On the advice of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we are in the processing of replacing the current permissive path with a new path that runs beside the brook. This is because the current footpath cuts right through the centre of the nature reserve and in particular the south facing grassy area. This bit of our nature reserve is important for much of our wildlife, but especially our reptiles, particularly slow worms

The new path will be a gravel path, built over the next few years by students from Churchers College. This means that the path should be useable over the winter as well. Regular users of the current path will know that it is very difficult to walk through the reserve in winter or after periods of heavy rain. We are extremely grateful to Churchers College students and all those who are helping us with this project. Hear more from Jane Brundle, Chair of the Merritts Meadow Conservation Trust, on Shine Radio here.

When the houses were built in the South Meadow just the other side of the old railway embankment nearly 10 years ago, many slow worms and lizards were relocated to the North Meadow. Although we do see slow worms from time to time in the reserve, we want to start monitoring the number from year in order to ensure that we are providing the right conditions for this protected species. Over the summer, you may odd see pieces of roofing felt in parts of the Nature Reserve. Reptile like to shelter under enabling us to better see them. This year, we are doing our monitoring on a very ad hoc, informal basis. Next year, we hope to be part of a national survey organised by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.