MITCH MEADOW - When the Mitch Meadow was first ploughed up about six years ago, it caused an outcry in the village, because the Mitch had always been a meadow and a splendid village amenity. Immediately lost were the lapwings, which always used to visit the meadow in winter when it was wet. Last summer, with oilseed rape in the field, villagers had the bonus of seed-eaters like linnets and siskins. Now the skylark has returned to the area this month and can be heard high in the sky above the repetitions of the cuckoo and the beautiful warbles and trills of the wren. The field is planted with a cereal crop. Residents hope the farmers are aware of the return of the endangered skylark and will take steps to protect its nesting habitat.