|
|
. . . . . .
In 2002, WAG took a long hard look at the features of the landscape in the parish of
Walberton – trees, hedges, ponds, streams and woodlands. Some of these have declined
over the years and the lack of labour on farms nowadays means that hedges and ditches,
for example, are not managed so thoroughly as they once were. We hope that the present
generation can hand over the countryside in at least as beautiful state as when we inherited it.
. . . . . .
Drawing from the Phase 1 habitat Survey we completed in 1995 and the recent work on hedgerows,
we soon recognised that there was a great need for investment to restore areas of neglect, to
enhance some features and to introduce new features – such as tree screens – where there is a
need. We put together a very ambitious programme of Landscape Improvements and submitted it
into a competition to mark the 50th anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty to the throne.
WAG won the first prize of £2,500 by the International Tree Foundation.
. . . . . .
This was a welcome sum to make a start on the work – but its principle benefit is that WAG
could use it as matching funding in a bid for a major grant through the Landfill Tax Credit
Scheme through SITA Environmental Trust. SITA have now approved the first phase of the scheme
which, during 2003/04 will result in work costing in the region of £9,000 on the following
local projects:
. . . . . .
Hedge planting in Binsted
. . . . . .
Tree screen to the north of Walberton along the A27
. . . . . .
Hedgerow tree planting in several locations
. . . . . .
New tree screen south of Walberton Church
. . . . . .
Restoration of Foxes Pond, Binsted Lane
This years program is to be followed by similar projects in Phase 2
which will be
submitted with the aim of grant approval in November 2004.
Peter Brown.
Contact:-
Mike Tristram - E_mail - "mike.tristram@dsl.pipex.com"
|