7th December 2005

Come Rain or Shine!

When the Snaky Lane Community Wildlife Group met on Sunday 4th December to tackle the trees and scrub that were blocking the views of the pond from the main meadow area, they were rewarded with a glorious sunny day. A far cry from the continuous rain that fell in November when they started the job.

The favourable weather meant a large area was cleared and Keith Boulnois who leads the work parties said: “It’s just amazing how much progress we have made in such a short time. There are now great views of the pond from the site entrances and all around the meadow. Many local people didn’t realise that the pond was there so we hope that they’ll really appreciate it now that it’s so much more visible.”

Work on improving the site, which had stood neglected for many years and is bordered by Stratford Road and Meadow Lane in Ash Vale, will not only help local people, but will also benefit wildlife by opening up the pond to more light and by keeping the trees and scrub off the meadow area.

Sue Dent of Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership commented: “The grassland itself is the real jewel in the crown at Snaky Lane. So much grassland has been improved for agriculture (which means it loses most of its wildlife value) or allowed to scrub over that pockets such as Snaky Lane are vital to the plants and small creatures that live here. We are looking forward to the spring when we can begin to see what is growing here.”

The group which was formed in September, meet on the first Sunday of the month. Officially the next meeting should take place on 1st January, but it has been moved to Sunday 8th January 2006, making it a great chance for everyone to work off the Christmas excesses and keep that New Year’s resolution going! For more details about the group or the work party please contact Sue Dent at Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353.

END

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

Notes

The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP), was established in the early 1980s and 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.