Council invests £110,000 on Flexford Nature Reserve and Hiltingbury Lakes
The Council is investing £110,000 on improvements to the popular Flexford Nature Reserve and Hiltingbury Lakes in Chandler’s Ford.
Working in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the works at Flexford Nature Reserve will reinstate and improve footpath surfaces throughout the site to ensure the area is safe and accessible for local people to enjoy in the future. There will also be new interpretation and Information panels together with improvements to signage with information about the history of the site including the animals and plants that can be found there. It will increase biodiversity of the area and also save hundreds of trees with exposed roots, protect and improve river banks and will ultimately lead to a more sustainable green area.
Recent improvements to Hiltingbury lakes to transform the popular beauty spot back to its former glory with some essential maintenance work to footpaths, bridges and waterways. This summer, further drainage and surfacing work will be carried out to footpaths around the lower ponds, particularly the western side, where the paths can be muddy. This will help to ensure the whole site is safe and accessible for all users in the future.
Council Leader Cllr Keith House said: “We’re really pleased with the latest work that’s taken place at Hiltingbury Lakes, the improvements to the new bridge and fences around the lakes have made a big difference in the overall look of the area and I’m sure it will help attract more visitors in the future.”
He added, “Flexford Nature Reserve and Hiltingbury Lakes are both places where local people go to enjoy the natural environment, walk their dogs and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Developing green infrastructure will help improve accessibility for all users, provide increased access to a valued local green space and provide a more attractive environment.”