Bringing the countryside to you

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Wendy Nash
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1 HELP TO PROTECT OUR PROTECTED AREAS Bringing the countryside to you Introducing Whitehill & Bordon s new greenspace WHITEHILL TOWN COUNCIL EDITION 1

2 The countryside has come to town with improved greenspace areas At the heart of this expanding town has been our determination to ensure that the Whitehill & Bordon community benefits from this major re-development. That means not only with more housing and employment opportunities, but also the chance to easily access our green countryside. Whitehill & Bordon a green town The MoD s decision to close the Garrison in the town provided an opportunity to embark on planning a comprehensive regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon. The town council, with the active participation of the East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council, the support of the MoD, plus a range of developers and many other organisations, have all moved this plan from the drawing board onto the ground. Over the coming decade, in the various spaces vacated by the Army, the Whitehill & Bordon Project is overseeing the building of 3350 new homes, the creation of a new mixed-use town centre, the delivery of more cultural and recreational facilities, as well as the provision of new schools, business units and an important relief road. A key feature of this re-development is also the enlargement of the dedicated greenspace in the town for the whole community to enjoy. 1

3 The town s first improved greenspace We have provided Bordon Inclosure to complement the existing Deadwater Valley Trust s (DVT) Local Nature Reserve (LNR) so that, together, they create an exciting new greenspace for everyone to enjoy. River Wey Bordon Inclosure Significantly this also provides an important green corridor for wildlife through the town. Bordon Inclosure as an improved greenspace is welcoming to all and is designed with dog walkers in mind. This wooded greenspace is packed with excellent facilities a mixture of the modern and the historic. A facility combining these two features is the 50-mile long Shipwright s Way cutting across the northern end of the Inclosure. It is a newly constructed trail for walkers and cyclists connecting the oaks of Alice Holt Forest to Portsmouth s historic dockyard. The Natterjack stone sculpture in the Inclosure is just one of twenty en route Shipwright s Way art pieces. The Natterjack stone sculpture Deadwater Valley Trust LNR River Deadwater 2

4 The new Green Loop, a walk and cycleway that rings the town, runs north to south through Bordon Inclosure and the LNR. The King Oak There is also a raised walkway in the Inclosure running along the banks of the southern River Wey to keep your feet dry, plus a mix of six short circular trails. For the more energetic these can of course be combined for longer walks from one end of the Bordon Inclosure to the other. There is a natural play area packed with interesting things to do, where kids can exercise themselves and explore. River Wey Then there is the grandeur of the 400 year-old King Oak, its spreading boughs clearly indicating that, as it matured, it did so on the open heathland around historic Woolmer Forest that covered the whole area until the 17th century. Close by is to be found the Hearts of Oak throne. More modern is the BMX track in nearby Jubilee Park that is proving a real draw. Also to the south and within the LNR is the Ancient Meadow and Walldown Earthworks providing an attractive echo of history. Earth star fungus Common lizard Bluebells 3

5 Help to protect our protected areas Around the new town are six significant environmental sites of European importance that need to be protected. These are valuable heathland and wooded habitats, home to many rare species and, uniquely for the UK, every species of native amphibian and reptile are to be found within Whitehill Parish. Vital ground-nesting heathland birds nest on them, while unusual invertebrates and attractive plants thrive in them. Many residents already value and use these areas, but rising visitor access traffic is increasingly presenting conservation issues for them. This is another reason for creating urban greenspaces such as Bordon Inclosure to encourage you to use these new spaces within Whitehill & Bordon instead of the more environmentally sensitive European sites. Downy emerald dragonfly River Deadwater The role of Deadwater Valley Trust For over a quarter of a century the Deadwater Valley Trust has been the guardian of a significant nature asset within the town the Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve. Over that time its rangers and volunteers have steadily enhanced it and nurtured its value as a rich and diverse environment for all to enjoy. This impressive track record is why we asked them to help us with the day-to-day management of the new Bordon Inclosure site. 4

6 Over a thousand species of wildlife The variety of wildlife to be found in this range of habitats is impressive. Yet even biodiversity* as rich as we have here is vulnerable to human disturbance. But by taking a little extra care accessing these sites will help to preserve our wildlife if not add to it. Local Nature Reserve The 38ha nature reserve complements the surrounding special European sites and thereby constitutes a valuable part of our town s habitat. For over the last twenty-five years hundreds of different species of plant and animal have been noted in the LNR s woods, heathland, ancient meadow and waterways. Amethyst deceiver Slow worms *Biodiversity is a term used to describe the whole variety of life on Earth. It includes all forms of living matter within an environmental area, for example plant material and all types of wildlife. 5 Otter

7 140 BIRD SPECIES 100S OF TYPES OF TREE AND FLOWERING PLANT SPECIES OF DRAGONFLY/ DAMSELFLYL 100S OF SPECIES OF FUNGI AND LICHEN AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE 8SPECIES 20+ SPECIES OF MAMMAL 560 TYPES OF MOTH BUTTERFLY SPECIES 6 Species estimates based on DVT observations and National Biodiversity Network data.

