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Spring has arrived
in the Conservation Area early this year. The
primroses have been out all winter, the daffodils
are in full bloom in the orchard and the willow is
starting to flower at the edge of the meadow.
As usual, the
volunteers have been busy over the autumn and
winter. Just before Christmas we finished clearing
the rhododendrons, silver birch and willows that
were encroaching onto the margin of the lake and
there is now a clear view across to the orchard and
arboretum.
The annual ditch
clearance has taken place in the woodland - with
help from a group of student volunteers who always
relish the chance to get muddy. It’s surprising how
quickly the drainage ditches fill up with leaves and
debris, but a few hours and a few rakes cleans them
out and helps keep the woodland area much drier.
The Conservation Area
continues to be used for educational purposes, and
there will be another organised visit this summer by
secondary school pupils studying ecology. Some of
the volunteers are also leading guided walks about
conservation and restoration of the area during
National Science and Engineering Week in March.
Azalea Walk will soon be in full bloom, the meadow
flowers will be springing into life and the bird
population will start nesting - so there’s a lot for
visitors to look forward to.
If you would like
to help us in the Conservation Area, please contact
Southampton Science Park on 023 8076 7420 or e-mail
enquiries@science-park.co.uk
Val and Allan Welsh |
