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There are a whole host of different ways
in which you can become involved in nature conservation in the
borough. Below are just a few suggestions depending on the time you
have to devote, if you own any land or are particularly interested
in a certain aspect of the natural world.
Volunteering
If you want
to get your hands dirty, enjoy the fresh air and do something that
really makes a difference, you may consider joining one of the
practical conservation tasks that take place throughout the Borough
all through the year. You may find yourself planting a new hedge,
coppicing hazel in a bluebell wood or building an otter holt - all
with expert tuition on hand to guide you!
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(c) David Purslow / Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife
Trust
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The Eastleigh Countryside Volunteers work
mainly at Itchen Valley Country Park, although some work is also
carried out at other countryside sites throughout the Borough. To
find out more contact:
David Payne on 023 8047 5086
david.payne@eastleigh.gov.uk
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(c) BTCV
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The British Trust for Conservation
Volunteers (BTCV) is helping land owners and community groups
carry out work to benefit biodiversity in the borough. To find
a task near you or to suggest a new project please contact: Katy
Roberts on 023 8040 2593 or katy.roberts@btcv.org.uk
You can also write to: BTCV, Ranger’s Depot, Manor Farm, Pylands
Lane, Bursledon, Hampshire, SO31 1BH.
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Managing land for
wildlife
If you own or manage land in the borough,
have you thought about ways in which it could be improved for
wildlife?
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Hedge laying promotes vigorous growth and a
thick hedge
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For advice please contact: Rachel Hardy, Biodiversity Officer,
Tel: 023 8068 8352 or e-mail rachel.hardy@eastleigh.gov.uk
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- If you own a wood, or are thinking of expanding or planting
one, grants are available to help from the Forestry Commission.
- If you own or manage farmland, grazing land, wetlands and other
areas of land you may be eligible for grants from the government to
assist you in improving the wildlife value of your land. Advice is
available from Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
or Natural England.
Natural History Societies &
Groups
If you're interested in learning a bit more
about a particular part of biodiversity, for example butterflies or
birds, joining a local natural history group could be for you.
These are set up and run by people who share a common interest and
visit sites to learn more and to record what they see. This data
can help us to monitor how a particular species is fairing in the
Borough and assist in its conservation.
Click on the links below to find out more about local groups
that may interest you
Wildlife Gardening
In Eastleigh, private
gardens make up about 1,500 hectares of land (about 18% of the
total area of the borough), a substantial area that could help to
provide habitats in which wildlife will thrive. If you want to
plant a new tree or shrub why not plant one that as well as looking
attractive will provide a rich food source for butterflies, birds
and mammals? Shrubs and trees such as rowan, hazel, buddleia,
cotoneaster and hawthorn all provide flowers or fruits that fit the
bill. Toads, frogs and newts will retreat to shady damp conditions
provided by a pile of stones or logs and hedgehogs and birds will
use purpose-built boxes. Find out more by contacting the Hampshire Wildlife
Trust.
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