TARCA NEWS Issue 5 April 2011
TARCA is a new conservation group spawned from interest in The River Anton Enhancement Scheme – a partnership between Test Valley Borough Council, The Environment Agency, and Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust to improve the river corridor for wildlife and people.
Scrub Clearance
Many of you will have been involved in the on-going scrub clearance at Coleman’s Hill at Anton Lakes Nature Reserve. This hard work has now all been completed and the meadow is looking a lot larger.Hopefully now the wildflowers will spread into the new area.
Bird Spotting
On the 12th February volunteers joined Mervyn Grist on a bird spotting event at Anton Lakes and up to Knight Enham. So many people came we split into two groups to see who could see the most.The grand total was 31 bird species and we were joined by a Sparrowhawk flying above.
A new Pond
A new pond was dug by 15 volunteers in this quarter.The day was a bit muddy and wet, but people put their backs into it to create a new habitat for dragonflies, damselflies and frogs.The pond was positioned in the Dew Pond meadow where an old wet flush already existed. It is hoped that this pond will take over in succession from the existing Dew pond as it naturally fills in.
River Maintenance
A lot of river work has also been going on at Rooksbury Mill LNR with Test Valley Borough Council and funding from The Environment Agency. Volunteers have helped instal faggots along the river to help native bankside vegatation spread and improve the flow of the river for invertebrates
Become a volunteer:
If you wish to volunteer or want information on the new group please contact 01264 368811 or 07722 267138 email: antonriver@live.com or find us on our facebook page by searching TARCA The Anton River Conservation Association, or new website:http://www.antonriver-conservation.org.uk/
NEXT EVENTS:
7th May – Dawn Chorus.Meeting at Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve car park off Barlows Lane at 4.45am
8th May – River Clean. Meeting at Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve at 10am until 2pm