Help needed at new Wildlife Reserve
10 February 2009
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is seeking enthusiastic and committed people to help it manage its newest wildlife reserve, near Fleet and Yateley, to help make it better for wildlife.
The new reserve, called Foxlease Meadows North is just over 33 hectares, which is roughly the same as 70 football pitches. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest which recognises that the site has a very special mix of rare plants which grow all across it including devil's bit scabious, heath spotted orchid and petty whin. These plants all love the really wet and boggy ground which is low in nutrients and very acidic.
To help make this new reserve even better for wildlife the Wildlife Trust will be managing the site using grazing livestock to keep the grasses and turf short and by controlling scrub and trees manually by cutting the trees down to keep the site open and wet.
This is where the Wildlife Trust needs your help. We are looking for volunteers to help us control this scrub by attending regular volunteer work parties as well as helping us keep an eye on the animals that graze the site (also known as lookering).
If you feel you would like to find out more about this site and maybe getting involved then please contact Elliott Fairs on 01256 381190 or Elliottf@hwt.org.uk
Ends
Photo opportunity
Photograph attached shows one of the plants mentioned in this press release, petty whin.
For additional images or to arrange photography, please contact:
Elliott Fairs on 01256 381190 or Elliottf@hwt.org.uk
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact:
Elliott Fairs, Project Officer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
01256 381190
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust strives to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is the leading wildlife charity in the counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and is part of a nationwide network of 47 local charities. We work together to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in the UK. With the support of our 27, 000 members, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust is taking effective action to protect our natural heritage, helping it to flourish again. Find out more at http://www.hwt.org.uk/
