Ballard Water Meadow and Woodland is now known as Ballard Nature Reserve, following its formal declaration as a local nature reserve by New Milton Town Council.
Declaring this site as a local nature reserve offers much-deserved recognition of its unique habitat containing a species rich wildflower meadow, ancient semi-natural woodland, and a natural unimpeded watercourse.
The volunteer group, Friends of Ballard Water Meadow, have worked diligently over the last 20 years, ensuring that the special interest of the site, the wildlife value, and the community value are maintained. Annual National Meadow Days, usually held in early Summer, are a great success on the Meadow, encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy stream-dipping and guided walks. Another favourite community activity in May, is the early morning bird walk, a captivating experience for attendees to absorb the sounds of the dawn chorus in the woodland.
Councillor Geoff Blunden, Chairman of the town council’s Amenities Committee, proudly announced the declaration saying:
“Our green spaces are so important for many reasons, this applies to the Ballard Meadow, Woodland, and Ballard Lake. These are particularly cherished for the vital role they play improving our well-being and for supporting wildlife in its many forms from insects to flora. The creation of Ballard Nature Reserve will protect this beautiful green space, boost biodiversity, and provide long term benefits for the whole community giving residents and visitors a place to connect with nature.
We are very grateful to the hard-working volunteers of the Friends Group, who continue with enthusiasm and dedication, working to keep Ballard Water Meadow so special”.
Ballard Water Meadow already designated a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) and as such is monitored annually by means of Insect Surveys, Butterfly Transects, Common Bird Census and more recently surveyed by Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC).
The Management Plan and reports are available to view here Ballard Water Meadow – New MIlton
For further details contact:
Graham Flexman
Town Clerk
New Milton Town Council