28 February 2005

The Otters are Coming…                                

Otters are coming back to the Blackwater Valley. Back in September – and for the first time in 40 years – a otter was discovered at Frimley (albeit a dead one), but in the past few weeks fresh otter spraint has been found in the Valley proving beyond all doubt the health of the River Blackwater and its ability to support these magnificent mammals.

Work to restore the Valley and to encourage otters back to the Valley has been going on for over 25 years and this story is the subject of an illustrated talk ‘The Greening of the Blackwater Valley’ to be given by Steve Bailey, Manager of Blackwater Valley
Countryside Partnership at the Canal Centre,
Mytchett on Thursday 10th March starting at 8pm.

To look at the Blackwater Valley today few people would realise that it was once a dumping ground for three counties (Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey).  Years of neglect, together with extensive gravel extraction in the area, resulted in the River becoming badly polluted. But following various reports in the 1970s and a determination by the Councils involved to improve the environment of the Valley, work started to restore the landscape and create an area for recreation. Since then a lot of hard work over a long period by a number of organisations has given the Valley a new lease of life. Today the area is managed by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.

Now the Valley is the focus for many recreational facilities including water sports and fishing. There are plenty of open access areas for people to walk and play in, together with a surprising number of wildlife areas and nature reserves supporting an abundance of wildlife. The River itself has recovered and supports an impressive number of different fish species including Chub, Pike, Perch and Roach.

The talk has been organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, and is part of their ‘Discover the Blackwater Valley 2005 Programme’ designed to encourage residents within the Blackwater Valley area to learn more about the wildlife and countryside on their doorstep. Anyone interested in the complete programme can visit the website www.blackwater-valley.org.uk or ring 01252 331353.

END

For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331335.

Notes

• 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. 
• Steve Bailey has been working for the BVCP for nearly 15 years and has a detailed knowledge of the restoration work and habitat improvement projects that have taken place in the Valley over the years.