Winnall Moors welcomes back visitors

Behind the fortress of wire fencing and boarding at the River Park and Durngate entrances, Winnall Moors, Winchester, has been undergoing a transformation. Gone are the slippery chalk pathways and dark, foreboding tunnels through the bushes. Now new surfaced paths and boardwalks are gracefully guiding visitors through the fen and riversides giving glimpses of watervoles and clouds of banded demoiselles.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust had to close the reserve to the public while they put in the new paths and opened up the scrubbed over fen. Much of the work has been carried out by volunteers who have gained a sneak preview of the site during its closure.

Martin de Retuerto, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, is Project Manager, overseeing the £1.3m five year programme of works. Alongside him is Rachel Remnant, Reserve Officer who is responsible for the day to day running of the reserve and outreach work to help achieve the vision of a reserve rich in wildlife that is part of the local community. "I am delighted to be living and working in Winchester on such a beautiful reserve. In my first three months here I have already met many fans of Winnall Moors and also bumped into plenty of people who have never heard of it or dared step inside."

Martin hopes that the new look reserve will entice in old and new visitors, "We have designed the paths, signs and benches to accommodate those with mobility problems, pushchairs and wheelchairs. Often left out of the countryside by distance or terrain, we hope these people will enjoy exploring the moors and discovering the wildlife which flourishes there."

The reserve re-opened on Friday 17th July. The next stage is to install the guided trail and information panels. As hoped, the stunning oak archway is putting the Durngate entrance on the map. Created out of a windfallen oak from Blashford Lakes, local artist Richard Farrington took inspiration from Winchester's medieval tiles to create a gateway which leads into the moors and also into the city. The sturdy benches are also carved from oak, made by the Trust's New Forest Reserve Officer, Mike Boxall.

In the current economic climate the Trust is not only benefiting from improved rates of volunteering but also providing a low cost leisure space. During the closure period Martin and Rachel have led several guided visits including tours for a local Beavers Group, Winnall Walks for Health Initiative and St Bedes School Green day. Everyone has loved their visit.

Rachel is looking for volunteers to help warden the reserve, check the cattle and help at the weekly work parties. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to get involved, please contact her on 07786 777498 / rachelr@hwt.org.uk. She is also taking school and other group bookings for the autumn term.

To protect the sensitive wildlife, dogs are not permitted at the reserve.

For more information see the Winnall Moors pages at www.hwt.org.uk

Photo opportunity

Attached image shows the new gateway to Winnall Moors

Images of volunteers at work, wildlife and the new paths are available.

For additional images or to arrange photography,please contact: Reserve Officer, Rachel Remnant 07786 777498

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Notes to Editors

The 'Winnall Moors - Exemplar for the River Itchen' restoration project is a five year Heritage Lottery funded project. Beginning in September 2008 the project is undertaking an ambitious and exciting programme of works to develop the nature reserve as an exemplar for the Itchen Valley of best practice in all areas of land management (e.g. grazing, fishing, heritage, education) in a way that is compatible with the needs of wildlife.

Site Description

Spanning approximately 158 acres of floodplain and just walking distance from the centre of Winchester, the reserve offers an almost unique glance at the full range of habitats that traditionally would have been present along the whole river valley. The site is afforded the highest conservation designations for its varied habitats and rich wildlife assemblage, while many historical and cultural features are still evident. Its proximity to Winchester means that the reserve plays a vital role in helping to absorb water and protect the city during floods.

Project Aims

A successful purchase and extension to the reserve in 2006 enabled the Trust to exercise control over most of the floodplain in this area. Following a comprehensive review of the reserve's management and the effects of external landscape pressures significant opportunities were identified for restoring habitats, enhancing conditions for wildlife, including 'lost' species, preserving important historical features and engaging more fully with the local community. The project will:

Undertake a programme of habitat restoration for chalk streams and fisheries, fen meadow and wet grassland, wet woodland, as well as important historic features.

Following the Audience Development Plan we will develop a highly accessible and richly interpreted wildlife-rich reserve, encouraging the public to visit and inspire them with the values of nature conservation.

To find out how to get involved and for more information contact:

Martin de Retuerto (Winnall Moors Project Manager), martindr@hwt.org.uk

tel: 01489 774400.

The Winnall Moors Restoration Project is a partnership between Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, Tubney Charitable Trust, Environment Agency, Winchester City Council and Natural England.