Road heading out of Concord across from #1127 and #1155 / Enter the Newbury Land via the driveway of #1127 / Follow the trail straight (westerly) into the woods, instead of turning left towards the house. There are also two parking spaces at the end of the driveway; if these are in use, please park on Lowell Road.

Download map for Newbury Field

Explore Newbury Field

The path to Newbury Field begins with a short pass through red maple wetlands and a mowed field, then crosses the Spencer Brook on a narrow causeway. The views upstream and down can be lovely, whether they be of the meadow grasses catching the breeze, or the sun setting over these marshes. Look for the wildlife that inhabits this wetland.

Spencer Brook

Having crossed the Spencer Brook flood plain, the landscape opens onto a gently rising field. Some visitors like to circle the hill by walking along the surrounding woods, while others prefer to proceed to the ridge; both routes pass the large rock outcropping informally known as “picnic rock.” From here one can enjoy an expansive view of the Spencer Brook Valley.

In the center of the field, where brush grows among scattered rocks, it is thought there may have been foundations of an old barn. Newbury Field provides a good example of old field habitat, with waves of little blue stem – a native warm season grass - and islands of junipers and poplars.