| Background and site description |
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Formerly a sand and gravel quarry, the site covers some 30 hectares and was worked from 1976 to 1988. Restoration work was carried out subsequently by BFI.
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| Initiative |
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The site is part of a series of lakes in the Avon Valley (Bickerton to Christchurch) SSSI. The SSSI is also a proposed SPA/Ramsar site. The site itself is particularly important for its population of wintering Gadwall and other wildfowl (Long List BAP species), and also holds areas of reedbed (UK BAP priority habitat). The lake is wardened by the Ringwood and District Angling Club which is licensed to fish there and carries out some active management. The site was awarded the Cooper Heyman Cup for its restoration in 1996.
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| Costs |
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Minimal on-going costs, as restoration is complete.
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| Benefits |
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Primarily PR, particularly in connection with the site designation and awards.
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| Contribution to biodiversity |
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- Reedbeds are a priority habitat under the UK BAP.
- The site hosts a number of wildfowl and wader species on the Long List of the UK BAP.
- The site demonstrates how a company can contribute to biodiversity without incurring high costs.
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| Contact |
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Hampshire County Council
David Pape
County Ecologist
Hampshire County Council
Planning Department
The Castle
Winchester
Hampshire SO23 8UE
david.pape@hants.gov.uk
01962 846739
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