Stream project to help boost wildlife (From This is Hampshire)
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Stream project to help boost wildlife
1:20pm Monday 13th February 2012 in News By Chris Gregory
THE path of a stream that runs through a nature reserve in Old Basing could be diverted as part of a £26,000 improvement scheme.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust wants to improve the water quality and wildlife of a stream that runs through the Mill Field, between Bartons Lane and Pyotts Hill.
The stream currently runs in a straight line and has a concrete bottom, from a balancing pond and into the neighbouring River Loddon.
But the trust will take out the concrete base and create a number of bends in the stream, incorporating several ponds.
It is hoped that slow-moving water in the ponds will provide shelter for fish and insects to thrive.
Amanda Ingham, land advice project manager for the trust, told The Gazette: “The stream is completely lined with concrete so it does not currently attract a lot of wildlife.
“We are hoping that by creating lots of meanders, it will improve the area and attract insects like the dragonfly and the damselfly.”
Reed beds will also be planted to attract birds, such as warblers.
The site is currently owned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, although it is managed by the Mill Field Conservation Group, which backs the plans.
The trust has also received funding for the project from the Department for Evironment, Food and Rural Affairs. The trust aims to complete the project by the end of the year.
It will hold an information evening at Bartons Mill Restaurant, in Bartons Lane, Old Basing, between 7pm and 9pm on Monday, February 27.
The _right_stuff says...
9:35am Tue 14 Feb 12
I know the stream as it's in a lovely field where I used to walk my dog on occasion, mainly as the millstone (Bartons Mill) is at the end and was a lovely walk, especially in the summer, sitting next to the river with a pint. Wondeful.