New Milton Town Council commits to five more years Environmental Stewardship Scheme wildlife habitat support work at Ballard Water Meadow and Barton Common

A 10-year programme of work supporting wildlife habitats at two beauty spots has been extended by New Milton Town Council for another five years.

The authority said participation in the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, run by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), has seen improved land management at Ballard Water Meadow and Barton Common.

As well as supporting wildlife habitats, the initiative aims to protect and enhance the landscape, and highlight the importance of public access and enjoyment.

The council signed up to the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, which offers support for more complex types of management tailored to the local environment.

This has seen managed conservation grazing, by New Forest ponies on Barton Common, and Dexter cattle at Ballard Water Meadow.

Both sites are designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), which are also known nationally as Local Wildlife Sites.

Noted for being important examples of grassland and heathland habitats, they both have conservation work carried out by volunteers from the Friends of Ballard Water Meadow.

The council said the five-year extension, from 1st September, showed its commitment to continued maintenance of the town’s important green spaces.

Amenities committee chair Cllr Geoff Blunden said: “We’ve seen great results over the last 10 years, and we continue to be committed to our pledge to maintain and retain our special wildlife sites.

“We are very lucky to be guardians of many different habitats, living between the coast, farmland, open forest, and heathland.

“Working within the requirements of HLS and close working relationships with local people and conservation groups has enabled the community to access and enjoy these green spaces.”