Update 20 March 2017:
We have been awarded £28k from @veoliaenvtrust for improvements to Hocombe Mead Local Nature Reserve #ChandlersFord https://t.co/K8gtzhEBDk
— Eastleigh Borough (@EastleighBC) March 15, 2017
Update 16 April 2017:
A Chandler's Ford Nature Reserve Gets Funding For Vital Repairs: https://t.co/OwUILCTSQC via @YouTube
— ThatsSolentNews (@ThatsSolentNews) April 11, 2017
Below is the original post:
Eastleigh Borough Council is seeking a grant to replace the board walks over the swampy areas at the Hiltingbury Road end and in the middle of Hocombe Mead.
As part of the submission for this grant, a survey needs to be completed to show how many people use Hocombe Mead and whether they support the grant application.
This information is needed urgently. Please complete the survey (only 7 questions) as soon as possible. Deadline: Friday 9th December 2016.
(Note: It takes less than 5 minutes to complete the form.)
Hocombe Mead is a much loved Local Nature Reserve in the heart of Chandler’s Ford, used by the community for recreation, educational visits and leisure activities. As well as a mixture of habitats and wildlife the reserve has a network of permissive paths that allow visitors to explore the reserve and to connect through to other areas of the community.
The paths run through the reserve’s wet woodland habitat, and to enable year round access for all visitors you will find two board walks.
However, after being in the reserve for over 18 years, both of these board walks have come to the end of their safe lifespan.
Eastleigh Borough Council, with support from the Friends of Hocombe Mead and The Conservation Volunteers, are seeking external grants to fund the replacement of these board walks. You can find out more about the board walks and how you could help in this page.
To help with this important funding application, please complete the short questionnaire and encourage others to do so.
Some images of the board walks in Hocombe Mead
(Images via Hocombe Mead)
Other images of Hocombe Mead
Did you know?
- Hocombe Mead: a wildlife haven in the heart of Chandler’s Ford.
- Hocombe Mead: 8.33 hectares, including mixed woodland and ancient meadows.
- Hocombe is home to many butterflies, including Orange Tip, Meadow Browns, Ringlets and the common Blues.
- Trees in Hocombe include: Ash, Field Maple, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Hazel, Beech, Sweet Chestnut, Rowan, Pendunculate Oak.
- The Friends of Hocombe carry out practical conservation tasks and organise community events on the meadow. You can join too.
For more information, visit Hocombe Mead Local Nature Reserve
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Have filled in the survey. Would be a great shame if these boardwalks are not replaced. Though I don’t use Hocombe Mead as much as I could (time!), I know plenty of dog walkers (and others) who do use it regularly. These boardwalks are crucial, especially at this time of year.
Indeed. A very much loved local nature reserve. We’ve been there many times (though I still can’t quite identify the butterflies. Don’t test me.). I met many dog walkers there and also photographers. We are very lucky in Chandler’s Ford – we have lakes and this wonderful nature reserve at our doorsteps.