Collaboration ensures success for environmental enhancements
The importance of maintaining the town’s precious green spaces has always been a key objective for New Milton Town Council. Ballard Lake, and adjacent Ballard Water Meadow, have long been held in high esteem as New Milton’s treasured green oasis, accommodating nature and encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the tranquillity on offer.
To achieve essential environmental improvements at Ballard Lake, the Council worked closely with the Environment Agency regarding the eutrophication issues at Ballard Lake. In conjunction with New Forest District Council ensuring success in providing visual enhancements and all year-round accessibility around the lake.
The issue of eutrophication resulted in a noticeable ill-effect on the uncontrolled increase in the predominantly carp population residing in the lake. These fish being unfortunately deposited by local anglers. Advice was sought from the Environment Agency, and New Milton Town Council initiated an improvement plan, removing over 2,000 fish health-checking and relocating them as a priority. The next part of the exercise involved desilting the lake adding the arisings to build up around the island.
In addition to this first phase, the contractors replaced revetments around the lake and the planting of native plants to enhance biodiversity and hold back erosion of the boundary.
Cllr Geoff Blunden, Chairman of New Milton’s Amenities Committee, has hailed the successful completion of the Ballard Lake environmental improvement project as a triumph of collaboration.
“This is the result of working hand-in-hand with New Forest District Council, the Environment Agency, and our contractors,” said Cllr Blunden. “The area is now a beautifully revitalised space—perfect for family outings, peaceful reflection, and community enjoyment.”
The project has enhanced biodiversity, improved accessibility, and created a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Phase two of the project was undertaken, and recently delivered, by contractors working on behalf of New Forest District Council, aiming to deliver an enhanced visual and accessible environment. This has resulted in easier walking routes around the lake and improved seating for visitors to take time to sit and enjoy the tranquil environment.
Funding for the project has been covered by the district council’s CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) and Habitat Mitigation Strategy, funding from Section.106 drainage money. The total cost of the project being £160k.
Adjacent to Ballard Lake is Ballard Water Meadow, designated a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) managed by New Milton Town Council working closely with the volunteer group, Friends of Ballard Water Meadow, in line with Environmental Stewardship requirements under HLS.
The proposal to designate Ballard Water Meadow as a Local Nature Reserve has been approved by the Amenities Committee and the application process is in progress.
This will add further interest to the area which boasts a Fairy Door Trail and recently a new footpath installed to assist walkers across the water meadow.