8th June 2007

Surveying the Meadow

Nothing is more evocative of an English summer than a wild flower meadow, but could you tell which flowers are the real botanical treasures? Would you recognise Grass Vetchling? Could you identify plants like Meadow Sweet or Sneezewort or tell the difference between Chamomile and Mayweed?

If you would like to learn something about wild flower identification come along to Lakeside Nature Reserve in Ash Vale on Sunday 17th June when the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) will be carrying out a wild flower meadow survey. Two expert botanists will be on hand to tell you what to do and will pass on useful hints and tips so that you can help identify the many unique and special plant species found in the area.

“The meadow at Lakeside is now being managed in a traditional way, which involves cutting in late summer and raking up and removing the hay to another part of the park,” explains ecologist Claire Gibbs, who will be leading the survey with her husband Mike. “So it’s important to both record what’s there now and monitor any changes. This is the third year we have surveyed the meadow.”

You don’t have to have had any experience to be able to help, although obviously an interest in the subject would be useful. Anyone who comes along will, after some basic instructions, be asked to survey an area within the meadow, recording all the wild flowers and grasses they find there. And by the end of the day they will have learnt a few new skills and played a valuable part in monitoring the wild flowers found at the site.

If you are interested in helping meet in the car park off Lakeside Road, Ash Vale for a 10.30am start on Sunday 17thJune. You can stay for an hour or two or all day if you like - but don’t forget to bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. Work will finish about 3.30pm. For more details ring 01252 331353

More about Lakeside Nature Reserve >>>

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		For further information contact: Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353. Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2PS.

EDITOR NOTES

Created as a result of gravel extraction in the 1950s, and with the River Blackwater passing through part of the site, Lakeside Park is a Local Nature Reserve covering 16 hectares (39 acres). It contains a mosaic of wildlife habitats with many unusual wildflowers, such as the delicate Ragged Robin, carnivorous Sundew, daisy-like Sneezewort and the majestic Common Spotted Orchid. As well as the meadow Lakeside Park features lakes and ponds, a woodland and a small area of heathland, making it one of the richest ecological areas to be found in the Blackwater Valley. Management is carried out by Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.
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.
Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.