Access gives health benefits A good diet and regular exercise is a powerful prescription for a healthy life. But our health and the natural environment are also closely linked 1.

8 Access gives health benefits A good diet and regular exercise is a powerful prescription for a healthy life. But our health and the natural environment are also closely linked 1. Regular use of natural areas provides health benefits it s better than going to the gym 2. So using the town s new greenspace will make you healthier. PEOPLE LIVING CLOSE TO GREENSPACE TEND TO LIVE LONGER WALKING IN WOODLAND AND WATCHING WILDLIFE REDUCES FOR CHILDREN: CHILDREN LIVING CLOSE TO GREENSPACES AND THUS EXERCISING ARE LESS OBESE GREENSPACES HELP IMPROVE PEOPLE S GENERAL WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH THE RISK OF POOR MENTAL HEALTH CAN BE CUT BY STRESS 50% 4 A BRISK DAILY 20-MINUTE WALK IMPROVES A PERSON S METABOLISM AND CAN REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE 5 DIABETES TYPE 2 ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) IS BETTER TREATED WITH WALKS IN GREENSPACE 3 REGULAR EXERCISE IN GREENSPACE CUTS THE INCIDENCE OF WHICH IS A MAJOR SINGLE CAUSE OF HEART PROBLEMS, RENAL FAILURE, BLINDNESS AND AMPUTATIONS 6 Only a few yards separate your door from greenspace in which to relax or be active. So why not get out and enjoy this wonderful wildlife asset? 1 People s Health Trust Report, October An observation made by Baroness Barbara Young in a Wild Words speech in Norwich on 10 December A claim made by the RSPB 4 The Centre for Research on Environment, Society and Health, A US study by Bell, Wilson & Liu reported in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, Work by Professor Frances Kuo at the University of Illinois and cited in Natural Thinking a RSPB report,

How you can assist But we need your help. We all love our pets, but sadly they can cause problems for our wildlife. Many cats hunt and all dogs create messes and both disturb wildlife.

9 How you can assist But we need your help. We all love our pets, but sadly they can cause problems for our wildlife. Many cats hunt and all dogs create messes and both disturb wildlife. The new housing developments possibly mean more cats and dogs, adding to our present pet problem. But a few simple measures could help your pets welfare and assist nature too: Cat owners 3 KEEP CATS IN AT NIGHT. When birds are especially active at dawn and dusk they are in danger from cats UK experts estimate our domestic cats kill over 30 million birds each year. 3 FIT A BELL ON A COLLAR. This acts as a deterrent as well as saving birds, many small mammals and reptiles will be preserved too. 3 PROTECT AGAINST FERAL CATS. Wild cats are attracted to new developments so, to avoid unwanted kittens or injured cats, get females spayed or males neutered. Dog owners Nature is vulnerable to disturbance, especially ground-nesting birds. Bordon Inclosure is provided for dog walkers and others to avoid the sensitive areas. To show where dogs need to be controlled, we have introduced a traffic light system for owners to follow see map overleaf: Throughout the Bordon Inclosure dogs can run free. But please be considerate towards other site users. Dogs should be on leads or under close control. No dogs are allowed in the especially sensitive natural area. Please try to conform to this system. In addition: 3 KEEP YOUR DOGS UNDER CLOSE CONTROL. Most people don t own a dog and don t understand them, so bouncing or barking dogs easily frighten them. Please be considerate. 3 AVOID THEM OFTEN RUNNING FREE. Dogs can damage nature, as wildlife will desert an area where too many dogs cause disruption. 3 PICK UP THEIR MESS. Please place in the bins provided (see the site map) dog fouling is unsightly and unhygienic! 8

10 This greenspace benefits everyone No less important is people s use of this greenspace. While almost everyone behaves in a considerate fashion, sadly a few of our greenspace users have a tendency to be inconsiderate towards others and nature. So please try to think about other people as well as the environment itself a little care about other users and nature will make a big difference. Be considerate to others and avoid antisocial behaviour. This area is your asset so help to protect it. And try to think of other community users at all times. 9

11 Would you like to help? Managing a greenspace like this calls for a great deal of work and requires lots of funding too. Sadly these days, raising money to keep a site like this open and in the condition you d like takes a good deal of time and money. Be a Friend We have a Friends group to help with raising money and awareness. Become a volunteer On the ground we have volunteers to help us with the maintenance of footpaths, walkways, bridges etc. and in keeping some of the vegetation at bay a year-round task. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about nature and for keeping fit and living longer too! Act as a greenspace ambassador We need people who are happy to act as greenspace ambassadors. People who are prepared to inform the community about the site and all of its natural wonders. To do so effectively all our ambassadors are taught to deliver these messages in a simple and direct way. Please get in touch If you d like to be a Friend, act as a Volunteer or undertake to be an Ambassador, then talk to us on , or us on rangers@deadwatervalleytrust.co.uk 10

A325 Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve River Wey Broxhead Common Natural Play Area B3002 Bordon Inclosure River

Reserve, there s plenty to see all-year round: January Winter birds feeding, including waders on the meadow.

