Fields Farm Conservation Area
State of the Property
Fields Farm is an oak-pine forest along the Merrimack River. The map indicates the location of the parcel. No parking area exists. As a conservation property, rules of chapter 111 of the town of Merrimack apply. See here.
The commission approved a Stewardship Plan for the property in August 2025, and is moving forward with plans for selective logging in order to encourage seed germination and new growth. It will also allow the commission to develop off-road parking. The minutes of that meeting can be viewed here.
Description:
The Fields Farm CA contains 95 acres of land with over 1,000 feet being shoreline on the Souhegan River. It is a heavily wooded parcel with numerous old stone walls and foundations located throughout. Granted to the town by Charles Ireland in 2004, the name Fields Farm reflects the original builders of the privately-owned large colonial across the street and farmed many of these acres starting in the early 1800's.
Unique/Historic Features:
Charles and Dorothy Ireland purchased the land in 1954. Both individuals spent a considerable amount of time and effort to determine the history of the parcels, to develop a list of "large trees", to create trails for the use of the family including a well-used trail to a landing along the Souhegan River. Although not maintained for many recent years, some signs of the trails still exist. Their efforts resulted in an extensive history and catalog of the land that is available. An old timber framed barn, containing many beams from earlier barns, existed on Amherst Road across from the house. With regrets it was torn down by the town as it could not be salvaged. Signs of the foundation remain as do several of the original beams.
Helpful Info
Address:
Amherst Road near the junction with Peaslee Road and across from a large colonial house with large maple trees in the front yard – very limited parking is available road side as no parking lot currently exists.
GPS:
42° 50'19.77" -71° 33'20.10"
Permitted Activities:
Passive recreation including hiking, wildlife observation, jogging trails, fishing, hunting, skiing and similar activities.
Prohibited Activities:
Prohibited are the use of motorized vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and Target Shooting of any kind.
NOTE: Users are cautioned to not venture onto this parcel unless they have the skills to determine their location and have the ability to find their way through heavily wooded areas.
Hours of Use:
There are no hour restrictions on this property.