19th July 2011

‘Home’ Improvements for Local Residents

Local residents of a 12-acre nature site in Farnborough can enjoy a much improved environment, thanks to the efforts of conservation charity, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust.

The work took place at Grants Moor, an area of heathland and grassland between Farnborough North Station and the A331 Blackwater Valley Relief Road, which
contains several ponds that had become overshadowed by trees and surrounded by scrub. With funding from TAG Farnborough Airport, the BVCT engaged local contractors to clear an access path through the site and remove a significant number of trees and bushes that obscured the ponds. They also cleared out accumulated debris from the ponds.

Once this work had been completed, BVCT worked with volunteers to clean up the
site to reinstate fencing and create several small mammal and insect habitats including
a stag beetle ‘hotel’ made from old wood.  

It is hoped this work has improved living conditions for the existing residents of the
site and will greatly improve the biodiversity
of the area over time, encouraging more wildlife such  as dragonflies and damselflies
to move in in greater numbers.

BVCT Chair Dave Pilkington said: “The first phase of the site’s restoration is now complete, although Grants Moor is an ongoing project. Obviously we are very grateful to TAG for their donation, but I must express equal appreciation for the hundreds of man-hours put in by volunteers.”

The Trust are working closely with the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership to develop a management plan for the site and future work parties to continue the improvement work are planned for the future. If you fancy getting involved and would like to volunteer to help contact the Blackwater Valley Countryside.

END

For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.

NOTES

• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust (BVCT) was set up in 2003 to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Blackwater Valley. It gained charitable status in 2006. Membership is £5 pa for households, £100 for corporates. If you are interested in supporting the Trust visit their website or ring 01252 331353.
   
• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.