Our work
- Current Projects -
Volunteers start the programme of conservation tasks
Hocombe Mead
Work has now started to improve visitor access and open up areas where invasive rhododendrons are a problem. We are always looking for additional help, for more information contact: k.dudman@btcv.org.uk or martin.reeves@grasslands-trust.org
Hocombe Mead is a beautiful 400-year-old meadow and ancient woodland in the heart of a popular residential area in Chandlers Ford, just off the M3 in Hampshire. The site is one of the largest green spaces in the area (at 8 hectares) and is owned by Eastleigh Borough Council. The meadow, which is wet and unimproved, is grazed by cattle in summer and attracts a staggering number of butterflies such as Ringlet, Silver-washed fritillary and Festoon Moth. A footpath in a "figure of eight" dominates access to the site, and the area is popular with dog-walkers, families at weekends and groups during term times on their way to and from schools and colleges.
Visit the newly launched website for Hocombe Mead
www.hocombe-mead.org
Hocombe Mead has just become the Borough's first Local Nature Reserve. To mark this special occasion, we plan to radically improve the visitor facilities so that this unique open space can be enjoyed by many more local people. The aim of our project is to provide opportunities for people to learn about Hocombe Mead's rich heritage, to become involved in its wildlife management, or simply enjoy it as a local green space. We have developed a range of initiatives to achieve this aim, which can be broadly defined under three categories:
- Visitor Access Improvements – new interpretation boards, welcome signs, trail markers, improved paths and boardwalks, information leaflet, website information, and new gates.
- Practical Conservation Opportunities – encouraging the local community to get more involved in their site by participating in activities such as wildlife recording, photography, scrub clearance and surveying, including opportunities to receive training in specialist areas.
- Learning About Heritage Opportunities – an events programme developed to encourage local people to learn more about, and celebrate, their local grassland. This will include a community day, regular walks and talks, a butterfly trail and dawn to dusk activities.
We have just received a grant of £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to make this happen.
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