New permissive path beside Tilmore Brook

On the advice of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we are in the process of building a new gravel 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, kindly built over the next couple of 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 and the volunteers led by David Burstall who are helping us with this project. Hear more from Jane Brundle, Chair of the Merritts Meadow Conservation Trust, on Shine Radio here.