14 June 2005

Wild Flowers: Looking & Learning

Meadow Sweet by Ian White Nothing is more evocative of an English summer than a wildflower meadow, but could you tell which flowers are the real botanical treasures? 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 then come along to Lakeside Park in Ash on Sunday 26th June when the Lakeside Conservation Group, supported by Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, will be carrying out a wildflower 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 Claire Gibbs, who leads the Lakeside Conservation Group with her husband Mike. “So it’s important to both record what’s there now and monitor
any changes. This is the first of what we hope will be an annual survey.”

Lakeside Conservation Volunteers meet regularly on the fourth Sunday of every month. If you have want to help support their conservation work come along on Sunday 26thJune, meet in the car park off Lakeside Road for a 10.30am start

Wild Carrot Created as a result of gravel extraction in the 1950s, Lakeside Park is a Local Nature Reserve covering 16 hectares (39 acres). It contains a mosaic of different
wildlife habitats with many unusual wildflowers, such as the delicate Ragged Robin, carnivorous Sundew and daisy-like Sneezewort, as well as more common species including the majestic Common Spotted Orchid. As well as the meadow Lakeside has many 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 supported by the Lakeside Conservation Volunteers. For more details ring 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk

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

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.
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.