February Elder leaves first appear with hazel catkins, while ground ivy, lesser celandine and dog violets bloom.

Woodpeckers heard drumming. March Newts and frogs begin to return to ponds to mate. Snowdrops flower.

The female goldcrest weaves her nest from the mosses and lichen that are readily available here.

Speckled wood and comma butterflies can be found.

At dusk several species of bat can be observed. June Skylark flight songs can be heard.

Yellow bog asphodel flowers on the heathland.

and cycleway Roads New relief road Car park Bordon Inclosure DOGS RUN FREE AREA Deadwater Valley Local Nature

Deadwater July Voles are active and fox cubs may be spotted playing. Southern marsh orchids bloom.

Grass snakes and common lizards are seen basking but never together! August Dragonflies seen hawking.

Listen for bog bush cricket s soft but shrill buzz on the Alexandra Park heathland.

Plus kingfishers calling on the river while swallows and martins gather overhead before departing back to Africa.

Birds of prey stock up for the lean winter months ahead departing hobby catch dragonflies on the wing, buzzards hunt

12 A325 Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve River Wey Broxhead Common Natural Play Area B3002 Bordon Inclosure River Wey NORTH Mill Chase Road Nature Diary With thousands of species recorded in the Inclosure and the Local Nature Reserve, there s plenty to see all-year round: January Winter birds feeding, including waders on the meadow. Mandarin duck may also be found. Robins become highly territorial. While mating foxes howls are unearthly. February Elder leaves first appear with hazel catkins, while ground ivy, lesser celandine and dog violets bloom. Brimstones, peacocks and small tortoiseshell butterflies start to waken from hibernation. Kestrels hunt from perches. Woodpeckers heard drumming. March Newts and frogs begin to return to ponds to mate. Snowdrops flower. Hedgehogs are active. The female goldcrest weaves her nest from the mosses and lichen that are readily available here. April Migrant warblers return; herons active. Bluebells and primroses blossom. Speckled wood and comma butterflies can be found. May Barn owls actively feeding young; swallows and martins start to breed. At dusk several species of bat can be observed. June Skylark flight songs can be heard. Ringlet and meadow brown butterflies appear, along with resident common blues. Yellow bog asphodel flowers on the heathland. A325 KEY Areas yet to be regenerated New homes in development Housing Pedestrian entrances Footpaths Green Loop walk and cycleway Roads New relief road Car park Bordon Inclosure DOGS RUN FREE AREA Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve DOGS ON LEAD AREA DOGS ON LEAD AREA NO DOGS ALLOWED Dog bins 250 metres Chalet Hill Green loop River Deadwater July Voles are active and fox cubs may be spotted playing. Southern marsh orchids bloom. Beautiful and banded demoiselle damselflies can be seen. Grass snakes and common lizards are seen basking but never together! August Dragonflies seen hawking. note four-spotted chasers and emperor dragonflies around Knox s Pond. Listen for bog bush cricket s soft but shrill buzz on the Alexandra Park heathland. Look for green woodpeckers anting. Plus kingfishers calling on the river while swallows and martins gather overhead before departing back to Africa. September Spider s webs criss-cross the grass on dewy mornings. Birds of prey stock up for the lean winter months ahead departing hobby catch dragonflies on the wing, buzzards hunt young rabbits, sparrowhawks harry small birds and kestrels hover for voles. October Striking autumn colours dominate. Wood ants are active among the leaves. Sweet chestnuts arrive though you ll need to be quick if you re to beat the grey squirrels to them. Mixed flocks of small birds are active in the treetops. Fungi proliferate, numerous species, including blewits, earth star and groups of sulphur tufts on fallen trees and decaying stumps. The late-flowering ivy attracts numerous nectar feeders. Deadwater Valley Local Nature Reserve Walldown Road Woolmer Forest November Jays bury thousands of acorns every year as over-winter larders that, if they forget about them, then helps to spread this majestic tree. Fieldfare and redwing, relatives of our native thrushes, flock in from northern Europe to gorge themselves on berries. Stoats can often be seen hunting. December Deer and badger can be glimpsed feeding at dusk. While holly berries light up the gloom. Listen for the hooting of tawny owls. WHITEHILL TOWN COUNCIL Design and artwork dynamiccreative.co.uk Copywriting virtual-associate.co.uk

13 HELP TO PROTECT OUR PROTECTED AREAS Gatekeeper butterfly Whitehill Town Council The Forest Community Centre, Pinehill Road, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0BS. Tel: whitehilltowncouncil Deadwater Valley Trust The Phoenix Centre, Station Road, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0LR. Tel: deadwatervalleytrust WHITEHILL TOWN COUNCIL Photographs courtesy of DVT REF 1/4/16

The Nature Collection

The Nature Collection Collection Contents Mammals (1 of 2) Deer Antlers: (8) Fallow, Red and Roe Deer Skulls: Red, Fallow and Muntjac Fallow Deer hide Cleaned hair to touch Jaw bones with teeth Shoulder