25 April 2005

A Right Royal Result

The Blackwater Valley Conservation Volunteers made a welcome return to the Royal Oak Valley nature reserve in Yateley,  aaffter an absence of over 20 years.  Working alongside Hart’s Countryside Rangers, they carried out some much-needed work, on a site that has not seen any management since the 1980s. Task of the day was to mow the meadow for the benefit of wildlife. Cutting the tall grass will allow wild flowers to flourish, which in turn will benefit the insects and birds. Other tasks carried out included building a stretch of dead hedging to prevent illegal access by motorcycles, and a thorough litter pick.

Elliott Fairs, Royal Oak Valley’s Countryside Ranger said “Both the nature reserve, and I, owe a huge thank you to the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and all those volunteers who turned up.  The day proved that many hands do make light work and hopefully similar days will be organised in the future.”

Royal Oak Valley Nature Reserve is Hart District Council’s newest nature reserve and is managed by Hart Countryside Rangers. If you would like more information about the site or would be interested in volunteering with Hart Countryside Service then please contact the Hart Rangers on 01252 623443 or via email on countryside@hart.gov.uk.  For volunteering with Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership contact the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353 or via email on blackwater.valley@hants.gov.uk.

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For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
OR
Elliott Fairs, Royal Oak Valley Countryside Ranger on 01252 623443.