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In Spring 2003, the Chilworth Conservation
Area was overgrown, neglected and in danger of losing its wonderful
natural and historic features. Today, thanks to a very active committee of
conservation experts and local residents, the area is regaining its former
glory.
The Conservation Area Committee consists of
Mike Fenner, David Billings, Marcus Grace and Nick Smith who are all
conservation experts within Southampton University, plus Val Welsh, a
Chilworth resident with a long-term commitment to conservation.
Don Fox, Chairman of the committee said,
"Volunteers have been a great help in clearing paths and
watercourses, and planting saplings to regenerate storm-damaged woodland.
A Community Service team have also made an important contribution by
thickening a hedgerow with native species like hawthorn, blackthorn,
Guelder Rose, cherry and wild privet. This work will really improve the
area's ecological value for insects and birds."
Conservation is expensive and getting
resources together to carry out the programme has been a major task for
the committee. However, with a mixture of cash donations, volunteer labour
and contributions in kind they have made great progress.
Many individuals and organisations such as
Andrew Douglas (Test Valley Borough Council), Gavin Elliott (Chilworth
Manor Ltd), the University of Southampton Estates Department and Tony
Hansford (Community Service) have provided valuable help and advice.
Don Fox adds, "We want to ensure that
the area is used effectively for ecological teaching, research and also
for public leisure. If anyone would like to visit the Chilworth
Conservation Area, with a view to carrying out a research or teaching
project or to help with conservation work please contact me by email enquiries@science-park.co.uk
or phone 023 8076 7420."
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