Badshot Lea - Weybourne Open Gap
The countryside around the villages of Badshot Lea and Weybourne separates the larger urban areas of Farnham and Aldershot, and is an important part of the Valley forming the bulk of the remaining open countryside at the southern end of the Valley. Blackwater Valley Countryside Service, Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Town Council have targeted this area for special attention.
A key part of the project has been the provision of easily obtainable grant aid to local landowners who wish to see improvements on their land.
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Project aims
The aim of the project is to conserve and upgrade the landscape and the wildlife value of the area and to improve low key recreational use.
To enhance the area
In conjunction with the local community; through liaison with the Badshot Lea Residents Association, local landowners, schools, amenity and wildlife groups.
To improve the environment
To maintain and enhance the landscape of the area by:
- Protecting existing features of value (including vistas)
- Improving, screening or replacing eyesores
- Restoring features, eg trees and hedges
- Maintain/improve roadside landscapes
To improve the wildlife value of the area
This will be achieved by improving and creating habitats such as:
- Developing wildlife corridors, creating links within the area and with neighbouring habitats
- Planting trees and woodland
- Planting new hedges, managing existing ones
- Creating and restoring ponds and other wetland features
- Creating a local nature area with educational use as a feature
- Action for species, eg bird and bat box schemes
To develop low-key recreational uses in the area
This has an emphasis on ‘Access for All’. For example:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Horse riding
- Angling
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Public involvement
Public involvement is an important element in the project. A leaflet was circulated to 2,000 local households in August 1997. A public exhibition followed which was held in the local school in September 1997, to make sure local residents were aware of the scheme and to obtain their comments. The exhibition was well attended by local residents, landowners and companies; many ideas were incorporated into the work programme.
A forum meeting was held in October 1997 that was attended by many interested parties including representatives of local councils, Badshot Lea Residents Association, British Horse Society. A presentation to the Residents Association generated further interest and feedback.
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Completed projects
A major success of the project was the creation of the Weybourne Nature Area and improvements to Badshot village pond.
Other completed projects have included footpath improvements and the planting of many new hedges.
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For further information
For a leaflet contact us at the address below.
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